Are you in the market for a used Ford F-150, but don’t know which model or generation will suit your needs without having to pay more than you have to? Let’s take a look at some of the more recent generations to see how they differ.
Key takeaways
- The biggest change is the engine across the generations, with each generation trying to get more fuel efficient or stronger.
- The biggest change to the body was its use of aluminum dropping 750 pounds.
- In the fourteenth gen, the truck introduced a hybrid powertrain.
Tenth Generation (1997-2004)
This generation was the first one available in the new century, it received the largest update in 17 years, featuring a fully independent front suspension. It also received a slew of engines that include 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, and a 5.4L V8, giving you more than one option to ensure that you will have what you need. The SVT Lightning also returned in this generation in 1999, being powered by a 5.4L V8 engine, capable of producing 360-380 horsepower depending on the year it was produced.
Eleventh Generation (2004-2008)
This generation was redesigned on an all-new platform. Ford introduced rear shocks that mount to the outside of the frame, giving a smoother ride that previous generations can’t give. All models of the F-150 in this generation were given rear doors regardless of the cab, with some cabs getting access to behind the seat storage when opening the rear doors. This generation also released more trims, in the FX4 off-road trim, and the sportier STX.
Twelfth Generation (2009-2014)
This generation dropped the manual transmission for the first time in favor of an automatic transmission. Ford also put fuel economy first with the entire lineup of engines being updated in 2011. The new engines available were the 3.7L V6, and a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, as well as the reintroduction of the 5.0L V8.
Thirteenth Generation (2015-2020)
This generation dropped 750 pounds when compared to the previous generations thanks to its use of aluminum throughout the body of the truck. In 2015, the F-150 became the first truck to feature adaptive cruise control that helped maintain a certain distance from the vehicle in front of you and automatically slowing down if needed. The 3.7L V6 that was introduced in the generation before was dropped for the 3.5L V6 as standard, gaining a 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
In 2018, the 3.5L V6 was dropped, and replaced by the 3.3L V6 engine that’s paired with a 6-speed transmission. The 2.7L engine that was introduced in this generation was outfitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fourteenth Generation (2021- Present)
This is the most up to date generation, so it still remains to be seen what other changes are in store. The ones that we do know about are that every exterior body panel has been revised in some way despite resembling the thirteenth gen. The engine lineup remains the same, with the 3.3L V6, 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6s, a 5.0L V8, and a 3.0L diesel V6. This generation also comes with a hybrid powertrain, pairing an electric motor with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
The power of every engine listed above can be seen here
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 - 325 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L diesel V6 - 240 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque
- 3.3L V6 - 290 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque
- 3.5L V6 - 400 horsepower, 500 lb-ft of torque
- 3.7L V6 - 302 horsepower, 278 lb-ft of torque
- 4.2L V6 - 202 horsepower, 250 lb-ft of torque
- 4.6L V8 - 220 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque
- 5.0L V8 - 400 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque
- 5.4L V8 - 235 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque
Final Thoughts
When it comes to different generations of the F-150 the main difference is the engine options, with some minor updates for the body every few years in-between. If you want to see these changes in person, come on by to Jarrett Ford and browse our inventory of used Ford F-150s today!