5 Years of the F-150: Safety and Power

When you need a truck that’s powerful and dependable, it’s time to seek out a Certified Pre-Owned Ford F-150 dealer like DePaula Ford. While there are notable tech and performance advances with each new model, Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) F-150s offer everything you need out of a truck -convenience, tow capacity, and safety. Whether you go with a 2017 model, a 2021 model, or anything in between, you can guarantee that the Ford F-150 offers an edge on the competition.

The Gold Certified Certified Pre-Owned distinction can be given to models that are six years old or less, while the Blue Certified label can apply to eligible models that are less than ten years old. However, some of the best features of the F-150 have come out in the last five or so years, so we are going to look back at the best points from the F-150s of the past five years to help you decide which CPO truck option best suits your needs. Keep in mind that these trucks carry over in many aspects, but each model year includes new features in addition to what the prior model year provides.

The 2017 Ford F-150

Two main factors affect a CPO vehicle’s ability to be classified as such and its pricing: age and mileage. Typically, these two go hand-in-hand. For example, a 2017 is older than a 2018 model, and it likely has racked up more miles as a result. This isn’t ALWAYS the case, as the driver may have seldom used their 2017 truck model. However, the general rule is that the older a model is, the higher its mileage.

The higher the vehicle’s mileage is, the cheaper its price. That’s the perk to buying an “older” CPO F-150 model. Buying an older used model is different now than it was ten years ago, as now, you’re no longer sacrificing tech or safety features when you buy a 5-year old model. For example, the 2017 F-150 is available with the following driver assist features:
Blind Spot Monitoring: A feature that monitors blind spots using cameras and sensors, then relays the information to the drive. For example, when you’re driving on a highway and you need to switch lanes, Blind Spot Monitoring will let you know if it is or isn’t safe to do so.
Cross Traffic Alert: Ideal for parking lot navigation, this feature sees what you can’t see. When the parking lot is full, and you can’t see to back out without worrying about traffic, this feature kicks in to notify you of parking aisle traffic. Cross Traffic Alert is also handy when you’re backing out of a driveway onto a highway.
Dynamic Hitch Assist Backup Camera: The perfect option for serious towers, the Dynamic Hitch Assist Backup Camera offers guidance lines and notifications to help you hook up your trailer without needing a spotter or having to exit the vehicle yourself.

In addition to these tech-savvy features, the 2017 F-150 can tow up to 12,200 pounds, falling only 1,500 pounds short of the newest 2021 model. Don’t let the higher mileage issue detour you. This is still a CPO model, meaning it’s within a reasonable mileage range, and it has undergone several inspections and maintenance checks to ensure that it’s problem-free. When you want a reliable modern truck, but you’re looking to save some cash, check out the 2017 Ford F-150 model.

The 2018 Ford F-150

Only one year ahead of the 2017 model, the 2018 F-150 offers everything that the 2017 model can offer and a little more. The max tow capacity gets bumped up to 13,200 pounds, while there’s a new tech upgrade on this model as well. This new upgrade is for the built-in navigation system. Prior to the 2018 model, the F-150 included voice-activated Navigation. However, the 2018 model adds a touchscreen feature to the built-in Navigation system. This makes it easier to pinpoint locations and use the “zoom” feature by using its “pinch-to-zoom” capability.

“Smart Device Remote Engine Start ” is now available as well, meaning that drivers can start their vehicle from their phones. This includes the ability to control the HVAC temperature, lock and unlock the doors, and even control the F-150’s headlights. The 2018 is still considered an “older” CPO model, but it offers a stronger tow capacity and more modern tech features than its predecessor.

The 2019 Ford F-150

The 2019 F-150 offers the same 13,200 max tow capacity that the 2018 model offers. However, it does include additional tech features such as the 360-degree camera system that lets drivers see all four sides of the truck. Plus, Ford Co-Pilot360 is now standard, meaning that no matter what trim you choose, you’ll get Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert without needing to pay extra or choose a higher trim.

You’ll also gain a new feature that’s standard as well – Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Braking. This system notifies drivers when an accident may occur; if the driver doesn’t stop quickly enough, Automatic Braking kicks in to stop the F-150 without driver intervention. Collision Mitigation is also available on this model, ensuring that the truck will automatically try to stop for vehicles, objects, and pedestrians alike to prevent accidents.

The 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Ford F-150’s tow capacities carry over again. However, this model offers several driver assist upgrades in addition to what we’ve seen in previous models. These include the following:
Lane Departure Warning: A driver alert system that lets you know when you’re unintentionally lane drifting, whether it be off the side of the road or into the other lane.
Lane Keep Assist: Working together with the Lane Departure Warning, this feature will use automatic steering to keep you centered in the appropriate lane. This feature will not hinder you from changing lanes when using the turn signal or if it senses the move is deliberate.
Driver Monitoring Alert: Use this feature to keep you accountable behind the wheel. Driver Monitoring Alert will notify you when it detects unstable patterns in your driving that may mean you need to take a break.

While power remains the same, the 2020 F-150 comes with better standard features and new driver assist technologies that are well worth the money. Plus, a 2020 model will likely be a lower-mileage CPO, so if that’s a concern of yours, you can’t go wrong.

The 2021 Ford F-150

The newest used model of them all, the 2021 F-150 offers a 14,000-pound max tow capacity, which is currently the best in its class for this model year. This model offers more torque than any F-150 model before it, making it ideal for towing enthusiast Ford fans.

Like the other models, it also includes new driver assist technologies, including rear collision mitigation (rather than just front collision mitigation like the previous F-150s), along with standard Trailer Tow Coverage Blind Spot Monitoring. This works the same as regular Blind Spot Monitoring, but it’s trailer-capable, meaning that it will detect other vehicles from the front of your truck to the rear tip of your trailer. The 2021 F-150 also includes an available front camera with a built-in front camera washer so that you’ll always know what’s truly ahead. Since your truck is up high, this camera can spot smaller, low to the ground objects that normally may not be seen.

Which F-150 CPO Is Best?

Each of these models offers its own pros and cons. When you’re mostly concerned with power rather than technology and you’d like to save some cash, an older F-150 CPO is the best route to go. However, for the ultimate safety and convenience experience, a newer F-150 is a great option. All 5 of these F-150 models include towing assist features such as Tow/Haul Mode, Trailer Brake Controller, and Hill Start Assist, to name just a few. So, there’s really no way to go wrong here. Now that you know the ins and outs of the last 5 Ford F-150 models and their tech and power capabilities, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start truck shopping!