Ford F-150 (2025)

Car and Driver’s Andrew Krok highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 XLT as a well-rounded family truckster that edges out the Ram 1500 Big Horn in a close, detailed comparison. While both trucks offer solid work/leisure versatility without flashy off-road pretenses, the F-150 impresses with better daily-driving dynamics, a more intuitive interior layout, and superior top-end acceleration thanks to its PowerBoost hybrid powertrain. Krok praises Ford’s more natural steering feel and confident chassis, which contrast with the Ram’s softer but less connected ride. Although the Ram boasts a roomier cabin and more luxurious materials, its heavier curb weight, less effective braking, and cumbersome tow mirror options detract from everyday usability. Fuel economy and pricing also favor the Ford. Despite some trade-offs in ride comfort, the F-150’s cohesive package and thoughtful features earn it a narrow victory, making it the preferred choice for buyers seeking a capable, practical full-size pickup.

Billy Rehbock from MotorTrend highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 as a versatile and iconic full-size pickup that continues to impress with its wide range of powertrains, configurations, and customization options. The review expresses genuine enthusiasm for the truck’s adaptability, from work-ready lower trims to luxurious and high-performance variants like the Raptor and Raptor R. Unique insights include the introduction of the sporty Lobo variant and the practical interior features such as large displays and a flat floor. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, including the truck’s largely unchanged exterior styling, reduced standard equipment on lower trims, and the Raptor’s poor fuel economy. Despite these criticisms, the F-150’s vast lineup and strong performance keep it a top contender in its segment, making it a compelling choice for a broad spectrum of buyers seeking capability, comfort, and customization.

Christian Wardlaw from J.D. Power highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 as a standout in the light-duty full-size truck segment, praising its blend of performance, technology, and refinement. He enthusiastically notes the Tremor trim’s powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine’s distinctive sound and confident acceleration, though he acknowledges the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 offers better torque, towing capacity, and fuel economy. Wardlaw appreciates the expanded advanced driver assistance systems and the improved BlueCruise hands-free driving, while candidly discussing its current limitations in complex driving conditions. His real-world testing across diverse terrains and driving scenarios reveals the F-150’s superior handling, quieter cabin, and firmer ride compared to competitors like the Ram RHO. Despite minor drawbacks such as fuel economy and occasional BlueCruise glitches, Wardlaw’s balanced and detailed review conveys genuine enthusiasm, positioning the 2025 F-150 as a blueprint for its class and his personal favorite among light-duty pickups.

Allyson Harwood from Kelley Blue Book highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 as a versatile and highly capable full-size pickup that excels in towing, payload capacity, and innovative technology. Praised for its wide range of powertrains—including twin-turbo V6s, a V8, and a hybrid option—the F-150 offers tailored configurations from work truck basics to luxury trims, appealing to diverse buyers. The review emphasizes the truck’s advanced towing aids, comfortable interiors, and refined off-road variants like the Raptor and Tremor. While the 2025 model introduces mostly fine-tuning changes, some previously standard features have become optional or dealer-installed, reflecting a mixed bag of updates. Fuel economy and safety ratings remain competitive, and the inclusion of BlueCruise 1.4 enhances driver assistance. Overall, the review conveys a confident, positive tone, recognizing the F-150’s leadership in its segment while noting minor trade-offs in feature availability and pricing relative to rivals.

Dan Frio from Edmunds highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 as a versatile and well-rounded full-size truck that continues to dominate the U.S. market due to its broad appeal and extensive configuration options. Praising its strong towing and hauling capabilities, nimble handling, and advanced technology like the BlueCruise hands-free driving and Pro Power Onboard generator system, the review emphasizes the truck’s blend of comfort, utility, and modern features. While the hybrid powertrain offers notable fuel savings, the F-150’s fuel economy remains average for its class. The interior is spacious and thoughtfully designed, though some storage solutions and child seat attachments present minor challenges. The review also notes that while the F-150 excels in many areas, it doesn’t surpass competitors in warranty coverage or ride comfort. Overall, the F-150 is portrayed as a reliable, capable, and customizable truck that balances performance, technology, and value, making the XLT trim a particularly strong choice for most buyers.

Nathan Adlen from Autoblog highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid as a highly utilitarian and technically advanced pickup truck, particularly praising its unique hybrid powertrain and Pro Power onboard generator system. He emphasizes the truck’s impressive performance, including quick acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, as well as its ability to power tools, campsites, and even buildings during emergencies. However, Adlen also points out notable drawbacks, such as the high cost of the PowerBoost option, a less premium interior compared to competitors, and questionable tire choices on the FX4 off-road package. While the 2025 model offers few updates beyond 2024’s improvements, the PowerBoost system remains unmatched in versatility and capability. Adlen acknowledges that rival brands are developing similar hybrid setups, but for now, Ford’s offering stands out as a compelling, if somewhat pricey, option for buyers seeking a powerful hybrid truck with unique utility features.

Alex Kwanten from U.S. News & World Report highlights the 2026 Ford F-150 as a versatile and capable full-size pickup that excels in offering an unparalleled range of configurations, powertrains, and features to suit nearly every type of buyer. Praised for its class-leading towing and payload capacities, the F-150 impresses with strong performance across multiple engines, including hybrids and high-output V8s, though its ride quality can feel bouncy on empty beds due to traditional leaf springs. The cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed for work and comfort, with practical tech features and a user-friendly infotainment system. While rivals like Ram and Toyota offer smoother rides or more refined interiors, the F-150’s breadth of options and rugged capability remain unmatched. Safety ratings are solid overall, though some minor criticisms include a lower score in a specific crash test and a somewhat numb steering feel. Overall, the review conveys a balanced but confident endorsement, emphasizing the F-150’s adaptability and value across its extensive lineup.

Connie Peters from The Truth About Cars highlights the 2025 Ford F-150 3.5L Powerboost Hybrid Platinum as a luxurious and highly functional full-size pickup. She emphasizes the upscale interior, featuring premium smoked truffle leather, quilted door panels, and a spacious rear cabin with heated seats and multiple power outlets. Peters appreciates practical innovations like the Pro Access tailgate with built-in rulers and power features, as well as driver-friendly touches such as adjustable pedals and memory seating. While acknowledging the truck’s large size, she finds it surprisingly comfortable and easy to drive, especially for shorter drivers. The review balances praise for the Platinum trim’s luxury and technology, including BlueCruise and a large productivity touchscreen, with a realistic note on its high price tag—around $91,000 USD. Overall, Peters conveys genuine enthusiasm for the blend of capability and refinement, making this a compelling choice for buyers seeking a premium truck experience.