The Ford F-150 is one of the longest running models in the world. Today, the F-150 is the truck to beat in the half-ton pickup class. Earning its reputation by constantly keeping ahead of its rivals in towing and payload capacity, the Ford pickup is the best-selling vehicle in America. Yes, you heard that right. The F-150 is number one.
Unbeatable Numbers
What makes the Ford F-150 so popular? Well, a truck was made for working, and that’s just what this pickup will do, hauling nearly 3,300 pounds and towing a colossal 13,200 pounds, when properly equipped. That’s top of its class for those of you keeping track at home. And that just might be the secret to its success. The other secret is its unbeatable starting price, at just $28,155 for the 2019 F-150. That’s thousands of dollars less expensive than its leading rivals.
How Does the F-150 Compare to the Ram 1500 or Chevy Silverado 1500?
Ram made a big splash when they announced their 1500 offered more torque than the F-150. And kudos for that, but all that work potential didn’t make the Ram 1500 better than the F-150 at hauling or towing.
On top of that, the Silverado 1500 comes in third in most categories. Lots of drivers might not notice a difference between these three industry-leading pickups. But twist our arm, and we’ll admit the F-150 has the others beat.
F-150 XL
What do you get for $28,155? This is the trim for those who want a capable workhorse without all the frills. Standard features include automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist, and not much else. If you want power windows and locks, you need to check a few boxes. But there’s real value here, along with 290-horsepower V6 engine with a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. That’s power at an unbeatable price.
F-150 XLT
For $34,160, you get get a Ford F-150 identical to the XL, but with power windows and locks, MyKey, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Wi-Fi hot spot, USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is for those who like the workhorse concept but also all the features that make a truck feel 21st-century.
F-150 Lariat
Most buyers like their truck right here, in the mid-tier sweet spot. The Lariat isn’t the luxury-liner of upper-tier trims, but it’s much more than a workhorse. Starting at $41,700, the F-150 Lariat offers the 325-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 delivering 400 pound-feet of torque. That ups your towing capability to 9,000 pounds. Other standard features include BoxLink, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, leather upholstery, satellite radio, and power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats.
This level is where practicality gives way to luxury. The King Ranch and Platinum are similarly priced ($52,390 and $54,920, respectively), but stylistically different. Based on their interiors, the earth-tone King Ranch belongs in the country while the cool-color Platinum calls the city home. They both come with Bang & Olufsen audio system, voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel, with the Platinum having a few extras.
F-150 Raptor
Wanna go off-roading? Because the F-150 Raptor sure does. Starting at $52,855, the Raptor sits up and begs to be let outdoors with tons of performance and off-road features, the best of which is the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, good for 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
F-150 Limited
Finally, the best of the best is the $67,135 F-150 Limited, which has the same standard engine as the Raptor but adds twin-panel moonroof, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and just about everything else you might want. This is for those truck-lovers who want a feature for every day of the week, and twice on Sundays.