Did you know that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for over 44 years and the top pickup for 49 years? Now that is an accomplishment speaking volumes of this remarkable truck that can seat from three to six people. For 2026, Ford engineers have mostly maintained the status quo for this 14th-gen pickup, which sits atop the Maverick and the Ranger.
The rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive pickup comes in several power train choices. Our hybrid test drive was the 3.5-liter twin-turbo Powerboost V-6 pumping out 430 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 570 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm while paired off with a 35kW electric motor and 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Mated to the power train, providing seamless shifts, is a fluent 10-speed automatic gear box. A double wishbone front and leaf spring rear suspension soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and poise. A rack-and-pinion, electric power steering affords outstanding feedback. Tow capacity for the F-150 Platinum 4X4 is an incredible 13,500 pounds. Cab styles are regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) and range from 5½-foot to 8-foot beds.
Up front, the fully boxed, high-steel strength frame shows off black/satin hood vents to meet up with a centered Ford oval emblem on the chrome single-bar grille, flanked by LED head and fog lights. As soon as you step into the cabin, the mammoth centered 12-inch touch screen for operating phone, nav and infotainment features will draw your interest. Also, the driver will notice a similar sized digital cluster with the driver information center in between the speedometer and tachometer. Other treats include 10-way power heated/cooled front seats, overhead console, woodgrain-style trim, 60/40 rear bench, dual auto a/c, power adjustable pedals, dual glovebox, wireless phone charger and a leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Well-placed storage bins and cubbies are scattered throughout. There also are numerous options to fit the needs of any buyer like the Pro Power Onboard, a 7.2-kilowatt output electric generator to operate appliances while on the road or stationary.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, rearview camera, antiskid system, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
The F-150 boasts plentiful room for cargo and passengers, admirable tow capacity while backed by a forceful engine. No wonder, the aluminum-alloy body pickup has led in sales for nearly five decades in the U.S. and for many more to come, we are certain.
F-150 (PLATINUM)
Tires: 275/60R20
Wheelbase: 145.4 inches
Length: 243.5 inches
Height: 77.6 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
Weight: 5,608 pounds
Fuel capacity: 36 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 22/24/23 mpg
Base price: $72,600
Price as tested: $89,725
Web site: www.ford.com
