The 10 Best Values in the 2024 Ford Truck & SUV Lineup

Intro

There is no getting around it, buying a new Ford truck or SUV in 2024 is expensive. So, if you are going to take the leap, you want to make sure you are getting the most for your money. With that in mind, we looked at all the non-EV Ford trucks and SUVs in the 2024 lineup and selected what trim and configuration offered the most value. When putting this list together we took into consideration the specific vehicle and the typical needs for a buyer looking for that vehicle. For example, a buyer looking for a new Bronco is probably more concerned about off road ability than fuel mileage. And for each model we decided on a trim level and in some cases specific options that make that model a good value.

Everyone has different needs when shopping for a new vehicle, so this is not going to be a perfect list for everyone. Some folks just can’t live without heated leather seats. Others always want the most powerful engine. And that is all well and good. But we took a more middle of the road approach, and selected vehicles that we think will satisfy most people for the least amount of money.

10. Edge SE ($39,960)

If you are shopping for a Ford Edge you are likely looking for the best basic transportation. The power of the ST is tempting but not worth the nearly $10,000 price premium to most people in this segment. The base SE model already comes with most of the features anyone could reasonably ask for. AWD, 250 HP, 8-speed automatic transmission, Co-Pilot 360, SYNC 4A, and more. If you can do without leather seats and a fancy stereo the base Edge SE is a good value SUV for less than $40K.  

9. Escape ST-Line Select Hybrid ($36,685)

This model offers a good mix of efficiency and value. Choosing the Hybrid over the EcoBoost adds a little over $1,000 to the ST-Line Select price but it also adds AWD and drastically improves fuel economy from 26 mpg combined to 39 mpg combined. With the Hybrid option, horsepower is also down, but Escape buyers probably don’t care much.  And this trim level offers plenty of standard features and opens the window on additional options if you wish to add them. If you are in the Escape market, this middle of the line trim level offers a good mix of features and value.

8. Expedition XLT MAX ($64,585)

If you are shopping for an Expedition, you probably need a lot of space, so you may as well chose the MAX for the extra foot of overall length and much larger cargo capacity. And once you settle on the MAX, the XLT is the sweet spot between price and features. Stepping up to the Limited MAX is nearly $10K more expensive and a lot of features are still optional. The XLT comes standard with Tri-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, SYNC4 with 12-inch center stack screen, Ford Co-Pilot360, power liftgate, and a lot more.

7. Explorer ST ($51,700)

Yes, the Explorer ST starts at over $50K and for that price you don’t even get AWD. But it is hard to say no to 400 horsepower. It is a significant bump up from the lesser models. And it comes with a distinctive sporty look and plenty of features to justify the price premium. The ST trim undercuts the posher King Ranch and Platinum models by thousands. And if you want AWD, you can add it in for $2,000 and you then you have yourself a rally-ready SUV.

6. Bronco Sport Heritage ($33,960)

Opting for the Bronco Sport means hardcore off-roading is probably not your primary objective. So, spending nearly 20 percent more on the Badlands trim doesn’t make sense. We are suckers for the throwback looks of the Bronco Sport Heritage and small equipment differences such as the LED fog lights justify the price premium over the Big Bend trim. This is a distinctive looking SUV that will get you through bad weather and light off-roading without breaking the bank.

5. Bronco Black Diamond ($45,465)

At just over $45K to start the 4-door Bronco Black Diamond offers the best value for Bronco buyers. Some buyers just want to look like they off-road and the Black Diamond certainly fits that need. But others like to actually off-road, and the Black Diamond does that as well. It comes standard with a locking rear diff, steel bumpers front and rear, rock rails, skid plates and seven G.O.A.T. modes. That will get most people anywhere they want to go. Sure, the Wildtrak trim comes with a more powerful engine and the Sasquatch Package, but it costs nearly $20K more than the Black Diamond. Do you really need that? Be honest.

4. Maverick XLT EcoBoost ($27,910)

The entire Maverick lineup is a great value, so it is really tough to pick a winner here. But we think the best choice in the 2024 Maverick lineup is the XLT with the EcoBoost. You get a lot of vehicle for $27,910. It is by far the least expensive Ford on our list. And on the XLT the interior, wheels, and other bits are all a nice step up from the base XL model and easily justifies the $2,500 price bump. At nearly $35K the Lariat makes less sense as that puts you in Ranger XLT territory. The Maverick XLT comes standard with front wheel drive, and that is going to be fine for most people and the way they will use this little truck.

You can add AWD for $2,200 if you want, or go all out with the Tremor Off-Road package, but at over $4,000 that is not necessary for most Maverick owners. A standard Maverick XLT EcoBoost is one of the most value packed vehicle purchases you can make in 2024.

3. Ranger Raptor ($57,065)

This might be the best value in the entire Ford portfolio. Assuming of course a dealer will sell you one at MSRP. Yes, it is $20K more than the XLT, but at $57K, it is by FAR the least expensive Ford Raptor, and it still delivers plenty of thrills. The amount of hardware and technology stuffed into a truck that retails for less than $60K is astonishing. A 405-horsepower engine, Fox Live Valve shocks, and big 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 tires will get you just about everywhere. And thanks to its smaller size, it might even get you places the larger F-150 Raptor can’t. For $20K less. This is an incredible truck value and the best in the Ranger lineup. Assuming of course you have any interest in going off-road.

2. F-150 Regular Cab XL 6.5 Foot Bed ($38,765)

This one was not easy due to the sheer number of available F-150 models. There is the basic XL work truck for less than $40k up to the Raptor which is about double that amount. But we are looking purely at best value here in this list. And this particular specification of F-150 offers the best value hands down. It might not be the most equipped or have the highest towing capacity or serve as the best family vehicle. But hear us out.  

The 2024 F-150 regular cab XL with the 6.5-foot bed has an MSRP of just $38,765 and that includes the $1,995 destination charge. The truck comes standard with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. It can tow 9,000 pounds. And it comes with Co-Pilot 360 2.0, SYNC 4, and Sirius XM radio. Sure, it has just 2 doors, and is rear wheel drive, but if you step up to an F-150 SuperCrew XLT with a 6.5-foot bed and a 5.0L V8 it will cost you nearly $58,000!  You can get this brand new 2024 F-150 with a V8 engine for less than the price of a base Ford Edge. Incredible value here.

1. Super Duty F-250 Lariat Crew Cab 6.7L Power Stroke ($76,730)

Picking the best F-150 value was tough, but picking the best Super Duty value was nearly impossible. There are just so many options and configurations. But we landed on this one. Even though it will set you back $76,730 this truck can do EVERYTHING. It is fast, it can tow, haul, take you and your family to dinner, and is loaded with technology. The 6.7L is a nearly $10,000 option but with it comes 475 horsepower and 1,050 foot-pounds of torque. The high output version offers a bit more power but the regular 6.7 is such a beast we didn’t see the need to spend the extra $2,500 for the high output 6.7.

Towing capacity is 15,800 pounds. Not enough? Add the High Capacity Axle Upgrade package for $1,130 and the tow rating jumps to 22,000 pounds. That should be more than enough for most people. And you are still getting front leather seats that are heated and ventilated, a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, and a whole lot more. This truck is not inexpensive, but when you consider everything that it offers, it is a tremendous value.

Images: Ford