Our thirst for the full size truck is a distinctly American affair, and the Ford F-Series is America’s best selling vehicle year in and year out for the past 47 years. Now in its whopping fourteenth generation, the F-150 now comes in gas, diesel, and electric versions. Right now, Ford is pushing a number of incentives to move units of the F-150. You just might be able to get an amazing price on a brand new full size truck.
The Ford-F-Series encompasses a lot of different bodystyles and trims, so buckle up for this fast paced primer. The cheapest F-150 XL starts at $33,835 for the 2023 model year, up to $36,770 msrp for 2024 XL; Ford’s website indicates that there are some 2023 models in stock. An 8 inch touchscreen is standard, however, as is a rear view camera with hitch assist. The standard motor is a 3.3L V6 with a none-too-shabby 290 horsepower and 265 lb ft of torque; you will not have to drive around town in a four cylinder like the base version of the Silverado “TurboMax.” The XL can also be had in long bed, extra cab (rear jump seat), and actual four door. The number of combinations is a bit mind-bending, but expect to pay north of $40,000 for a truck with four seats and a longer bed, and north of $45,000 for a four door truck.
The number of trims beyond the base XL are many; XLT starting at $47,620 msrp, Lariat $65,195 msrp, King Ranch $73,735 msrp, Platinum $73,735, and 2023 Limited $83,010 (this not counting the $76,775 Raptor performance truck nor its big brother Raptor R); Limited was dropped for 2024. XLT adds aluminum wheels (vs. steel), chrome bumper trim, fog lamps, LED head and taillamps, rain sensing wipers, and a handful of safety and infotainment options; the XLT makes standard many things which are options on the XL. All F-150s can be ordered with four wheel drive (costing about four grand), and there are a whopping six engines to choose from, including the aforementioned 3.3L V6, as well as a 2.7L turbo V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5L V6 with 375 hp and 470 torque, a 3.5L high output V6 with 450 hp and 510 torque, a turbodiesel V6 with 250 hp/440 torque, and lastly, a 5.0 liter V8 for the traditionalist, with 395hp and 400 lb ft of torque. The 3.5L V6 is best for towing, which is rated up to 13,200 pounds, and can haul 3,230 pounds in the bed. All F-Series come with a 10 speed automatic transmission; days of rowing your own truck are far in the past.
The F-Series Super Duty starts at $44,970 msrp for F-250 XL, $46,015 for F-350 XL, $58,455 For F-450 XL dually quad cab, and so on until the range hits $97,270 for the F-350 Limited quad cab and $103,040 for the F-450 Limited. In-between XL’s and Platinums are some of Ford’s most popular trims, such as the Lariat with its dual zone electric climate control, 12 inch screen, push button start, assisted braking and lane-keeping system, dome light, grab handles, tilt and telescoping wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a host of other creature comforts. Sirius XM and Ford’s Sync 4 are also standard, as well as the icing on the Lariat cake, leather trimmed seating surfaces.
The new F-Series Lightning usurps the name from a vehicle which was fairly different from it. No longer a rear-wheel drive tire-burning muscle car, the new F-150 Lightning is all electric. As of Summer 2024, Ford still has unsold 2023 F-150 Lightnings listed for sale on their website. With 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, the F-150 Lightning is no electric slouch, with all-wheel drive and dual electric motors, turning out the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds and 0-60 in 4 seconds flat. At 6,855 pounds, it is a bit of a porker — roughly 1,000 pounds more than a conventional F-150.
Right now Ford has a host of offers on the F-150. Attractive lease offers are available on STX Super Crew. There are also great cash back offers on 2024 F-150, as well as low APR’s on 2024 XL, XLT, and Lariat. F-150 Lightning (electric) has an extra-low APR due to excess inventory. Lastly Ford has military discount offers, as well as for First Responders and Students.
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