2018 Ford F-150 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New, more powerful and efficient enginesNew 10-speed automatic transmissionRefreshed exterior stylingPart of the 13th F-150 generation introduced for 2015

　　Today's Ford F-150 offers the performance and power that personal and professional truck buyers require. Under the hood, the F-150 offers a choice of four different engine options, fuel economy of up to 22 mpg combined, and towing capacity rated up to 13,200 pounds. The F-150 also boasts a refined, modern touch with a well-crafted interior and helpful tech such as the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, which allows you to control trailer direction via a dial on the dashboard. There's also the F-150's impressively quick Sync 3 infotainment system and amenities that range from utilitarian to luxury. Aluminum body panels and an aluminum bed (rather than traditional steel) help make the 2018 F-150 the lightest truck in its class, too.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$175/mo  for F-150 XL

　　F-150 XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $27,705 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $28,005 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $31,790 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $32,350 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $32,650 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $33,095 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,245 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $35,220 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $35,550 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $37,475 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,755 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $40,010 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,300 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,600 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,210 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,725 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,025 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $37,515 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $38,560 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $39,635 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,865 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $41,890 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $42,055 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $44,310 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,515 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,815 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,875 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,175 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,940 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $46,190 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,300 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $48,550 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $50,115 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,100 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $51,930 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $52,230 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,355 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,655 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $54,485 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $54,785 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $57,910 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $58,210 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $60,850 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $64,275 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　With hundreds of available configurations, you'll have an easy time finding a 2018 Ford F-150 that meets your needs. Overall it's a comprehensive package that makes the F-150 one of our favorite trucks on the road.

　　Notably, we picked the 2018 Ford F-150 as one of zzdcar' Best Used Cars and Best Used Cars for 2018.

　　

What's it like to live with?

The F-150 has been the truck sales leader for decades, so every new F-150 is massively important. That's why we bought a bright blue Lariat for our long-term fleet when this generation launched in 2015. While we liked the truck overall, we were unimpressed by the new 2.7-liter engine's real-world fuel economy compared to its EPA numbers. When the 2018 model bowed with a new transmission, we decided to buy another F-150 in nearly the exact same configuration, in part to see if the fuel economy improved. To read about how economy improved — or didn't — read our Best Used Cars, where we also covered everything from performance to long-distance seat comfort.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

　　With hundreds of available configurations, you'll have an easy time finding a Best Used Cars that meets your needs. High towing and payload capacity and impressive fuel economy make it a top pick for work or play, while the off-road-crushing Raptor is in a league of its own.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab Short Bed (turbo 2.7L V6  | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 5-foot-6-inch bed).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.1 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5
Technology	7.5

　　

Driving

8.5

　　The F-150 is a strong performer, even without the range-topping engine. The turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is punchy, and the smooth-shifting 10-speed gearbox makes the most of it. This truck steers and handles about as well as anything in the class. It has confidence-inspiring brakes, too.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　There's a lot of thrust with the 2.7-liter V6. Even from a standstill, this thing rips. It's quite responsive, too. Though it's the smaller of the two EcoBoost V6s, the 2.7-liter will surely satisfy many buyers. It hit 60 mph in only 6.3 seconds in our testing. That's quick.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The brakes are easy to modulate, with a reasonably firm pedal. They feel reassuring even when towing a trailer. In zzdcar testing, the F-150 stopped from 60 mph in 131 feet — a good result among full-size pickups.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　There's little steering feel pertaining to what the tires have in grip, but it's good at letting you know when they're pointed straight. The steering ratio is spot-on for a vehicle this large. It's easy to whirl the wheel around in parking lot situations, though it's a bit light at freeway speeds.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　As full-size pickups go, the F-150 turns and handles agreeably. The body control is good enough that it doesn't make it feel even more ponderous, and it responds to inputs of the wheel without excessive delay. The rear axle can be upset by midcorner bumps, which is not unusual.

　　

Drivability

8.5

　　The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly and makes good decisions regarding gear choice. Its wide gearing spread means there's a gear for every occasion. The ample engine torque helps, too. Engine braking is limited, though, and it can be a bit slow to acknowledge manual gear-change commands.

　　

Off-road

8.0

　　This truck will do moderate off-road work when augmented with its FX4 Off-Road package (which includes an electronically locking differential, hill descent control, skid plates and more rugged shocks). But the low front air dam limits its approach angle.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　There's a lot to like about the F-150. All seats provide both appropriate support and all-day comfort, and the climate control system is a model of effectiveness. Plus the cabin environment is quiet and calm. The optional FX4 Off-Road package doesn't make the ride objectionable at all.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　The Lariat's leather bucket seats are well-shaped and plush, and they stay comfortable over hundreds of miles. Plus they come with heating and ventilation. The SuperCrew's rear seats are nearly as comfortable.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　This truck has good manners on the street. The FX4 Off-Road option stiffens up the ride slightly, but it's never harsh or bothersome. As with most pickups, the rear tires can skitter over rough surfaces when the bed is empty.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　Wind and road noise is nearly absent on the highway, especially if you do without the optional larger tow mirrors. Engine noise is pleasantly muted when cruising. Even if you floor the accelerator, the 2.7-liter V6 is never loud.

　　

Climate control

9.0

　　The climate control system is powerful and fast-acting, and the big, chunky temperature knobs and clearly labeled buttons are easy to use. Heated and cooled seats up front work well overall. Our test truck had heated rear seats, too.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The F-150 gets high marks for everyday ease of use and interior quality. Combined with the ratings for comfort, it's simply a pleasant place to spend a full day on the road.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　Most major controls are well-labeled and logically placed, and the customizable gauge cluster affords a wealth of information. The knobs are large, obvious and well-placed. The large console-mounted transmission selector occupies valuable space, though.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　The F-150 requires some effort — even for the average adult — to climb in. Fortunately, the large door openings and the Lariat's standard running boards are a help. And all four doors of the SuperCrew cab have a generous grab handle.

　　

Driving position

8.5

　　With ample steering-wheel rake, seat adjustment range and movable pedals, the F-150 accommodates a variety of body types. A bit more steering-wheel reach would be appreciated.

　　

Roominess

9.0

　　Large and tall occupants will find plenty of space, yet the driving position is adjustable enough to keep smaller drivers from feeling as if they're in a cavern. The SuperCrew back seat is just as roomy; there is no bad seat in the F-150.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　Visibility out the front and sides is excellent, and the Lariat's standard backup camera helps to the rear. But the optional surround-view camera system takes it to another level. Backing into a tight parking space is stress-free.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　The F-150 is solidly built and, despite its workhorse intentions, the Lariat trim has an interior that's plush and free of squeaks and creaks. Some of the plastics look and feel cheap, but it's put together well.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　Lots of storage options inside and out make the F-150 one of the most capable utility vehicles you can buy. Even without sliding tie-downs, the cargo bed is versatile. The tailgate works great, too.

　　

Small-item storage

8.5

　　Nearly everything you'd need can be handled by the large, deep center console bin with a removable tray and a handy nook forward of the transmission selector. Two average-size cupholders, door pockets and a glovebox round out the package.

　　

Cargo space

8.5

　　The backseat bottom flips up easily for additional storage on the flat floor. There's a narrow bin beneath the seat to handle long items.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.5

　　Lower LATCH anchors lack doors but are prominent and easily seen and reached. The upper tether routes under the headrest. There's plenty of space for even the largest rear-facing child seat.

　　

Towing

8.0

　　There is ample towing capacity available, even with the smaller 2.7-liter turbo V6. It's unfazed by heavy loads. Even so, the F-150 doesn't deliver a towing experience that's as drama-free as the Ram — and there isn't much engine braking in the Ford.

　　

Hauling

8.5

　　The lightweight, damped tailgate works beautifully. Four oversized high-mounted tie-down points and four smaller lower ones are well-situated. The factory bedliner and lights were equipped on our test vehicle, plus a terrifically handy deployable tailgate step.

　　

Technology

7.5

　　Sync 3 is a capable system that's improved through maturity. It's not the quickest system out there, but its intuitive screen flow helps its standing. Connecting a phone via CarPlay or Bluetooth sometimes requires repeated attempts. Many driver assistance features are available.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　A clear display with logical menu structure and crisp graphics. The screens switch reasonably briskly. The map supports swipes and pinch-and-zoom functions. Audio quality has tight bass and minimal distortion at elevated volume with B&O Play premium audio.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　A native phone interface allows access to music but not podcasts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. In front, there are two USB inputs and one 12-volt power point. The back seat has that plus a 110-volt AC outlet.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　Our test truck was equipped with a blind-spot alert system with trailer monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. More aids are optional, however. The trailer system isn't as well-executed as Ram's because you must manually input the trailer length.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　Native voice controls respond well to prescribed prompts but do not support natural language. When using CarPlay, Siri takes over, and that makes a world of difference.

　　

Which F-150 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The F-150 offers several engines, but one stands out: the 3.5-liter V6 rated at either 375 hp or 450 hp in high-output configuration. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it's an appealing combination of power and fuel efficiency. And with six trim levels to choose from, we think the Lariat offers the best balance between luxury and everyday pickup usability. It doesn't cost much more than the XLT equipped with the 302A package, with which it shares most of its features. We'd also opt for the cavernous space of a SuperCrew cab length.

　　

2018 Ford F-150 models

　　There's a deep catalog of features, options, packages, engines and bed configurations for the 2018 Ford F-150, starting with six main trim levels: base XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. There's also the high-performance off-road Raptor variant that exists outside the standard lineup. The XL with the 101A package makes for a decent work truck, but upgrading to the XLT with the 301A package makes for a more passenger-friendly pickup. The Lariat is the gateway to the luxury truck you've been saving for.

　　The Ford F-150 offers three cab styles — regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) — and three bed lengths, depending on cab style. A standard bed (6 feet 6 inches) or a long bed (8 feet) is available on regular and SuperCab styles, while the SuperCrew offers either a short bed (5 feet 6 inches) or the standard bed.

　　Several engines are also available, starting with a new 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is next (325 hp, 400 lb-ft), followed by a 5.0-liter V8 (395 hp, 400 lb-ft), then a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (375 hp, 470 lb-ft) available in two power grades: 375 hp and 470 lb-ft or 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. These three engines all pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

　　

F-150 XL

Standard features on the base XL trim level include 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, trailer sway control, pre-wired trailer connections, manual mirrors and windows, vinyl flooring, a cloth-upholstered 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a driver information display, air-conditioning, a 4.2-inch central display screen and a four-speaker radio with an auxiliary jack. SuperCab and SuperCrew models come with 60/40-split folding rear seats and two additional speakers, and four-wheel-drive models get front tow hooks.

　　The 3.3-liter engine is standard on most XL configurations, but some RWD extended- and crew-cab models require the 2.7-liter V6, and the V8 comes on 4WD versions of those models.

　　An optional 101A package adds power windows and locks (including the tailgate), power mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, Ford's Best Used Cars vehicle control feature, a larger driver information screen, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, a USB port and a CD player.

　　Other XL add-ons include chrome and sport appearance packages, the FX4 Off-Road package, side steps, a tailgate assist step, drop-in or spray-in bedliners, remote vehicle tracking and trailer tow packages with Ford's Best Used Cars system (essentially a self-steering system to simplify backing up with a trailer).

　　

F-150 XLT

The XLT trim includes features from the XL's optional 101A package along with alloy wheels, chrome bumpers and exterior trim, foglights, a keypad entry system, rear privacy glass, carpeting, driver and passenger seat lumbar adjustments, and additional interior storage bins and pockets.

　　There are a few options for the XLT. The Mid 301A option package adds heated mirrors, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, a trailer hitch, a cargo management system with four tie-down cleats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), power-adjustable pedals, rear under-seat storage, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

　　The Luxury 302A package builds on the above features with rear parking sensors, remote ignition, heated and 10-way power-adjustable front seats (with power lumbar adjustment), an 8-inch touchscreen (with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and an additional USB port. Notable stand-alone options include box side steps, a regular sunroof (SuperCab), a panoramic sunroof (SuperCrew), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable rear seat belts, and a navigation system.

　　

F-150 Lariat

When you step up to the F-150 Lariat, many of the XLT's Luxury 302A features come standard, as do the turbocharged 2.7-liter engine and 10-speed transmission. Also included are 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver-seat memory settings, ambient lighting, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

　　In addition to many of the options offered on the XLT, the Lariat also offers the Mid 501A package and Luxury 502A packages. The Mid 501A package adds upgraded mirrors, remote tailgate release and front-facing spotlights to the features listed above in the XLT's Luxury 302A package. The Luxury 502A package, meanwhile, adds LED headlights, automatic wipers, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, front bucket seats, heated rear outboard seats (SuperCrew), a navigation system, Best Used Cars and an 11-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with HD radio. Other options include lane departure warning, power-deployable running boards, a surround-view camera system, an automated parallel parking system, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and mitigation.

　　

F-150 King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited

The King Ranch trim is only offered as a SuperCrew and builds on the Luxury 502A package with a Western styling theme inside and out and with the 5.0-liter V8 underhood. With a bit more conventional luxury equipment, the Platinum trim adds 20-inch wheels, power-deployable running boards, and wood and aluminum interior trim. Essentially at the top of the range is the F-150 Limited, which comes with the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery in the front, unique styling details and many of the F-150's optional features as standard.

　　

F-150 Raptor

The off-road-focused F-150 Raptor uses a high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) and shares many of the same features as the XLT, but it offers a reinforced frame, a special four-wheel-drive system, a modified long-travel suspension, flared fenders, skid plates, 17-inch wheels with upgraded off-road tires, and special interior trim with leather and cloth upholstery. The Raptor offers many of the same options as the XLT and Lariat as well as a few exterior styling packages, a Torsen limited-slip front differential and forged, bead-lock capable wheels.

　　

2018 F-150 Highlights

Type: SuperCabRegular CabSuperCrewRaptorSuperCab

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatRaptorXL

　　

Base MSRP	$31,790
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	12,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles