2019 Ford F-150 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What's new

New 3.0-liter diesel-powered V6High-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 standard for Limited and Raptor trims36-gallon fuel tank standard on Limited and Raptor trimsForward collision warning with emergency braking now standardPart of the 13th F-150 generation introduced for 2015

　　The 2019 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks in the United States. That it's also one of the most capable vehicles on the road today is no coincidence. Like other top-tier full-size pickup trucks, the F-150 is available in a wide variety of trim levels, comes with many available powertrains, and delivers big-time towing and hauling capabilities.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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) - $28,155 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $28,455 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $32,240 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $32,800 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,100 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $33,545 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,695 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $35,670 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $36,000 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $37,925 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $38,205 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $40,460 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,160 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,460 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,070 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,585 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,885 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,375 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $39,420 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $40,495 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $40,725 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $42,750 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $42,915 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $45,170 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $42,200 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $42,500 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,560 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,860 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,625 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $46,875 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,985 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $49,235 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $52,390 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $52,690 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,815 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $56,115 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $52,855 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,840 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $54,920 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,220 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $58,345 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $58,645 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $67,135 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $70,560 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　It's more than just a brawny pickup truck, though. The F-150 is also versatile enough for family duty. The interior is modern and comfortable and has many high-class touches. Tech features such as the Sync 3 infotainment system give you easy access to your smartphone, while the latest in advanced driver safety aids give you added peace of mind. Notably, forward collision warning with automatic braking is now standard on every F-150.

　　Of course, if trailer-pulling power is what you're after, the F-150 still has you covered. Six engines are available, ranging from a basic V6 all the way to a muscular 450-horsepower turbocharged V6. As part of that six-engine lineup, the F-150 is now available with a 3.0-liter diesel-powered V6 engine. It's likely the best pick of the group if you plan to do a lot of towing, but its significant cost increase needs to be factored in. You can read more about it in our F-150 Power Stroke First Drive article.

　　Even without all these updates for 2019, the Ford F-150 was a class leader. And with everything that Ford has done to keep it relevant, this F-150 hasn't lost a step.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Ford F-150 and F-150 Diesel as one of zzdcar' F-150 Power Stroke First Drive, F-150 Power Stroke First Drive, F-150 Power Stroke First Drive and F-150 Power Stroke First Drive and the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor as one of zzdcar' F-150 Power Stroke First Drive and for this year.

　　

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 F-150 Power Stroke First Drive, where we also covered everything from performance to long-distance seat comfort.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford F-150 (turbo 2.7L V6 | 10-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2018, the current F-150 has received some minor revisions, including the addition of forward collision mitigation as standard and the expansion of availability for other options. As such, our findings remain applicable to this year's F-150.

　　

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 lots of thrust with the 2.7-liter V6. Even from a standstill, this thing rips. It's quite responsive, too. Despite being 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 terms of 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, augmented with its FX4 Off-Road package (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

9.5

　　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, and 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. 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. It's all relative, though, and this Ford doesn't quite trump the Ram's cabin for vastness or versatility. We love the Ford's tailgate, however, and the bed is great even without the sliding tie-downs.

　　

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. 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 multiple attempts. Many driver assistance features are available.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　A clear display with logical menu structure and crisp graphics. 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 here you must manually input 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?

　　Which version of the F-150 you choose will depend entirely on your needs, but a few stand out to us as the most well-rounded. For trim, we'd go with the midlevel Lariat. It has all sorts of functional features but doesn't skimp on the luxury trimmings. The Lariat comes with the turbocharged 2.7-liter engine, which is very capable. Consider upgrading to the 3.5-liter V6, in its standard-output 375-horsepower configuration, for the extra towing and hauling power.

　　

2019 Ford F-150 models

　　As with most full-size pickups, there are a lot of features to choose from on the 2019 Ford F-150, starting with six main trim levels: base XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. There's also the off-road Raptor variant that exists outside the standard lineup.

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

　　Several engines are available, starting with a 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 available in two power grades: 375 hp and 470 lb-ft or 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. Finally, there's the new turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel-powered V6 (250 hp, 440 lb-ft). All but the base 3.3-liter engine pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

　　

Ford F-150 XL

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

　　An optional 101A package adds power windows and locks (including the tailgate), power mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, Ford's F-150 Power Stroke First Drive 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 F-150 Power Stroke First Drive system (essentially a self-steering system to simplify backing up with a trailer).

　　

Ford 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, additional interior storage bins and pockets, an 8-inch touchscreen (with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), F-150 Power Stroke First Drive Wi-Fi connectivity (for up to 10 devices) and an additional USB port.

　　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 power-adjustable driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, rear underseat storage, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

　　The Luxury 302A package builds on the above features with remote ignition and power-adjustable, heated front seats. Other notable stand-alone options for the XLT 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.

　　

Ford F-150 Lariat

When you step up to the F-150 Lariat, many of the XLT's Luxury 302A features come standard, as does the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine. Also included are 18-inch wheels, a trailer hitch, 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 offers the Mid 501A and Luxury 502A packages. The Mid 501A package adds upgraded mirrors, remote tailgate release, rear parking sensors and front-facing spotlights to the features listed in the XLT's Luxury 302A package. The Luxury 502A package, meanwhile, adds LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, front bucket seats, heated rear outboard seats (SuperCrew), a navigation system, and an 11-speaker stereo 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.

　　

Ford F-150 King Ranch, Platinum and Limited

The King Ranch trim is only offered on the SuperCrew and comes with the 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. It builds on the Luxury 502A package with a Western styling theme inside and out. 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 high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, an extended-range 36-gallon fuel tank (the standard tank is 23 or 26 gallons, depending on cab size), 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery in front, unique styling details and many of the F-150's optional features as standard.

　　

Ford F-150 Raptor

The off-road-focused F-150 Raptor uses the same high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine as the Limited. It has 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, Fox shocks, 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 the Lariat, as well as a few exterior styling packages, a Torsen limited-slip front differential and forged, bead-lock capable wheels.

　　

2019 F-150 Highlights

Type: SuperCabRegular CabSuperCrewRaptorRegular Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTXL

　　

Base MSRP	$28,155
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	3 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,100 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles