2019 Ford F-150 4WD Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

When you’re looking for a brand new American pickup truck, then the first option you should look at is the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD. Probably the best-known pickup truck line in existence, the Ford F-150 continuously lives up to the hype by providing outstanding features both on the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. But what features exactly does the 2019 model have that sets it apart from other pickup trucks?

What's new for 2019

Ford has packed a significant number of new features and options into the 2019 F-150 model. The 36-gallon fuel tank that was only standard on more expensive trims in prior years now comes standard on the Raptor and Limited trims. Also standard on the Raptor and Limited trims is a 3.5-liter engine. Some safety technology features have been added, including automated emergency braking and a front collision warning system. A diesel 3-liter V6 engine is now available on some trims.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Ford F-150 4WD – The Pros

1. Supreme Roominess

Some full-size pickup trucks struggle to balance the vehicle’s interior with the bed, often prioritizing bed volume over cabin space. The 2019 Ford F-150 4WD does not have a problem with interior space, offering plenty of interior space both in the front and in the back seats. Even though there’s plenty of space, the front seats are adjustable enough that you don’t feel lost in the driver’s seat or in the front passenger seat.

2. Great Visibility

Much of the rear view of a pickup truck can be blocked by the bed and by large columns around the body of the vehicle. Ford has thought through these problems in the F-150, ensuring that there’s no problem viewing anything from the driver’s seat. The front and side views are crystal clear with minimal blind spots. While the rear view is somewhat impeded by the pickup’s bed, most trims come with a backup camera to help with parking. There’s even an optional upgrade to a 360 panoramic camera system to further enhance your reversing capabilities, cementing the F-150 as one of the best pickups for visibility.

3. Astounding Number of Trims

Pickup trucks usually come with a plethora of trim options, each geared toward different uses. The 2019 Ford F-150 4WD is no different, offering six unique trims. The base XL F-150 is already packed with features, offering 17-inch wheels, the base Sync 3 infotainment system with a 4.2-inch screen, and automatic headlights. This base model also comes with many safety features, including the front collision warning system and a rearview camera. The first upgraded trim is the XLT, which includes power windows, locks, and mirrors. It also upgrades much of the technology, allowing for Bluetooth connectivity to the infotainment system - which now has a touchscreen - alongside remote locking and unlocking systems.

The F-150 starts to step into luxury territory with the Lariat trim option, which upgrades heated front seats, box side steps, a trailer hitch, and leather upholstery. Not all the upgrades in the Lariat are just meant for luxury, though; 18-inch wheels and a turbocharged engine are first available at this trim level. A step up from the Lariat is the King Ranch, which replaces the headlights with powerful LED versions, along with multiple safety technology components. Included in safety options are the aforementioned panoramic camera system, an automated parking system, and a built-in GPS navigation system. The final two trims, the Platinum and the Limited, upgrade the engine and fuel tank along with optional upgrades to wheel size and special exterior styling.

4. Unique Cab and Bed Styles

Choosing the trim for the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD gets even more complex when considering cab and bed styles. There are three unique cab styles to choose from on most trim levels: the base, regular cab size; a SuperCab size, which extends the cab further to fit up to six passengers; and the SuperCrew, which can also fit six passengers but adds extra room for cargo inside. Alongside these cab options are three unique bed styles: the base bed measures at 6.5 feet, and can be paired with the regular cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew; the long bed comes in at 8 feet, and can be paired with the regular cab and SuperCab; and a short option for just the SuperCrew at just 5.5 feet.

5. Great Engine Choices

If you want a powerful engine that’s finely tuned to your vehicle, then you’ll definitely find one in the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD. Five different engines are available, each paired with different trim levels. The base engine is a 290 horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 behemoth with 265 lb-ft of torque. The base XL and XLT can both upgrade that engine to a 2.7-liter engine that offers a higher 400 lb-ft of torque and a higher 395 horsepower. The next engine, a 5 liter V8, is meant to be paired with the Lariat and King Ranch trims. The Limited trim comes with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, that can be chosen in two different horsepower and torque configurations. Finally, the top-level engine is a 3-liter diesel V6 that’s more fuel efficient but only provides 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

6. Specialty Off-Roading Trim Option

Although the official trim levels for the F-150 are listed above, there’s a seventh trim option specifically focused on off-roading. Its 3.5-liter engine is the same as in the Limited, but many of the other features in the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD are tweaked and optimized specifically for rough terrain. The vehicle’s frame is toughened, and the 4WD system is enhanced. The suspension and shocks are softer, and the tires are tougher. Some different exterior style packages are available to help avoid permanent scratches and stains.

7. Low Noise

Pickup trucks sometimes struggle with cabin noise, as highway speeds can create large wind troughs that buffet the exterior with noisy vibrations. There’s little to no noise even when traveling at high speeds, and even engine noise is kept to a dull rumble. Road vibration is barely noticeable, as the F-150’s suspension is well-tuned for all road conditions.

8. Above Average Infotainment Integration

The Sync 3 system built into the center console of the Ford F-150 is intuitive and smooth to use. While the base model’s screen can feel somewhat tiny, the optional upgrade and permanent upgrade in higher-level trims give you much larger touchscreens. The system is easy to navigate, and can easily be synced with your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Sync system can respond to voice control, but if you have a smartphone you may as well pair it and use your smartphone’s assistant.

9. Comfortable Seating

All trim levels of the F-150 have fantastic seats. In the base models, the basic seats come equipped with enough back support and plush covering to make long drives comfortable for all passengers. The driver’s seat has enough customizability to make it comfortable for drivers of any size. In the Lariat and above, the bucket seats add an extra level of comfort, as they come with special ventilation and heating mechanisms to keep you comfy on any weather conditions. Combined with the roomy interior, the extremely comfortable seats make riding in the F-150 an absolute joy.

10. Interior Storage

Some pickup trucks overlook storage on the interior of the car, as the bed has plenty of space to store equipment. The 2019 Ford F-150 4WD has plenty of interior storage. There’a gigantic center bin to store tissues, papers, or USB chargers. Cupholders are available in the center as well, and door pockets are big enough to fit whatever you may need.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Ford F-150 4WD – The Cons

1. Can Feel Too Light In Some Circumstances

Like many pickup trucks, the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD can feel like it doesn’t grip the road enough when the bed is empty. The ride can feel especially rough in these cases, as the bed will bounce around over smaller bumps than you may be used to feeling. It needs some weight in order to feel completely balanced, but with slightly more aware driving this problem becomes barely noticeable.

2. Low Fuel Efficiency

As with most pickup trucks, the Ford F-150’s fuel efficiency is very low. The diesel engine can manage a decent 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, but the 3.5-liter engine you’ll probably be using in the off-roading 4-wheel-drive trim can only manage 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.

3. Awkward Entry and Exit

Because the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD is such a tall vehicle, it can be awkward to enter or exit the car. It requires a slight jump to get enough momentum to easily reach your seat. Because of this, the Lariat trim or higher is recommended, as these trims come standard with a set of running boards that allow you to simply step up to the seats.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The Ford F-150 is an undisputed king in its class, though a few competitors like the Ram 1500 and the Chevy Silverado come close. While its competitors offer some upgrades in ride quality and interior styling, the F-150 offers a more comprehensive package. It can also be tweaked and upgraded far more than many of its competitors, allowing you to build the dream pickup truck with every option you could possibly want.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a full-size pickup truck that is stellar both on and off the road, you should definitely look at the 2019 Ford F-150 4WD. This pickup truck offers a full suite of features alongside an extremely powerful engine - and each aspect of the F-150 can be tweaked to your liking. Overall, this truck is one of the best choices in its class.