Both the 2019 Ford F-150 and Ford F-250 are built for a tough workday performance and off-road adventure. Which is right for you? Choosing between them is really a matter of personal necessity. Read on to figure out which truck best suits what you need out of a truck.
What’s your daily drive like?
As you probably already know, the 2019 Ford F-150 is a full-size, light-duty pickup, and the 2019 F-250 is a heavy-duty truck. In a nutshell, that means the F-250 can tow and haul bigger loads than the F-150.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should automatically choose the more capable truck. You want enough truck to tow and haul your gear, but not more truck than you actually need. With more truck than you need, you’d end up leaving a bigger footprint on your bank account than necessary, spending more on both upfront costs and fuel.
How much do you need to tow? What do you need to haul?
There are many F-150 configurations, including five different engine options. Depending on body style and equipment, towing and hauling capabilities vary quite a bit. That said, this full-size truck can haul up to 3,270 pounds’ worth of your gear and tow up to 13,200 pounds’ worth of your favorite toys.
If the F-150 can’t get the job done, that’s when you need to turn to the Ford F-250. With the right configuration and equipment, this heavy-duty truck can tow up to 17,500 pounds—a much bigger horse trailer or boat than the F-150 can manage. The F-250 also hauls some serious gear, with payloads maxing out at 4,332 pounds. If your daily haul of construction supplies or work gear exceeds 3,270 pounds, then the F-250 will help you get the job done.
How much do you want to spend?
Cost can certainly be a determining factor. If you want to spend less and you don’t need any heavy-duty capabilities, the 2019 Ford F-150 is your truck. With a starting price of $28,155, this full-size truck is the thriftiest of the pair. The F-150 also offers a few economic engine options, including a new 3.0-liter diesel V6 that earns up to 25 mpg combined.
Because of its increasing capabilities, the 2019 Ford F-250’s price tag is slightly steeper, starting at $33,150. Although the EPA doesn’t rate heavy-duty trucks for fuel economy, you can expect the F-250’s heavy-duty gas and diesel V8 options to cost you a little more at the pump as well.
What modern features are you after?
Good news—both the 2019 Ford F-150 and F-250 can be as high-tech and luxurious as you want them to be. These trucks offer some unexpected creature comforts, including optional multicontour front seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions. Tech gear is also here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capabilities give you quick access to your maps and podcast apps via the central touchscreen, which certainly makes for an easygoing ride. Anything else you can imagine—chrome trim, off-road gear, and even a system that helps you back a trailer in the right direction—is available for both trucks.