The Ford F-150 has been the most popular pickup truck in the United States for 47 years, and spans fourteen generations. According to the Blue Oval, it’s been the best-selling vehicle in the US for over four decades. The design, engineering, and excellent capability of the F-150 contribute to its longevity on the best-sellers list in a country that’s exceptionally fond of pickup trucks – and it shows no signs of slowing down.
If you aren’t one of the 350,000-plus Americans who invested in an F-Series truck in 2024, and you’re looking at buying a new pickup, you’ll want to know which F-150 is the best for you. The F-150’s trim selection can be confusing, as there are eight grades to choose from, ranging in power, capability, and features. It can be confusing trying to identify which trims prioritize what; CarBuzz will help you to understand what each trim level is, what it costs, and how you can maximize your budget.
All trim details, specifications, and features were sourced from Ford’s official website. Pricing is as per Ford’s official MSRP figures listed, and excludes options and destination/handling fees. Quoted MSRP figures pertain to the trim level in it’s cheapest form in terms of body style and bed length, with the base engine included.
F-150 XL
YT: Ben Hardy
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $36,965 Available in regular, SuperCrew, and Super Cab body styles 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is standard, 5.0-liter V8 on regular cab models Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance suite is standard
At the entry point to the range, the XL represents the cheapest model in the lineup. It’s served in this capacity for over 40 years, offering the least amount of kit for the least amount of money. It’s a versatile model with various cab styles and bed lengths available, and the choice between 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains. While a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is standard on all but the regular cab models, you can opt for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 or Ford’s Coyote V8, instead – the latter is the base engine if you only want two doors. You’re also treated to a standard Class IV hitch receiver, meaning you can tow up to 13,500 pounds when equipped with the Tow/Haul package and the 5.0-liter V8. This grade is perfect for those who don’t need too many creature comforts, and only require the bare minimum to get the job done; the XL will most likely live its life as a workhorse around the job site.
F-150 STX
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $44,000 Available in SuperCrew and Super Cab only Standard 2.7-liter V6, optional 5.0-liter V8 20-inch wheels, available electronic-locking read differential
The main difference between the base model and this one is that it comes with bigger wheels and a nicer interior. This includes Sport Cloth over the low-rent cloth in the XL and the option to tack on a few exterior enhancements. Unlike its bargain brother, the SXT only has two powertrain choices, and can’t be had with the regular two-door cab. The main drawcard of this trim is the options list available to it – it costs around $2,700 more than an equivalent XL, but here you can kit out your work truck to a much more comfortable and usable degree. Ford offers their Mobile Office Package on the STX, which allows you to turn the center console into a flip-down desk of sorts. This is the trim to choose if you need a more livable daily work truck.
F-150 XLT
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $47,730 Super Cab and SuperCrew formats available Four powertrain choices, including 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid V6 Upgraded safety suite, 18-inch wheels, and available luxuries
The XLT trim is the F-150’s bread and butter – it’s the most popular trim based on buyer stats. The core difference between the XLT and the STX is that it looks slightly more upmarket thanks to chrome bumpers, black handles, and a blacked-out grille. Inside, you can upgrade to leather seating, add a sunroof, and add heating and ventilation to the seats. The main selling point here is the available luxuries, along with the brand’s 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid V6 engine. It comes with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft but offers much improved fuel economy – with EPA ratings of 22/24/23 mpg over the regular V6’s 16/24/19 mpg (according to the EPA comparison of similarly-specified 4WD trucks). So, if you’re looking for the cheapest way into a hybrid F-150 – this is the trim for you.
F-150 Tremor
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $64,350 SuperCrew only with 5.0-liter V8 or 3.50liter V6 4×4 only, upgraded axle, locking rear diff Available two-speed four-wheel drive system and hi-lock transfer case
The jump to the Tremor trim is a substantial one, but for that you get an off-road focused pickup that comes kitted out to take on rougher terrain. The Tremor is a relatively new option for the F-150, having been introduced as a standalone package in 2021. The 2024 Tremor comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires and axle upgrades on both ends, features long-travel shocks on the front and rear to better cope with off-road bumps and bangs, and it gets an electronically-locking differential off the factory floor – a head-up display and heated front seats are also standard. Already 4×4 only, the Tremor can be upgraded with a two-speed four-wheel drive system and a hi-lock transfer case. If you’re the adventuring type and want a pickup that can handle the rough stuff, you’ll want to start your shopping here.
F-150 Lariat
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $65,395 SuperCrew and 4×4 only – V8, V6, or Full Hybrid engine options Can be optioned with Ford’s BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving 20-inch wheels, model-specific grille, and all-LED exterior lighting
Far more luxurious than any other model we’ve seen so far, the Lariat comes with ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, and heated front seats. You can even option your rear seats with heating. It doesn’t cost too much more than the Tremor, but those added costs go to switching out the off-road kit from the Tremor for more opulent-feeling elements in the cabin. Back in the day, the Lariat was the top-end trim level, although today it sits squarely in the middle of the trim levels, although its luxurious roots still shine through. An extended-range 36-gallon fuel tank and dual exhausts are also part of the package. If you’re looking for a truck that’s less laborer and more classy, the Lariat shoud be your first port of call in the lineup.
F-150 King Ranch
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $73,845 SuperCrew, 4×4 only – choice of EcoBoost V6 or PowerBoost Hybrid V6 Twinned with the Platinum trim as the highest-end luxury offered on an F-150 Can be optioned with a power tailgate
Next up is the F-150 King Ranch, which holds the title as most luxurious F-150 trim alongside the Platinum which is priced exactly the same. The difference between these two luxury trims is the overall look of the truck, as the King Ranch has a more down-home, Texas-type countenance – this is achieved through bespoke two-tone paint, accent-colored bumpers, and a chrome grille surround with bronze accents. It also gains a twin-panel moonroof as standard which the Platinum doesn’t get. Like all of the trucks on this end of the lineup, a wide variety of options are available to make it even more luxurious. If you want a truck with character and opulence, this is a good bet.
F-150 Platinum
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $73,845 Sits alongside King Ranch as range-toppers Body style, powertrain, and drivetrain options are the same as the King Ranch
The Platinum is virtually the same as the King Ranch, but it has a few model-specific touches that set it apart. The mechanics are similar, but here you don’t get the moonroof standard – you have to pay extra for that. But you do get glossy black 20-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers, satin aluminum handles, and a gloss black grille. Bucket seats come standard with leather and unique trim options – and the front seats are heated. The Platinum is for those who want the best the lineup has to offer, but in a more understated way. Much like the King Ranch, you can option your Platinum with things like a power tailgate, the FX4 Package, and also stowable loading ramps, which make loading up something like a dirt bike much easier.
F-150 Raptor
Ford
Trim Highlights
MSRP: $78,440 3.5-liter EcoBoost High Output Engine or 5.2-liter Supercharged V8 as Raptor R FOX shocks, hi-lock transfer case, electronic locking rear differential
Last on our list of F-150 trims is the Raptor, a modified version of the F-150 meant to do astounding things off-road, while also maintaining a sense of comfort and civility on the road. Released back in 2010, the Raptor has been the most popular off-road-oriented pickup truck for the last 14 years. The Raptor’s accessories are largely standard, such as FOX shock absorbers, LT315/70 R17 BFGoodrich KO2 tires, and a stance that measures seven inches wider than the normal F-150. The standard motor is a high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 which makes 450 horses. Those who want the full 720-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 will have to pay up, as the Raptor R’s price starts at $109,145.
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Sources: Ford.com, FuelEconomy.gov