Used Ford F-150 Buying Guide Update

These trucks introduce more comfort and convenience features than ever before, giving shoppers the potential to transform their F-150s into mobile workstations, thanks to features like the the Pro Power Onboard electrical generator, Interior Work Surface, and Tailgate Work Surface. The new Max Recline Seats fold nearly flat, giving front passengers the perfect place to take a roadside nap.

This latest crop of F-150 trucks also turns up the heat, with max tow ratings that reach 14,000 pounds. A new hybrid powertrain, the PowerBoost, balances outsized power with up to 25 mpg combined.

Compared to the previous generation, these trucks add two new powertrains:

• Turbocharged 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine (430 horsepower, 570 lb-ft of torque)
• Supercharged 5.2L V8 (700 hp, 640 lb-ft)

Note that you’ll only find the supercharged V8 in the new Raptor R model.

Ford works to keep its bestselling truck a cut above the rest, and so it continues to make changes throughout any given generation. Here’s a look at how these trucks changed, according to model year:

• 2022: The 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine has been discontinued.
• 2023: There are two new options to increase your trail capabilities: the supercharged Raptor R model and the Rattler package, which is available for the base XL model.

These used F-150s were the first to sport aluminum body panels, along with an extra-strength steel frame, which led to all kinds of improvements. For starters, they can tow and haul more than ever before, with best-in-class ratings. But they’re also increasingly efficient and easier to handle, because the new aluminum panels reduce these trucks’ overall weight.

When this generation began, shoppers could select one of four engine options:

• 3.5L V6 (282 hp, 253 lb-ft)
• Turbo 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 375 lb-ft)
• 5.0L V8 (385 hp, 387 lb-ft)
• Turbo 3.5L V6 (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)

From the 2017 model year on, the these Ford F-150 trucks offered a much more powerful engine lineup, along with a pretty efficient turbodiesel option:

• 3.3-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
• Turbocharged 2.7L V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
• 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
• Turbo 3.0L diesel V6 (250 hp, 440 lb-ft)
• Turbo 3.5L V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
• High-output turbo 3.5L V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft)

Here are the important change from this generation of used F-150 trucks, listed by model year:

• 2016: Ford introduces the new SYNC 3 infotainment system, which replaces the old MyFord Touch technology. The available Pro Trailer Backup Assist system debuts to help reverse a trailer in the right direction.
• 2017: A new 10-speed automatic transmission debuts; it’s mated to the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Raptor is back, and it’s loaded with everything you need to hit the trail.
• 2018: These trucks offer a new, more powerful engine lineup, in addition to new exterior styling. The 10-speed automatic transmission is now more widely available, linked with all but the base V6 engine.
• 2020: Every trim model now includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Advanced driver safety aids have been grouped into safety aids, with one package available for the Lariat and up and the other for the top-tier Limited only.

While these trucks may not be as muscular or upscale as more recent additions to the F-150 lineup, they’re certainly capable of getting the job done. Depending on body style, equipment, and powertrain, a truck from this generation has the potential to tow up to 11,300 pounds! These trucks are also known for their many trim levels and body style configurations, leaving used shoppers with a wide selection to meet their needs.

When this generation began, it offered three engine options:

• 4.6L V8 (248 hp, 293 lb-ft)
• High-output 4.6L V6 (292 hp, 320 lb-ft)
• 5.4L V8 (320 hp, 390 lb-ft)

The 2010 and later F-150s offered four powerful new engine options:

• 3.7L V6 (302 hp, 380 lb-ft)
• 5.0L V8 (360 hp, 380 lb-ft)
• 6.2L V8 (411 hp, 434 lb-ft)
• Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 (365 hp, 420 lb-ft)

Here are the important changes from this F-150 generation:

• 2010: The off-road-ready SVT Raptor officially debuts.
• 2011: Look for a stronger engine lineup from this model on, including the turbocharged V6 and three new V8 options. The rugged SVT Raptor is now available with the crew cabin, and the stylish Lariat trim model debuts.
• 2012: These F-150s introduce a neutral towing capability for four-wheel-drive models, allowing them to be towed behind a motorhome. Some models now include a two-speed automatic transfer case or a new limited-slip differential.
• 2013: A new top-of-the-line trim model, the Limited, arrives. The MyFord Touch infotainment system, xenon headlights, and hill descent control are now available. The Harley-Davidson trim model has been discontinued.