What Is The Best Year For A Used Ford F-150?

Ford is well known for building the toughest, most rugged trucks on the market, built to handle substantial towing and hauling with off-road capacity and an appetite for hard work. Year after year, Ford introduces new Ford F-150 models that change the game, making it tough to decide whether to buy a new or pre-owned model of America's Favorite Truck given the number of new features introduced yearly and the affordability of a powerhouse older model still going strong. What is the best year for a used Ford F-150? Let's explore some of the pre-owned models driving Ford's legacy today.

In 2015, the Ford F-150 received a design update. Many drivers on their truck-buying journey may ask, "What is the best year for a used Ford F-150 with the best fuel economy?" The 2015 Ford F-150's lighter aluminum body was a massive advantage for saving on fuel, weighing 700 lbs. less than previous models. This model wasn't perfect, however, as it did reportedly experience 16 recalls, including the need to replace ball joints and solve electrical and engine problems. However, as long as the 2015 Ford F-150 has been serviced for all recalls, it is a suitable and excellent drive for the cost of a used pickup. This model year introduced the safety features in most new trucks today, such as a 360-degree camera and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The 2016 model year for the Ford F-150 is another excellent choice, as it included more updates to the recently refreshed design of the 2015 Ford F-150, such as the hands-free-enabled SYNC® 3 infotainment system. Additionally, towing became significantly more accessible with the introduction of Pro Trailer Backup Assist, simplifying the process of reversing a trailer by including a dial that assists with setting a preferred backup direction. Combined with the lighter-weight aluminum body introduced with the 2015 Ford F-150, this substantially improved the overall fuel efficiency of the lineage of the Ford F-150 when towing is involved. What is the best year for a used Ford F-150 if you're looking for more technology without going too modern? The 2016 Ford F-150 is your best match.

Any Ford F-150 model introduced after 2017 continues the legacy with better reliability and overall quality, introducing new technology features such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Wi-Fi connectivity to the SYNC® 3 Infotainment system. The 2017 Ford F-150 model was also introduced with the choice of an available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 or 5.0L V8 engine, equipped with the available 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford especially focused on off-roading this year with the re-introduction of the Raptor® trim, providing better FOX® off-road shock absorbers, skid plates, four-wheel-drive operability with the Terrain Management System, and a 450 horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine. 

What is the best overall year for a used Ford F-150? Without a doubt, the 2019 Ford F-150 stands out above the rest. This model year brought higher towing capacity to the Ford F-150 lineup, as the 2019 Ford F-150 delivered up to an available 13,200 lbs. of total weight, so long as it's properly equipped. This powerful truck model year also came with particularly comfortable features, including massaging front bucket seats and a panoramic sunroof as part of the Limited trim. Those seeking off-road adventure may consider the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor® for its 450-horsepower motor and upgraded shock absorbers introduced during this model year.