If you’re looking for a capable and competent truck that can easily get you where you need to go, the Ford F-150 is one of the best options on the market. This truck combines a powerful set of standard engine options with user-friendly systems that place this model at the top of our ratings for the 2019 year.
Trims
- XL: $28,155
- XLT: $34,160
- Lariat: $41,700
- King Ranch: $52,390
- Raptor: $52,855
- Platinum: $54,920
- Limited: $67,135
All trims are available in a variety of cab configurations and loadouts for greater customization.
Performance
In keeping with the versatility of past F-150s, the 2019 model sports a wide selection of powertrain options. These options begin at a base 290-horsepower V6 and progress all the way up to a trio of turbocharged engines. A V8 and turbodiesel option offer additional choices for those who hunger for horsepower.
All the engines available for the F-150 are adequate, but the base V6 pushes enough horsepower to make daily driving easy. If you’re looking for a turbodiesel, the 3.0-liter engine puts out around 250 horsepower. However, the turbocharged V6 under the hood of the Raptor and Limited trims pushes the F-150 to its limits with 450-horsepower and a roar that carries for blocks.
The V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, but every other engine sees an upgrade to a 10-speed variant that really helps the F-150 get up to speed. Handling is satisfactory for a full-size pickup, making turns with ease. Plus, the cabin feel is pleasant and comfortable, even on bumpy terrain.
The F-150 has historically been known for a smooth ride even off-road. However, if you’re planning on taking it off-road often, the Raptor trim suits your needs. The suspension is designed for off-road racing and four-wheel-drive makes sure that you’ll be able to traverse anywhere you want to go.
Towing doesn’t reach the stellar heights you would see from a heavier pickup, but it’s still very good for this size. In fact, you can carry 3,300 pounds in the bed alone and tow up to 13,200 in the right conditions. These numbers are adequate for occasional moving and utility use, but if you’re looking to tow often and haul large loads, a super-duty pickup might be the better choice.
Fuel Efficiency
For the most part, you’ll find that the Ford F-150’s fuel economy is satisfactory for the class. 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway beat out most of the competition. Unfortunately, you’ll see decreasing returns as the horsepower on your engine increases.
Interior
Pickup trucks were originally tailored towards utility, so they aren’t known for having particularly luxurious cabins. However, the 2019 Ford F-150 manages to meet and exceed the standards for the class with a roomy and comfortable interior that seats three in the Regular Cab and six in larger SuperCab and Supercrew variants.
Quality materials make the interior pleasant even in the base trim, but the Lariat trim adds premium leather upholstery and ventilated seating with a built-in heater. The Platinum trim further upgrades your cabin with real wood accents that add a bit of class to the already luxurious trim.
There’s a decent amount of roar under the hood, but the cabin remains well insulated even if everyone is aware of your presence outside. Plus, power-adjustable seating is standard in most versions of the F-150.
Safety and Infotainment
The 2019 Ford F-150 offers a sizable suite of available safety features, but the standard set is nothing to sneeze at. Automatic collision braking and pedestrian detection sensors come in every model, as well as automatic high beams and a rearview camera. If you’re upgrading to a higher trim or looking for even more safety features, the choices include blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, alongside a suite of other selections.
Safety tests have yielded excellent results for the 2019 F-150. For instance, the Supercrew model earned a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA and similarly high marks elsewhere. In fact, the IIHS gave the F-150 their highest possible rating in multiple crash tests but noted a Poor rating when it came to headlight illumination.
Infotainment and cabin technology are one area where the base version of the F-150 is lacking. You’ll need to upgrade in trims to benefit from optional features like an eight-inch touchscreen and built-in navigational systems.