Ford F-150 Is the Best CPO 1/2 Ton Pickup Says Vincentric, But It’s the Slow-Selling Lightning EV Which They Are Paying Dealers To Move Out

The Ford F-150 Lightning is the best full-size 1/2 Ton CPO Pickup, but you aren't buying it. 

While Ford's F-150, F-250, and F-350 have all secured wins in the latest Vincentric Best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Value in America Awards for 2025, it's the underdog, the slow-selling F-150 Lightning EV, that's the surprise pick this year. 

In my previous report, Ford is paying its U.S. dealers to take F-150 Lightning pickups from its new EV distribution centers. They are paying dealers up to $22,500 to move the slow-selling Lightning EV because truck customers aren't buying them. Check out its incentives and what they mean for new truck shoppers in my report here.

Now, let's move on to more of the best CPO pickup awards. 

Vincentric says, "Ford earned more awards than any other brand, including the brand-level awards for Best CPO Value Truck for the fifth time and Best CPO Value Van brand for an impressive ninth consecutive year. Ford also earned eight model-level awards."

"Ford impressively claimed more awards than any other car brand. Ford earned two brand-level awards, including Best CPO Value Truck Brand for the fifth time and Best CPO Value Van Brand for an outstanding ninth consecutive year. Ford was also impressive with eight model-level awards across multiple categories." 

Best Brand Awards    

Best Truck Brand - Ford

Ford once again showed the CPO strength of its pickup truck lineup to earn the Best CPO Value Truck brand award for the fifth time. The F-150 Lightning, F-250, and F-350 were all winners this year, along with the Maverick Hybrid.

Vincentric says, "Ford's impressive performance was led by its F-series pickups and Transit vans. Its F-series lineup took top honors in the Full-Size 1/2-Ton, 3/4-Ton, and 1-Ton Pickup segments. The F-150 Lightning was the star performer, earning the F-150's ninth overall win. In the Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment, the Maverick Hybrid came out on top for the second consecutive year." 

Here are the Ford truck awards. 

Best Full-Size 1/2 Ton Pickup - Ford F-150 Lightning

• Contributing factors:
• 12.3% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Fuel Cost in its Class
• Lowest Maintenance Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 6 Competitor Models

Best Full-Size 3/4-Ton Pickup - Ford F-250

• Contributing factors:
• 2.8% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in its Class
• Lowest Maintenance Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 3 Competitor Models

Best Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup - Ford F-350

Contributing factors:

• 1.7% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Maintenance Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 3 Competitor Models

Best Small / Midsize pickup - Ford Maverick Hybrid

• Contributing factors:
• 14.4% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in its Class
• Lowest Fuel Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 7 Competitor Models

Best Van Brand -Ford 

If you want a pre-owned van, it's Ford again.

Vincentric says, "For an incredible ninth year in a row, Ford took home the Best CPO Value Van brand award thanks to best-in-class performances by the Transit Connect cargo and passenger vans and the E-Transit 350."

For vans, the Ford Transit Connect conquered both the Small Commercial Passenger Van and Small Commercial Cargo Van segments for the eighth and fifth consecutive years, respectively, while the E-Transit 350 won for Large Cargo Van. 

Best Small Commercial Passenger Van - Ford Transit Connect

• Contributing factors:
• 0.8% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Fuel Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 2 Competitor Models

Best Small Commercial Cargo Van - Ford Transit Connect

• Contributing factors:
• 1% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Fuel Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 2 Competitor Models

Best Large Cargo Van - Ford E-Transit 350

• Contributing factors:
• 14.8% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in its Class
• Lowest Maintenance Cost in its Class
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 4 Competitor Models

Ford still has more CPO awards.

Ford's final award winner was the Expedition, with its fifth victory for a Large SUV.

Best Large SUV - the Ford Expedition

• Contributing factors:
• 7% below expected ownership costs
• Lowest Operating Cost in its Class
• Lowest Fuel Cost in its Class
• Lowest Maintenance Cost in its Class
• Outperformed 7 Competitor Models

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a pre-owned Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup, shoppers can find a great deal, and it's a great value, according to Vincentric. With Ford's dealer incentives on new Lightnings, the 2024 year-end sales season will be tremendous for truck shoppers. 

It's Your Turn..

Are you checking out the Ford F-150 Lightning EV, or will you stick with the F-150 truck? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

More Ford News:

Ford is being fined $165 million for failing to recall Ford F-150, Super Duty, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger, and Edge vehicles in a timely manner. It’s a costly mistake. Here’s what customers need to know. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Shaker Ford