Best Aftermarket Grilles for 2015-2020 Ford F-150

If your F-150's grille is cracked, missing a chunk, or just looking rough after one too many parking lot mishaps, you're not alone. The 2015-2020 F-150 is one of the most common trucks on US roads, which also makes it one of the most common trucks to need a new grille. This guide walks you through what makes this generation different, how grilles vary by trim, and what to check before you buy so the part actually fits when it shows up.

This guide is for owners of the thirteenth-generation Ford F-150 (2015-2020 model years) shopping for a replacement grille — whether you're dealing with road debris damage, a low-speed parking lot hit, or just want to upgrade the look.

Why This Generation F-150 Sees So Much Grille Damage

The 13th-generation F-150 (2015-2020) is one of the best-selling vehicles in the US, which means there are simply more of them on the road — and more of them getting hit. A few reasons this specific generation shows up so often in grille-replacement searches:

• High body count on the road. More F-150s on the highway means more exposure to rock chips, road debris, and fender-benders.
• Front-and-center placement. The grille sits at bumper height on most trims, right in the path of low-speed impacts, tailgating mishaps, and parking lot bumps.
• Material choice. Many factory grilles use lightweight ABS plastic with chrome or painted trim pieces, which look great but crack more easily than metal on a hard hit.
• Highway speed debris. Interstate driving means more exposure to kicked-up gravel, tire debris, and the occasional pothole chunk — all of which can crack or dent the honeycomb or bar inserts over time.

None of this means the F-150's grille is poorly made — it's just a high-mileage, high-exposure part on one of the most-driven trucks in America, so replacements are a routine part of ownership.

Trim-Specific Grille Differences: XL, XLT, Lariat, and Beyond

One of the most common fitment mistakes is assuming all F-150 grilles are interchangeable across trims. They're not. Ford varies the grille style, insert pattern, and trim finish by trim level, and sometimes by model year within the same generation. Here's the general breakdown:

• XL (base trim): Typically the simplest grille — usually a honeycomb mesh insert in black or dark gray plastic, with minimal chrome accenting. Function over flash.
• XLT: Often steps up to a bar-style insert with chrome or bright accents, sometimes with a body-color surround depending on the package.
• Lariat: Frequently features a more premium bar or mesh design with heavier chrome trim, and may include integrated fog light openings not present on lower trims.
• King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited: These higher trims often get unique grille designs with distinct badging, chrome treatments, or two-bar styling that sets them apart visually from XL/XLT/Lariat.
• Honeycomb vs. bar style: Honeycomb inserts (small repeating mesh pattern) tend to appear on base and off-road-oriented trims, while horizontal bar styles are more common on mid-to-upper trims. This isn't a hard rule across every model year, so always confirm against your specific truck.

Because these details vary by trim and year, the fastest way to avoid a mismatched grille is to have your exact trim level, model year, and — if you have it — your vehicle's build sheet or VIN on hand before you shop.

Direct-Fit vs. Universal Grilles: What to Check Before Buying

Once you know your trim, the next decision is direct-fit versus universal:

Direct-fit grilles are engineered to match your F-150's exact year range, trim, and mounting points. They typically bolt into the factory brackets with no cutting or modification, and they're designed to line up with your existing headlight and bumper trim.

Universal grilles are designed to fit a broader range of vehicles with some adjustment. They can be a budget-friendly option but often require trimming, drilling, or extra hardware to mount properly, and the fit and finish around the edges may not match factory panel gaps as closely.

Before you buy either type, check:

• Year range coverage. Some grilles are listed for "2015-2017" or "2018-2020" specifically, since Ford made styling updates partway through this generation. Confirm the listing covers your exact model year.
• Trim compatibility. A grille listed for XLT may not bolt up to a Lariat's mounting points or fog light cutouts, even within the same year.
• Camera and sensor cutouts. If your truck has a front camera, adaptive cruise control, or parking sensors integrated near the grille, confirm the replacement has the correct cutouts or mounting provisions.
• Material and finish. ABS plastic, chrome-plated plastic, and painted steel inserts all behave differently in terms of durability and appearance — decide what matches your truck and your budget.
• Fitment data on the product listing. Always cross-check the listing's stated fitment against your vehicle's exact trim and engine before purchasing, and consult your owner's manual or Ford's official fitment data if anything is unclear.

If you're not sure which category your factory grille falls into, a quick VIN lookup or a call to your local Ford dealer's parts counter can confirm the original equipment details before you buy a replacement.

Bottom Line

The 2015-2020 F-150 is a great truck, but its popularity and front-facing grille placement mean replacements come up often. The key to getting it right the first time is simple: know your exact trim and model year, decide between direct-fit and universal based on your budget and comfort with installation, and always confirm the fitment data on the listing against your specific truck before you check out.

Ready to find your grille? Browse our F-150 Grille Collection and filter by your exact year and trim to see confirmed-fitment options.