Skip to main content

For over 40 years, the Ford F-Series lineup of trucks has been the best-selling model in America. In 2022, the popular American-made model beat its opponents for another year. Although the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 gained some ground in recent years, nothing still compares to the Blue Oval’s full-size truck offering. Here are just a few of the many reasons the Ford F-150 was the best-selling full-size truck of 2022.

1. The Ford F-150 is cheaper than its rivals

First, the 2022 Ford F-150 comes at a lower price than its closest rivals. According to Edmunds, a base model XL starts at $40,715. Although the model is merely meant for doing full-size truck things, that’s exactly what many customers are actually looking for. The F-150 XL has vinyl flooring, trailer sway control, single-zone air conditioning, manual mirrors/windows, and 17-inch steel wheels. But these basic features make the F-150 cheap enough that many truck owners can afford a new one. Plus, once it’s traded in, used ones are even more affordable to the general public.

Comparatively, the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 are a bit behind. While neither is outrageously expensive in its cheapest form, both costs more than the F-150. Chevy’s offering starts at $41,195 for the Work Truck base model, while the Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $40,995. Prices for other trims in all the lineups vary; some are cheaper than others. But for a basic starter truck, the F-150 is the most affordable.

2. Ford offers a hybrid powertrain for its full-size truck

A 2023 Ford F-150 is the best-selling full-size pickup available.
The F-150 Rattler XL series | Ford

As we mentioned previously, the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado are the closest F-150 competitors. Unfortunately, neither offers a full-hybrid powertrain in its lineup. The Ram 1500 starts with a mild-hybrid system for its 3.6-liter V6, but it’s not enough to significantly affect fuel economy. For America’s most popular truck, the Ford PowerBoost hybrid combines a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and battery pack. It increases potency over almost every other engine in the lineup to 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque.

This version of the pickup is also rated for 24 city and 24 highway mpg. While it isn’t better than midsize or compact trucks, it beats most versions of full-size models. A downside to Ford’s pickup is the lack of a diesel option, which delivers 26 mpg combined for the Ram 1500 with the diesel-powered turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Chevy also offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, good for 26 mpg combined.

3. Towing and hauling

A red 2023 Ford F-150 tows a trailer as Edmunds Top Rated Truck
Ford F-150 | Ford

The final reason the Ford F-150 was again the best-selling truck of 2022 is towing and hauling. Ford emphasizes this type of power throughout its pickup lineup. As of the 2022 model year, the F-150 is the top light-duty pickup for towing and hauling. With the right equipment, it can pull as much as 14,000 pounds. Using the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, that number only drops slightly to 12,700 pounds. Additionally, owners can now haul an outstanding 3,325 pounds in the cargo bed.

Towing and hauling numbers look impressive, but the F-150 is even more of a marvel when compared to its rivals. For example, the Chevy Silverado’s towing capacity maxes out at 13,400 pounds, while the Ram 1500’s ceiling is just 12,750. The gap for hauling is even bigger, as Ford’s offering hauls nearly 1,000 pounds more than the second-place Silverado, rated for just 2,250 pounds.

The Ford F-150 was the best-selling full-size truck of 2022

In conclusion, there are a few reasons the Ford F-150 was the best-selling full-size truck of 2022. The Ford pickup is unmatched with its low starting price, excellent hybrid powertrain, and class-leading towing and hauling capabilities. Only the Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 come close in the full-size category. Unfortunately for them, it doesn’t look like the F-150 plans to stop dominating anytime soon.

Related

3 Reasons the 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler Is Already Sold Out