2020 Ford F-150 Review: The Firm Favorite

Undeniably America's favorite truck, the Ford F-150 is the epitome of versatility and substance. It's so good that we've even crowned it as one of the ten most influential vehicles of the last decade, with its shift to an aluminum chassis really advancing the segment. With six trims and six different engine configurations shared among the models, the new F-150 can be a basic workhorse, a capable off-roader, and even a luxury cruiser. Options range from a 290 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 with 265 lb-ft of torque, to a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, with the biggest engine being a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 395 hp and 400 lb-ft. The most powerful engine, however, is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft, while a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel is also available, with 250 hp and 440 lb-ft.

What's the Price of the 2020 Ford F-150?

Multiple configurations of the F-150 are for sale, with the cheapest variant, an XL Regular Cab with a 6.5-foot bed, starting at $28,495. Adding an eight-foot bed brings the total to $28,795. The SuperCab is available from the XL and starts at $32,580, with the long bed option taking that to $33,885. The SuperCrew Cab is only available with a short or medium bed and starts at $35,035, with the longer bed adding $1,305 to the MSRP. Opting for the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine over the standard 3.3-liter motor adds $1,600 to the price, with the 5.0-liter V8 a little cheaper at $1,000. The XLT can be had in the same configurations and starts at $34,510, while the more upscale Lariat (not available with a Regular Cab) has a base price of $42,500. The Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 available from this model adds $4,000 to the bill. The King Ranch special edition comes standard with the V8 and can only be had in SuperCrew configuration, much like its more expensive brethren. Opting for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost costs only $600, while the turbodiesel is also cheaper at $3,000. This model's base price is $52,740. The Platinum trim starts at $55,270 with the same powertrain options and prices as the King Ranch. The most expensive model is the Limited, featuring a High Output EcoBoost V6 and a sticker price of $67,485. As a more premium model, it can't be specced with a lesser engine, but 4x4 costs $3,425 - the same price as on all the other trims, except the cheapest variant where it is $4,645. Fully loaded, an F-150 can cost over $75,000, inclusive of a $1,595 destination fee.

Handling and Driving Impressions

As with most body-on-frame trucks, road manners are less than perfect. However, rivals like the RAM 1500 offer air suspension that provides arguably the best comfort in the class. That said, the F-150 is still comfortable over small bumps and undulations, the suspension does a decent job of ironing out imperfections. Over bigger bumps and uneven, pockmarked tarmac, the rear end can skitter about when the bed is unladen, but that is typical of pick-up trucks in general. Naturally, depending on the trim you specify, these characteristics will vary considerably. Wheel sizes that range from 17 to 22 inches play a big role, with the biggest size obviously transmitting more road imperfections to the occupants of the cabin. However, the equipment levels of the higher trims naturally add considerable weight to the F-150, which can help it feel more planted and less prone to floaty handling. Steering is impressively weighted, with not too much lightness or heft so as to make driving unnerving or unpleasant. Likewise, the brakes are decent, although the base XL model is typically quicker to stop than the heavier Limited model, for example. Although not as bad as some other vehicles can be in this department, the F-150 requires considerable force on the pedal for the brakes to get the picture that you want to stop. When it finally does get the message, stopping distances are acceptable. When it comes to off-roading, the 4x4 option is an obvious choice, and it can be had across the range. For ultimate ability though, you'll want the standalone Raptor model with its extreme wheel articulation and sturdy bash guards.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Ford F-150 A Good car?

The F-150 is not as luxurious in its top trim as it should be, with some rivals offering better ride comfort and a more solid interior. The base model is also cursed with a wheezy engine and a gearbox that isn't the best on offer. The best available infotainment system is also behind the times with its responses, which can become frustrating. However, in between these two extreme model variants, value can be found, and the available best in class towing ability is enviable. The turbodiesel Power Stroke V6 offers an impressive balance between efficiency and towing ability, while the available 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 offers more power than you are likely to need. Combined with decent room, a comfortable cabin, an impressive list of standard features, as well as numerous available safety options, the F-150's costs are on par with rivals and it is as good as it needs to be.

What New Ford F-150 Model Should I Buy?

Our best value-for-money specification is the Lariat. Featuring Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver aids as standard, as well as a leather interior and an upgraded infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, this model balances comfort and capability. The fact that it can't be had with the base engine is a bonus, but the choice of which powertrain to choose will rest on your intended purpose for the vehicle. If you aim to maximize the F-150's towing ability, the optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque is the one to opt for. With either a SuperCrew Cab or SuperCab as your options on this trim, you can have both a practical truck and a usable commuter vehicle.

2020 Ford F-150 Comparisons

2020 Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500

With a base price of $27,945, the RAM 1500 is marginally cheaper than a Ford F-150 XL that starts at $28,495. It's most expensive trim is vastly more affordable too, starting at under $57,000 - more than ten grand cheaper than the F-150 Limited. With an available air suspension setup, the 1500 can be more comfortable too. When it comes to utility, however, the Ford can be configured to tow over 13,000 pounds, while the RAM is marginally worse off, with a max towing rating of 12,750 pounds. In terms of safety, the 1500's available LED headlights and other equipment have allowed it to earn the IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ award. Overall, the RAM appears to be a better buy in terms of safety and passenger comfort, and financially it's a more economically prudent choice too. However, the Ford is more capable, and its fans will still flock to dealers to buy the 2020 model.

2020 Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Silverado's pricing is similar to that of the Ford F-150, with the base models of each brand separated by only $195. The Chevy is not vastly different in 2019 to its 2020 version, but again, the Ford still falls short in terms of passenger comfort, with the Silverado boasting features like active noise cancellation. With a maximum towing capacity of 13,400 pounds, the Silverado 1500 is a titan of pulling power. It also offers features like cameras that allow you to keep an eye on what you're pulling. However, in terms of safety, the big Chevy lags behind, with the IIHS' tricky passenger front small overlap test leading to a Marginal rating in that area. The Chevy pulls a point back with slightly better cargo capacity thanks to clever packaging, thus almost bringing us to the conclusion that things are balanced between the two. However, the Ford's engine options - with the exception of its base 3.3-liter motor - are more refined. Overall, personal requirements will dictate which one to choose, but the Ford edges it for us.