Which 2019 Ford F150 trim is best for you?
- 2019 Ford F-150 XL - Buyers on the hunt for a basic, bare-bones work truck will appreciate the functionality, capability, and affordable price of the XL.
- 2019 Ford F-150 XLT - Buyers looking for basic convenience features, like power accessories and cruise control, for what is still an affordable price.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat - Buyers wanting more: more room, more horsepower, and more convenience features.
- 2019 Ford F-150 King Ranch - Buyers looking for an upscale truck that is as comfortable at the country club as it is on a work site.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum - There’s not much daylight between the King Ranch and Platinum grades. However, there are a few upgrades, like the power-deployable running boards, that should attract buyers looking for just a bit more convenience.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor - Buyers who want the utmost in off-road capability. Not only do they want to drive off-road, but they also want to drive off-road fast.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Limited - Buyers looking for the ultimate luxury in their pickup truck.
2019 Ford F150 Overview - The aluminum-skinned 2019 Ford F-150 returns for 2019 with few significant changes. Notable is the Raptor’s 3.5-liter V6 finds its way into the Limited trim as the standard source of thrust. Limited also shines with a somewhat redesigned cabin. FordPass Connect now appears on the XLT’s standard-features list. We like the F-150 for its workhorse capability, comfort, driving dynamics, and wealth of driver aids. Ford offers F-150 models in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab configurations. Depending on the cab configuration and trim level, three different cargo-box lengths (5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet) are available. With a choice of seven trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited), you should be able to find an F-150 that fits your budget. The range of engines includes a normally aspirated 3.3-liter V6, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, a 5.0-liter V8, two versions of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Optional on all other trims is 4-wheel drive (4WD). It adds $3,645 to the XL bottom line and $3,425 on all other grades. Author:
Russ Heaps.
What is the best 2019 Ford F-150 trim? - With the vast range of options offered by every trim level, you can probably outfit even the entry-level XL to meet your wants and needs. However, the Lariat comes right out of the box nicely equipped. We would probably opt for the SuperCrew cab and 4WD.
Which 2019 Ford F-150 trim level gets the best miles per gallon? - The best estimated fuel economy is with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel. It’s optional in the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum grades. With RWD its numbers are 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined. With 4WD the mileage is 21 mpg/28 mpg/24 mpg (XL and XLT) and 20 mpg/25 mpg/22 mpg (Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum). Mileage varies somewhat based on a variety of factors. However, the 3.3-liter V6 in the XL and XLT delivers 19 mpg/25 mpg/22 mpg with RWD. 4WD drops it to 18 mpg/23 mpg/20 mpg. The Lariat with its standard 2.7-liter turbo four gets 20 mpg/23 mpg/21 mpg with RWD and 18 mpg/23 mpg/20 mpg with 4WD. The King Ranch and Platinum with their standard 5.0L V8 deliver 16 mpg/21 mpg/18 mpg with RWD and 15 mpg/21 mpg/18 mpg with 4WD. The Raptor and Limited trims with their high-output version of the 3.5-liter turbo V6 get 17 mpg/21 mpg/19 mpg with RWD and 15 mpg/18 mpg/16 mpg with 4WD.
Which 2019 Ford F-150 trim is the safest? - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the SuperCab its highest score of Good on five for five of the crash tests it conducted. For the SuperCrew it was six for six Goods. Every F-150 trim comes with stability control, antilock brakes, a rearview camera, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Moving up to the XLT, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist as options. The Lariat grade offers the XLT’s driver-aid options plus a surround view camera, Active Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and rain-sensing wipers. The King Ranch gets the rain-sensing wipers standard and offers the rest of Lariat’s safety options as optional, as well. The Platinum adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert to its standard features. It offers the other optional driver aids from King Ranch as options. The Limited trim provides all the driver aids listed here as standard equipment.
2019 Ford F-150 XL - You can also fit the XLT with the SuperCab or the SuperCrew cab. The standard engine for XL and XLT is the 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to government estimates, with rear-wheel drive (RWD), it delivers 22 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Opting for 4WD drops the combined number to 20 mpg. Engine options for XL and XLT are the 2.7L V6, 5.0L V8, and 3.5L V6. We detail these engine upgrades below. Also optional is the 250-hp 3.0L turbodiesel paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its combined RWD mileage is 24 mpg. With 4WD, that drops to 22 mpg. The XL is a no-frills, basic work truck. Its standard fare includes manual windows, door locks, and outboard rearview mirrors. Also among the standard fare are 17-inch steel wheels, a tow-haul driving mode, trailer sway control, air conditioning, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and cloth seats. Standard are vinyl floor covering, a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, auto on-off halogen headlights, and high-beam assist. Also included is a rearview camera with hitch assist and an outside temperature display. The infotainment system consists of a 4.2-inch audio system display, an audio input jack, and a 4-speaker (6-speaker with SuperCab and SuperCrew cab) audio system. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking is the only advanced driver aid. Several options provide the availability of some convenience features. These include power accessories (windows, door locks, and outboard mirrors), Sync 3 interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 XL include:
- Auto on-off headlights – Photosensors detect a reduction in daylight, which automatically engages the headlights and taillights. The system extinguishes the lights when an appropriate amount of daylight returns.
- Tilt-telescopic steering wheel – Allows the driver to set both the height and distance of the steering wheel.
- High-beam assist – If your vehicle has this system, the high beams are always on. When photosensors or a forward pointed camera detects oncoming headlights or taillights, the system automatically switches off the high beams. Then automatically switches them back on when no vehicle lights are detected.
2019 Ford F-150 XLT - To the XL, the XLT adds all the listed XL options. XLT also includes cruise control, fog lights, manual-folding outboard rearview mirrors, remote keyless entry, and a keyless-entry keypad. Also standard are FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot, carpeted floors, Ford MyKey, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power tailgate lock, and a 12-volt power port. To the XLT, you can add Co-Pilot360 with blind-spot monitoring (including a trailer) and rear cross-traffic alert. There are loads of other options like bucket seats (with either cab upgrade), a power-sliding rear window, a bedliner, and much more. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 XLT include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
- Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
- MyKey – This is Ford’s system for restricting certain behaviors like speeding for teen drivers. You can program each fob with specific restrictions.
2019 Ford F-150 Lariat - With RWD, the combined mileage is 22 mpg and 21 mpg with AWD. All of the other engine options, along with the SuperCrew cab, listed for XL and XLT are available on the Lariat. To the XLT, Lariat adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, a Class IV trailer hitch, two front tow hooks (4WD), and heated power-folding outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. An 8-inch driver-information display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable pedals are also included. Other standard features are a leather-trimmed front bench seat, heated/ventilated front seat, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an anti-theft alarm. Keyless entry with push-button start, a 7-speaker audio system, and satellite-radio capability are also included. Stepping up to 4WD in Lariat includes an electronic 2-speed transfer case with neutral towing capability. As with all the F-150 trim levels, the options list is as long as your arm. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat include:
- Power-adjustable pedals – Engineered to help you find exactly the ideal driving position, they adjust to move closer or farther away.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
- Keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with keyless entry.
2019 Ford F-150 King Ranch - The estimated combined mileage with RWD or 4WD is 18 mpg. Buyers looking for engine options can choose the 3.5L V6 or the 3.0L turbodiesel. The King Ranch adds two-tone exterior paint, LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and fog lights), and a remote tailgate release. Also included are a windshield-wiper de-icer, a 110-volt power outlet, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, and leather-covered front bucket seats. Second-row heated seats, an integrated trailer-brake controller, rain-sensing wipers, reverse park assist, remote start, and navigation are also standard. The King Ranch also includes a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. You can stock up on all manner of options and option packages. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 King Ranch include:
- LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on-off, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
- Remote start – When within range, you can start the vehicle from outside it with the key fob. It’s handy for precooling the truck in summer and preheating it in winter.
- Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
2019 Ford F-150 Platinum - Building on the King Ranch, Platinum adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, power-deployable running boards, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There are several appearance upgrades, as well. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 Platinum include:
- Blind-spot monitoring – This radar-based system warns of traffic approaching your flanks. It also includes rear cross-traffic alert to warn of vehicles crossing behind you when in reverse.
- Power-deployable running boards – The running boards automatically deploy when you unlock the doors. They automatically retract when all of the doors close.
- 20-inch wheels – These polished aluminum wheels add a sense of elegance to the F-150 exterior.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor - With RWD or 4WD, its combined mileage is 19 mpg. Raptor is the F-150’s ultimate off-roading trim. It adds Terrain Management with Normal, Baja, Rock Crawl, Sport, Tow-Haul, and Mud/Sand/Snow modes. Also standard are 17-inch aluminum wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a performance suspension with extended travel and increased ride height. Other additions include a locking rear differential, a Torsen front differential, skid plates, tow hooks cast-aluminum running boards, and LED grille lights. Six upfitter switches, manual air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cloth-covered front bucket seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are also standard. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor include:
- Electronic limited-slip rear differential – Sensors monitoring the drive wheels on the same axle send more torque to the wheel with grip when the other wheel is slipping.
- Torsen limited-slip front differential – This differential mechanically senses when one of the front wheels is slipping, it then automatically shifts engine power to the wheel with better traction.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
2019 Ford F-150 Limited - Losing all the Raptor’s extreme off-roading gear, the Limited builds on Platinum. It adds a surround-view camera, Ford’s self-parking Active Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and LED outboard mirror spotlights. A dual-panel moonroof and massaging front seats are also standard. Key features of the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited include:
- Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This view is particularly valuable when parking.
- Adaptive cruise control – Once you have engaged the system and set the speed, the system will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating as needed.
- Active Park Assist – This system assumes the steering, braking, and acceleration functions when parallel or perpendicular parking.
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