Ford F-150

The F-150 continues to be a workhorse but it adds more tech, advanced safety features, and a hybrid version for the 2021 model year. The mildly upgraded cabin remains very quiet, and the crew cabs we tested are super roomy. The popular 2.7-liter turbo-V6 provides effortless acceleration and respectable fuel economy, at 19 mpg overall. The new "PowerBoost" hybrid has loads of power and gets 20 mpg overall. The F-150's ride and handling have improved slightly. Clever new features include a foldaway gear selector that creates a flat workspace, a tailgate designed to serve as a workbench, and an optional built-in generator with the ability to power job-site equipment. The F-150 has Ford's easy-to-use, new Sync 4 infotainment system. Every F-150 comes with standard FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection. An all-electric version of the F-150 called the Lightning, is also available. A refresh in 2024 made the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 the standard engine option and all versions got a 12-inch infotainment screen. Both BSW and RCTW became standard. Ford's BlueCruise active driving assistance system also became available.

The F-150 is the half-ton version of Ford's best-selling F-Series pickup line. Like most pickups, it offers multiple configurations and powertrains. During our tests, the boxy pre-1997 F-150 rode well and quietly on most roads. Its ride and braking improved with a full load. We found the seats erect, but roomy. Ford completely redesigned the F-150 for 1998, improving comfort, handling, and refinement. An optional third door on extended-cab models became available in 1998, and a fourth door was offered in 1999. The supercharged SVT Lightning serves up sports-car-quality acceleration. A four-door crew-cab was introduced for 2001.