Ford has reworked the F-150 for 2018 with cosmetic updates, new active safety systems, and some healthy powertrain upgrades. A new front fascia and modifications to the taillights and tailgate constitute the exterior changes, along with new wheel choices. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are now present, too. But the biggest changes happen under the hood.

Ford has upgraded nearly every engine option. The base 3.5-liter V-6 has been replaced with a new 3.3-liter V-6 with more power and better efficiency. Both the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 have been improved with more power. Ford’s 10-speed automatic now comes standard on all but the base V-6. Best of all, an all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6 turbodiesel joins the lineup. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 carries over unchanged, though it received a huge update for the 2017 model year. The same is true for the 2017 F-150 Raptor’s High-Output 3.5-liter EcoBoost. The F-150 is Ford’s biggest seller and highest profit-maker, so it’s completely understandable why Ford pays it so much attention. The current F-150 debuted for the 2015 model year, so it’s not really old. In fact, it still remains the newest full-size, half-ton pickup among the Big Three – beating the Chevy Silverado by a year and the Ram 1500 by six. Only the 2017 Nissan Titan is newer.

Update 08/09/2017: EPA estimates for the 2018 F-150’s fuel economy have been released. Efficiency improves for the base V-6, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, and the V-8. Towing and Payload stats are also announced.

Continue reading for details on the 2018 Ford F-150.

2018 Ford F-150

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Ford F-150
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Ford designers have brought new life to the F-150’s front end. The grille, headlights, and front bumper have been reworked. The grille is now larger, incorporating a hexagonal shape that dips into the bumper, forming a more detail-rich area. Horizontal bars split the grille and run into the headlights. Like before, different trim levels have grille inserts, colors, and shapes. Some of the trims, for example, have faux intake openings near the headlights. Another trim has no horizontal bar at all, but rather places the large Ford Blue Oval in the middle of a black honeycomb grille.

Out back, the tailgate has a new design and the taillights have a more bulging appearance. Some trim levels get a tailgate with “F-150” stamped right into the aluminum, much like the stampings found on the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.

The rest of the 2018 F-150’s aluminum remains unchanged. That’s not a bad thing, however, as the F-150 still remains the newest full-size truck on the market. GM’s twins were new in 2014 and the Ram 1500 debuted back in 2009. Both GM and Ram trucks have received updates since then, but the F-150’s bones continue to be the freshest.

The F-150 continues to offer functionality mixed with its form. Tow hooks protrude from under the front bumper, making vehicle recovery a snap. A two-inch receiver hitch resides under the rear bumper and both four- and seven-pin wiring connectors are mounted beside the license plate. Side steps for the cab are available, as well as foldout steps for the cargo bed. In addition, Ford’s tired and true tailgate step returns unchanged for 2018, though its method of collapse has been reworked since its debut several years ago.

Trucks with 4WD come with extra underbody skid plating to help protect vital components from damage, and all but the base trims come standard with front fog lights. On upper trims and optional on mid-level trims, Ford offers the side mirror spotlights, which illuminate the area beside the truck. Though the feature only works when parked, the lights help productivity carry into the night.

The Competition

The two biggest competitors for the Ford F-150 are the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500. This rivalry has been going on for longer than most have been alive, but it’s been the F-150 that’s taken the title of “best-sell pickup” for 40 years now.

The Silverado was refreshed for the 2016 model year, getting a new face with a sleeker, more streamlined yet aggressive grille and headlight arrangement. Though the rest of the truck remained unchanged from its 2014 introduction, the 2016 update has kept the Silverado selling strong. Like the Ford, the Silverado has the same utility scattered around its exterior. Tow hooks, trailer hitches, wiring connectors, and underbody skid plates are all present. The Chevy take a different approach to getting into the cargo bed, however. It doesn’t use a fold-out step, but rather incorporates steps in its bumper and a hand-grab at the bed rail.

The Ram is the oldest truck here and was last refreshed for the 2013 model year. Ram continues using its big-rig styling made famous with the 1994 model Dodge Ram. The raised hood, lowered fenders, and wrap-around headlights are now an iconic feature for Ram that’s not likely to disappear anytime soon. Its crosshair grille is also a staple for the Ram 1500, though it is being phased out with a new grille design. And like the other two, the Ram comes with tow hooks, trailer, hitches, and the like. Folks will have to climb their way into the cargo bed, though, as Ram hasn’t devised a proprietary method to get into the bed. Ram’s biggest “cool” feature is its optional RamBox system. The bed-wall storage boxes offer lockable storage for whatever you need to keep safe.

Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab

Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab

Ram 1500

Ford F-150 Regular Cab

Ford F-150 Super Cab

Wheelbase (Inches)

119.0

143.5

120.5

122.4

145.0

Length (Inches)

205.5

230.0

209.0

209.3

231.9

Width (Inches)

80.0

80.0

79.4

79.9

79.9

Height (Inches)

74.0

73.9

74.6

75.5

75.5


Interior

Nothing has changed with the F-150’s interior. While that might be a boring fact, the F-150’s diggs are still fresh from 2015 and are also used in the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups. The cabin includes some highly thought-out ergonomics, glare-free materials, and smart storage spaces. Of course, the F-150 comes in a variety of trim levels and three cab sizes, offering something for everybody. The fleet customer needed a new batch of work trucks will go for the XL trim and perhaps the regular cab. The middle-class guy who doesn’t need extra space for a full-time family might go for the XLT or Lariat trim with the SuperCab configuration. The lead contractor who has to haul an architect and building owner to a job site might go for the SuperCrew decked out in an upper trim level like the King Ranch, Platinum, or Limited.

The base F-150 continues to come with rubber floors, vinyl or optional cloth bench seats, and a basic radio with AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth/AUX/XM. Getting higher into the trims brings a full center console with a console shifter. Leather seats and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system are standard in the Lariat and higher trims. New for 2018, SNYC 3 now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The range-topping Limited trim could compete with Germany’s best. Supple, two-tone leather seats with heating, cooling, and massaging hold front occupants, while a panoramic moonroof shows the stars overhead. A premium audio system keeps folks entertained while a 360-degree camera system makes low-speed maneuvers a breeze.

The Competition

Both the Chevy and the Ram have similar interior configurations, ranging from bargain basement work truck to top-of-the-line luxury with swanky features around every corner.

The Chevy offers at least eight trim levels that span this gap. The base WT, or Work Truck, comes with rubber floors, vinyl seats, and crank windows. Yes, that do-it-yourself method is still around in 2017. The mid-grade LS and LT trims offer a growing number of standard features, including the available 8.0-inch MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A bench seat is standard, but front buckets with a full center console is available. The range-topping High Country brings a western-style motif with deep brown leather seats with heating and cooling functions, and wood accents. Still, the Chevy does lag behind the Ford in terms of outright luxury.

The Ram 1500 offers the same wide-ranging selection between a work truck and something you could drive to the opera house. Ram actually offers 11 trims, to be exact, more than either of its competition. Differentiating the Ram apart is the Rebel trim, which adds an off-road theme to the entire truck. Inside, the seats get a leather and suede treatment with tire track imprints. Anodized aluminum and red accents are also found throughout the cabin. For those wanting the ultimate in cowboy, the Laramie Longhorn trim brings saddle-brow leather seats with western-style stitching and belt-bucket clasps on the rear map pockets. The range-topping Limited offers open-pore wood, metal accents, and soft leather seating.

Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab

Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab

Ram 1500 Regular Cab

Ram 1500 Quad Cab

Ford F-150 Regular Cab

Ford F-150 Super Cab

Headroom front/rear (Inches)

42.4

42.8/38.7

39.9

41.0/39.7

40.8

40.8/40.3

Legroom front/rear (Inches)

45.3

45.3/34.6

41.0

41.0/34.7

43.9

43.9/33.5

Shoulder room front/rear (Inches)

66

65.9/65.8

66.0

66.0/65.7

66.7

66.7/65.8

Hip room front/rear (Inches)

60.7

60.7/60.2

62.9

63.2/62.9

62.5

62.5/64.7


Drivetrain

Ford has reworked every engine under the F-150’s hood – all except the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. That engine underwent a full revamp for the 2017 model year, so it’s still hot off the drawing board. This includes its high-output version available only in the Raptor. Every other engine, however, is new. Best of all, Ford has introduced a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6 turbodiesel. Sadly, Ford remains quite on the hybrid powertrain it previously confirmed.

The base 3.5-liter V-6 is gone, replaced by a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V-6. The engine boasts both port- and direct-injection for increased fuel economy. Despite the slightly smaller size the 3.3-liter makes 290 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm – representing an increase of eight horses and 12 pound-feet over the outgoing 3.5-liter.

The impressive 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 follows its big brother’s footsteps and undergoes a full generational change. This new second-gen engine has both port and direct fuel injection, along with reduced internal friction and stronger internal materials. Horsepower remains at 325 at 5,000 rpm, but torque increases by 25 to 400 pound-feet at 2,750.

The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 also gets both port and direct fuel injection. An anti-friction coating borrowed from the Ford Mustang GT350 coats the cylinder walls for improved efficiency and increased power. The combined result is 395 horsepower at 5,750 and 400 pound-feet of torque at 3,850 rpm. That’s an increase of 10 horses and 13 pound-feet.

And of course, we can’t leave out the 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel. The new engine will be called the Power Stroke, and like its big brother, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 in the Super Duty, it was designed and tested in-house. The secret that Ford isn’t saying is that this engine has already been around for a while. See, it’s the same 3.0-liter V-6 that’s found in Jaguar Land Rover’s products. Ford’s ties with JLR are still present, despite the nameplates having been sold to Tata years ago.

Ford did not announced or even hint at horsepower and torque figures for the Power Stroke, so we have nothing official to go on. However, in the Land Rover Range Rover, the turbodiesel makes a respectable 254 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and 440 pound-feet of torque at only 1,750 rpm. It’s likely Ford massaged the engine to make closer to 500 pound-feet, but it’s a near fact that Ford is aiming to beat Ram’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6’s claim of 29 mpg highway.

All but the base 3.3-liter V-6 now come with Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.3-liter sticks with the current six-speed automatic, likely to save on cost. Expect all F-150 models to see a jump in EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings thanks to these improvements and new hardware. We’ll have those specifications once the EPA makes them public.

2018 F-150*

3.3-liter port fuel direct-injection V6

2.7-liter EcoBoost V6

5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8

3.5-liter EcoBoost V6

3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost

Horsepower

290 HP @ 6,500 RPM

325 HP @ 5,000 RPM

395 HP @ 5,750 RPM

375 HP @ 5,000 RPM

450 HP @ 5,000 RPM

Improvement versus 2017

+8

No change

+10

No change

No change

Torque

265 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM

400 LB-FT @ 2,750 RPM

400 LB-FT @ 3,850 RPM

470 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

510 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

Improvement over 2017

+12

+25

+13

No change

No change


Towing & Payload

Ford is reaching for the stars with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, hawking a best-in-class towing capacity of 13,200 pounds when properly equipped. That’s an improvement of 1,000 pounds of the 2017 F-150’s max tow rating. It’s also well past the 2017 Ram 1500’s max towing capacity of 10,620 and surpasses the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500’s max capacity of 12,500 pounds. For those more concerned with hauling cargo in the bed, the 2018 F-150’s maximum payload is 3,270 pounds. That figures is actually unchanged from 2017, despite the 5.0-liter V-8’s 10 extra horsepower and 13 extra pound-feet of torque. And yes, the V-8 is required for achieving that capacity.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has improved slightly for 2018, too. The all-new 3.3-liter V-6 is EPA-estimated to achieve 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, when in a 2WD truck. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 gets even better, boasting 20/26/22 in the same driving cycles. As for the big V-8, the EPA says it will get 17/23/19 – not bad for a medium-displacement V-8. Of course, fuel economy estimates for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 remain the same as 2017 since no changes were made. The EPA estimates it will achieve 18/25/21 in a 2WD truck. Across the board, improvements are between one and two mpg.

Engine

Drive

Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb)

3.3-liter V-6

2WD

19/25/22

2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6

2WD

20/26/22

5.0-liter V-8

2WD

17/23/19

3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6

2WD

18/25/21

3.3-liter V-6

4WD

18/23/20

2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6

4WD

19/24/21

5.0-liter V-8

4WD

16/22/18

3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6

4WD

17/23/19


The Competition

The Chevy soldiers on with its three engine options that debuted for 2014. The standard engine is the 4.3-liter V-6. It makes 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque – outgunning Ford’s new 3.3-liter V-6. The mid-grade and volume-selling engine is the 5.3-liter V-8. This all-aluminum small block Chevy offers up 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. For those who want real power, the 6.2-liter V-8 is available in higher trim levels. This Corvette-derived engine makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All three of Chevy’s engines are members of the EcoTec3 family. This means they all come with variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and Active Fuel Management, otherwise called cylinder deactivation. A six-speed automatic is standard in most applications, but the 6.2-liter and some trims with the 5.3-liter come with an eight-speed automatic.

The Ram offers a wider selection of engine than Chevy. The base mill is FCA’s venerable 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Those who want a traditional American V-8 can opt for the 5.7-liter Hemi. It kicks out an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Those wanting to save on fuel can get the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. This was the first turbodiesel offered in a modern half-ton pickup and is likely the reason Ford introduced its 3.0-liter Power Stroke. The EcoDiesel kicks out a respectable 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. All of Ram’s engines come mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado

Engine

4.3-liter V-6

5.3-liter V-8

6.2-liter V-8

Horsepower

285 HP @ 5,300 RPM

355 HP @ 5,600 RPM

420 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

305 LB-FT @ 3,900 RPM

383 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

460 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic

Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic

Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic

Curb weight

4,510 Lbs

4,979 Lbs

5,035 Lbs

Fuel economy city/highway

18/24

16/23

15/21

Ram 1500

Ram 1500

Ram 1500

Engine

3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6

3.0-Liter Ecodiesel V-6

5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8

Horsepower

305 HP @ 6,400 RPM

240 HP @ 3,600 RPM

395 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

269 LB-FT @ 4,175 RPM

420 LB-FT @ 2,000 RPM

410 LB-FT @ 3,950 RPM

Transmission

six-speed automatic

six-speed automatic

six-speed automatic

Curb weight

5,126 Lbs

5,126 Lbs

5,126 Lbs

Engine

18/25

21/29

15/22


Safety

Ford has introduced a slew of new active safety system on the 2018 F-150. These come optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims. They are designed to help prevent an accident, even if the driver isn’t paying attention.

Adaptive cruise control is a present for the first time in a half-ton pickup. The F-150’s system also offers full stop-and-go functionality, as well. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection helps avoid crashes with other vehicles and people. While pre-collision alert systems have been seen in trucks before, Ford’s system will actively apply the brakes to prevent, or at least lessen the severity, of a crash.

Also new is lane-keeping and Ford’s latest blind-spot monitoring system that can be programmed to monitor the blind spots of a not only the truck, but a trailer up to 33 feet long.

The Competition

Neither Chevy nor Ram offer adaptive cruise control, but the Silverado does have Lane Keep Assist. Chevy’s Safety Alert driver seat vibrates on whatever side danger is detected, giving the driver a physical warning of impending danger. When leaving a lane, the seat’s bottom side bolsters vibrate. If the driver fails to brake, the front of the seat bottom vibrates, while dash-mounted red lights flashes on the windshield and an audible tone sounds. The Silverado also has low-speed automatic braking.

As for the Ram, it doesn’t offer any of these active safety systems. It does have blind spot monitoring and a backup camera.

Prices

Ford will undoubtedly raise the F-150’s price incrementally higher. This trend, seen everywhere in the automotive industry, is pushing new vehicle prices higher and higher, while ultra-long financing terms allow just about anybody to sign up for an exorbitant amount of “low, easy payments!” Expect a small jump in price – maybe $300 or so across each trim level. Pretty soon customers will be paying $40,000 for a basic, regular cab, V-6, RWD work truck.

Competition

Toyota Tundra

The Tundra is getting long in the tooth, having been around since 2007. A facelift in 2014 gave the truck a more modern look, but it remains one of the oldest truck on the market. Nevertheless, the Tundra offers a huge amount of room in its three cab sizes. It offers fewer trims than the competition, but they do span the range from basic to luxurious. The western-styled 1794 Edition and luxury-mined Platinum edition offer the most cowhide per dollar.

Power comes from a 4.6-liter V-8 in lower trims and a 5.7-liter V-8 available across the range. The 4.6-liter makes 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter kicks out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

Prices start around $30,000 for the regular cab and grow to more than $50,000 for a CrewMax in Platinum trim.

Read out full review on the Toyota Tundra.

Nissan Titan

The Titan is all-new for the 2017 model year and brings a breath of fresh air into the half-ton pickup segment. This second-generation Titan also expands to offer a regular cab option, allowing Nissan to market the pickup to fleet and commercial customers. Five trim levels give a wide range of choice for customs and bring plenty of luxury in the range-topping Platinum Reserve model.

Power currently comes only from Nissan’s heavily revised 5.6-liter Endurance V-8. It makes 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Nissan has promised an entry-level V-6, but it has yet to official debut the engine.

Pricing for the Titan starts just under $30,000 and ranges up to the mid-$50,000 level.

Read our full review on the Nissan Titan.

Conclusion

Ford’s changes and updates for the 2018 F-150 will help keep it rocking into the history books as the longest-running, best-selling pickup of all time. Ford can claim that victory for the 40th consecutive year, so we’re not expecting that to change anytime soon.

The drivetrain changes will help the F-150 cope with tightening EPA regulations and consumer expectations on fuel economy, while the new exterior will denote which consumers sprung for the latest model. It will indeed be interesting to see Ford adopt turbodiesel and hybrid powertrain systems and it will be more interesting to see how consumers respond to each. Undoubted the “die-hard truck folks” will want the turbodiesel, while the modern urban driver will love the hybrid model – whenever Ford finally launches the option. Whatever happens, the F-150 will most certainly continue to be a great source of entertainment. Once Ford breaks news of the hybrid system, you'll hear about it here at TopSpeed.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.

Read our full driven review on the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford F-150.

Read our full review on the 2014 Ford F-150.

Update History

Update 06/16/2017: Ford has released horsepower and torque figures for its upgraded engines. The full specs are now in the Drivetrain section.