2020 Ford F-150

Is the Ford F-150 a Good Truck?

Yes, the Ford F-150 is an excellent full-size pickup truck. It offers six capable and powerful engines, rides smoothly, and can tow and haul more than every rival. Inside, this Ford provides plenty of space, and it's available with lots of infotainment and driver assistance features. It also has one of the highest predicted reliability ratings in the class. One of the F-150's most notable downsides is that a few rivals are more upscale on the inside.

2020 Ford F-150 Dimensions

• Length: 17 feet, 5.3 inches to 20 feet, 10.5 inches
• Height: 6 feet, 3.1 inches to 6 feet, 6.5 inches
• Curb weight: 4,069 to 5,697 pounds

Should I Buy the Ford F-150?

If you're in the market for a full-size pickup, then yes, you should buy the F-150. It delivers on every front, and it's competitively priced. That's not to say it’s the only truck in the class worth considering. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 are also fine choices.

Compare the F-150, Silverado, and Ram 1500 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Ford F-150?

The 2020 F-150 belongs to a generation that began with the 2015 model year, and there have been a few noteworthy changes since. Ford refreshed the F-150 for 2018, improving its towing and hauling capacities, adding extra power for select engines, and making the 10-speed automatic transmission more widely available. For 2019, the Limited trim got a new engine (the same high-output EcoBoost powertrain that's in the Raptor), while the Raptor received new shocks. Ford also added some driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection to the standard features list.

For 2020, Ford makes the 10-speed automatic transmission standard with all engines (a six-speed automatic came with select engines in the 2019 F-150). Also, the lower trims are now available with more engine options than in previous years.

You can potentially save thousands of dollars by buying an older F-150, and many of the trims are largely the same as the new F-150, going back to the 2015 model year.

If you’re considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 F-150, 2018 F-150, and 2019 F-150 reviews to help make your decision. Also check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 F-150 »

We Did the Research for You: 37 Reviews Analyzed

We don’t base our car reviews on our personal opinions. Instead, we combine the findings of professional test drivers with data such as reliability ratings and safety scores to give you a complete overview of every vehicle we rank.

This 2020 F-150 review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2015.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking vehicles since 2007, and our team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the automotive industry. Our car reviews are objective. To keep them that way, our editorial staff doesn’t accept expensive gifts or trips from automakers, and a third party handles all the advertising on our site.

How Much Does the Ford F-150 Cost?

The F-150 carries a base price of $28,495, which is below average for a full-size pickup truck. The top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $67,485, which is more than the top trim price of most rivals.

Several of the most popular F-150 trims have starting prices well within those two extremes, including the Lariat ($42,500), the King Ranch ($52,740), and the off-road-oriented Raptor ($53,205).

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Ford dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Ford deals page.

Ford F-150 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the F-150 have traded punches for decades. These trucks offer several powerful engine options and plenty of capability, and both can tow more than 13,000 pounds. Both trucks also boast an off-road-oriented trim – the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. Inside, these trucks are well-built and spacious, and both can be loaded with features. The Chevy has a slightly better predicted reliability rating, but you can't go wrong with either truck. In short, your choice will likely come down to your preferences.

Which Is Better: Ford F-150 or Ram 1500?

The Ram 1500 is an annual challenger for the top spot in our full-size pickup truck rankings. Both pickups offer several powerful engine options. The Ram can't tow or haul as much as the F-150 can – though it’s close – but it delivers one of the smoothest rides in the class and has a slightly better predicted reliability rating. On the other hand, the Ram's Rebel trim can’t hold a candle to the F-150 Raptor in terms of off-road capability. In this comparison, the F-150 gets a silver medal for cabin quality – the Ram has arguably the nicest cabin in the class – but both trucks provide lots of passenger space and easy-to-use features. These are good trucks, and the choice may come down to personal preference.

Compare the F-150, Silverado, and Ram 1500 »

F-150 Performance

F-150 Engine: No Shortage of Choices

Ford offers the F-150 with your choice of six engines. These include the base 290-horsepower naturally aspirated V6, 325- and 375-horsepower EcoBoost (turbocharged) V6s, a 395-horsepower V8, the high-output 450-horsepower turbo V6 that comes in the Limited and Raptor trims, and a 250-horsepower turbodiesel.

All of the engines deliver plenty of power for driving the F-150 around town and on the highway, and each is capable of some towing. The turbocharged and V8 engines feel much stronger than the base powertrain, and they provide more energetic acceleration. The most impressive engine in the lineup is the performance-oriented EcoBoost V6 that’s available in the Raptor and Limited trims. It makes 450 horsepower, and you’ll be thrown back in your seat when you hit the gas pedal.

F-150 Gas Mileage: Good for the Class

The F-150 gets better fuel economy ratings than many of its classmates. With its base engine and rear-wheel drive, the F-150 gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Ratings go up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for models with the smaller EcoBoost engine. For models with the larger EcoBoost engine or the V8, ratings sit at 17/23 mpg city/highway. Those with the high-output EcoBoost engine come in at 17/22 mpg city/highway.

At the time of writing, ratings for the diesel powertrain are not available.

F-150 Ride and Handling: Making Things Easy on You

Stable handling and a comfortable ride make the F-150 easy to drive. The F-150 is poised around turns, and rough roads don’t leave passengers feeling jostled.

F-150 Off-Road Performance

Any F-150 model is reasonably capable off road because of available features like four-wheel drive and skid plates. The most capable trim for off-roading is the Raptor. You can learn more in the "Which F-150 Model Is Best for Off-Roading?" section below.

F-150 Towing Capacity

The F-150 has impressive towing and hauling capacities. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 13,200 pounds and has a maximum payload of 3,270 pounds.

Read more about performance »

F-150 Interior

How Many People Does the F-150 Seat?

In Regular Cab models, the F-150 seats up to three people. In SuperCab and SuperCrew models, capacity grows to six. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and they make it easy to find a suitable position. SuperCab models have adequate rear-seat space for adults for short trips, while SuperCrew models have an abundance of room for back-seat passengers.

F-150 and Child Car Seats

F-150 models with a rear seat have two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the outboard seats, as well as an upper tether for the middle seat. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the tether anchors are hard to find and can be confused with other hardware.

F-150 Interior Quality

This Ford truck features attractive interior styling. Plenty of soft-touch materials line the cabin, especially in higher trims. Still, there are a few hard plastics sprinkled about, which leaves the F-150 feeling a bit less upscale than some rivals.

F-150 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

An AM/FM radio comes standard in the base F-150, and that's about it because the lowest trim is mostly just a work truck. Available features include the voice-activated SYNC connectivity system, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touch screen, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, a USB port, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control are also available.

The SYNC 3 infotainment system is one of the best in the class. Its touch screen responds quickly to inputs, and the interface doesn’t take much time to master. There are plenty of smartphone connectivity options as well.

Read more about interior »

F-150 Reliability

Is the Ford F-150 Reliable?

J.D. Power gives the 2020 Ford F-150 a stellar predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.

Ford F-150 Warranty

Ford covers the F-150 with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

F-150 Safety

F-150 Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave 2020 F-150 SuperCrew models an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. These F-150s received five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover evaluation. Regular Cab and SuperCab models earned four-star overall ratings, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.

At the time of writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the 2020 F-150.

F-150 Safety Features

The F-150 comes with a rearview camera (with Dynamic Hitch Assist), forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and curve control. Some of these features belong to Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of technology.

Available active safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, and active park assist. Also available is Ford’s MyKey, which encourages safe driving by letting you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers.

Read more about safety »

Where Is the Ford F-150 Built?

Ford builds the 2020 F-150 in Michigan and Missouri.

Which Ford F-150 Model Is Right for Me?

The first step when picking out your truck is deciding which cab and bed length you want. There are seven trims, six engines, three cab styles, three bed lengths, and a variety of appearance packages. Bed length availability depends on the cab style you choose.

For many, the Lariat is an excellent, well-rounded choice. It’s available with two cab choices, all three bed lengths (depending on cab configuration), and four engine options. It also comes with a respectable assortment of features.

Ford F-150 Powertrain Options:

• Base engine: 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque; starts at $28,495 (standard in XL, XLT)
• Available engines:
  • 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque; starts at $29,490 (standard in Lariat; available in XL, XLT)
  • 5.0-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque; starts at $30,490 (standard in King Ranch, Platinum; available in XL, XLT, Lariat)
  • 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque; starts at $44,100 (available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum)
  • 3.5-liter high-output turbocharged V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque; starts at $53,205 (standard in Limited, Raptor)
  • 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel with 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque; starts at $46,500 (available in XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum)
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Ford F-150 Appearance Packages:

• XL STX package (prices start at $1,995): 20-inch aluminum wheels, halogen fog lamps, privacy glass (SuperCab and SuperCrew only), and body-colored bumpers, front fascia, and grill
• XL Chrome package ($775, but you also have to upgrade the XL's base features package, which costs another $2,280): 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels and trim-exclusive body accents
• XL Sport package ($775, though you'll have to add the upgraded features package as well): same as the Chrome package but with body-colored bumpers
• XLT and Lariat Chrome package (prices start at $945, but you also have to upgrade the base features package): 18-inch aluminum wheels and trim-exclusive body accents (SuperCab and SuperCrew only)
• XLT and Lariat Sport package (prices start at $1,995, but other upgrades are required): 18-inch six-spoke aluminum wheels, accent-colored angular step bars, body-colored front-fascia and wheel-lip moldings, body-colored bumpers, an exhaust tip, and a Magnetic-painted two-bar grille (SuperCab and SuperCrew only)
• XLT and Lariat Special Edition package (prices start at $1,995, but other upgrades are required): 20-inch premium aluminum wheels, accent-colored angular step bars, a body-colored grille, and headlamps with dark housing
• King Ranch Chrome package (prices start at $1,995, though you'll have to add the upgraded features package as well): 20-inch aluminum wheels and trim-exclusive body accents
• King Ranch Monochromatic Paint package (prices start at $4,470, including other required packages): same as King Ranch Chrome package but with monochromatic paint

Ford F-150 Work Packages/Options:

• 2.7-liter EcoBoost Payload package (prices start at $750; available in XL, XLT): adds a 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle (SuperCab and SuperCrew only)
• CNG/Propane Engine Prep package (prices start at $315; available in certain XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch cab styles with 5.0-liter V8 engine): a bi-fuel system that allows the truck to run on compressed natural gas and propane autogas
• Maximum Trailer Tow package (prices start at $895; requires the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine): adds a 3.55 electronic-locking rear axle, a 36-gallon fuel tank, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a Smart Trailer tow connector, a trailer brake controller, an upgraded front stabilizer bar, an upgraded rear bumper, and a trailer hookup lamp
• Trailer Tow package (prices start at $595; available in XL, XLT, King Ranch, Platinum, and Raptor): adds a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a SmartTrailer tow connector, an upgraded front stabilizer bar, and a trailer hookup lamp

Ford F-150 Trims:

Ford F-150 XL and Ford F-150 XLT

The XL and XLT are the two lowest trims, and they’re the only ones available with all three cabs and all three bed lengths. The XL carries a base price of $28,495, and the XLT starts at $34,510. Both models feature a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In its most basic guise, the XL isn't intended to be much more than a work vehicle, so it only comes standard with a handful of features. These include an AM/FM radio, a rearview camera (with Dynamic Hitch Assist), forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and curve control.

Notable options in the XL include power windows and locks, vinyl upholstery, the voice-activated SYNC infotainment system, a USB port, a tailgate step, a trailer brake assist, MyKey, and BoxLink, which provides moveable tie-downs to make it easier to secure cargo.

There are also some packages available for the XL, a few of which are detailed above.

The XLT adds several features to the XL's array of standard equipment, including power windows and locks, MyKey, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

If you're buying an F-150 for personal use, the XLT is a good place to start. Available features include a power-adjustable driver's seat, satellite radio, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, rear parking sensors, navigation, BoxLink, and integrated loading ramps.

In addition to the base V6 engine, both trims are available with the 395-horsepower V8 or the 325-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

Ford F-150 Lariat

The F-150 Lariat has a starting price of $42,500. It comes with a turbocharged (EcoBoost) 2.7-liter V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the XLT's standard features, the Lariat comes with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and satellite radio.

Available engines include the V8, the 250-horsepower turbodiesel, and the 375-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Available features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, active park assist, a heated steering wheel, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Ford F-150 King Ranch

The King Ranch sports a starting price of $52,740, and this is the trim where the F-150 starts to feel almost like a luxury vehicle. It comes with a 395-horsepower V8 engine. Standard features include genuine wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel, navigation, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, BoxLink, and heated rear seats.

Available engines include the turbodiesel and the 375-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Notable options include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view parking camera system, active park assist, power-deploying running boards, and massaging front seats.

Ford F-150 Platinum

The Platinum starts at $55,270 and features the same powertrain as the King Ranch, though this trim adds power-deployable running boards and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Available engines include the turbodiesel and the 375-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Available features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a surround-view parking camera system, active park assist, and a moonroof.

Ford F-150 Limited

The top-of-the-line Limited is the most upscale trim, and it carries a starting price of $67,485. This trim features a 450-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and comes standard with a twin-panel moonroof, a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and just about every feature you can get in an F-150. There are no other engine options with this trim.

Ford F-150 Raptor

The Raptor starts at $53,205 and features the same engine as the Limited trim. It also comes with several performance- and off-road-related features, including four-wheel drive, an off-road racing suspension, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. This is easily the best choice in the lineup for off-roading and spirited driving. There are no other engine options with this trim.

Power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera system, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system are available.

Which F-150 Cab Style Is Right for Me?

The F-150 offers three cab styles: Regular, SuperCab (extended cab with a small back seat), and SuperCrew (crew cab with a full-size back seat). The choice will likely come down to how often you'll have rear-seat passengers.

If you typically drive alone or with one passenger, then the Regular Cab may suit you. It can seat up to three, but space in the middle seat is tight.

You can seat up to six in the SuperCab, which is a good option for those who only occasionally need room for extra passengers. Adults can fit in the rear, but the seats are not overly generous when it comes to legroom. The SuperCab rear doors open in the opposite direction of the front doors. With wide door openings and rear seats that fold up, there’s a good amount of usable cargo room inside the cabin. A flat floor makes it easy to haul large items in the rear of the cab.

Those who travel long distances with passengers will want to focus on SuperCrew models, which have tons of space and seating for up to six. There is more than 3.5 feet of rear-seat legroom in SuperCrew models, which offer a great deal of interior storage space when you fold up the rear-seat bottoms. Like the SuperCab, the floor of the SuperCrew is flat.

Which F-150 Bed Length Is Right for Me?

Choosing the bed length for your F-150 will depend on which cab style you get. The F-150 has three bed lengths available, but not every box size is available with every cab configuration. The shortest bed is 5 feet, 6 inches, and it is available with SuperCrew and Raptor SuperCab models only. The 6-foot-6-inch bed is available with all cab styles, depending on trim. The longest bed is 8 feet and is available with Regular and SuperCab models.

The best combination of cargo volume and passenger space is the SuperCrew with the 6-foot-6-inch bed. However, this configuration is more than 20 feet long, so you may have a tough time navigating parking garages and other tight areas. If you don't need the maximum cargo space, opting for the 5-foot-6-inch box is a better choice.

The 8-foot bed lengthens the F-150 Regular Cab to almost 19 feet and has the least amount of interior cargo space. If you're buying a work truck, this bed is the best choice, but most shoppers will likely prefer one of the two shorter variants.

Which F-150 Model Is Best for Towing and Hauling?

If you’re looking for the best F-150 work truck, go with the XL with the Regular Cab, 8-foot bed, and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This combination will run you about $32,400 with rear-wheel drive or around $36,000 with four-wheel drive. When properly configured, this model has a maximum payload of 3,230 pounds and a total towing capacity of 12,100 pounds. You’ll also have the maximum bed length to haul large items.

Models equipped with the standard 3.3-liter V6 have a payload capacity of 1,990 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. This engine is fine for pulling travel trailers and some small boats. If you need to pull a bit more weight, you’ll want to look at models with the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6. This engine unlocks a maximum payload capacity of 2,470 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The V8 delivers the best combination of power and capability of any engine in the lineup. It enables a payload capacity of 3,270 pounds and a towing limit of 11,600 pounds. If you want great gas mileage from a workhorse that can also tow a bunch, take a look at the F-150 with the turbodiesel engine. It has a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,400 pounds.

Which F-150 Model Is Best for Off-Roading?

The F-150 Raptor has a starting MSRP of $53,205 and is the clear choice if you want to go off-roading. In fact, this is the best off-roader in the Ford lineup. It features the high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It also comes standard with a torque-on-demand transfer case, an electronic-locking rear differential, and Fox Live Valve monotube shocks.

The Raptor's standard four-wheel-drive system features crawl control and seven driver-selectable modes for various terrains: normal, sport, slippery, tow/haul, deep snow/sand, Baja, and rock crawl. This off-road beast also comes standard with 17-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The Raptor is about a half-foot wider and 3 inches taller than a standard F-150.

If you’re worried about this extra size but still want something to take off the pavement, you may want to consider an F-150 with the FX4 Off-Road package ($905). It adds an electronic-locking rear axle, hill-descent control, off-road-tuned front shock absorbers, and skid plates. We also recommend the V8 engine in this setup because of its combination of horsepower and torque.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Ford dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Ford deals page.

See 2020 Ford F-150 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2020 Ford F-150 is a highly capable truck with plenty of space and many available features. It's a top choice among full-size pickup trucks, which is why it sits near the top of our class rankings.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "There's a reason the 2020 Ford F-150 remains the nation's best-selling full-size pickup and it can be summed up in three words: value, capability and style. While the big Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra twins now offer 200-pounds more towing capacity than the F-150, they, along with the Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan are still 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th-place finishers when it comes to customer loyalty. The F-150 is full of innovative features pickup-truck owners need, but it also comes with luxury and high-tech features they don't expect. The F-150 also offers a nearly inexhaustible choice of trims, configurations and options, allowing it to be everything from a daily workhorse to limousine-like transport. A number of engine choices further distances the F-150 from trucks like the Tundra and Titan, and Ford still holds the title for best-in-class payload." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "With hundreds of available configurations, you'll have an easy time finding a 2018 Ford F-150 that meets your needs. Overall it's a comprehensive package that makes the F-150 one of our favorite trucks on the road." -- Edmunds (2018)
• "Considering the F-150 is the crown jewel of the Ford lineup and its most successful product, we doubt they'd launch it without full confidence in its reliability. And as far as the driving experience, prepare to be surprised. All of our expectations were exceeded behind the wheel. There are some real, tangible benefits to the 10-speed in real world use." -- Truck Trend (2017)