2026 Ford F-150 Buyer's Guide: Trims, Engines & Real Chicago Pricing
June 12 2026 - By Murgado Ford of Chicago

2026 Ford F-150 Lariat on the Murgado Ford of Chicago lot in BucktownReviewed by the Murgado Ford of Chicago Team - Last reviewed June 2026. Murgado Ford of Chicago is a factory-authorized Ford dealer at 2501 N Elston Ave in Bucktown, with the full 2026 F-150 lineup on the lot and Ford-certified product specialists who'll match the right truck to how you actually use it. Trim availability, packages, and incentives change weekly - everything below reflects what's true as of June 2026, but verify your specific configuration and pricing before you sign.

 

The 2026 Ford F-150 starts at $39,330 for the work-focused XL and climbs to roughly $113,725 for the supercharged Raptor R, with nine trims and five engines in between. The 2026 model year keeps the broad recipe of the current-generation truck (introduced 2021, refreshed for 2024) and makes targeted changes: rear-wheel drive is now standard on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum (a roughly $4,000 saving if you don't need 4WD), the V8 has been dropped from King Ranch and Platinum, the STX gains a new Lobo street package with the 5.0L V8, and BlueCruise hands-free driving switches to a one-time seven-year purchase. To see what's on our Bucktown lot right now or to schedule a test drive, call our sales team at (877) 567-6386.

This guide walks through every 2026 F-150 trim - what you get, what's missing, and who it's actually for - covers all five engine options (including which trims they're available on), explains what's new for 2026 vs the 2025 model, and gives you what most dealer pages won't: a real read on what F-150s currently transact for in Chicago, not just MSRP.

What's New for 2026

If you're cross-shopping a 2025 against a 2026, four changes matter:

  • Rear-wheel drive is now standard on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. In 2025 these trims came with 4WD standard; for 2026 you can choose 2WD as the base and save roughly $4,000. Adding 4WD is still available across the board. For Chicago winters, most owners still want 4WD - but if your F-150 is a highway truck or rarely sees snow, this is a real saving worth taking.
  • The 5.0L V8 is no longer offered on King Ranch or Platinum. Those trims now run the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (or the PowerBoost Hybrid). If you're set on V8 luxury, the V8 lives on in XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, and Tremor configurations.
  • The new STX Lobo Package adds a 2-inch lowered rear suspension, gloss-black grille, 22-inch gloss-black wheels, and the 5.0L V8 to the STX. It's a street-focused look for buyers who want V8 sound and visual presence without paying Tremor or Raptor money.
  • BlueCruise becomes a one-time, seven-year purchase instead of a monthly subscription. For long-term owners that's a meaningful change in the total cost of the hands-free system. Some trims include trial periods or factory-equipped BlueCruise; others offer it as an option.

Other small refinements: the XLT gets a new Chrome Appearance Package, and Platinum is eligible for a new Satin Appearance Package. Maximum towing remains up to 13,500 lbs, while payload capacity reaches up to 2,440 lbs depending on configuration.

2026 Ford F-150 Trim Lineup & MSRP

2026 Ford F-150 trim lineup from XL to Raptor R

Trim Starting MSRP Best For
XL $39,330 Work truck, fleet, contractors who want a reliable tool without paid options
STX $41,855 Daily-driver buyers who want sportier styling and the 12-inch display at a near-base price; the new Lobo Package adds V8 and presence
XLT $44,695 The volume seller and value sweet spot - most popular trim, most flexible options, most resale demand
Lariat $59,560 Buyers who want genuine leather luxury, dual-zone climate, and stronger tech without King Ranch money
Tremor $64,915 Real off-road buyers - skid plates, FX4 suspension, all-terrain tires, 3.5L EcoBoost standard
King Ranch $65,825 Lifestyle-luxury buyers - Western-themed leather and wood; no V8 option for 2026
Platinum $68,800 Top of the gas-luxury ladder - massaging seats, premium tech; new Satin Appearance Package for 2026
Raptor $79,005 High-speed desert truck - 37-inch tires, FOX shocks, 3.5L high-output EcoBoost
Raptor R ~$113,725 Supercharged 5.2L V8 - low-volume halo truck

Note: MSRPs above are starting prices for the base configuration of each trim and exclude destination fees, taxes, title, packages, and options. Actual transaction price depends on inventory, incentives, financing structure and selected options. Confirm pricing on your specific build before you sign.

What an F-150 Actually Costs in Chicago Right Now

MSRP is one number; transaction price is another. As of early June 2026, the Chicago F-150 market is reading like this:

  • Example based on inventory available in June 2026: Mid-trim 2026 F-150s typically transact in the high $50s to mid $60s for an XLT configured with popular options, and in the high $60s to low $70s for a well-equipped Lariat. Tremor, King Ranch, and Platinum builds commonly clear $70,000. Inventory and pricing change daily.
  • Real example from our lot (June 2026): a 2026 F-150 Lariat 4WD with an MSRP of $75,765 is currently listed at $70,265 - a $5,500 working discount off sticker on that specific build. That kind of gap shows up most often on Lariat and above when inventory turn is healthy. Inventory and pricing change daily; this is one VIN on one day, not a guaranteed offer on your build.
  • Where MSRP and street prices get closer: Tremor and Raptor models, where demand and limited supply keep transaction prices much closer to sticker - and occasionally above it on hot configurations.
  • Where you save the most: the new 2026 RWD-standard Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum decision. Skipping 4WD on a luxury F-150 you'll mostly drive on dry pavement saves roughly $4,000 off the configuration cost - a bigger swing than most incentives.

For the truck you're actually considering, ask for an out-the-door figure that includes destination ($2,095 on most F-150s), Illinois sales tax, doc fee, title, and any current Ford incentives or Murgado-specific savings layered in. That's the only number that matters when you compare.

Note: Offer terms, incentives, and inventory pricing change without notice. The Lariat figure cited above is a single example as of June 2026 - verify current pricing on our F-150 inventory page before deciding.

2026 Ford F-150 Engine Options

2026 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 engine bay

Five engines, but not every trim gets every engine. Here's the practical map.

Engine Typical Use Case Available On
2.7L EcoBoost V6 The smart-money pick for daily drivers - strong torque, good fuel economy, plenty for most owners XL, STX, XLT, Lariat
5.0L V8 (PFDI) Traditional V8 sound and feel, strong towing - the enthusiast's choice while it's still on the menu XL, STX (Lobo Package), XLT, Lariat, Tremor
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Maximum gas towing capacity; standard on Tremor, Lariat (and up) XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum
3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Best fuel economy in the gas lineup; 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard generator; quiet around-town drive XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum
5.2L Supercharged V8 Halo performance only - 720 hp Raptor R Raptor R

The honest take on engines:

  • 2.7L EcoBoost is the engine most F-150 owners should buy. It's plenty for daily driving and light towing, returns the best gas-only fuel economy of the non-hybrid options, and tends to land on the most competitively priced builds.
  • 3.5L EcoBoost earns its keep if you regularly tow heavy (boats, campers, trailers above ~7,500 lbs) or want maximum capability. It's standard on Lariat and up for a reason.
  • 5.0L V8 sells on character. If you want the sound and the traditional V8 feel - or you're nostalgic for the F-150 V8 era - this is your last chance on most luxury trims. Note it's been removed from King Ranch and Platinum for 2026 and only available on the lower trims and Tremor.
  • PowerBoost Hybrid is the under-the-radar smart pick. It returns the best fuel economy, runs quietly at low speeds, and the onboard generator is genuinely useful - jobsite tools, tailgating, or running a fridge during a Chicago power outage. The upfront cost is higher; the math gets better with miles.

Trim-by-Trim: What You Actually Get

XL

The work truck. Available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew, with the 6.5-foot or 8.0-foot bed. Even the base XL now includes a 12-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi capability, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety technology, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), Lane-Keeping Assist, and other driver-assistance features depending on configuration. If you need a tool, not a lifestyle vehicle, this is the answer - and used XL F-150s tend to hold value well in Chicago's contractor market.

STX

For the price of a packaged-up XL, STX adds 18-inch wheels, body-color trim, blacked-out grille, the 12-inch productivity screen, and a sportier interior. The new STX Lobo Package takes it further with a 2-inch lowered rear suspension, gloss-black grille, 22-inch gloss-black wheels, and the 5.0L V8 - a street-focused look at a price that undercuts the higher trims with V8 power.

XLT

The volume seller, and not by accident. XLT is where you start getting power driver's seat, upgraded cloth, chrome accents, and a wide range of options - the 302A equipment group remains the practical sweet spot. If you want the truck that's easiest to spec right, easiest to finance, easiest to resell, and easiest to find on a lot, this is it. New for 2026: the XLT Chrome Appearance Package.

Lariat

Lariat is where the F-150 starts feeling genuinely premium - leather seats, dual-zone climate, available B&O audio, and most luxury tech as standard or available. For 2026, rear-wheel drive is the new base configuration (saving roughly $4,000 vs the 2025 4WD-standard build); adding 4WD brings the Lariat to around $66,155. The 3.5L EcoBoost is standard; the 2.7L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 are optional.

Tremor

Tremor is Ford's traditional off-road truck - a step below Raptor in extremity, but more usable as a daily driver. It's built on the XLT but adds an off-road suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, FX4 capability, and the more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 standard. If you actually go off-road, this is built for it. If you don't, you're paying for capability you won't use.

King Ranch

A lifestyle trim. The Western-themed leather, contrast stitching, and wood trim are unique to King Ranch and remain the visual signature. For 2026, two changes hit at once: rear-wheel drive is now standard (a real saving for buyers who don't need 4WD - adding 4WD brings it to about $72,420), and the V8 engine option has been removed. The 3.5L EcoBoost and PowerBoost Hybrid are now the engine choices.

Platinum

Top of the gas-truck luxury ladder. Massaging front seats, premium audio, the most advanced driver-assist tech available on the F-150, and now the new Satin Appearance Package for 2026. Same 2026 changes as King Ranch: rear-wheel drive base, no V8 option, 3.5L EcoBoost or PowerBoost Hybrid only.

Raptor

The desert truck. 37-inch tires, FOX live-valve shocks, the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6, unique wide-body sheetmetal, and a chassis designed to handle full-send off-road use. The Raptor is genuinely capable; it's also genuinely expensive to insure, fuel, and re-tire. Most Raptor buyers know that going in.

Raptor R

The halo. Supercharged 5.2L V8 producing 720 horsepower, with a price tag in the $113,000-$115,000 range. Low-volume, allocation-limited, and not a vehicle most buyers will cross-shop - but it's there.

Cab Styles and Bed Lengths

Three cab styles, three bed lengths. The XLT is the only trim available in all three cab styles. Here's the practical breakdown:

Cab Style Seating Available Beds
Regular Cab 3 (single row) 6.5-ft or 8.0-ft
SuperCab Up to 6 (rear half-doors) 6.5-ft only
SuperCrew Up to 6 (full rear doors) 5.5-ft or 6.5-ft

SuperCrew is standard on Lariat and above. Tremor and Raptor come exclusively with the 5.5-ft short bed. For Chicago drivers who park in the city or in garages, the 5.5-ft short bed in a SuperCrew is the most practical urban configuration - the 8.0-ft bed makes a meaningful difference at the curb on Elston Avenue.

Smart Builds: What to Spec If You're Buying Right

If you're trying to land in the right truck without overpaying:

  • XLT with the 302A equipment group, 2.7L EcoBoost, SuperCrew, 5.5-ft bed is the practical sweet spot for most Chicago daily drivers. Plenty of capability, modern tech, easiest to resell.
  • Lariat with 2.7L EcoBoost in RWD (new for 2026) makes sense for highway commuters who want leather and dual-zone climate without paying for 4WD they don't need. Add 4WD only if you actually use it - city snow handling on RWD F-150s is honestly fine with good tires.
  • For real off-roaders, Tremor with 3.5L EcoBoost is the right answer - more usable than Raptor as a daily, and a fraction of the price.
  • For maximum towing, the 3.5L EcoBoost or PowerBoost Hybrid paired with the Max Tow package and the heavy-duty payload package gets you to the 13,500-lb ceiling. Be honest about how often you actually hit those numbers.

Buying an F-150 in Chicago: Practical Notes

Order vs in-stock

If you want a specific configuration - particular color, particular package - factory order can take several weeks to a few months but gets you exactly what you want at locked-in pricing. If you need a truck this month, in-stock from our Bucktown lot or via dealer trade is the faster path; we can often locate a build close to what you want within the network.

Trade-in and financing

Bring your trade-in for an in-person appraisal - online tools give a range, but the real number depends on condition and current Chicago market demand for your make and model. Our finance team can walk you through Ford Credit programs (including current APR offers and lease structures) alongside outside-bank options.

Winter and salt-belt prep

Chicago winters are hard on undercarriages. If you're buying an F-150 you plan to keep long-term, consider undercoating, all-weather floor liners, and a set of dedicated winter tires (especially on RWD configurations). These are easier and cheaper to add at delivery than after the salt season starts.

Delivery options

For Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, and West Town buyers, the dealership is a short drive. For buyers farther out, ask about home delivery and remote document signing - many of our F-150 customers complete the process without spending hours on the lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 2026 Ford F-150 cost?

The 2026 F-150 starts at $39,330 MSRP for the XL and ranges to about $113,725 for the Raptor R. The volume-selling XLT starts at $44,695 and the Lariat at $59,560. Actual transaction price depends on configuration, packages, current incentives, and your trade-in. For your specific build, call our Bucktown team at (877) 567-6386 or check our F-150 inventory page.

What engines come in the 2026 F-150?

Five: the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, and the supercharged 5.2L V8 (Raptor R only). The 5.0L V8 is available on XL, STX (with the new Lobo Package), XLT, Lariat, and Tremor - but is no longer offered on King Ranch or Platinum for 2026.

What's new on the 2026 F-150 vs the 2025?

The biggest changes are: rear-wheel drive is now standard on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum (saving around $4,000 vs the 2025 4WD-standard configuration); the V8 is no longer available on King Ranch or Platinum; the STX gets a new Lobo street package with the 5.0L V8; XLT gets a Chrome Appearance Package and Platinum gets a Satin Appearance Package; BlueCruise becomes a one-time seven-year purchase instead of a monthly subscription.

Which 2026 F-150 trim is the best value?

For most buyers, the XLT with the 302A equipment group and the 2.7L EcoBoost is the practical sweet spot - it's the most popular trim, has the broadest options list, and is the easiest to resell. If you want leather and luxury without King Ranch money, the Lariat (now available in RWD for a real saving) is the next step up.

Should I get the 4WD or stick with RWD on a 2026 F-150?

If you regularly drive in snow, tow, or go off-pavement, 4WD is worth it. If your F-150 is mostly a highway truck or a city daily, the new RWD-standard Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum configurations save roughly $4,000 - the biggest single saving available on those trims. Good winter tires on an RWD F-150 handle most Chicago winters fine.

Is the PowerBoost Hybrid worth the extra cost?

If you keep your F-150 for many years and drive a lot of miles, the better fuel economy adds up. The 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard generator is also genuinely useful for jobsite work, tailgating, or backup power during outages. If you drive less or trade frequently, the math is closer.

Does Murgado Ford of Chicago have 2026 F-150s in stock?

Yes - we keep a broad selection of 2026 F-150s on the Bucktown lot, from work-spec XLs to fully loaded Lariats and Tremors. For specific colors, packages, or trims, ask about factory order or dealer trade. Check our current inventory at murgadofordchicago.com/new-ford-f-150 or call (877) 567-6386.

Can I order a 2026 F-150 with the V8 in King Ranch or Platinum?

Not for 2026. The 5.0L V8 has been removed from those trims for the model year. If you want V8 luxury, the Lariat is now the highest trim that offers the 5.0L V8; below it, the XLT and the new STX Lobo Package also have V8 access.

How long does an F-150 last with proper maintenance?

Modern F-150s routinely reach 200,000-300,000 miles with regular oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and basic care. Our service team at Murgado Ford keeps detailed records that protect resale value and warranty coverage - see our Ford oil change guide for what your specific engine needs.

See the 2026 F-150 at Murgado Ford of Chicago

Best way to figure out which F-150 is right is to drive a few. Our Bucktown showroom has the current 2026 lineup on the lot, and our Ford-certified product specialists will walk you through trims, engines, packages, and current incentives without pressure. Book a test drive online, ask for an instant trade-in value, or just stop by - we're at the intersection of Elston and Fullerton, easy off the Kennedy.

Sales Department: (877) 567-6386
Sales Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Sunday Closed (verify current hours on our site)
Location: 2501 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (Bucktown)

Pricing, incentives, and inventory change frequently - the figures and examples in this guide reflect what was current as of June 11, 2026. For an out-the-door number on your specific build, call us or stop in. Final pricing depends on configuration, packages, applicable incentives, taxes, and fees, and may vary by sales consultant.

About Murgado Ford of Chicago

Murgado Ford of Chicago is a factory-authorized Ford dealer serving Chicago and Cook County, operated by Murgado Automotive Group from 2501 N Elston Ave in Bucktown. We stock the full Ford lineup - F-150 (gas, PowerBoost Hybrid, and Lightning EV), Super Duty, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Maverick, Escape, Explorer, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, and Transit commercial vehicles. Our sales team works with first-time truck buyers, contractor fleets, and long-time F-150 loyalists across Chicago's neighborhoods, from Bucktown and Wicker Park to Logan Square, Lincoln Park, the West Loop, and beyond.

This buyer's guide reflects the 2026 Ford F-150 lineup and Chicago market conditions as of June 14, 2026. Trim pricing, available packages, engine availability, and incentives change without notice - confirm specifics on the build you're considering before purchase. Vehicle specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer. Published June 14, 2026 - Last reviewed June 2026.