For the first time in six years, the Ford F-150 will not compete in the North American Truck of the Year awards. The 2027 NACTOY shortlist has excluded every Ford truck model, marking a significant shift in a competition Ford has dominated throughout the early 2020s. The decision to skip the F-150 stems not from quality concerns, but rather from eligibility rules that require vehicles to be either new or substantially redesigned for the current model year.

Why the F-150 Missed the 2027 Lineup

The current-generation F-150 launched in 2021 and has not undergone the kind of major redesign that NACTOY’s eligibility requirements demand. Ford’s recent winning streak came through different models: the F-150 Lightning won in 2023, followed by back-to-back awards for the Super Duty, Ranger, and Maverick. However, none of these vehicles qualify as new enough for this year’s competition cycle.

The F-150 Lightning, which delivered that 2023 victory, faced an unexpected setback. Ford halted production of the current battery-electric variant in December 2025 while repositioning its electric truck strategy. The company has announced plans for a next-generation extended-range Lightning later this decade, but no specific timeline has been provided for a 15th-generation F-150 redesign.

What’s Actually on the 2027 Ballot

electric pickup truck charging
Photo by Franck V.
NACTOY jurors will evaluate four trucks when they gather in October to make their decision. The shortlist reflects the dramatic diversity now present in the pickup segment. At the budget end sits the Slate Truck, a stripped-down electric pickup with hand-crank windows and no factory audio system, starting at just $24,950. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Ram 1500 TRX SRT commands approximately $103,000 and delivers a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing 777 horsepower. Ford’s electric truck ambitions face fresh challenges as competitors capture awards attention.

General Motors fielded two traditional contenders: the redesigned Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. Both trucks represent conventional half-ton engineering while facing off against the Slate Truck’s radical EV approach and Ram’s high-performance flagship.

What This Means for Shoppers Right Now

truck award ceremony judging
Photo by Michael Austin
The absence of the F-150 from this year’s awards tells an important story about timing and product cycles. Unlike competing trucks, which are either brand new or significantly revised for 2027, the F-150 remains in its current generation. For buyers and fleet managers watching this competition, the implications are clear: major refresh models from Ram, GM, and an emerging electric alternative are available and ready for evaluation, while Ford’s next half-ton redesign remains in development. Current F-150 owners should stay informed about ongoing recalls and service issues as Ford works toward its next generation.

The 2027 awards cycle reflects how dramatically the truck market has transformed. Traditional buyers comparing conventional powertrains will find the updated Silverado and Sierra fresh options. Those interested in high-performance luxury have the Ram TRX SRT. Budget-conscious shoppers and early EV adopters now have the Slate Truck as a viable choice, though it remains in limited availability with some units still in pre-production status.

The Bigger Picture for Ford and the Truck Market

This is an eligibility gap rather than a quality judgment. Ford’s trucks remain competitive and capable; the company simply doesn’t have a vehicle that meets NACTOY’s criteria for this particular awards season. However, the timing creates an opening for competitors to capture attention in a category Ford frequently dominated just a few years ago.

For buyers planning a truck purchase over the next 12 to 24 months, this awards announcement signals which vehicles will be judged as the segment’s leaders. Understanding long-term ownership costs for electric and traditional trucks helps inform purchasing decisions. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative Slate platform, Ram’s performance credentials, or GM’s refinement of the traditional formula, the October judging will offer valuable insights into which direction the truck industry is heading next.

Ultimately, Ford’s absence from this year’s competition is a reminder that the truck market operates in cycles. While other manufacturers enjoy this moment in the spotlight, Ford is already working toward its own comeback bid with next-generation models waiting in the pipeline.