A completely new revamp of the Ford F-150 debuted in 2015. But if you think that every model year of the Ford F-150 since then is the same as the one before it, think again. Ford keeps rolling out new options, new features, and new reasons to buy new. In this comparison guide, we hope to show you what we mean. We'll be looking at the 2019 and 2018 model years of the best-selling Ford F-150. Ford is constantly innovating its flagship. And if you want to get the best Ford out there, you gotta keep up.
Engine Options
Most of what's changed for the Ford F-150 for 2019 has happened under the hood. That's a good thing. Innovations in hardworking and performance engines often starts in Ford's best-seller. All-new for 2019, the Ford F-150 is going diesel. Available on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels, there's now a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. That torque number is special because that makes the Ford F-150 the class leader in diesel-fueled torque. If you buy the 2018, there is no diesel option.
Besides that, the high-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is now standard for Limited and Raptor trim levels. In 2018, you would've had to settle for the 325-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.
Range
As we've discussed, a few of the F-150 engines are very powerful and, unfortunately, have a bit of a drinking problem. Ford understood the problem that creates, a truck that goes from "F" to "E" startlingly quickly. That's why they made a 36-gallon fuel tank the new standard on the Limited and Raptor trim. In 2018, the biggest standard tank size was 23 or 26 gallons, depending on trim level. This extends the range of the F-150 Limited and Raptor by hundreds of miles. No small thing on those long trips or busy days around town.
Safety Features
In 2018, the only safety feature that was universal for all F-150s was its rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist. Now for 2019, forward collision warning with emergency braking joins the list of standard safety features, along with automatic high beams and pedestrian detection. Forward collision warning can help you prevent or minimize a collision before it happens. Ford scores well in crash tests in either 2018 or 2019.
Optional safety features include 360-degree camera system, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and active park assist.
Styling and Tech
In terms of styling and technology, the only two things the 2018 F-150 does better than its 2019 counterpart is offer a Navy Pier interior color scheme and CD player. If those are on your wishlist, the 2018 might be good idea.
On the other hand, the 2019 model offers the Camel Back two-tone color scheme, FordPass Connect is now standard for F-150 XLT, and the XLT Sport Appearance Package gets new five-inch angular step bars. New exterior colors for 2019 include Agate Black, Abyss Gray, and Silver Spruce.
As you can see, Ford keeps updating its F-150 for the better. The 2019 is most assuredly an improvement over the 2018.