2024 Ford F-150

Inside, look for a 12.0-inch touchscreen across the lineup, though materials and trim vary greatly by how much you’re willing to spend. Base XL models are clearly oriented toward commercial users, so there’s little in the way of lavish touches. Step up to the XLT and there are nicer surfaces throughout, but it takes a Lariat to unlock soft-touch bits throughout. King Ranch versions wear the prettiest leather in the lineup, so long as you like Western themes, while the top Platinum is outfitted nicer than most of the Lincoln lineup. 

Models up to the Lariat trim have a simple transfer case with a neutral mode that allows them to be towed behind an RV. Higher-end models have a two-speed transfer case with a limited-slip center differential for quicker power transfer between the axles.

Tremor models make a good starting point for off-roaders with their 33-inch tires, off-road-tuned shocks, and extra drive modes for rocky terrain. The Raptor is its own beast with its wide axles, massive ground clearance, Fox Racing Shox dampers, and myriad other four-wheeling bits. They’re astounding off-roaders for a variety of terrain types. 

How fast is the Ford F-150?

It’s no slouch. The now-base 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 puts out a hefty 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s more than adequate for most users, and it can run on regular unleaded fuel.

The 5.0-liter V-8 available on some versions should appeal to traditionalists with its 400-hp/410 lb-ft ratings. It sounds great and it provides effortless power, though it lacks the low-end oomph of the available twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. 

Ford’s hybrid powertrain teams that engine with an electric motor and a big battery pack for a total output of 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, and it’s available across a wider range of F-150 trims this year. 

Raptors make use of a 450-hp version of the 3.5-liter, while the Raptor R swaps in a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 expected to put out north of 700 hp. (Full details on the Raptor R weren’t available as of press time.) 

Most drivers will be fine with any of the V-6s, though the hybrid’s ability to serve as a mobile generator has proven its use for commercial users. 

Ford also offers an all-electric version called F-150 Lightning, but it’s different enough from gas versions that we evaluate it separately. 

The F-150’s towing ability varies greatly across trims, axle ratios, and powertrains. The lineup tops out at 13,500 pounds. In testing previous model years, we’ve found the F-150 to be a particularly confident towing rig, especially with various available aids that make hooking up a trailer a cinch. 

While the F-150’s ride lacks the luxury-car comfort of the Ram 1500, it’s still composed and capable, albeit with more rear-end hop from its leaf springs than rivals’ coils. We’ve found this truck’s steering to be a bit too light for our taste, however.

Ford did a great job with small-item storage. You’ll find plenty of places to stuff mobile devices, laptops, notebooks, chewing gum packs, and beverages of all sizes.

The cabin’s decor doesn’t impress in XL, STX, or even XLT trim, though the Lariat’s leather is decent. High-zoot models sub in softer leather and plentiful wood trim that can seem at odds with carryover hard plastic trim. GMC and Ram generally do high-end trim just a little better than Ford.

The pickup bed comes in three lengths: 5-foot-6, 6-foot-6, and 8-foot, depending on the cab. Spend up and Ford will go crazy with various bedliner types, built-in lighting, steps, power outlets, tonneau covers, and more. This year, Ford gets on the “answer to the question nobody asked” train with a new tailgate that features a small central portion that can be swung open independently. Given that even the base tailgate is easy to open and close, this one’s a head-scratcher. But maybe you’ll find a use for it. Write us, if so.

All models pair automatic emergency braking with active lane control, while widely available extras include blind-spot monitors, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. 

Ford offers its BlueCruise system on several higher-end trims. It allows for brief periods of true hands-off driving on most highways in the U.S., though Ford treats it as a subscription feature. Budget accordingly. It’s worthwhile if you’re a road warrior, but those who only occasionally hit the highway can save their money.

The F-150 can get quite expensive from there. Merely adding four-wheel drive hikes the price by over $5,000 in base trim. The cheapest one with a crew-cab body and four-wheel drive now crests $50,000. Yikes!

All F-150s have a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. 

Which Ford F-150 should I buy?

Fair question. We’d stick to the F-150 XLT for most users, unless you really want leather and high-zoot audio. Either of the optional non-hybrid engines will cost around $1,500. We’re split, but would probably lean toward the 3.5-liter twin-turbo. Around $4,800 buys the so-called Mid Package with heated front seats with power adjustment, adaptive cruise control, power-sliding rear window and a free 90-day BlueCruise trial. Figure around $62,000, and keep going from there if you want bucket seats, bigger wheels, or various bed accessories. 

If you want a luxurious F-150, consider bypassing the Lariat for the King Ranch or Platinum, both of which cost $75,000 but are true Cowboy Cadillacs (or Lincolns, natch.) They come with soft leather, the boosted 3.5-liter V-6, four-wheel drive, massaging bucket seats, 20-inch wheels with chrome-style cladding, power running boards, and a big sunroof. They’re expensive, but they feel like they should be—and that’s not something we can say about a $62,000 XLT with a cloth bench seat and a mediocre audio system.

The King Ranch’s western theme wins us over, though they’re both quite suave. 

How much is a fully loaded Ford F-150?

The Raptor can climb to never-before-seen heights for an F-150, especially when you pay $31,575 for the Raptor R package with its supercharged V-8. Figure $115,000 or more, and that’s if you can find a dealer who will sell you one at retail price. It’s as capable as it is expensive. It’s an off-road supercar.

Raptors are thirsty. Figure between 15 and 16 mpg combined with the V-6, or just 12 mpg combined for the Raptor R.

On the bright side, the hybrid is somewhat frugal. Look for 25 mpg no matter how you drive it with rear-wheel drive, or 23 mpg all around with four-wheel drive.