2019 Ford F-150 Review
The 2019 Ford F-150 updates its motor offerings and tech features in order to keep it atop the full-size pickup truck segment sales charts.
2019 Ford F-150 – ford.com | Shop 2019 Ford F-150 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2019 Ford F-150?
Big and brawny, the 2019 Ford F-150 cruises into a new model year with powertrain, tech, and trim updates. Limited models now haul keister with the same 450 horsepower twin-turbo mill found in the Raptor while Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models can now be outfitted with the PowerStroke diesel motor. FordPass Connect, with its Wi-Fi functionality, is now included on XLT trim and automatic high beams are standard across the board. On the trim front, a new Camel Back two-tone look joins the options list and the Sport Appearance Package step bars receive styling updates.
The Breakdown
More cab, powertrain, and drivetrain configurations
Raptor power without the off-road kit makes the Limited compelling
As much driver assistance aid as you need
Massaging seats transform utilitarian roots into a luxo-barge
Can be confusing to determine what’s required for max towing
Ford continues to show why its F-150 dominates pickup truck sales
2019 F-150 Specs
- 290 horsepower from base engine
- 265 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 52.8 cu-ft to 77.4 cu-ft box volume
- Towing capacity of 13,200 lbs
- Wi-Fi hotspot is standard from XLT and up
- Curve Control steps in when entering a bend too fast
- Aluminum sheet metal is covered for 5 years
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies complex maneuvers
2019 Ford F-150 Powertrain
Ford’s 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 is the standard engine in lower trim levels and makes 290 hp with 265 lb-ft of torque, running through a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are a trio of twin-turbocharged, EcoBoost V6 options on the 2019 Ford F-150 that pair with a 10-speed automatic, as do the V8 and PowerStroke options.
The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 makes 325 horses, a 3.5-liter version cranks out 375 ponies, and the High-Output (HO) EcoBoost 3.5-liter model produces 450 hp. Ford’s well-known 5.0-liter V8 churns out 395 hp and 400 lb-of torque in F-150 application and the PowerStroke diesel shows off with 440 lb-of torque from its inline-6 configuration.
Towing & Payload
Advertised max towing capability of 13,200 pounds for the 2019 Ford F-150 can be found with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost configured with a specific axle ratio and special trailering packages. The lowest towing figure you’ll find is 5,000 pounds on naturally aspirated V6 models while payload ratings range from 1,730 to 3,230 pounds depending on vehicle configuration.
Ford offers an array of features designed to make trailering work easier including power-telescoping trailer mirrors, stowable loading ramps, and locking bed cleats. Pro Trailer Backup Assist allows drivers to turn a knob in the direction they want the trailer to move, while the car steers itself. The backup camera enables this tech as well as Dynamic Hitch Assist which shows the driver where the trailer ball is located in relation to the receiver.
2019 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy & MPG
Most 2019 Ford F-150s utilize a 23- or 26-gallon gas tank with an extended range 36-gallon unit available. That size is a good thing, as the PowerStroke diesel is the only engine to hit 20 mpg in the city with 25 mpg on the highway. The base 3.3-liter V6 has an EPA estimated 18/23 mpg in city/highway driving when equipped with 4WD, while the smallest EcoBoost adds 1 mpg to each of those figures. The 3.5-sized EcoBoost is close at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the HO version is unsurprisingly dismal at 15/18, respectively.
Though auto start/stop tech is in place on all the F-150 powertrain options, fuel-sipping is not part of the description here, including the five-liter V8 with its city/highway ratings of 16/22 when equipped with four-wheel drive.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2019 Ford F-150 offers three cab configurations – regular with two doors, super with a pair of half-sized rear doors, and super crew that has four, full-sized doors – to appeal to just about any buyers’ intended use. Though you can find vinyl seating in base models, there are plenty of high-end options like leather and climate-controlled seats, not to mention massaging functionality.
Features like ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, and panoramic roof further the ability to mix some lux with the inherent utility of a pickup truck. Rain sensing wipers with built-in de-icing capability, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power-adjustable pedals further the goal of a stress-free driving experience.
Entertainment & Technology
FordPass Connect, with its Wi-Fi modem and an 8” touchscreen with SYNC 3 software, is standard equipment on all 2019 Ford F-150 models except the XL. That includes Apple and Android smartphone integration and a pair of USB charging ports. Navigation is available along with satellite radio and real-time traffic information. Remote tailgate release, dual 110V power outlets, and a variety of exterior camera views are useful features, while entertainment duties are covered with the Bang & Olufson 10-speaker stereo system.
Safety Features
Automatic high beams and AEB are lineup-standard Ford F-150 safety features, but you’ll need to check some option boxes for driver-assistance aids like cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and curve control. Another option is active park assist which will help drivers maneuver in and out of parking spaces. Airbags cover front-row occupants from frontal and side impacts while curtain airbags extend to cover head impacts for both rows.
2019 Ford F-150 Trims & Pricing
XL – $29,750
Essentially a work truck, the XL trim Ford F-150s come with steel wheels, vinyl or cloth seating, and manual-operated windows and locks. Black plastic trim and a basic, urethane steering wheel are made for abuse, not luxury looks. However, automatic high beams and pre-collision assist with automated emergency braking (AEB) are standard features and optional packages like FX4 and the Power Equipment Group offer additional amenities.
XLT – $33,755
Fog lamps, alloy rims, and chrome trim denote the true, entry-level XLT trim. An 8” touchscreen handles SYNC 3 infotainment duties with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration baked in. The XLT Equipment Group yields a power adjustable driver seat, leather steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Stand-alone options include a panoramic moonroof and power sliding rear glass.
Lariat – $43,010
Cracking 40 grand, the Lariat is outfitted with 18” wheels, body color trim, push button start, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Cabin comfort is upgraded with dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leather seats that are heated and ventilated for the driver. The Equipment Group at this level is laden with fanciness like a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system and heated second row seating.
King Ranch – $53,985
Two-tone paint and giant chrome badges make it hard to miss the Ford F-150 King Ranch, not to mention the size 20 shoes that come with its Equipment Group. The nearly 400 hp 5.0-liter V8 is the standard engine here and niceties like real wood interior trim, full LED lighting, and navigation work to justify its price point. Optional massaging seats and power-deployable running boards move this F-150 further upmarket.
Platinum – $56,515
As the Platinum name implies, satin and chrome-colored exterior accents are everywhere on this model along with aluminum appliques on the inside. Power running boards and 20” rims are included as are the ActiveMotion seats that play masseuse on your back. The Platinum Equipment Group nets adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera view.
Limited – $68,730
You won’t find an equipment group on Limited models, but you will find 22” wheels, the twin-panel moonroof, and plenty of oversized LIMTED badging. The upsized, 36-gallon gas tank is a good thing, as this nearly $70,000 F-150 is powered by the same high-output (HO) EcoBoost engine found in the Raptor that makes a heady 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Warranties
Skeptics of the aluminum body panels on 2019 Ford F-150s should appreciate the 5 years, with unlimited mileage, of coverage for any corrosion. That same period covers perforation of non-aluminum parts as well as paint adhesion. The bumper-to-bumper warranty is good for 3 years/36,000 miles and powertrain bits receive 5 years or 60,000 miles of coverage. There is also a 5 year/60,000-mile roadside assistance warranty on new F-150s.
What we think
2019 Ford F-150 – ford.com | Shop 2019 Ford F-150 on Carsforsale.com
Anyone shopping for a pickup truck is all but guaranteed to be considering a Ford F-150 thanks to its long reign of sales success. With the 2019 Ford F-150 model, that consideration should certainly continue thanks to plenty of worthwhile updates to the powertrain and tech fronts.
