No truck enthusiast will be surprised to learn that the Ford F-150 is America’s best selling pickup truck. In fact, it has held that same ranking for over four decades. In recent years, Ford averaged more than 900,000 Ford F-150s sold annually. From the original F-150 released in 1948 to the recently introduced electric Ford F-150 Lightning, it is poised to maintain its position as the best selling pickup truck for years to come. We’re diving into what makes the F-150 stand out and how it earns its position as a favorite of truck owners from all walks of life.
Ford F-150’s Credit Ford Motor Company
How the F-150 Earned its Top Spot
Ford strikes a perfect balance with the F-150. It’s a full-size truck that handles like a family car, it’s powerful and rugged but still lightweight, and it comes in so many variations that it can meet any driver’s needs. These are a few of the top attributes that establish the F-150’s reputation:
Classic design: What’s more American than a Ford pickup truck? Even with every year’s improvements and updates, the F-150 retains its classic, familiar look. For some it’s a nostalgic style, and for others it simply communicates Ford’s reputation.
Ruggedness: The F-150 is equally useful at a worksite and a campsite. Whether you’re putting in daily commute miles or taking offroad adventures, an F-150 is a natural choice. Ford is notorious for the rigorous testing they put their vehicles through. The result is a pickup that drivers can rely on no matter the conditions. Understandably, a great reputation matters to drivers and helps boost the F-150’s ranking.
Power: The 2021 F-150 comes in 6 different engine choices including the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 which offers the greatest towing capacity maximum of 14,000 lbs. With so many options, you can choose the best engine for your needs without compromising on power.
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Credit Ford Motor Company
Fuel efficiency: Due to a primarily aluminum design, the F-150 can maintain a lower weight than comparable pickups. This allows it to boast an improved fuel efficiency rating, which is even better in the F-150 Hybrid.
Easy handling: You’ll notice right away that this pickup offers a smooth, quiet ride. It’s known for great suspension so you won’t feel bumps the same as you might in a competitor’s truck.
Customizable: In order to appeal to a broad range of drivers, Ford offers tons of ways to make the F-150 your own. From trim packages to cab sizes and bed sizes to multiple engine options: the F-150 can feel like a custom-made truck.
Ford F-150 Customization & Specs
Speaking of customization, the F-150 comes in 7 standard trim packages:
- Ford F-150 XL
- Ford F-150 XLT
- Ford F-150 Lariat
- Ford F-150 King Ranch
- Ford F-150 Platinum
- Ford F-150 Limited
- Ford F-150 Raptor
And that’s not all you can customize for your F-150. You can also choose between 3 cab sizes: regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew Cab.
With so many options available, you can basically build your own truck. If you’re looking for a high-end experience and plenty of space, you could go with a 2021 Ford F-150 Limited SuperCrew Cab, while a more utilitarian option could be the Ford F-150 XL. If you’re especially focused on performance and high torque, you might consider searching for a Ford F-150 Raptor 2021 for sale.
2021 Ford Raptor Credit Ford Motor Company
Wondering how much a Ford F-150 can tow? According to Ford, the 2021 F-150 can tow a maximum of 14,000 lbs with an available payload rating of 3,325 lbs. Check out their website for a full rundown on Ford F-150 tow specs.
What if you’re looking to save money at the gas station without going fully electric? The 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid might be a good option for you. You can count on improving your gas mileage by 4 miles per gallon over a traditional Ford F-150. That may not sound like a lot, but it means a 20% improvement! As far as pickups go, the Ford F-150 Hybrid’s MPG of 24 is nothing to scoff at.
What about weight? The 2020 Ford F-150 curb weight falls between 4,069 - 5,684 lbs depending on trim package. The 2021 weight range is similar: 4,021 - 5,014 lbs.
Top Accessories for Ford F-150
Looking to accessorize your Ford F-150? The great thing about owning a truck is that even once you choose your make and model, you can keep customizing as much as you need. From truck caps, to racks, to bed liners, to tonneau covers, the options are practically limitless. Here are the main accessories you might consider:
- Floor Liners: Solid rubber mats save you clean up time and prevent damage to the cloth floor mats that your truck comes with. Tough mats can be hosed off or run through the washer belt at the car wash for a quick refresh.
- Tonneau Cover: Truck bed covers protect whatever you’re hauling in your F-150. Whether it’s camping gear, tools for work, luggage, or a kayak, you’ll want to keep it covered up. Tonneau covers come in a huge range of options from single-piece fiberglass covers with perfectly matched paint to rolling soft covers and everything in between. We put together a list of the best tonneau covers for F-150s, which features the only type of tonneau cover that can protect tall and large cargo: the Sawtooth STRETCH tonneau.
Sawtooth STRETCH Tonneau
Conclusion
The Ford F-150 is a classic that has earned its spot at the top of every list of most popular trucks. It strikes the perfect balance of power, easy handling, and solid gas mileage. Are you in the market for a truck or the owner of a new pickup? Our team is happy to answer any of your truck-related questions, including how to choose cargo management accessories like the Sawtooth STRETCH. Give us a call at 801-692-3368 or shop our Ford F-150 tonneau covers online.