The Ford F-series is the best selling pickup line in America, and the 2025 F-150 continues to demonstrate why that’s the case. The F-150 impresses on all levels, from the forward thinking, advanced XL to the road-ripping, no holds barred Raptor, the 2025 Ford F-150 not only has something for everyone, but it manages to provide one of the most versatile platforms available in the 2025 model year.
Curious to see what all the buzz is? This article goes over the 2025 F-150, answering some of the internet’s most burning questions about the Midsize Pickup to help provide the big picture to prospective buyers in the market for a new truck this year.
Key Takeaways
- The F-series is the best selling pickup line in the United States, and the 2025 Ford F-150 continues to demonstrate why that’s the case.
- The 2025 F-150 is available in a very wide variety of trims this year, with its potential for customization being a strong selling point.
- There’s something for everyone this year, whether you’d prefer a larger platform with heavy duty capabilities, or something lighter and better suited for light work, there’s an F-150 for everyone.
How much does an F-150 cost?
The cost of your F-150 will be dependent on which trim you opt for. There’s a wide variety available this year, and each comes with its own variety of features that means each F-150 is unique. The base trim, the XL, starts at an estimated cost of $38,710. It brings with it some retro-inspired styling that evokes midsize pickups of the 90s in its wheels and in particular it’s squared off styling. Additionally, quality of life features like keyless entry, LED headlights, and vinyl flooring help really bridge the gap between classic and modern for this versatile work truck, which comes standard with a turbocharged 2.7 liter V6, which is rated for 325 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque.
The STX is the next trim up, and is starting at an MSRP of $42,915. Its main selling point is the wider suite of customization options that it provides over the XL, as well as its improved 20-inch wheels. The XLT is another trim up, and this year it starts at an MSRP of $45,595. We’ll get a bit further into the XLT’s features later, when we compare it with the XL to see which of the two trims reigns supreme.
At a glance, the LARIAT is up next, and this year it starts at an MSRP of $63,260, taking its rightful place as the “mid-premium” trim in the range. The King Ranch and Platinum, two sister trims, both start at $74,805, and are the most luxurious trims of the F-150.
Finally ,the Raptor, the top trim level of the F150, starts at $78,905. More focused on outright performance than comfort, that price tag covers a custom engine, custom offroad shocks, and more features than we can list for a truck that pulls out all the stops in its pursuit of offroad glory.
What F-150 engine is the best?
Again that depends on your needs. The F150 comes with a wide variety of engines this year, with a few being available as options for most trims in the range. These include a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 and stepping up to a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8, a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, and a 400-hp hybrid powertrain that consists of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 and a 47-hp electric motor. It’s these latter three engines that could all easily claim the title of “the best”, depending on what it is one is looking for in their F-150.
For those wanting the ultimate in range, the Hybrid is undeniably the choice to make. For those needing that old fashioned V8 sound and power, the 5.0L V8 undeniably excels at providing both. But for those looking for the power of a V8, and the efficiency provided by a smaller engine, while also saving themselves some cash upfront, the V6 is a respectable choice that can really hold its own.
Which is better, the Ford F-150 XL or XLT?
Both are quite formidable, but it’s hard to deny the XLT goes above and beyond the XL when looking solely at the features it provides. Besides the wider range of options, the XLT offers plenty of features that you just won’t find on the XL, including 18-inch Alloy Wheels, Carpets, A Power-adjustable driver’s seat, and even features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 360-degree camera system, when even provides you with a top-down view of the F-150 to help during tricky parking situations!
Considering that the XLT also provides all of the base features of the XL, which is no slouch considering it comes equipped with a rather nice digital instrument panel, as well as a 12 inch touchscreen and integrated Apple CarPlay.Android Auto. Additionally, the XL also holds its own in terms of driver safety features like Lane Keeping Assistance, Forward Collision and blindspot warning, and rear automatic braking.
Essentially, the XLT more than makes up for its increased price tag considering its wide breadth of features, but the XL is such a solid truck that those who are okay with missing out on the creature comforts of the XLT will find themselves well served by a truck that aims to please with its modern interior and features that one might expect from a future facing crossover more so than a rugged midsize pickup truck, and in the 2025 model year, that’s a great thing.
Summary
In summary, the F-150 shows why it’s deserving of its 9/10 from Car and Driver. From its updated interior, wide variety of creature comforts, and top-tier customization options make for a veritable contender in the 2025 model year.