If you’re searching for the best full-size truck on the market, you owe it to yourself to look at Ford. The perennial full-size truck favorite F-150 continues to deliver class-leading towing and payload capacities. However, with eight trim levels, three cab configurations, seven powertrain options including a 430-horsepower V6 hybrid, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive options at nearly every level, there’s a lot to consider before buying a new F-150. 

The best full-size trucks of 2023

Since the first Ford truck, the Ford TT, rolled off the assembly line in 1917, Ford has led the class with a focus on innovation, comfort, and utility. The Ford F-Series lineup includes the popular F-150 full-size pickup truck and tops out with the F-750 Super Duty with a 37,000-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

An impressive three Ford F-150 models top the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) list of the best full-size trucks for 2023. 

Ford F-150 regular cab

The 2023 Ford F-150 is KBB’s “Full-Size Truck Best Buy of 2023,” with the regular cab model starting at $33,695. The KBB review calls it “capable” and “comfortable” but noted the absence of a diesel engine option.

While the regular cab F-150 is undoubtedly an exceptional value, it’s only available in the base XL and the $41,800 XLT trim levels. So if you’re looking for more luxury, you’ll need to consider other models. 

The regular cab drivetrain includes a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter flex-fuel V6 with auto start-stop technology, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and two-wheel drive with a 3.55:1 rear axle ratio. Drivetrain options include:

• 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque
• 5.0-liter V8 with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque

The regular cab F-150 seats three people with the cloth upholstered 40/20/40 bench seat that includes folding armrests, cupholders, storage, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Dual-zone automatic temperature controls keep the occupants comfortable. The optional power-adjustable pedals and manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel ensure a comfortable fit for every driver, from petite to tall. 

Occupying the lowest levels of the lineup, the regular cab F-150 leans more toward a work truck than a luxury vehicle. It can tow up to 13,000 pounds and haul payloads up to 3,315 pounds with the optional 5.0-liter V8.

However, in XLT trim, the economical regular cab F-150 offers the ability to tow camp trailers and large boats in relative comfort and style.

Ford F-150 Super cab

Like the regular cab, the Ford F-150 Super cab is only available for XL and XLT trim levels but offers seating for six people. The Super cab F-150 XL starts at $38,305, and the XLT is $45,090. 

The Super cab features the same base drivetrain and all the options provided by the regular cab model, but it adds options for a $2,735 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

The new engine option increases the towing capacity to 14,000 pounds but drops the payload capacity to 3,235. Like the smaller regular cab, the Super cab offers an economical package capable of towing a camper, boat, or other trailer loaded with gear for a family adventure, except it has room inside for the family too.

Ford F-150 SuperCrew cab

Opting for the SuperCrew cab F-150 opens up all trim levels and provides more rear-seat passenger space. The XL SuperCrew cab starts at $40,640 and includes the same base drivetrain as the other models. However, most SuperCrews have an option for a 3.5-liter hybrid with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque capable of towing up to 12,700 pounds for $3,300. 

The $84,910 Limited is the most luxurious F-150 trim and includes the hybrid powertrain and four-wheel drive with a 3.73:1 ratio electronic locking axle. The F-150 Tremor offers more rugged towing, payload, and off-road capability starting at $60,970.

Finally, the $76,775 Raptor, with its optional 700-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8, takes the concept of off-roading a full-size pickup truck to the next level.