New & Used 2026 Ford F-150 for Sale nearNorth Chicago, IL

Is the 2026 Ford F-150 a good car?

Yes — you rate it 4.5/5, and the expert rating is 6.7/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 8/10. In the 2026 F-150’s case, that lines up with its broad lineup: it offers eight trims, three beds, three cabs, and six powertrains, so you can tailor it to work, comfort, or performance needs. The trade-offs are just as clear: the naturally aspirated V8 is described as lazy, lower-priced versions lack basic amenities, and higher-priced versions are not as luxurious as Ram or GMC. Even so, the truck’s versatility and configuration depth make it a strong fit if you want a full-size pickup with lots of choices. Good and great deals account for 32.3% of listings, which suggests there’s still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Ford F-150 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The F-150 is described as a long-running, well-established truck in its 14th generation, and the expert review calls it very competitive across its many configurations. Its turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines are described as more than adequate for moderate towing, and the truck’s overall package is framed as broad and capable rather than fragile or specialized. Ford’s powertrain warranty and lack of scheduled maintenance are average for the class. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about basic dependability and more about choosing the right configuration, since some versions are stripped down while others get expensive quickly.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Ford F-150?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies. You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re looking at a truck that’s been used for towing or heavy work. Focus on condition, equipment level, and whether the specific trim has the features you expect, since the F-150’s lineup varies widely.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lower-priced versions can feel sparse, while higher trims add more comfort and luxury. The interior is praised for its sharp screens and chunky analog controls, but material quality still trails the best Ram and GMC models at similar prices.
• Powertrain: The base 2.7-liter turbo V6 is standard on STX and XLT, the 5.0-liter V8 is the only engine for the base XL with the 6.5-foot bed and an upgrade on several trims, and the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 is the strongest all-rounder. The V8 is called lazy in launch and mid-range acceleration, while the turbo V6s are the F-150’s strength.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes high-beam assist, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking with intersection assist and pedestrian detection, evasive steering assist, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is optional, and BlueCruise is optional on select trims.
• Infotainment: A 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4, a 4-inch instrument display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. BlueCruise is available on XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, and Platinum, while upper trims can add larger audio systems, navigation, a full digital instrument panel, and other upgrades.
• Fuel efficiency: The Lobo test truck is rated at 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The hybrid’s city fuel economy is noted at 23 mpg.

Which 2026 Ford F-150 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford F-150 is offered in 8 trim levels: XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor.

Here's the short version:

• XL: This is the most basic path into the lineup, and it makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and can live without many comforts. It’s the trim most likely to feel stripped down, so it suits buyers who care more about utility than amenities.
• STX: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds more personality and equipment without jumping too far up the price ladder. The STX Lobo test truck shows how much style Ford can layer onto this trim, but the underlying appeal is still value and everyday usability.
• XLT: This is the smart step-up if you want a more balanced truck with access to more equipment and optional BlueCruise. It’s a good fit if you want a broader mix of comfort, tech, and flexibility.
• Lariat: This trim is for you if you want a more upscale feel and more available convenience features. It’s a stronger choice than the lower trims if you plan to spend a lot of time in the truck.
• King Ranch: This is one of the more distinctive luxury-leaning trims, with richer interior materials and more premium equipment. It suits buyers who want a more upscale truck without going all the way to the top.
• Platinum: This is the more polished luxury choice, with added comfort and tech features. It’s best if you want a high-end F-150 and care about cabin presentation.
• Tremor: This is the better pick if you want a more rugged, off-road-oriented setup with a stronger personality. It also gets access to BlueCruise and sits higher in the lineup.
• Raptor: This is the performance and off-road halo model, with serious power and specialized hardware. It’s the right choice if you want the most extreme F-150 experience.

Safety-package note: BlueCruise is optional on XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, and Platinum, and unavailable on other trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Ford F-150?

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,206 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.4% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Ford F-150 safe?

The 2026 F-150 earns a Good rating in the IIHS small overlap and side crash tests, but a Poor rating in the front moderate overlap test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a five-star overall safety rating, with five-star ratings in the frontal and side crash tests. It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes high-beam assist, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking with intersection assist and pedestrian detection, evasive steering assist, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is optional, along with BlueCruise on select trims. Knee airbags, a front-center airbag, and rear side airbags are not available. The weak IIHS front moderate overlap result is the main caveat to keep in mind.

Should I buy a 2026 Ford F-150 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the F-150’s huge configuration range and strong turbocharged and supercharged engine choices.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It offers a similarly broad lineup with added driver-assistance updates and a new Platinum Plus package.

The bottom line: If you want the latest version with strong market availability and broad configuration choice, the 2026 is the cleaner default pick. If you’re price-sensitive and find a well-equipped 2025, that year still gives you the F-150’s core strengths with a similar breadth of options.

How does the 2026 Ford F-150 compare to the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2026 Ford F-150:

• Pros: Handsome design, Great turbocharged and supercharged engines, Easy tech and analog controls.
• Cons: Lazy naturally-aspirated V8 powertrain, Lack of basic amenities at lower prices, Not as luxurious as Ram or GMC at higher prices.

2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

• Pros: Spacious, Easy-to-use technology, Diesel engine option.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Blind-spot warning not standard, Concerning safety ratings.

Our experts score the 2026 Ford F-150 6.7/10 and the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3/10. The F-150 comes out ahead on overall expert score, especially if you value stronger turbocharged and supercharged engines plus easier analog-and-tech controls. The Silverado’s main advantages are space, simple technology, and a diesel option, but its weaker safety and fuel-economy drawbacks make it the less compelling all-around pick here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.