Used F-150 vs Silverado 1500 - Which is a Better Deal?

Ford Truck Materials: Ford's truck lineup doesn't use one formula. The Maverick is a steel-dominant unibody with an aluminum hood, the Ranger is a steel body-on-frame truck with a handful of aluminum closures, and both the F-150 and Super Duty use a high-strength aluminum-alloy body mounted on a fully boxed steel frame. If you're asking specifically about Super Duty trucks like the F-250 and F-350, the answer is yes — their cab, doors, hood, and bed are aluminum, while the frame underneath stays steel. We can walk you through how each approach holds up for Vermont driving, towing, and winters. Pop the hood on a few different Ford trucks side by side and you'll notice something: they're not all built the same way. Customers at Formula Ford of Rutland ask us constantly whether Ford trucks are aluminum or steel, and the honest answer depends on which truck you're talking about. A Maverick, a Ranger, an F-150, and a Super Duty each strike a different balance between the two materials, and knowing the difference can change how you think about weight, payload, rust resistance, and repair costs. We'll break down what each model in the current lineup is actually built from — you can browse our full lineup of Ford trucks for sale at once — go deep on the question we hear most, which is whether Ford Super Duty trucks are aluminum, and explain why Ford doesn't use the same formula across every truck it sells. Shop Our Ford Truck Inventory What Ford Trucks Are Made From, Model by Model Start with the smallest truck in the lineup. The Maverick is built as a unibody, meaning the body and frame form one welded structure, more like a car than a traditional pickup, and Ford builds that structure mostly out of steel, with the hood and a handful of smaller parts made from aluminum to trim weight where it matters most. Step up to the Ranger and the construction changes again. It's a traditional body-on-frame truck, and while the frame and most of the body stay steel, Ford uses aluminum for a few specific panels, including the hood, front fenders, and part of the tailgate. The F-150 and Super Duty take the opposite approach. Both ride on a high-strength steel frame, but the cab, doors, hood, and bed are built from aluminum alloy, a strategy Ford first used on the F-150 for the 2015 model year and then carried over to Super Duty for 2017. If you're cross-shopping a half-ton against something heavier, our Super Duty inventory is a good place to start comparing. Are Ford Super Duty Trucks Really Aluminum? This is the question we hear most, so let's answer it directly: yes. Every current Ford Super Duty, the F-250, F-350, and F-450, uses a high-strength aluminum-alloy body for the cab, doors, hood, and bed. That's been true since Ford redesigned the Super Duty for the 2017 model year, two years after making the same switch on the F-150, and it's carried through every Super Duty generation since, including the current lineup. The frame is a different story. Ford builds the Super Duty frame from fully boxed, high-strength steel, because no aluminum alloy on the market matches steel's strength-to-cost ratio at the loads a heavy-duty frame has to carry. Towing a 30-foot camper or hauling a flatbed trailer puts enormous stress through the frame rails, and that's a job Ford still trusts to steel rather than aluminum. So a Super Duty isn't an all-aluminum truck — it's aluminum where weight savings pay off and steel where strength can't be compromised. Why Some Ford Trucks Use More Aluminum Than Others If aluminum saves weight everywhere, why doesn't every Ford truck use it the same way? Construction type is a big part of the answer. A unibody truck like the Maverick already saves weight through its structure, so there's less need to pay the extra manufacturing cost of converting the whole body to aluminum. A body-on-frame truck like the Ranger sits in the middle, picking up aluminum on a few higher-value panels without going all-in. For the F-150 and Super Duty, the math works differently. These trucks carry and tow the most weight in the lineup, so every pound Ford can shave off the body is a pound it can hand back as payload or towing capacity. Swapping steel body panels for aluminum ones shed as much as 350 pounds off the Super Duty's overall weight when Ford made the switch, and that savings shows up directly in higher payload and towing numbers compared to the steel-bodied trucks it replaced. What the Material Choice Means for Weight, Payload, Rust, and Repairs Whichever Ford truck you're looking at, the material mix affects more than just the spec sheet. Aluminum resists corrosion in a way bare steel never could on its own, which matters even more here in Vermont, where road salt is a fact of life for about half the year. That's one reason Super Duty and F-150 owners in our area often plan on driving their trucks for a decade or more. A few simple maintenance habits go a long way toward protecting either material from the elements, whatever truck you end up with. It also changes repairs. Collision work on an aluminum panel calls for different tools, different welding methods, and technicians trained specifically for it, so not every body shop is equipped to do it correctly. Our service team can point you toward shops in the area that handle it the right way, and our parts department can get you the right components whether your truck's panels are steel, aluminum, or both. When it's time for routine upkeep, you can schedule service online in a couple of minutes. If you're shopping used, a Super Duty or F-150 from the aluminum-body era is usually a safer long-term bet against rust than an older, all-steel model. For extra peace of mind, our certified pre-owned trucks go through additional inspection before they're ever resold. Which Ford Truck Fits the Job Once you know what each truck is built from, the next question is which one actually fits what you need. The Maverick makes sense for drivers who want pickup-bed versatility with car-like efficiency and a lower price point — if keeping the price down matters most, it's worth checking our vehicles under $25k selection, where the Maverick often lands. The Ranger splits the difference, offering real body-on-frame towing and off-road capability in a size that's easier to park and fuel than a full-size truck. Whichever body style makes sense on paper, scheduling a test drive is still the best way to feel the difference between a unibody Maverick and a body-on-frame Super Duty. The F-150 is still the do-it-all choice for most drivers, with enough capability for regular towing and hauling without stepping up to Super Duty pricing or size. If your work means serious payload, heavy trailers, or job-site duty, the F-250, F-350, and F-450 step up frame strength and towing capacity well beyond what a half-ton can offer, and that's before factoring in commercial or fleet needs, like a contractor adding a snow plow ahead of a Vermont winter. We also handle commercial financing separately from personal financing if that's the route you need. Whatever you're leaning toward, we can walk you through financing, a trade-in value on your current vehicle, a custom factory order if you want a specific configuration built to spec, or help weighing buying vs. leasing if you're not sure which makes more sense. It's also worth checking our new specials before you decide, since incentives change monthly. Our team has spent years helping Rutland-area drivers and tradespeople match the right truck to the job, and that same approach is a big part of why our dealership keeps earning repeat business from the local trades. See Which Ford Trucks Are In Stock FAQ Are Ford Super Duty trucks made of aluminum? Yes. The cab, doors, hood, and bed on every current Super Duty are built from high-strength aluminum alloy, a change Ford made for the 2017 model year and has kept through every generation since. The frame underneath is still high-strength steel. Is the Ford F-150 aluminum too? Yes, and it came first. Ford switched the F-150 to an aluminum-alloy body for the 2015 model year, two years before doing the same on the Super Duty, and both trucks still pair that aluminum body with a steel frame today. What about the Ranger and Maverick — are they aluminum? Only partly. The Maverick is a mostly-steel unibody with an aluminum hood, and the Ranger is a steel body-on-frame truck with aluminum used on panels like the hood, front fenders, and part of the tailgate. Neither goes nearly as far into aluminum as the F-150 or Super Duty. Does the aluminum body affect gas mileage or payload? It helps both. Shedding weight from the body panels makes the engine's job a little easier, which can improve real-world fuel economy, and that same weight savings gets handed back as extra payload and towing capacity. Our best gas mileage Fords page compares options across the lineup if efficiency is a priority. How do I figure out which Ford truck is right for me? Start with how you'll actually use the truck, then let the construction differences above guide the rest. Our find my car tool can help narrow down body style and trim, and our payment calculator can give you a realistic number before you ever set foot on the lot. Feel free to call us at 802-683-2411 if you'd rather just talk it through. Find Your Next Ford Truck

4th Gen Ford F-250 Overview: The fourth generation Ford F-250 Super Duty covers the 2017 through 2022 model years and was the first ground-up redesign of the Super Duty platform in nearly two decades. It paired a high-strength steel frame with a lighter aluminum-alloy body, and buyers could choose from a 6.2L gas V8, a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, or, starting with the 2020 refresh, the 7.3L "Godzilla" gas V8. Towing capacity, payload, and interior technology all improved throughout the run, and the 2020 update added the off-road-focused Tremor package. If you are weighing whether a used 4th gen F-250 fits your work or towing needs, Formula Ford of Rutland can walk you through the trims, engines, and mileage options currently available. If you're shopping for a used Super Duty truck in Vermont, the 4th gen Ford F-250 is worth a close look. Built across the 2017 through 2022 model years, this generation was Ford's first complete redesign of the Super Duty platform in almost 20 years, and it brought real gains in strength, technology, and towing muscle to one of the most trusted names in heavy-duty trucks. At Formula Ford of Rutland, we see firsthand how well these trucks hold up to Vermont winters, job sites, and long trailer hauls, and we want you to know exactly what you're getting before you buy. In this guide, we'll walk through the engines, towing and payload numbers, interior technology, trim levels, and the mid-cycle updates that arrived with the 2020 model year. Whether you're comparing a 4th gen F-250 to a newer Super Duty or deciding if a used truck like this fits your budget, we've broken down what matters most below. Browse F-250s for Sale Near Brattleboro Engine and Performance Options in the 4th Gen F-250 The 4th gen F-250 launched for 2017 with two gas-powered choices and one diesel option, then added a third gas engine partway through the run. The standard 6.2L Boss V8 produces 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, giving work-truck buyers a dependable gas engine without a diesel price tag. Diesel shoppers gravitated toward the 6.7L Power Stroke V8, which started this generation at 440 horsepower and was updated to 475 horsepower as Ford refined the engine over successive model years. Starting with the 2020 model year, Ford added the 7.3L "Godzilla" gas V8, a big-displacement engine built specifically for heavy-duty trucks and rated at 430 horsepower. All three engines were paired with a Ford-built TorqShift automatic transmission, with a 6-speed unit carrying earlier trucks and a 10-speed TorqShift-G arriving later in the generation for smoother shifts and better efficiency under load. Towing and Payload Capacity Underneath the sheet metal, the 4th gen F-250 rides on a frame built from up to 95 percent high-strength steel, matched with a military-grade aluminum-alloy body that shed as much as 350 pounds compared to the previous generation. That lighter body didn't come at the cost of capability. Early 4th gen F-250 trucks were rated to tow in excess of 17,000 pounds conventionally, and Ford pushed those numbers higher as the generation progressed, with properly equipped trucks capable of towing well into the five-figure range on a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup. For contractors, farmers, and anyone who regularly pulls a trailer, boat, or piece of heavy equipment, that combination of a stiffer frame and a lighter body means less strain on the drivetrain and a more confident ride, whether you're loaded down or driving empty. If you're adding a hitch, brake controller, or other towing accessories, our parts department can help you get set up correctly. Interior Technology and Comfort Features This was also the first Super Duty generation to share its cab design with the Ford F-150, which meant a noticeably more modern interior than earlier Super Duty trucks. Depending on trim, a 4th gen F-250 can come with a Ford SYNC touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera system, trailer reverse guidance, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision assist, all features that make daily driving and trailer work easier to manage. Higher trims add leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and additional sound insulation, so the cabin feels closer to a well-equipped SUV than a work truck. If you're cross-shopping the lighter-duty option, our Ford F-150 vs. F-250 comparison breaks down how the two lineups differ in capability and everyday comfort. Trim Levels and the 2020 Godzilla and Tremor Update The 4th gen F-250 was offered across a full trim lineup, so buyers could match a truck to their budget and how it will be used: XL, a straightforward work-truck trim built for job sites and fleets XLT, adding more convenience and comfort features for daily drivers Lariat, with leather seating and additional technology King Ranch, featuring Western-inspired leather and premium trim Platinum, the most luxurious standard trim in the lineup The biggest change to the lineup came with the 2020 model year refresh, which introduced the 7.3L Godzilla V8 alongside a new Tremor off-road package. The Tremor package added a reinforced suspension, 35-inch tires, and off-road tuning not previously offered on a Super Duty truck, giving buyers who wanted trail capability a factory-built option instead of an aftermarket build. The 2020 update also brought mild styling changes to the front fascia and grille. Why Buy a Used 4th Gen F-250 at Formula Ford of Rutland A used Super Duty truck like the 4th gen F-250 gives you most of what a brand-new truck offers, at a lower price point and with several model years of real-world reliability already behind it. If you want to see what's currently in stock, browse our F-250 inventory near Brattleboro, or explore our full used truck inventory to compare other Super Duty options. Buyers who want extra peace of mind can also ask about our certified pre-owned trucks, which come with additional inspection and warranty coverage. We keep our budget-friendly inventory under $25,000 updated regularly, and we run ongoing specials on pre-owned inventory, so it's worth checking current pricing before you visit. If you're planning to trade in your current vehicle, our trade-in valuation tool can give you a starting number before you ever set foot on the lot, and our payment calculator and finance department can help you find a plan that fits your budget. Not sure which model year or trim is right for you? Let us find the right truck for you and we'll reach out as soon as a matching 4th gen F-250 arrives on our lot. Once you're driving, our service department is here for routine maintenance and repairs, and our team is happy to answer questions in person or over the phone at 802-683-2411. You can also check out our blog for more Ford buying guides like this one. View Our F-250 Inventory Today FAQ What years make up the 4th generation Ford F-250? The 4th generation Ford F-250 Super Duty spans the 2017 through 2022 model years. It was the first complete redesign of the Super Duty platform since the late 1990s, bringing a new high-strength steel frame and an aluminum-alloy body to the lineup. What engines were available in the 4th gen F-250? Buyers could choose a 6.2L gas V8 producing 385 horsepower, a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel that grew from 440 to 475 horsepower over the generation, and, starting with the 2020 model year, a 7.3L Godzilla gas V8. Give us a call at 802-683-2411 if you'd like help matching an engine to your towing needs. How much can a 4th gen F-250 tow? Towing capacity varies by engine, cab, and configuration, but properly equipped 4th gen F-250 trucks were rated to tow well into the five-figure range, with payload and towing numbers climbing as Ford refined the frame, hitch, and drivetrain over the generation's run. What changed with the 2020 Ford F-250 refresh? The 2020 model year brought the 7.3L Godzilla gas V8, a new Tremor off-road package with a reinforced suspension and 35-inch tires, and mild styling updates to the front fascia. It was the most significant mid-cycle update the 4th generation received. Is a used 4th gen F-250 a good buy, or should I look at a new F-250? A used 4th gen F-250 can be a smart way to get Super Duty capability at a lower price point than a brand-new truck, especially if you don't need the newest technology. If you'd rather explore a current model, our new F-250 inventory page shows what's available today. Find Your Next F-250 Now

Best SUV for Work and Life: Choosing the best SUV for balancing work and life comes down to cargo space, comfort, fuel efficiency, and smart safety tech. The Ford Escape offers an affordable, easy-to-park option for daily commutes, the Escape Hybrid adds fuel-saving power, the Edge delivers a smooth, tech-forward ride for business travel, and the Explorer provides spacious, family-ready capability. Formula Ford of Rutland can help you compare all four models to find the SUV that fits your work and life best. Can one vehicle handle client meetings, job-site errands, school pickups, and weekend plans all at once? The crossover market is huge today. You'll see cars for daily commutes, family vehicles, and off-road adventures all vying for your attention. But finding a car that offers cargo space, comfort, good fuel economy, and smart tech is rare. Drivers today look for safety, strong resale value, and fuel-efficient engines. Ford has listened to these needs. Their cars are made for busy people who need reliability, flexibility, and great value in one vehicle. At Formula Ford of Rutland, we understand the importance of finding a car that does it all. This guide will show you what's key in a versatile crossover. Then, we'll compare Ford's best options—Escape, Escape Hybrid, Edge, and Explorer—to help you find your ideal car. Explore Our New Ford SUV Lineup What to Look for in an SUV for Work and Life Finding an SUV that works as hard as you do starts with knowing which features actually matter. Your daily routine probably includes hauling gear, meeting clients, and squeezing in family time whenever you can. The right vehicle should handle all of it without missing a beat. Below are four qualities that separate an average SUV from one truly built for your busy schedule, and you'll notice certain models check every box. Cargo Space for Work Equipment You need easy-access trunks and configurable rear seats to haul tools, samples, or supplies without hassle. Cargo space for work equipment should never feel like an afterthought in your daily grind. Comfort for Long Drives and Commutes Supportive seating and a quiet cabin cut down on fatigue during long commutes or client visits. Comfortable SUVs for long drives keep you fresh and focused, even after hours spent behind the wheel. Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Options Frequent driving adds up fast at the pump, so fuel-efficient work SUVs matter more than ever for your budget. Hybrid SUVs for work deliver real savings without sacrificing the power you need for daily tasks and errands. Technology and Safety Features for Professionals Busy professionals need convenience and peace of mind built right into their ride. Look for adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, wireless smartphone integration, and blind-spot monitoring to stay connected and protected on every trip you take. The Best SUV for Work Life: Comparing Top Ford Models Ford SUVs are made for different workdays. Whether you're driving through the city or hauling gear, Ford has a model for you. Check out four Ford SUVs at Formula Ford of Rutland, ready for a test drive. Ford Escape – Compact and Efficient for Daily Commuting Overview The Ford Escape is perfect for city driving. It's small and easy to park, making it great for busy mornings. It's also good for navigating through traffic. Pros The Escape is affordable and easy to handle. Its small size makes parking and driving in the city simple. It also saves on gas, which is a plus for daily commutes. Cons The Escape's small size means less room for cargo. If you need to carry big tools, it might not be enough space. Features The Escape has a great infotainment system and safety features. It helps you stay connected and safe on long drives. Ford Escape Hybrid – A Fuel-Efficient Work SUV Option Overview The Ford Escape Hybrid is great for long commutes. It saves on gas without losing practicality. It's perfect for those who drive a lot. Pros The hybrid model saves a lot on gas, which is a big plus. It also accelerates smoothly, making your drive more comfortable. It's reliable for daily use. Cons The hybrid model costs more upfront. But the long-term savings on gas can make up for it. Features The hybrid model uses regenerative braking to save energy. It's very efficient, so you won't need to fill up as often. Ford Edge – Comfortable and Capable for Business Travel Overview The Ford Edge is great for business travel. It's comfortable and has the features you need. Car Talk calls it the "Best Midsize SUV." Pros The Edge is smooth and quiet, making long trips easy. It has great tech and a sporty ST trim for fun driving. Cons The Edge doesn't have a third-row seat. It's best for smaller groups or solo travelers. Features The Edge has advanced safety features. The ST trim adds a turbo engine and sport suspension for a sportier feel. Ford Explorer – Spacious Power for Work and Family Life Overview The Ford Explorer is perfect for work and family. It's spacious and powerful. Car Talk says it's one of the best 3-Row SUVs. Pros The Explorer has lots of room for passengers or cargo. It's also great for towing. You can choose from various trims to fit your needs. Cons The Explorer's higher trims cost more. If you're on a budget, consider the extra features and cost. Features The Explorer is versatile, with seats that fold flat for cargo. It also has advanced towing packages for heavy loads. It's great for work and family needs. Find Your Perfect Work-Life SUV at Formula Ford of Rutland Choosing between the Escape, Escape Hybrid, Edge, and Explorer depends on your work-life balance. At Formula Ford of Rutland, we make this choice easy and worry-free. Our team is well-versed in these models. Whether you need a compact SUV for city driving or a larger vehicle for family and gear, we'll guide you. We'll compare features side by side to help you decide. We also simplify financing, so you can find a payment plan that suits your budget. No pressure, just clear answers to your questions. Want to see these SUVs in person? Visit us at 4318 Middle Rd, Rutland, VT 05701, or call 802-683-2411 to schedule a test drive. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect SUV for your lifestyle. Your next work-life SUV awaits at Formula Ford of Rutland. Come visit us today and experience the perfect fit for yourself. Browse Our New Ford SUV Options FAQ What makes an SUV a good work vehicle option for busy professionals? A good work vehicle SUV has cargo space, comfort, and good fuel efficiency. This lets you move easily from meetings to job sites without changing cars. Ford's lineup at Formula Ford of Rutland, like the Escape, Escape Hybrid, Edge, and Explorer, offers flexible options for your work life. Do fuel-efficient work SUVs really save money over time? Yes! Fuel-efficient SUVs like the Ford Escape Hybrid can cut down gas costs, which adds up over time. They're perfect for frequent work drives. What professional SUV features should I look for when shopping? Look for features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, wireless phone integration, and blind-spot monitoring. Ford's Escape, Edge, and Explorer models have these to keep you safe and connected on busy days. Which Ford SUV offers the most comfort for long drives? The Ford Edge is great for long drives. It has a quiet cabin, comfy seating, and a smooth ride. It's perfect for professionals who travel a lot for work. Can I test drive these SUVs at Formula Ford of Rutland? Yes! Visit us at 4318 Middle Rd, Rutland, VT 05701, or call 802-683-2411 to schedule a test drive. Our team is ready to help you find the right SUV for your work and life. Find Your Work-Life SUV Today