The F-150 has a long history of being one of the best trucks on the market, it has been around for almost 50 years, with the F series being around even longer. If you’re looking to buy a used F-150, it may be a little hard to tell the differences between the years, and most importantly, the generations. Let’s take a look at some of the more recent generations to help you determine which truck best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The fourteenth generation sees the addition of a hybrid and electric engines, but still offers the powerful gas engines from previous generations
- The thirteenth generation for the F-150 sees adaptive cruise control added and adds a 10-speed automatic transmission
- In the twelfth generation Ford adds a crew cab with two doors instead of the four. It also receives updates to its engines
- The eleventh generation for the F-150 has a boxed frame and rear shocks to add comfort on the road
Fourteenth generation (2021-Present)
Despite looking like the 13th generation F-150, the 14th generation’s exterior panels have all been revised, making sure that it’s not an exact replica of the generation before. On top of receiving newer, revised panels, the F-150 gains new powertrains in the form of more environmentally friendly options. The F-150 comes with an optional gasoline electric hybrid powertrain, pairing a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with an electric engine.
If you’re looking for an all-electric version of an F-150, then the 14th generation has you covered, debuting in 2021 is the Ford F-150 Lightning, taking the great features that the F-150 is known for, but putting it in a greener package. Fear not though if hybrids or all-electric powertrains aren’t your thing, Ford still offers 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6s, a 5.0L and 3.0L V6 diesel engines, all of these powertrains are paired with 10-speed automatic transmissions, as the 14th gen has dropped the 6-speed automatics.
In 2023, Ford debuted new changes for the 2024 lineup. Giving a revised look to the grille, headlights, and taillights, giving the F-150 a unique look for the 14th gen. Other changes include a pair of 12-inch screens, one is an LCD instrument cluster, and the other is a touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 4 capabilities. As part of the 2024 refresh, the SuperCab with an 8-foot bed has been discontinued.
For the first time since the 12th generation, the STX and XL are being offered as separate trim level options, giving you more of a selection than years prior.
Thirteenth generation (2015-2020)
In this generation, the F-150 went where no truck has gone before by bringing adaptive cruise control to the pickup platform. The new generation also brought a significant weight reduction to the truck, dropping 750 pounds compared to the 12th generation.
This generation dropped the 3.7L V6 in favor of the naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 as the new standard engine, this engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while all other engine options remained with the 6-speed automatic.
In 2018, the 13th generation received a mid-generation update. The 3.5L engine that was introduced earlier in the generation was dropped for a 3.3L V6 engine that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic, while the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and 5.0L V8 were given 10-speed automatic transmissions.
This generation also introduced a 360-degree camera, collision warning with brake system, and Blind spot Information System, or BLIS. This system helps you keep you, and your truck safe while operating it.
Twelfth generation (2009-2014)
During this generation Ford returned to the two-door model for the regular cabs as opposed to the four-door models from the 11th generation. This generation also saw new engines, as well as a returning engine. For the new engine, it was introduced in 2011 in the form of a 3.7L base V6 engine. The returning engine is a 5.0L V8 Coyote, capable of making 360 horsepower. These additions were added as part of the greater engine update focused on fuel economy that saw sweeping changes across the F-150's engine lineup.
The 12th generation is the last gen of the F-150 that features a separate model from the larger Super Duty lineup, after this generation both models will share the same body, with the only real difference being the capabilities of the model.
Eleventh generation (2004-2008)
This generation was redesigned with a fully boxed frame, and introduced rear shocks that mount on the outside of the frame, giving a smoother ride, building on top of the 10th generation suspension system.
Summary
With all these generations, there’s a truck that is perfect for you, stop by Banner Ford of Monroe, and we’ll show you both new and used F-150s for you to pick from.