2025 Ford F-150 Review: The Best Just Got Better

For decades, the Ford F-150 has remained the best-selling vehicle in North America, and with the release of the 2025 model, it’s clear why. The latest iteration of Ford’s half-ton truck builds upon its legacy with updated technology, improved safety features, and a variety of powertrain options that cater to different types of truck buyers. Whether you need a workhorse for towing, an off-road adventure rig, or a comfortable daily driver, the 2025 F-150 has something for everyone.

This review takes a deep dive into the all-new F-150, specifically the Lariat trim, which sits right in the middle of the lineup. We’ll explore its engine choices, on-road performance, interior tech, and practicality while evaluating how it stacks up against the competition. Let’s see if Ford has managed to raise the bar once again.

Powertrain Options: A Powerhouse of Choices

Ford has streamlined its engine lineup for 2025, offering three main options. The base 2.7L EcoBoost V6 has been removed, leaving buyers with a choice between a 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0L Coyote V8, and the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which was in our test vehicle, produces an impressive 400 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine is rated to tow up to 13,500 lbs, making it a solid choice for those who regularly haul heavy loads. The hybrid variant takes things up a notch with 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque but sacrifices a bit of towing capacity, maxing out at 11,200 lbs. Meanwhile, the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 delivers 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs.

While all three engines provide plenty of power, the hybrid option stands out for its balance of performance and efficiency. It also unlocks Ford’s Pro Power Onboard feature, turning the truck into a mobile generator—ideal for worksites, camping, or tailgating.

On-Road Performance: Power Meets Precision

Despite being a full-size truck, the 2025 F-150 handles remarkably well. The electric power-assisted steering is precise, and the suspension provides a balanced ride without feeling overly soft or bouncy. In Sport mode, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers rapid acceleration, launching the truck from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds—impressive for a vehicle of this size.

Ford has included multiple drive modes to tailor the truck’s performance to different conditions, including Normal, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Rock Crawl. These modes adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control settings to optimize the driving experience.

Compared to its rivals, the F-150 strikes a fine balance between capability and comfort. The Ram 1500 still has a slight edge in ride quality due to its coil-spring rear suspension, but the Ford handles better than both the Ram and the Toyota Tundra. Its body remains well-planted through corners, with minimal understeer, making it one of the best-handling trucks in its class.

Interior and Technology: A Rolling Office on Wheels

The 2025 F-150’s cabin has been designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The Lariat trim features high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and an intuitive layout that blends physical controls with a large 12-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system supports over-the-air updates to keep the software fresh.

One of the standout features is the available 502A package, which adds a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and a mobile office setup. The center console can be transformed into a flat workspace by folding down the gear shifter, making it ideal for professionals who need to work on the go.

Max Recline Seats, another noteworthy feature, allow the front seats to fold almost completely flat, creating a makeshift bed for long road trips or quick naps. Additionally, the panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space inside the cabin, making the interior feel even more premium.

In terms of storage, the F-150 offers plenty of space, including a deep center console, under-seat rear storage, and door pockets designed to hold larger items. The rear seats can also be folded up to create additional cargo space when needed.

Advanced Safety and BlueCruise: Hands-Free Confidence

Ford has equipped the 2025 F-150 with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. One minor drawback is the thick left-side pillar, which can create a blind spot, but this is mitigated by the available 360-degree camera system.

One of the biggest highlights is the availability of Ford’s BlueCruise 1.2, an advanced hands-free driving system for highways. It covers 97% of major highways in the U.S. and Canada and offers lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning to create more space between vehicles. However, unlike GM’s Super Cruise, BlueCruise cannot be used while towing—a potential downside for those who frequently haul trailers.

Fuel Economy: Respectable Efficiency for a Full-Size Truck

Given its size and power, the 2025 F-150 delivers competitive fuel economy figures. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway), while the hybrid model improves those numbers to 23 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 24 mpg highway). With a 36-gallon fuel tank, the truck offers an impressive range of over 500 miles per fill-up.

Off-Road Capabilities: Mild to Wild Options

While the Lariat trim is not an off-road-focused model, it still holds its own on rough terrain. Our test vehicle was equipped with the FX4 Off-Road package, which includes hill descent control, monotube shocks, skid plates, and a Rock Crawl mode. These features make it capable of handling light to moderate off-road conditions, though buyers looking for more extreme capabilities should consider the Tremor or Raptor trims.

Truck Bed and Utility: Built for Work and Play

Ford continues to refine the F-150’s versatility, and the truck bed is a testament to that. Our test model featured the Pro Access Tailgate, which can open in multiple configurations for easier loading and unloading. The built-in workbench includes a phone holder, a measuring tape, and even a bottle opener—perfect for tailgating.

Pro Power Onboard provides up to 7.2 kW of electricity, turning the truck into a mobile power station. Whether you’re charging tools at a worksite or running appliances while camping, this feature is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Still the King of Trucks?

With a starting price of around $79,000 for the Lariat trim as tested, the 2025 F-150 isn’t cheap. However, it delivers a premium experience that justifies the price. The combination of power, comfort, technology, and versatility makes it one of the most well-rounded trucks on the market.

Ford’s continuous improvements ensure that the F-150 remains at the top of its segment. While the Ram 1500 offers a smoother ride and the Toyota Tundra has a strong reliability reputation, neither truck matches the F-150’s blend of performance, innovation, and practicality.

For those in the market for a full-size pickup, the 2025 Ford F-150 remains a benchmark in the industry. Whether you need it for work, play, or everyday driving, this truck does it all—and does it exceptionally well.