Ranking Four Ford Trucks We Drove Over a Month

Over a month, WHM Automotive Media test-drove four of Ford’s most talked-about trucks, each for a week at a time. From rugged midsize off-roaders to full-size luxury haulers and performance-minded compact pickups, these trucks offered a broad spectrum of driving experiences. Ranked from fourth to first, here is our picks based on 7 days behind each truck.

4. 2024 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×4 Lariat

MSRP: $54,375

Tested MPG: 14.6 mpg (primarily in Sport Mode)

Color: Hot Pepper Red Metallic

Despite its bold exterior color and high-end trim level, the Ranger Lariat fell short of expectations—largely because of the unavoidable comparison to its high-performance sibling, the Ranger Raptor. On its own merits, the Lariat is a capable midsize pickup with a premium interior and solid feature set, but when held up against the Raptor, it felt noticeably underwhelming.

The 2024 Ranger Lariat is powered by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system. The FX4 Off-Road Package adds off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and a locking rear differential, helping improve the vehicle’s performance on varied terrain.

Inside, the truck is well-appointed with leather-trimmed heated front seats, a 12-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 4A, wireless charging, and a digital instrument cluster. Other convenience features include remote start, adaptive cruise control, and Ford’s advanced Co-Pilot360 safety system.

Though the Lariat is comfortable, connected, and refined, the drive felt uninspiring after piloting the Raptor. A truck priced over $54,000 lacked the energy and emotion expected from something in that price bracket. This is a good truck in a vacuum—but not in the Raptor’s shadow.

3. 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo AWD

MSRP: $42,345

Tested MPG: 23 mpg (Combination of Sport/ECO mode)

Color: Shadow Black

The 2025 Maverick Lobo is Ford’s bold attempt to create a compact sport truck with genuine performance credentials. With its aggressive, lowered stance, black-out styling, and street-truck DNA, the Lobo is eye-catching and engaging. On the road, it turned heads and drew praise from younger enthusiasts at every stop.

Under the hood, the Maverick Lobo features a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It boasts upgraded braking components from the Focus ST, a dual-clutch rear drive unit, and a sport-tuned suspension lowered by over an inch from the standard Maverick.

The driving dynamics are sharp for a vehicle in this segment. It offers responsive steering, quick throttle input, and a punchy turbocharged feel, especially with the distinctive blow-off valve sound. The Lobo’s power delivery and handling made long Texas road trips more entertaining than expected.

Where it falters, however, is the interior. The cabin feels more cost-saving than cost-effective. Although there’s a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, paddle shifters, and some unique bronze trim options, the rotary dial shifter, hard plastics, and overall layout evoke more of a budget crossover than a purpose-built performance truck. With a price tag north of $42,000, Ford should consider matching the interior quality with the truck’s strong exterior statement and mechanical upgrades.

2. 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

MSRP: $60,050

Tested MPG: 11.7 mpg (Normal Driving Mode)

Color: Shelter Green

The 2024 Ranger Raptor was one of the most anticipated off-road trucks of the year, and it delivered in nearly every way. Combining high-performance capabilities with muscular styling, it’s clear Ford built this truck to be driven hard and admired.

This midsize monster is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, making 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system with locking front and rear differentials, the Ranger Raptor is a serious trail machine. FOX Live Valve shocks handle its suspension, and it features selectable drive modes that adjust suspension stiffness, exhaust tone, and steering feel.

The interior is simple but functional, with Raptor-specific sport seats, a 12-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment and climate control layout is intuitive and, frankly, one of Ford’s best. The sporty shifter and steering wheel-mounted controls enhance the performance feel.

Though fuel economy is predictably low, the Raptor makes up for it with raw driving excitement. It’s a blast to drive on and off pavement, and its visual presence—especially in Shelter Green with the optional Raptor graphics—is undeniably aggressive. For those who want a midsize truck with a full-size personality, this is it.

1. 2025 Ford F-150 SuperCrew King Ranch Hybrid

MSRP (as tested): $79,825

Tested MPG: 15.6 mpg

Color: Rapid Red Metallic with Marsh Gray accents

Taking the crown in this roundup is the 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch Hybrid, a truck that blends workhorse strength with luxurious comfort and innovative technology. This full-size hybrid strikes a near-perfect balance between rugged utility and premium convenience.

Powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full-Hybrid V6, this truck cranks out 430 horsepower and a whopping 570 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The hybrid system adds torque for towing and hauling and enhances fuel economy compared to traditional gas engines.

Inside, the King Ranch is outfitted with high-grade leather seats, genuine wood trim, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a mobile office package that turns the truck into a productivity hub. A 12-inch productivity screen, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, Pro Power Onboard (7.2kW), and SYNC 4 add even more usability.

The King Ranch’s unique two-tone paint and retractable tailgate step are just some of the thoughtful touches that make this truck stand out. It’s also incredibly roomy, especially for taller occupants who will appreciate the generous legroom and seating adjustability.

Even with a near-$80,000 price tag, the King Ranch Hybrid offers exceptional value, considering its capabilities, comfort, and cutting-edge features. It’s the type of truck that can haul lumber during the day and transport clients to dinner in the evening.

Final Verdict

Ford’s truck lineup remains one of the most diverse and compelling in the industry, offering something for nearly every type of driver. After a month of back-to-back testing, the WHM Automotive Media team ranked the four models as follows: In fourth place, the Ranger Lariat proved to be capable and comfortable but ultimately overshadowed by its more thrilling sibling, the Ranger Raptor.

Ford’s current truck lineup proves why the brand continues to lead the segment, offering a diverse range of models tailored to different driving needs and lifestyles. After a month of real-world testing, the WHM Automotive Media team walked away with clear impressions. The Ranger Lariat, while refined and capable, couldn’t quite match the thrill of its Raptor counterpart.

The Maverick Lobo brought surprising performance and city-ready styling but was held back by a lackluster interior. The Ranger Raptor stood tall as a fierce off-road performer with serious curb appeal. And topping the lineup, the F-150 King Ranch Hybrid delivered the best overall blend of strength, comfort, and advanced tech—making it the standout of the group.

With a continued focus on innovation, refinement, and capability, Ford shows no signs of pumping the brakes on pushing its trucks to new heights.

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