The F-150 has been Ford’s flagship truck and a best-selling vehicle for decades. With the ideal knack of blending performance and convenience into one affordable package, Ford always manages to make a winner out of the F-150. But what do the experts have to say about the F-150, its features, driveability, and affordability? Here are three reviews you have to read before getting behind the wheel of your next Ford F-150.

MotorTrend

The 2018 Ford F-150 received a much-needed refresh and was the first F-150 to use an all-aluminum body. This equals a lighter body for the F-150 and better fuel efficiency. This update also includes newer interior colors, redesigned exterior, and improved engine lineup, as well as more advanced safety features and multimedia systems. MotorTrend road tested two of the 2018 F-150’s variants, “from both ends of the spectrum:” the XL and the Lariat.

The base XL features a 3.3-liter V6 that MotorTrend found to be much less powerful than 2.7-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine in the upper-trim Lariat. But even though the XL’s engine isn’t quite as powerful and only makes 325 hp, it now makes an improvement of 400 lb-ft of torque, which helps the truck move quickly. The Lariat’s engine is paired with a new, 10-speed automatic transmission, but MotorTrend generally found it had a “tendency to hunt for gears.” In fact, MotorTrend’s road test found the less powerful engine to be smoother and more responsive.

When it comes to braking, however, MotorTrend found that the Lariat outshined the base model, stopping from 60 mph from 119 feet. The F-150 XL needed 10 more feet to stop completely. Both handled the course with ease, but the Lariat’s steering was noted as being “shockingly precise.” While the folks at MotorTrend enjoyed the luxurious and comfortable upgrades found in the interior of Lariat, they found the base XL’s interior to be dull and mostly-suited for a work-truck life.

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book gives the 2019 Ford F-150 an expert rating of 4.4 out of five and a consumer rating of 4.7 out of five. According to the experts’ review of the F-150, the best-selling pickup truck has a reasonable starting price and a wide range of available trim levels. This model year came with more emphasis “on technology and a wide array of engine choices.” Kelley Blue Book finds the F-150 to be a truck of choice, with three cap types, three bed-lengths, six engine choices, and seven trim levels to choose from.

After driving each and every powertrain option available for the 2019 F-150, Kelley Blue Book didn’t find any of them to be weak but preferred two choices among the rest. The 5.0-liter V8 is traditional and great for towing, while the 2.7-liter EcoBoost offers less towing capacity, but the best fuel economy of the lineup. While upper trims enjoy the luxury of modern accents on the interior, all Ford F-150s are comfortable, with plenty of storage in both the front and rear. Kelley Blue Book found, however, that the 2019 F-150’s cabin could use a redesigned center stack and improved navigation screen. But these things may have been forgotten, with the presence of a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and Wi-Fi hotspot as standard on all models.

But no matter the trim or model variant, Kelley Blue Book finds the 2019 F-150 to be “best suited to serving work duty, but won’t leave you feeling shorted when it comes to luxury.” The F-150 even received Kelley Blue Book’s “Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2019” distinction.

Car and Driver

The 2019 F-150 has gone through a lot of changes, including changes to its variants and trim levels. Car and Driver took out the 2019 F-150’s top trim, the Limited model, for a test drive to figure out just how much you get for about $70,000. The 2019 F-150 Limited comes with an improved, powerful, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine that puts out 450 hp and 510 lb-ft torque and option all-wheel drive. Alongside that powerful engine comes a short bed, an interior rich in features and new, 22-inch wheels.

Car and Driver names the F-150 Limited the second-quickest production pickup, only slower than the Viper-powered Dodge Ram. But that’s impressive, considering the Limited model is almost 500 lbs heavier. The Limited can hit speeds of 60 mph in a quick 5.1 seconds. But it’s also quick to stop, coming to complete stop from 70 mph in just 168 feet.

While Car and Driver can certainly appreciate the performance of Ford’s nicest F-150, its daily driving abilities is what new owners are after. The F-150 Limited is responsive and never feels like it’s lagging. And the interior of the Limited variant is luxurious, with wood trim accents, leather and microsuede dash and headliners, and even comfortable seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Even though the fuel economy is one of the worst of the F-150 lineup, it can travel up to 500 miles on one tank of gas. Car and Driver did find, however, that the Limited’s infotainment system and engine noise are under par for its price range.