Towing Guide for the Ford F-150: 2016-Present

When you’re looking for trucks for sale, you have a few things in mind. The first thing for many people is the price. You want a truck that offers plenty of power and performance but also one that won’t break your budget or cost you big in repairs down the road. Finding a reliable truck at a great price is always at the top of a driver’s list. The second consideration most of our customers have? It could be a lot of things for a lot of people, but one thing we find often comes up is towing.

Trucks and towing go together like, well, trucks and towing. One of the main reasons buyers gravitate towards buying a truck is the convenience factor the vehicle brings with them. Having a vehicle that is capable of handling jobs around the house or the work site is invaluable. Sure, there are the bells and whistles that come with them, but at its core, drivers are looking for a truck they can depend on for power and performance, all while remaining affordable. When you look at the truck market, you can see the model that often tops the list is the Ford F-150.

The F-150 has been America’s Best Selling Truck for nearly 50 years (46 to be exact), and there’s a reason for that. The F-150 boasts plenty of good looks and convenience features, but it also has been on the road long enough that there are plenty of high-end used models for sale, making them an attractive option for a driver who wants the power of the Blue Oval without the heavy price tag of buying brand new. The full-size F-150 pickup truck isn’t just another pretty face. It’s got a high-strength, lightweight body to make it more durable and efficient without compromising power. A variety of engine choices means you can pick and choose your level of performance to ensure you get your towing/hauling needs met.

If you’re in the market for a truck, there’s only one logical choice, the F-150. But which model year should you get? To make your decision easier, we’ve taken a look at the F-150’s engine choices, power potential, and towing technology since 2016. Let us help smooth out the bumps in the road of your truck-buying journey with our comprehensive F-150 towing guide to ensure you get all the performance, dependability, and versatility of the Blue Oval at a price point that works for you.

2016 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

Even as far back as 2016, the F-150 and the F-Series were leaders in their class, pulling some of the heaviest loads you could think of. If you’re shopping on a budget and simply want a competitive, easy-going truck to get the job done, 2016 is a great year to look out for.

For 2016 there were four engine choices drivers could pick from:

• 3.5 Ti-VCT V6
  • 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 7,600 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,910 lbs
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,210 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,240 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,100 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,270 lbs

Drivers will also be interested to learn that the 2016 F-150 comes with a host of great features to make everyday jobs a little safer. Trailer Sway Control combined with AdvanceTrac with RSC delivers increased stability and control for drivers, while the ability to switch to Tow/Haul mode helps optimize your truck’s performance when it comes to a big job. Also available is Hill Start Assist, which prevents your vehicle from rolling backward when on a hill, while Trailer Brake Control is easy to use from the interior panel, allowing you to increase the performance of your brakes. Last but not least, Smart Trailer Tow Connector keeps you aware of your trailer’s connect status, lights, plus battery, or additional alerts for an overall safe towing/hauling experience.

2017 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

2017 offers additional towing features plus another engine to its 2017 lineup, which makes it a great truck to keep an eye out for if you’re looking for versatility and additional performance options.

Engine choices for 2017 include:

• 3.5 Ti-VCT V6
  • 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 7,600
  • Max Payload: 1,910
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,210 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,220 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,270 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.Q. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,200 lbs

It’s also worth noting this year saw the addition of an all-new ten-speed transmission and improved efficiency of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

As far as tech and features to make towing safer and easier, drivers will enjoy the same additions as the previous year, which include Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode, Hill Start Assist, plus the addition of Trailer Brake Control which offers a balanced performance between truck and trailer brakes. Drivers will also appreciate the extra add-on of a BLIS (Blind Spot Information System to help them keep an eye out from all sides. For added convenience, the F-150 offers three different options in regards to cargo box volume that ranges from a 5.5 ft box upwards to a 6.5 ft and tops out at an 8 ft option, making it easier to lock up gear or keep daily essentials organized.

2018 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

2018 marked some new additions for the F-150 in regards to engine options and performance, starting with a standard 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 that offers 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Get standard towing of up to 7,700 lbs and a payload of 1,990 lbs.

Other engine options for 2018 include:

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 9,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,470 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,230 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,600 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,270 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.Q. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,200 lbs
• 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6
  • 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,400 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,020 lbs

Cargo box volumes and towing assist features remain the same as in previous years but with the addition of the available Pro Trailer Backup Assist. This tech is designed to make trailering quicker and easier. 2018 is a great year for drivers looking for a capable, flexible truck that was designed for hard work and offers them a lot for their money. The truck’s military-grade, high-strength aluminum frame keeps it strong while allowing it to shed weight, making it more efficient than ever before.

2019 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

Thanks to Ford’s innovative design and thinking, the lightweight but high-strength body of the 2019 truck means it is more capable than ever of pulling your heaviest loads while remaining efficient and offering best-in-class payload ratings.

The engine lineup for 2019 is as follows:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
  • 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 7,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,990 lbs
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • Available 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 9,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,470 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6:
  • Available 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 375 horsepower and lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,230 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • Available 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,270 lbs
• 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6
  • 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,020 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.Q. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,200 lbs

As for safety and driver assist features, the 2019 F-150 comes ready and able for your toughest jobs. Features available include Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Brake Control, BLIS, Dynamic Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, plus an all-new 360-degree camera system that allows drivers to keep an eye out from all sides, including a bird’s eye view, making towing and backing up safer than ever.

2020 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

So what’s going on in 2020? If you want to get some of the latest that Ford and the F-Series have to offer, buying a truck like a 2020 model that is only a few years old can save you money while also unlocking some premium features like best-in-class payload, great torque, and impressive towing abilities that you won’t find just anywhere.

For 2020 the F-150 is more capable and fuel-efficient than ever, with the ability of max towing upwards of 13,200 lbs plus a best-in-class payload rating of 3,270 lbs. The F-150 was designed to make use of every inch of space, thanks to its noteworthy cargo box volume that can be had in three different sizes: 5.5 ft, 6.5 ft, or 8 ft. Store gear, tools, or extras in a place you know they’ll stay safe and handy for when you need them. The ten-speed transmission with three overdrive gears means the F-150 is not only capable but efficient, making it the ultimate money-saving workhorse.

Engine choices for 2020 include:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
  • 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 7,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,990 lbs
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 9,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,470 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,230 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,270 lbs
• 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6
  • 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 11,500 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,020 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.Q. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,200 lbs

Coming standard in 2020 is Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode, Hill Start Assist, and BLIS. However, additional available features include Trailer Brake Controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and the Technology Package. The Technology Package features a range of features, including a 360-degree camera, active park assist, and dynamic hitch assist.

2021 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

No matter which model or advanced features you go for, there’s no denying that the 2021 F-150 is ready to tackle whatever you throw at it. The 2021 F-150 continues to offer not only a best-in-class payload of 3,325 lbs but also best-in-class towing of 14,000 lbs.

Expect to come across six different engine choices for the F-150, making it a versatile truck that can be built to suit your needs. All powertrains for 2021 now include the impressive ten-speed automatic transmission with optimized gear spacing for improved performance and overall efficiency.

The Engine Lineup for the 2021 F-150 includes:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
  • 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,985 lbs
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 10,100 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,480 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 14,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,250 lbs
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6:
  • New for 2021
  • 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,120 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,325 lbs
• 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6
  • 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,100 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,840 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.O. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,400 lbs

Driver assist and towing features are offered in abundance for the 2021 model. Drivers should keep an eye out for premium features like Pro Power Onboard, which can give you power when working out in the field or away from a main power source. Standard tailgate cleats on either side of the tailgate make work well for additional tie-down locations for extra materials, while the new clamp pockets are now built directly into the tailgate to hold down materials like maps, papers, and other work materials. The addition of an available Tailgate Work Surface offers additional perks like a built-in ruler and organizers, making working outdoors easier than ever.

2022 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

Going for a truck that is only a few years old is a great way to save money while also getting advanced performance or safety features without having to buy brand new. Buying used makes sense from a value standpoint, and going for a 2022 F-150 means you get the best of the Blue Oval with all of the savings.

It should be no surprise that the 2021 F-150 again offers best-in-class when it comes to towing abilities and payload. Whether towing, hauling, or something in between, if you want a well-rounded truck, the F-150 comes prepared. For 2021 drivers will notice a little change-up in the engine choices but will quickly see that despite the loss of a 3.0L diesel option, there are still plenty of great choices to pick from to get the level of performance you need for a variety of jobs or situations.

2022 engine choices include:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
  • 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,965 lbs
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 10,100 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,480 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 14,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,250 lbs
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6:
  • 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,120 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,325 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.O. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,400 lbs

Standard features on the 2022 F-150 to improve your towing and driving experience includes Trailer Sway Control, Tow-Haul Mode, Hill Start Assist, plus BLIS. Available features to further enhance your F-150’s performance and safety are Trailer Brake Control, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, plus Trailer Reverse Guidance.

2023 F-150 Towing Capabilities and Highlights

The latest 2023 F-150 is a great value for drivers that want a brand-new truck that will get the job done without complaint. Whether on or off-road, the F-150 delivers for drivers who need a workhorse as well as a capable everyday ride. As with previous years, drivers can expect to find plenty of torque and horsepower in the truck’s extensive engine lineup. The powertrain line was extended this year to include seven options for drivers looking for the perfect balance of performance to meet their needs.

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
• 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,955 lbs
  • 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 10,100 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,465 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
  • 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 14,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,235 lbs
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6
  • 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 12,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 2,120 lbs
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
  • 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 13,000 lbs
  • Max Payload: 3,315 lbs
• 3.5L EcoBoost H.O. V6
  • Only available for Raptor
  • 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,200 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,445 lbs
• 5.2L Supercharged V8
  • Only available for Raptor R
  • 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque
  • Max Towing: 8,700 lbs
  • Max Payload: 1,400 lbs

The hard-working, field efficient 2023 F-150 comes with great standard towing and assist features that include Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode, and BLIS. While if you would like an extra set of eyes or additional safety features, options include Trailer Brake Control, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch.