Ford F-150

The redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 might not have looked much different than the previous-generation model, but it introduced a bevy of innovative new features, including an available onboard electric generator and the F-150’s first hybrid powertrain. Called PowerBoost, the hybrid setup paired a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with a 35-kilowatt electric motor and 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, delivering an impressive 430 horsepower and 570 pounds-feet of torque. The Pro Power Onboard generator system could provide up to 7.2 kW of power through outlets in the cabin and truck bed — a game-changing feature for work sites and outdoor adventures. Other notable available features included Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, fold-flat seats, and a power-operated tailgate with integrated work surfaces. The high-performance, off-road-ready F-150 Raptor continued into the new generation, gaining an even wilder (and pricier) V-8-powered Raptor R version for 2023. A line-wide refresh for 2024 brought mildly updated styling and newly available features including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which automatically lines up and backs the truck directly to a trailer for easier hitching, and a Pro Access Tailgate with a built-in center door for easier access to the bed.

This F-150 borrows design themes from Ford’s Super Duty lineup; large headlights and a big front grille give it plenty of road presence. It also provides customers with a huge amount of choice when it comes to options and powertrains. A weight loss of approximately 700 pounds is the main theme of the current F-150. While the frame of the truck is still made of steel, nearly every other part of the body — including the entire cargo bed — is made of weight-saving aluminum. By dropping the excess pounds, Ford was able to offer customers a choice of smaller, more efficient powertrains. For 2018, F-150s are available with five V-6 engines (including a new turbo-diesel 3.0-liter) and a 5.0-liter V-8. Turbocharged versions of the 2.7- and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 constitute the majority of F-150 sales — a notable achievement in a market once dominated by big V-8s. Transmissions range from six- to 10-speed automatics.

The 12th generation of the F-150 is memorable for the introduction of Ford’s EcoBoost engine in 2011. The engine lineup now included an optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that promised V-8 levels of power with the fuel economy of a V-6. The bulk of the lineup could be had with a naturally aspirated V-6 or a new 5.0-liter V-8. At the upper end of the power spectrum was a pair of 5.4- and 6.2-liter V-8 engines with up to 411 horsepower on tap. Fans of the departed Lightning were heartened by the arrival of the SVT Raptor, a truck that paired off-road prowess with true performance punch. The cabin of the F-150 became increasingly carlike and luxurious, especially in upper trim levels.