2025 Ford F-150

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

The F-150 continues to be a workhorse but it adds more tech, advanced safety features, and a hybrid version for the 2021 model year. The mildly upgraded cabin remains very quiet, and the crew cabs we tested are super roomy. The popular 2.7-liter turbo-V6 provides effortless acceleration and respectable fuel economy, at 19 mpg overall. The new "PowerBoost" hybrid has loads of power and gets 20 mpg overall. The F-150's ride and handling have improved slightly. Clever new features include a foldaway gear selector that creates a flat workspace, a tailgate designed to serve as a workbench, and an optional built-in generator with the ability to power job-site equipment. The F-150 has Ford's easy-to-use, new Sync 4 infotainment system. Every F-150 comes with standard FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection. An all-electric version of the F-150 called the Lightning, is also available. A refresh in 2024 made the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 the standard engine option and all versions got a 12-inch infotainment screen. Both BSW and RCTW became standard. Ford's BlueCruise active driving assistance system also became available.