12 Years and Counting: The 2026 Ford F-150 Is KBB’s “Best Buy” Full-Size Truck

After inventing the assembly line (1913), perhaps the greatest innovation Ford ever developed is the F-150 pickup truck. It’s been America’s top-selling vehicle for 44 years, and the top-selling truck for 49 years. Impressive. Here’s another record: the 2026 Ford F-150 is Kelley Blue Book’s “Best Buy” full-size truck for the 12th consecutive year!

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is one of the most respected vehicle review organizations, and its annual “Best Buy” awards are a great guide for consumers looking for excellent value for their money. 

Citing the F-150’s towing and payload capacity and innovative technology, KBB also pointed out there’s an F-150 model to suit anybody’s needs: “Whether you need a basic work truck or a comfortable, well-finished people mover with toy hauling abilities, a serious off-roader, or something in between, the F-150 has an option for you.” There are also different sized beds and cabs, as well as trims. 

The standard engine is a 325-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, but you can also get a 3.5-liter engine with 450-hp and up to 13,500 lbs. of towing capacity. Go for the hybrid version and you can have up to 700 miles of range and 11,200 lbs. of towing capacity. For the really power hungry, there’s a 720-hp V8.

With eight different models, the 2026 F-150 offers something for everyone. There’s plenty of power even at the lowest levels ( F-150 XL and STX – which also comes as a hybrid). For luxury, move up to the F-150 King Ranch with leather seats and an optional moonroof, or the F-150 Platinum with an optional head-up display. For maximum towing and off-roading, the F-150 Raptor has that V8 engine, optional Dual-Valve Fox™ Racing Shocks and 37” all-terrain tires.

Safety is baked in to the 2026 Ford F-150 pickup with the Ford Co-Pilot360® technology featuring Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, Lane-Keeping Assis, Blind Spot Information System – Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and go and Automatic High-Beam Headlamps. The Blue-Cruise 1.4 semi-autonomous hands-free driving system is available on the XLT and standard on King Ranch and above. 

It’s worth mentioning that the 2026 Ford F-150 is not the only Ford vehicle that KBB honored with a “Best Buy Award.” The 2026 Ford Expedition was the “Best Full-Size SUV,” and the 2026 Ford Maverick won “Best Compact Truck.”