What transmission does an F-150 have?
The modern Ford F-150 predominantly uses a 10-speed automatic transmission (the 10R80) across most engines and trims, and there is no manual transmission option in current production.
The 10-speed auto drives most F-150 powertrains
Ford’s 10R80 automatic is the backbone of the latest F-150 lineup, delivering smooth gear changes, strong towing capability, and improved highway efficiency across EcoBoost, naturally aspirated V6, V8, and hybrid variants.
- 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) is standard on most current F-150 engines, providing a wide gear range and smooth shifting.
- SelectShift/manual mode lets drivers manually select gears using the transmission controls on many trim levels.
- Designed to optimize towing and payload performance with tailored shift logic and drive modes.
- Hybrid PowerBoost and non-hybrid models both use the 10R80 with appropriate calibration for electric-torque delivery.
These design choices aim to balance capability with everyday usability, whether you're towing a trailer or cruising on the highway.
Hybrid and high-performance variants
The PowerBoost Hybrid pairs the same 10R80 with an integrated electric motor, providing instantaneous torque and seamless transitions between gas and electric power. Off-road-oriented versions like the Tremor or Raptor leverage the 10R80 but calibrate shift points for traction and control under demanding conditions.
- PowerBoost Hybrid uses the same 10R80 transmission, augmented by electric drive to boost torque at low speeds.
- High-performance trims (e.g., Raptor, Tremor) retain the 10R80 with sportier tuning for off-road driving.
- Overall reliability and serviceability benefit from Ford's transmission cooling and integrated control systems.
In practical terms, this means most F-150 buyers today experience a single, familiar automatic transmission with strong performance across the range of engines and configurations.
Historical context: past transmissions in the F-150
In earlier generations, the F-150 used a variety of automatic transmissions, including older 4-, 5-, and 6-speed units depending on year and engine. Ford gradually shifted toward the modern 10-speed auto to improve acceleration, efficiency, and towing capability as technology evolved.
For shoppers and owners, the takeaway is that Ford’s current F-150 lineup is built around a uniform 10-speed automatic platform, while older models employed different gearboxes that reflected the engineering priorities of their time.
Summary
Bottom line: The modern Ford F-150 generally uses a 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) across most engines, with hybrid and high-performance variants adopting the same transmission but with tailored calibrations. Older F-150s used different, earlier automatic boxes. This arrangement supports the truck’s blend of towing capacity, daily usability, and efficiency.
