Which Ford trucks have aluminum bodies?
In short, the Ford F-150 family — including the F-150 Lightning — uses aluminum body panels, while Ford’s heavier-duty trucks largely stay with steel bodies. This article explains which Ford trucks feature aluminum construction and what that means for performance and durability.
Background: Ford’s aluminum shift
Starting with the 2015 model year, Ford introduced an aluminum-intensive design for its best-selling light-duty pickup, the F-150. The change shaved weight by using aluminum alloy panels for most of the exterior, while the frame remained steel to preserve strength, payload, and towing capabilities. This shift set the F-150 apart from rival full-size pickups and became a defining feature of the truck for years to come.
Which Ford trucks have aluminum bodies
Below are the Ford trucks that feature aluminum body panels as a defining characteristic of their construction.
- Ford F-150 (2015–present): Exterior panels — including the hood, doors, fenders, and bed sides — are aluminum, paired with a high-strength steel frame. This combination delivers weight savings without compromising durability.
- Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–present): The all-electric version of the F-150 uses the same aluminum-body design as the gasoline-powered F-150, supporting a lighter platform for electric propulsion and payload efficiency.
In summary, aluminum bodies in Ford's pickup lineup are currently limited to the F-150 family, including the F-150 Raptor variants and the F-150 Lightning. Other Ford pickups rely on steel for their body construction.
All-electric variant and ongoing development
The introduction of the F-150 Lightning reinforced Ford's commitment to aluminum panels within the F-150 family. While the electric model incorporates the same lightweight aluminum body design, Ford continues to refine the platform to balance performance, range, and durability across powertrain options.
Other Ford pickups and the aluminum question
Beyond the F-150, Ford’s other pickups — notably the F-250/350 Super Duty and the Ranger — primarily use steel bodies. Some components may incorporate aluminum (such as certain panels or hardware) for weight savings or maintenance of strength, but they do not feature an overall aluminum-bodied construction like the F-150. Ford’s aluminum strategy remains centered on the light-duty F-Series lineup.
Summary
As of 2025, Ford’s aluminum-bodied trucks are essentially the F-150 family, including the regular F-150 and the all-electric F-150 Lightning (and related Raptor variants). The heavier-duty F-Series Super Duty and other Ford pickups continue with steel bodies, with aluminum used selectively for certain components rather than for the entire body. The F-150’s aluminum construction represents Ford’s ongoing approach to improving efficiency while maintaining durability for work and daily driving.
What year did Ford trucks go aluminum?
Ford trucks went to an aluminum body starting with the 2015 F-150, which was the first full-size pickup to feature an all-aluminum body and bed. The larger Super Duty trucks followed suit in the 2017 model year.
- F-150: The aluminum body was introduced for the 2015 model year, saving approximately 700 pounds.
- Super Duty: This heavier-duty lineup, which includes the F-250, F-350, and F-450, adopted aluminum bodies for the 2017 model year.
What Fords are made of aluminum?
Ford vehicles with aluminum bodies include the F-150 since the 2015 model year and the F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, etc.) since the 2017 model year. These models use military-grade, high-strength aluminum alloy for the body panels and bed, which reduces weight while maintaining or increasing strength and durability compared to previous steel versions.
- Ford F-150: The switch to an aluminum body began with the 2015 model year redesign.
- Ford F-Series Super Duty: These trucks, which include models like the F-250 and F-350, adopted aluminum bodies starting in 2017.
- Benefits of aluminum: The lighter material allows for improvements in fuel economy, towing capacity, payload capacity, and overall performance. It also offers enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Construction note: It's important to remember that while the body and bed are aluminum, the frame of these trucks is still made of high-strength steel.
Are Ford trucks aluminum or steel?
And one being aluminum. There is one major difference about these trucks. And it's actually here on the frame.
What pickup trucks are made of aluminum?
Have you come across the term “AlumiDuty” on truck forums and fan pages? “AlumiDuty” refers specifically to Ford's line of heavy-duty trucks, including versions of the F-150 and F-250 that feature the aluminum body.
