2019 Ford F-150 2WD Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Year after year, the Ford F-150 continues to be one of the best-selling trucks on the market, and it is no wonder why. This model year, the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD continues the trend by offering top-notch towing and payload numbers, five strong engine choices, and an overall solid build quality. Still, the F-150 has a few downsides that are common for vehicles in this class. If you drive the truck around unladen, the ride quality suffers. In other words, the Ford F-150 is built to be a workhorse regardless of whether it is an actual work vehicle or your daily driver.

What's New for 2019?

A few important changes have been made to the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD. First and foremost, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking feature now comes standard across the line-up. Additionally, there is a new engine option: the 3.0-L V6 diesel engine. The Raptor and Limited trims have received a few updates specific to their trims in the form of a standard 36-gallon fuel tank and standard 3.5-L V6 engine.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Ford F-150 2WD – The Pros

1. The Payload Rating

One of the most obvious reasons for buying the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD is that its payload rating is one of the best in its class. The trucks with the 3.3-L V6 engine have max a payload rating of 1,990 pounds while the 5.0-L V8 tops out at 3,270 pounds. Hauling is made easy thanks to the lightweight tailgate, strategically placed tie-down points in the bed, and the tailgate step. There is also a bed-liner and lights that can be equipped to help with loading.

2. The Towing Capacity

The Ford F-150 is equally capable at towing, which is another huge strength for this vehicle. Max towing capacity numbers range from 7,700 pounds on the 3.3-L V6 equipped F-150 models and top out at 13,200 pounds on the models that have a 3.5-L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 equipped. The F-150 was built for towing heavy loads, and the more you load up, the better the ride quality will become.

3. Off-roading Capabilities

Want to do some off-roading in the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD? While the 4WD models are somewhat more adept, the 2WD variants are capable of some moderate off-roading adventures. While you have to equip the optional FX4 Off-road Package to reap the benefits of features like hill descent control and upgraded shocks, the F-150 2WD can, on its own, handle some mountainous roads and dirt pathways. And with how much the truck can haul, taking your camping or hiking gear along for an adventure is not a problem.

4. Multiple Strong Engine Options

There are five different engine options available on the F-150 this model year, each of which puts in a good performance. First, there is a 3.3.-L V6 engine that is able to generate 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is the only engine choice that is paired up with a 6-speed automatic transmission; every other engine is matched with a 10-speed. The other engine choices include a 2.7-L turbo V6, a 5.0-L V8, a 3.5-L V6 (which is available in two different power grades), and a diesel 3.0-L V6.

5. Zippy Acceleration

Acceleration on the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD is swift no matter which engine you opt for, but the 2.7-L V6 is a stand-out in this aspect. Despite the fact that it is the smaller of the two V6 engines in the line-up, the 2.7-L is able to respond with incredible speed when you press down on the gas. In fact, the 2.7-L can get the F-150 from 0 to 60 mph on the highway in just a little over 6 seconds. Most trucks in this segment just are not capable of achieving that acceleration rate.

6. Superb Handling Capabilities

As you should reasonably expect, the F-150 has some seriously solid handling capabilities. For a truck in its class, the body roll is minimal, and the body feels well-controlled overall. A timely response from the wheel leads to the driver feeling confident in how the vehicle is tracking on the road. The only bumps that you will feel are the ones that happen while in the midst of cutting a corner as the rear axle doesn't completely smooth these out. However, this is a common issue on full-size trucks and doesn't take away from the handling performance.

7. Comfortable Seats

It is difficult not to equate Ford with comfort, and the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD does not disappoint. The level of seat comfort that comes on the F-150 is outstanding. In a SuperCrew model, even the rear seats are packed with comfort. Of course, the type of seating you get depends on which trim level you buy. The mid-level Lariat model makes for a nice compromise between comfort and luxury with its well-bolstered, leather-clad seats which are both ventilated and heated.

8. A Quiet Ride

For a massive truck like the F-150, achieving a muted ride quality can be easier said than done, but the F-150 manages to make it happen. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum at highway speeds, and engine noise does not seep into the cabin, especially on the 2.7-L V6. Try pressing all the way down on the accelerator and see just how well-mannered the engine really is.

9. A Solid Climate Control System

Climate control in the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD borders on perfection. It can heat or cool the vehicle to your specified temperature in a matter of minutes, providing relief on excessively cold or hot days. Getting the optional heated and ventilated front seats is a huge bonus for those who live in places where there is a lot of inclement weather. Also, the climate control's knobs and buttons are all intuitively placed and are clearly labeled.

10. Clear Visibility

Surprisingly, visibility on the full-sized Ford F-150 2WD is incredibly clear. Tight parking spots are easy to back into thanks to the backup camera, which comes standard on the Lariat and above. There is also a 360-degree surround-view camera that comes as an option and makes going in reverse a cinch. Even without the additional driver aids, it is easy to see out of the sides and front of the vehicle with the naked eye.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Ford F-150 2WD – The Cons

1. A Rough Ride Quality When Unladen

As is the case with most trucks in its class, the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD is meant to be loaded down with weight. Doing so actually improves the truck's ride quality. When unladen, ride quality suffers. The truck's rear wheels struggle while going over harsh road surfaces while the F-150 is unladen, and this results in its occupants feeling all of those little bumps.

2. Doesn't Meet Its EPA Fuel Efficiency Estimates

The Ford F-150 has EPA ratings of up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which seems relatively decent - that is, until you gauge its real-world estimates and compare them against those of the EPA. For example, the 3.5-L V6 engine with the 375 hp rating has been shown to get 4 mpg less than its EPA estimate. Unfortunately, the V6's mission to produce V8 levels of power without reducing fuel efficiency has not been successful.

3. Steering Lacks Some Feeling

Steering on the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD is relatively decent but lacks some feel. While you know that the vehicle is going to track straight-on, there just is not enough feedback regarding how well the tires are gripping the road surface. Steering also tends to take on a lighter feeling at highway speeds than what some drivers would prefer.

4. Entering and Exiting Takes Some Work

The Ford F-150 is a full-sized truck, so getting into and out of it can be a bit of a chore for some people. Even the average adult might find that they struggle with climbing into this huge vehicle. However, getting the trims with standard running boards is a big help, as are the grab handles on all of the SuperCrew's doors. Still, if you have shorter legs or mobility issues, this might not be the vehicle for you.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2019 Ford F-150 2WD vs. 2019 Ram 1500

One of the biggest competitors for the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD is, without a doubt, the 2019 Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 is a few thousand dollars cheaper than the F-150 but does a great job of mixing the utility of a full-size truck with the luxurious comfort of a sedan. Its ride quality is outstanding, and the Rebel trim level is well-equipped for exciting off-roading adventures. However, a lot of the usual driver aids that are standard on other trucks are left to the higher trim levels.

2019 Ford F-150 2WD vs. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Another top contender this model year is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This truck has a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom to spare, an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, and a few different powertrain options that all perform well in regard to towing and hauling capabilities. The downsides, though, include some issues with the quality of the materials used in the cabin and the dated nature of the cabin itself. Also, the bulky center console consumes a lot of space up front.

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to like about the 2019 Ford F-150 2WD. From its strong towing and hauling capabilities to its multiple powerful engine options, the F-150 is sure to be a popular purchase this model year. Still, it would be even better if the real-world fuel efficiency matched its EPA estimates. Overall, the qualms that are to be had with the F-150 2WD are the same ones that you might have with other vehicles in this class. Most of them should not deter you from at least test-driving this truck.