2020 Ford F-150 Review

　　

2020 Ford F-150 Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The 2020 Ford F-150 is a perfect example of the tough yet modern full-size pickup truck. It has the guts to tow and haul at the top of its class, yet it also offers a wide range of luxury and technology features. The combination makes it one of the most versatile trucks available and justifies the F-Series as the top-selling vehicle on the market.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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) - $28,745 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $29,045 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $32,830 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,390 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $33,690 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $34,135 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $35,285 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $36,260 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $36,590 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $38,515 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $38,795 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $41,050 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $34,760 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $35,060 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $37,670 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $38,185 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $38,485 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,975 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $40,020 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) - $41,095 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,325 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $43,350 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $43,515 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $45,770 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,250 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,550 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,610 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,910 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,675 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $47,925 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $49,035 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $50,285 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $52,990 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $53,290 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $56,415 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $56,715 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCab 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,455 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $56,440 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,520 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $55,820 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $58,945 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $59,245 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $67,735 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $71,160 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　A lot of the F-150's appeal comes from its wide range of configurations. On basic work trucks, the base 3.3-liter V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All other engines — including a fuel-efficient turbodiesel, two turbocharged V6s and a tried-and-true V8 — are equipped with a quick-shifting 10-speed. Depending on your needs, there are versions that excel in towing, comfort, fuel economy or off-road performance.

　　Ford has invested heavily to keep the F-150 updated with the times. In addition to its lightweight all-aluminum body, the truck offers a selection of advanced technologies. Standard on all models is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and most trim levels come with the Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Pre-collision assist with automatic braking is also standard equipment. New for 2020, the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite comes on the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited trims.

　　The F-150 is a well-rounded truck with few compromises for a full-size pickup. But it's been a while since this version first launched in 2014, and you should note that competitors offer newer models. In particular, the Ram 1500 goes above and beyond with its smoother ride quality and innovative storage areas. The Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra are also freshly redesigned. But if you look to the F-150 for its advanced technology and user-friendliness, you won't be disappointed.

　　Notably, the 2020 Ford F-150 is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　

What's it like to live with the F-150?

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 Cheapest New Cars, where we also covered everything from performance to long-distance seat comfort.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the F-150 drive? The F-150 offers strong and reasonably quick performance across its range of engines, including the turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Larger engines provide more torque for greater towing and hauling capability, and the 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts on all trims. The steering and braking are both good for a pickup truck, but it has room to improve now that the competition has stepped up its game.

　　Overall, the F-150 is an enjoyable place to be. For such a large pickup, it's reasonably simple to maneuver in tight spaces, and the soft suspension keeps passengers comfortable on the road. It's clearly designed to pull heavy loads, though it's compliant enough for daily driving and long family trips.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the F-150? The F-150 provides a comfortable place for both driver and passengers. The front seats are well-shaped and can be ordered with both heating and ventilation. The crew cab's rear seats are nearly as comfortable. An unladen bed can cause the truck to shake on uneven pavement, though the truck generally has good manners.

　　Wind and road noise is nearly absent on the highway, especially if you do without the optional larger tow mirrors. Engine noise is also pleasantly muted when cruising. The clearly labeled controls are well within reach and make it easy to navigate the climate settings.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The roomy interior has wide windows that provide plenty of outward visibility. Helpful grab handles at every doorway and standard running boards on the Lariat trim and above ease entry into the cabin. Adjustable seats, pedals and steering wheel help any driver find a comfortable seating position.

　　The truck's shifter is mounted in the center console versus a stalk coming from the steering wheel as in traditional trucks. This placement takes up some space in front of the center controls. But the buttons and knobs themselves are easy to reach and are large enough to manage while wearing thick work gloves.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Ford took a big leap forward in making its 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot standard across all F-150 models. The system offers more initial data than Ram and more device connections than Chevrolet. The XLT trim and above come with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which has a clear 8-inch touchscreen display with good response and accurate voice control. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　Both the front and rear seats have two USB inputs and one 12-volt power point, plus a 110-volt AC outlet in the back. Driver aids include standard collision warning with automatic emergency braking and available lane keeping assist, trailer monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　

Towing and Storage

8.5/10

　　How are the towing and storage? Towing and hauling are particularly strong areas thanks to a high-strength frame and lightweight body. Even the F-150 with the smaller 2.7-liter turbo V6 is unfazed by heavy loads. The bed has four upper tie-downs and four lower ones. The deployable tailgate step is a nice touch.

　　Storage inside the cabin is good for the class, though recent challengers have raised the bar. The deep center console bin has a removable tray and helpful nook ahead of the transmission shifter. Seats in the rear flip up with the release of a handle to reveal a narrow bin for storing long items along the flat floor.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Several engines are capable of impressive fuel economy figures. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel is EPA rated up to 30 mpg on the highway in some configurations. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated up to 22 mpg combined. In zzdcar testing, however, this engine failed to match the EPA numbers.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the F-150 a good value? Warranty coverage aligns with coverage of full-size pickup rivals with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Ram, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota and Nissan offer the same figures.

　　Overall build quality is also pretty typical. Entry-level F-150s have durable interior plastics, while the flashier luxury trims are lined with chrome and soft leather. All models exhibit a strong level of construction that holds up well over time. The truck's all-aluminum body, while more prone to minor damage than traditional steel, delivers enough benefit to justify the risk.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　This Ford is an all-around work truck that doubles as a daily driver without trouble. It's also fairly sporty as full-size trucks go. The turbocharged V6 engines accelerates the F-150 with authority, and the V8 exudes strength. Regardless of the engine, the F-150 is easy to maneuver for its size. There's also the Raptor, which is about as wild as a truck gets.

　　

Which F-150 does zzdcar recommend?

The 2020 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew with rear-wheel drive and a 5.5-foot bed is a great place to start. This midlevel trim grants you standard equipment such as the punchy 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford's suite of advanced driver safety aids, called Co-Pilot360, is also included. And going with the Lariat allows you to customize your truck with some choice options while keeping pricing in check.

　　

2020 Ford F-150 models

As with most full-size pickups, there's a lot to choose from on the 2020 F-150, starting with six main trim levels: the base XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. Ford also offers the off-road-ready Raptor variant. There are three cab styles — regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) — and three bed lengths, depending on cab style.

　　Across the lineup, the F-150 has an engine to suit almost any shopper. The base 3.3-liter V6 is not to be overlooked since 290 horsepower is more than adequate for many tasks. However, it works with an older six-speed automatic versus the modern 10-speed that's otherwise standard. And with just 265 lb-ft of torque, it's hardly a towing champ.

　　Fortunately, every other engine is a torque-monster in its own right, ranging from the 2.7-liter turbo V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft) to the non-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 (395 hp, 400 lb-ft). An overachieving 3.5-liter turbo V6 is also available in spicy (375 hp, 470 lb-ft) and extra-hot (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) flavors — though you can only get the latter on the pricey Limited and Raptor trims. Don't sleep on the turbocharged diesel V6, by the way, which drops to 250 hp but delivers 440 lb-ft of torque down low — right where you need it.

　　Standard features on the base XL trim level include trailer sway control and pre-wired trailer connections, but you'll have to make do with manual mirrors and windows, vinyl flooring and a four-speaker stereo. The optional 101A package adds some power accessories and other desirables such as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. But for the most part, the XL is a bare-bones, no-nonsense truck.

　　A luxury-oriented side starts to shine through when stepping up through the trims. The XLT adds alloy wheels, chrome trim, front-seat lumbar adjustments, and an 8-inch touchscreen (with Ford's Sync 3 interface and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), while the Lariat boasts keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. At the top of the food chain, the King Ranch, Platinum and Limited deliver escalating layers of top-shelf luxury fittings across the board, only some of which are available as options on lesser trims.

　　Last but not least, the off-road-focused F-150 Raptor drops down to XLT-level standard equipment (many niceties are optional). But it offers a reinforced frame, a special four-wheel-drive system, a modified long-travel suspension, Fox shocks, flared fenders, skid plates, upgraded off-road tires, and distinctive interior trim with leather and cloth upholstery.

　　

2020 F-150 Highlights

Type: SuperCabRegular CabSuperCrewRaptorSuperCrew

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatKing RanchPlatinumRaptorLimitedXL

　　

Base MSRP	$35,285
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	12,700 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles