If you’ve decided to buy a pickup truck, odds are good that you’ll be heading to a Ford dealer at some point. There are plenty of great automakers that sell trucks, of course, but Ford stands out from the crowd by having the widest selection of options (and by making the truck that has been the #1 best-selling vehicle in the country for over four decades now). So, if you’re a first-time truck buyer, the brand should at least be on your radar.
Of course, wide selection is a double-edged sword. Having plenty of options to choose from means there’s sure to be something that’s just right for your needs, style, and budget. But if you don’t know all of the terminology and aren’t sure what questions to ask in the first place, it can be difficult to narrow your options down from a wide pool. So today, I’ll take a look at Ford’s lineup of trucks in a broad, easy-to-understand way.
Instead of delving into the minor details, I’m going to look at the general strengths and weaknesses of each model and how those assets affect your daily driving habits. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used model, you’ll be able to use this guide to inform your decision. I’ll be moving in order of size, from smallest to biggest, for a reason—as trucks get bigger and more capable, they also tend to get more expensive. To get the best deal, it makes sense to start with the smaller size and only move up to the next tier if its capabilities don’t meet your needs. That way, you don’t pay for more power than you’ll end up using.
The Compact Ford Maverick
The Maverick is the newest addition to Ford’s lineup of trucks, having been introduced in the 2022 model year. It’s a compact truck that’s built differently from other pickups under the Ford brand. While most trucks are built with a separate body and frame, the Maverick uses a unibody construction that is more common in cars. This means that the Maverick handles more like a car on the road instead of having the stiff ride of a typical pickup. However, it also means that this model isn’t as good at towing or off-roading as body-on-frame trucks.
If you live in a city or suburb and are looking for a truck that can serve as a good daily driver, this one is a smart choice. It’s not going to be as cumbersome in tight spaces as a larger model, so you don’t have to be afraid of crowded parking lots or narrow streets. It’s available with a hybrid powertrain that’s highly efficient compared not just to other trucks but to other vehicles, allowing it to play the role of a commuter car without causing pain at the pump. The 2025 Maverick gets an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined.
While the amount of weight that you can tow or carry in the cargo bed is low compared to larger trucks, it’s plenty for most drivers. Newer models can tow up to 4,000 lbs and carry a 1,500-lb payload. You can easily bring a small boat to the lake, tow a small trailer for your next move, or bring furniture and appliances home in the bed instead of paying for delivery fees. If you want a version that can handle some light off-roading or sportier on-road driving, keep an eye out for specialty trim levels like the rugged Tremor and athletic Lobo.
The Mid-Size Ford Ranger
The Ranger is a midsize model that made a comeback for the 2019 model year after a long hiatus following its discontinuation after the 2011 model. If you’re shopping for a used model, I would stick to trucks made on the more modern side of this gap. That will ensure you get plenty of modern tech features, including driver assistance and safety tech, and an improved ride. Unlike the Maverick, the Ranger is a proper body-on-frame truck and can handle some pretty significant towing and hauling jobs if properly equipped. It’s not nearly as configurable as the F-Series trucks, which might be a good thing if you’re looking to avoid decision fatigue, but it can be frustrating if you want a cab style or bed length that’s not offered.
With a sturdy construction, the Ranger can handle more rural settings, though it’s still pretty nimble in urban environments compared to the F-150. From its position in the middle of the size range, it’s a good choice for drivers who feel stuck in the middle, wanting more capability than the Maverick can provide but looking for something more affordable than the F-150. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs when properly equipped. If you’re looking for an off-road capable model, the Ranger Raptor is a fully-equipped truck that’s pricier than the Ranger’s base trims but much more affordable than the F-150 Raptor and more suited to trails with tight spaces and sharp turns.
The Full-Size Ford F-150
As America’s best-selling vehicle for decades, the F-150 backs up its reputation with its iconic rugged design, a variety of innovative available features, and more options than you can shake a stick at. Not only are there plenty of trim levels offered, ranging from basic to rugged to downright luxurious, but there are also multiple cab styles, bed lengths, and engine options for you to choose from. In recent years, these include a hybrid powertrain that not only makes the truck more efficient but also provides you with a mobile power source that can act as an electric generator, allowing you to plug in everything from mini-fridges to power tools at tailgate parties, campsites, and construction sites.
If you need to tackle tough jobs like towing heavy trailers, hauling bulky cargo, or venturing into rough terrain, the F-150 has your back, with up to 13,500 lbs of towing power. But if you’re switching over from a car or even a small SUV, you will need to get used to a few things about driving this full-size truck. The ride quality might not be quite what you’re used to, and the large size means you might have to re-learn how to maneuver in tight spaces. However, once you get over the learning curve, you’ll have plenty of benefits to show for it.
Harness All-Electric Power With the Ford F-150 Lightning
If you want to do some serious towing without countless trips to the gas station, you might consider the F-150 Lightning. While it can’t tow as much as the most powerful gas-powered F-150 models, it has a higher capacity than the Maverick or Ranger, and you get some extra sealed storage in the front trunk that takes the place of the engine. The F-150 Lightning is also a very quick truck, especially for its size, making it particularly good at getting up to highway speeds. It can also act as a backup power source for your home in a pinch, making it a good choice for drivers who live in areas that are prone to outages. With a range of up to 320 miles, the Lightning is leading the charge when it comes to all-electric pickups.
The Powerful Super Duty Lineup
If you’re a first-time truck buyer, you probably won’t need to get anything more powerful than a light-duty full-size pickup. However, if you happen to be in the market for a truck because you’ve just purchased a particularly hefty trailer that’s too heavy for the F-150, you’ll need to turn to the Super Duty lineup. These trucks include the F-250, F-350, and the 450; the higher the number, the greater the power. To give you some insight into how powerful these trucks are, the F-450 can tow a whopping 40,000 lbs when properly equipped.
A Broad Range of Performance and Capabilities
Now that you know the lineup, it’s time to ask yourself what you’re looking to get out of your truck. Think carefully about what it is you’re getting a pickup for in the first place. Is it for tailgate parties, camping trips, job site challenges, or home renovation projects? How much will you need to tow or haul to meet your needs? What is your budget? How much do you prioritize things like ride quality, fuel economy, and modern tech features? Once you’ve worked out your own personal wants and needs, you can see how they match up with the pros and cons of the different Ford models, and that should lead you to the right decision. Remember, all of these trucks are solid options; the question isn’t “Which one is best?” but rather “Which one is right for me?”
