2017 Ford F-150 SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2017 Ford F-150 SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $37,962–$50,880
Fuel Economy 15 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $3,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Ford F-150 SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$37,962–$50,880

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Ford F-150 SL

Our scoring places the 2017 Ford F-150 SL at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.1/10. The Ford F-150 SL delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $37,962–$50,880, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Ford F-150 SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Ford F-150 SL is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2017 Ford F-150 SL ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,962 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which F-150 SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the F-150 SL model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.9/10$49,494 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$48,054 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$46,612 Read review →
2022 7.7/10$45,171 Read review →
2021 7.6/10$43,729 Read review →
2020 7.7/10$42,287 Read review →
2019 7.5/10$40,846 Read review →
2018 7.5/10$39,404 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.5/10$37,962
2016 7.5/10$36,520 Read review →
2015 7.4/10$35,079 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Ford F-150 SL

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

More Ford Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.