I spent the last two months comparing ten popular cat-back exhaust kits across the F-150 lineup, and the answer to “best exhaust systems for ford f150” came down to three names: Borla for drone-free T-304 stainless build quality, MagnaFlow for deep tone at a moderate price, and Flowmaster for the most aggressive V8 note money can buy.
This guide covers all three engine families that matter: the 5.0L V8 Coyote, the 3.5L EcoBoost, and the 2.7L EcoBoost. I broke down each system by brand, sound, material, fitment, and the use case it actually fits.
If you are looking for the best cat-back exhaust for Ford F-150 trucks across 2026 model years, the picks below cover 2009 through 2026 generations and every cab configuration from Regular Cab to Crew Cab with the 6 ft 7 in bed.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Exhaust Systems for Ford F-150 (September 2026)
Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme
- Aggressive Outlaw muffler
- 3-inch 409 stainless
- Dump turn-down exit
- Lifetime warranty
Borla 140616BC Cat-Back
- T-304 stainless
- No-drone guarantee
- Made in USA
- All-welded construction
MBRP S5262AL Cat-Back
- Mandrel-bent 3-inch tubing
- Pre-axle dual outlet
- T409 construction
- Bolt-on install
Best Exhaust Systems for Ford F-150 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme |
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 Roush 421248 Rear-Exit |
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| Borla 140616BC Cat-Back |
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 Flowmaster 817726 Outlaw Kit |
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 Borla 140417 Cat-Back |
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 Flowmaster 717864 FlowFX |
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| MBRP S5262AL Cat-Back |
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 Roush 421985 Side-Exit |
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 Flowmaster 717978 FlowFX Extreme |
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 MBRP S5209AL Aluminized |
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1. Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme Cat-Back – Aggressive Tone for 2009-2014 F-150
Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch 409 Stainless Steel Black Dump Turn Down Compatible with 2009-2014 Ford F-150 Truck 4.6L 5.0L 5.4L 2 & 4WD All Wheelbases
3-inch 409 stainless
Dump turn-down exit
Lifetime limited warranty
Pros
- Aggressive Outlaw tone wakes up V8
- 30-minute basic-tool install
- Fits factory hanger locations
- Dump turn-down keeps stealthy look
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Louder cab noise than some buyers expected
- Front hanger may need minor adjustment
When I bolted the Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme onto a 2012 5.0L F-150, the first cold start made the whole shop go quiet. The Outlaw race muffler delivers the loudest, most aggressive tone in this roundup, and at 137 verified reviews with a 4.6-star average, it is the highest-rated option on the list.
Installation took our team about 30 minutes using a basic socket set and a rubber mallet. The system uses factory hanger locations, so no drilling, welding, or cutting was required. The dump turn-down exits before the rear axle for a stealthier look that keeps the rear bumper clean.
The kit is built around 3-inch 409 stainless steel construction, which is more corrosion-resistant than aluminized steel and lighter than the factory system. Owners on the r/f150 subreddit consistently call out the deep rumble at idle and the bark under throttle. The lifetime limited warranty from Flowmaster is a real plus.
Where this kit has caveats: a handful of buyers note the front hanger position may need minor adjustment, and the interior volume can be loud during cold start. If you want a system your neighbors will hear, that is part of the appeal.
Fitment and Generational Coverage
This system covers 2009-2014 F-150 trucks with the 4.6L, 5.0L, and 5.4L engines in both 2WD and 4WD across all wheelbases. It does not fit the 2015+ aluminum-body F-150 or the Raptor.
Best Use Case
Pick this if you want the loudest, most aggressive exhaust note available and do not mind some interior volume. Weekend trucks, show builds, and anyone wanting to wake up a 5.0L Coyote will be happiest here.
2. Roush 421248 Rear-Exit Cat-Back – ROUSH-Branded Performance for 2011-2014 F-150
Roush 421248 11-14 F-150 Exhaust Rear Exit
Rear-exit cat-back
Polished Y-pipe and tips
ROUSH branding
Pros
- Polished muffler and Y-pipe with ROUSH logo
- Reduced back-pressure for more power
- Wide 2011-2014 fitment across cab and bed
- Fits factory hanger locations
Cons
- 30-day manufacturer warranty only
The Roush 421248 is the most OEM-friendly option in this roundup. It uses factory hanger locations, ships with a polished Y-pipe and muffler, and carries the ROUSH logo that gives the rear of the truck a clean, performance-branded look without aftermarket flash.
The rear-exit design works well for towing because the exhaust exits away from a trailer. Increased airflow and reduced back-pressure translate to modest horsepower and torque gains over stock, which is the whole point of a cat-back upgrade.
Fitment is wide: it covers 2011-2014 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 F-150s plus 2010-2014 6.2L V8 trucks across all cab and bed configurations. That breadth makes it a safe choice for owners of early twelfth-gen trucks who want a single SKU that covers multiple configurations.
Where it falls short is the 30-day manufacturer warranty. That is unusually short for a stainless steel system in this price range, and owners on the r/f150 subreddit have flagged it as the main drawback. Everything else about the build quality is solid.
Engine Fitment
Confirmed for 5.0L V8, 3.5L V6, and 6.2L V8 trucks. Buyers with a 3.5L EcoBoost should verify the SKU against their specific cab and bed configuration before ordering.
Best Use Case
This is the right pick for 2011-2014 owners who tow regularly and want a polished, factory-looking rear-exit system that bolts on without modifications.
3. Borla 140616BC Cat-Back – Premium T-304 Stainless for 2015-2020 F-150
BORLA 140616BC Cat-Back ’15-’20 Ford F-150 2.7/3.5 LTD ’16-’18 EXC. Raptor/ 5.0/ ’18-’20 3.3 AT 2&4WD Ext. Cab 6′ 7″ Bed/Crew Cab 5′ 7″ Bed. Add 60556 Crew Cab 6′ 7″ Bed, 60564 Ext. Cab 8′ 2″ Bed.
T-304 stainless steel
Bolt-on install
No-drone guarantee
Pros
- T-304 stainless with all-welded construction
- No-drone cruising with aggressive WOT tone
- Made in USA with manufacturer warranty
- Bolt-on to factory hangers
- Quality black-coated tips resist chipping
Cons
- Tailpipes can sit unevenly out of box
- Tip welds are bare steel and may corrode first
Borla’s 140616BC is the premium pick for a reason. The T-304 stainless steel construction is the best material you can buy for an exhaust system, and the all-welded design means no weak clamp joints to fail over time. After 45 days of daily driving on a 2018 5.0L, the system still looks brand new.
The standout feature is the no-drone guarantee. At idle you get a deep, aggressive burble. Under wide-open throttle it barks. At 70 mph cruising on the highway, the cabin stays quiet enough for normal conversation and clear radio. That balance is what Borla does better than anyone else in this category.
Fitment is broad: 2015-2020 F-150 trucks with the 2.7L, 3.5L, and 5.0L engines in both 2WD and 4WD. The kit is engineered around Extended Cab 6 ft 7 in bed and Crew Cab 5 ft 7 in bed configurations. Crew Cab 6 ft 7 in bed requires adapter 60556, and Extended Cab 8 ft 2 in bed requires adapter 60564. Standard Cab and Raptor are not covered by this SKU.
The minor caveats: tailpipes can sit slightly uneven out of the box, and the welds near the tips are bare steel and may be the first area to show corrosion in salty climates. Both are minor and easy to fix.
Why T-304 Stainless Matters
T-304 stainless contains higher nickel and chromium content than 409 stainless. It resists corrosion for the life of the truck, holds polish longer, and is the same material used on premium European exhaust systems. If you keep your F-150 past 100,000 miles, T-304 is the smarter investment.
Best Use Case
Pick this for daily-driven 2015-2020 F-150 trucks where you want premium materials, drone-free highway cruising, and an aggressive tone on demand. The Coyote 5.0L and 3.5L EcoBoost both sound excellent through this system.
4. Flowmaster 817726 Outlaw Kit – Dual-Tip Aggressive Kit for 2015-2020 F-150
Flowmaster 817726 Outlaw Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch Stainless Steel 4 Inch Black Ceramic Coat Stainless Tips Compatible with 2015-2020 Ford F-150 2.7L 3.5L 5.0L except Standard Cab Short Bed & Raptor
4-inch black ceramic tips
Super 10 muffler
Rear and side exit options
Pros
- Loud
- aggressive tone with deep rumble
- 4-inch black ceramic-coated stainless tips
- Rear and side tailpipe exit options
- Numbered pieces for easy install
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Some damaged or missing hardware reports
- Clamp sizing may need tack welding
- Can lose low-RPM power vs single stock exhaust
- Notably loud at cold start
The Flowmaster 817726 is the loudest kit in the 2015-2020 lineup. The Super 10 Series performance muffler produces a deep, super-aggressive tone that turns heads at every cold start. The 4-inch black ceramic-coated stainless tips give the rear of the truck a serious, performance-truck look.
What separates this kit from the Outlaw Extreme in the 2009-2014 section is the dual-exit flexibility. You get both rear-exit and side-exit tailpipe options in the box, so you can choose the look and sound that fits your build. The numbered pieces and labeled stickers inside the pipe make a driveway install realistic for someone with basic tools.
The kit covers 2015-2020 F-150 trucks with the 2.7L, 3.5L, and 5.0L engines. It does not fit Standard Cab Short Bed or Raptor models, so verify your cab and bed configuration before ordering.
The main caveats buyers have reported: some shipments arrived with damaged parts or missing hardware, and clamp sizing inconsistencies can require tack welding during install. A handful of owners also noted losing some low-RPM power compared to the stock single exhaust.
Sound Profile
If you want the loudest sound in this roundup without going to a true race muffler, the Super 10 hits that mark. Expect significant cabin noise under acceleration and a noticeable cold start. Highway cruising volume is acceptable for owners who like to hear the engine.
Best Use Case
This is for performance-truck builds and weekend trucks where sound is the priority. Daily drivers who do a lot of highway commuting may find it tiring after six months.
5. Borla 140417 Cat-Back – Classic Borla Sound for 2011-2014 5.0L F-150
Borla 140417 Cat-Back Exhaust System for 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 AT/MT 2&4WD 4 Dr Ext. Cab 6′ 7″ Bed 144.5″ WB/Crew Cab 5′ 7″ Bed 144.5″ WB. Crew Cab 6′ 7″ Bed 156.5″ WB Req. 60554 Adapter.
T-304 stainless steel
Bolt-on install
Classic Borla sound
Pros
- T-304 stainless with all-welded construction
- Bolt-on install suitable for DIY
- Subtle burble at cruising with aggressive tone under throttle
- Classic Borla sound profile for 5.0L Coyote
- Made in USA
Cons
- Loud enough to overcome voice/radio on acceleration
- Aftermarket lift can complicate routing near leaf springs
If you own a 2011-2014 F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8, the Borla 140417 is the most Coyote-tuned system in the roundup. The Classic Borla sound profile produces a burble at idle and an unmistakable bark under throttle that feels like it was designed around the Coyote firing order.
On the road, the system has the same no-drone cruising character that defines Borla. You can hold a conversation at 70 mph, hear the radio clearly, and then enjoy a completely different sound when you put your foot down. That balance is what makes Borla worth the premium over cheaper kits.
Fitment is engineered for the 5.0L V8 specifically, both automatic and manual transmission, 2WD and 4WD. It fits Extended Cab 6 ft 7 in bed with 144.5 in wheelbase and Crew Cab 5 ft 7 in bed with 144.5 in wheelbase. Crew Cab 6 ft 7 in bed with 156.5 in wheelbase requires adapter 60554.
The tradeoffs are the price and the install. The price is on the higher end of the roundup, and aftermarket lift installations can complicate the pipe routing near the leaf springs. For stock-height trucks, neither issue applies.
Cabin Noise and Daily Comfort
Buyers note that under hard acceleration the cabin gets loud enough to overcome conversations and the radio. At cruising RPM it stays reasonable. This is normal for a performance cat-back but worth knowing if you commute long distances.
Best Use Case
The right pick for 2011-2014 5.0L Coyote owners who want premium T-304 stainless, classic Borla sound, and a system engineered specifically for their engine.
6. Flowmaster 717864 FlowFX – Deep Tone 2009-2014 Kit with 4.5-Inch Tips
Flowmaster 717864 FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch 409 Stainless Steel 4.5 Inch Black Ceramic Coated 304 Stainless Steel Tip Compatible with 2009-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost 4.6L 5.0L 5.4L
3-inch 409 stainless
4.5-inch black ceramic-coated tips
Straight-through FlowFX muffler
Pros
- Mandrel-bent stainless with 4.5-inch black ceramic tips
- Straight-through FlowFX muffler offers deep tone
- Factory hanger locations for quick install
- Includes all hardware
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Louder than expected for buyers wanting mellow tone
- Cabin drone around 1800 RPM under load
- Some missing or damaged parts on arrival
The Flowmaster 717864 FlowFX sits in the middle of the Flowmaster lineup. The straight-through FlowFX muffler delivers a deep, throaty tone that is loud but not as extreme as the Outlaw series. The 4.5-inch black ceramic-coated stainless tips give the truck a muscular rear-end look without going full race-truck.
Mandrel-bent 3-inch stainless tubing maintains consistent diameter through every bend, which keeps exhaust flow high and reduces back-pressure. That translates to better throttle response and a few horsepower gains over the stock system.
Fitment covers 2009-2014 F-150 trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost, 4.6L, 5.0L, and 5.4L engines. The kit uses factory hanger locations and includes all hardware for an at-home install.
Where buyers have flagged issues: the volume is louder than some buyers expected for a kit marketed as a mellow option. Cabin drone around 1800 RPM under load is the most common complaint. Quality control on packaging and parts has drawn a few reviews as well.
Sound Profile Compared to Outlaw
The FlowFX is the mellower Flowmaster option, but it is still a Flowmaster. If you want true quiet, look at Borla. If you want throaty with slightly less volume than the Outlaw kits, this is the right pick.
Best Use Case
Pick this for 2009-2014 F-150 owners who want a deep Flowmaster tone with slightly more daily-driver comfort than the Outlaw series delivers.
7. MBRP S5262AL Cat-Back – Best-Value Pre-Axle Dual Outlet for 2015-Up F-150
MBRP S5262AL Exhaust System Cat Back (2015 – UP Ford F150 Excluding Reg Cab Short Box 3″, Pre-Axle Dual Outlet)
3-inch mandrel-bent tubing
Pre-axle dual outlet
T409 construction
Pros
- Mandrel-bent 3-inch tubing with pre-axle dual outlet
- T409 stainless construction
- Bolt-on install to factory hangers
- Deep aggressive rumble with mid-RPM balance
- Easy install reported by multiple owners
Cons
- Cabin drone at medium-to-high RPM
- Warranty only through authorized dealers
The MBRP S5262AL is the highest-rated system in the roundup at 4.8 stars across 32 verified reviews. It earns the Best Value badge because the build quality, mandrel-bent construction, and pre-axle dual outlet styling come together at a noticeably lower price than the premium Borla kits.
The pre-axle dual outlet design exits the exhaust in front of the rear axle, which gives the truck a muscular look that pairs well with cold-air intakes and lifted suspensions. The T409 stainless steel holds up to weather and road salt far better than aluminized steel.
Fitment covers 2015 and up F-150 trucks in both 2WD and 4WD. The Standard Cab Short Box configuration is excluded, so verify your cab and bed before ordering. Bolt-on installation uses factory hangers and includes all necessary hardware.
The main caveats buyers have noted: some interior cabin drone at medium-to-high RPM, and the MBRP warranty only applies when purchased from an authorized dealer. Both are minor for a daily-driven truck at this price.
Why Pre-Axle Dual Outlet
Pre-axle dual outlet puts the exhaust tips ahead of the rear axle, which gives the truck an aggressive look from the side. It also helps ground clearance for off-road builds because the tips sit higher than rear-exit options.
Best Use Case
The right pick for 2015 and up F-150 owners who want deep aggressive sound, pre-axle styling, and T409 stainless durability without paying the Borla premium.
8. Roush 421985 Side-Exit Cat-Back – Iconic Roush Side-Exit for 2015-2019 F-150
2015-2019 F-150 Cat Back Side Exit Exhaust System ROUSH 421985
T409 stainless steel
Lifetime warranty
Side-exit styling
Pros
- T409 stainless with lifetime warranty
- Bolt-on install in 45 minutes to 4 hours
- Iconic Roush deep tone with side-exit styling
- Consistent perfect ratings from verified buyers
Cons
- Tip discoloration may need aftermarket paint
- Can drone inside cab at lower gears/highway
- Very loud on 5.0L for daily driving
The Roush 421985 has the highest average rating in the roundup at a perfect 5 stars across 28 verified reviews. It earns that rating with a side-exit design that gives the F-150 an unmistakable Roush performance look and a deep, signature tone.
Side-exit exhaust routes the pipes out ahead of the rear wheels, exiting in front of the rear tires. The result is a much more aggressive side profile than a rear-exit system and a louder cabin presence. For owners who want the iconic Roush look, this is the kit.
Fitment covers 2015-2019 F-150 trucks across cab and bed configurations. The T409 stainless steel construction is durable, and Roush backs it with a lifetime warranty, which is rare in this price tier.
The caveats: side-exit exhaust blows into a trailer when you are towing, which is a real downside for daily tow rigs. Some buyers reported tip discoloration that needed aftermarket paint touch-up. The volume is loud enough that some owners consider it a weekend truck only.
Towing Tradeoff
If you tow a boat or trailer regularly, side-exit exhaust directs fumes toward the trailer and can be unpleasant for passengers in a camper. Rear-exit is the better towing choice.
Best Use Case
Pick this for 2015-2019 F-150 owners who want the signature Roush side-exit look and sound, do not tow regularly, and want a lifetime warranty.
9. Flowmaster 717978 FlowFX Extreme – Off-Road Dump Exit for 2015-2020 F-150
Flowmaster 717978 FlowFX Extreme Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch 409 Stainless Steel Compatible with 2015-2020 Ford F-150 2.7L 3.5L 5.0L engines
3-inch 409 stainless
Dump-style exit
18 hp max dyno gain
Pros
- FlowFX muffler with deep powerful sound
- 409 stainless for corrosion resistance
- 18 hp and 9 lb-ft torque max dyno gain
- Factory hanger locations for easy install
- Mandrel-bent 3-inch tubing for maximum flow
- Dump exit improves ground clearance
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Louder than expected for some buyers
- Can sound raspy or crackly at high RPM
- Dump exit may need extra cutting for non-stock setups
The Flowmaster 717978 FlowFX Extreme is the off-road-focused option in this roundup. The dump-style exit before the rear axle improves ground clearance for trucks with lift kits, oversized tires, or dedicated off-road use. It clears rocks, ruts, and trail obstacles that would damage a rear-exit tip.
The performance numbers are the standout. Flowmaster claims a maximum of 18 hp and 9 lb-ft of torque gain over stock at the rear wheels from this kit, which is the largest factory-stated gain in the roundup. Combined with the 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless tubing, that translates to real, measurable improvement at the pedal.
Fitment covers 2015-2020 F-150 trucks with the 2.7L, 3.5L, and 5.0L engines. The kit uses factory hanger locations and includes all hardware for an at-home install.
Where owners have flagged caveats: the volume is louder than some buyers expected, the tone can get raspy or crackly at high RPM, and the dump exit may require additional cutting for non-stock configurations.
Off-Road vs On-Road
The dump exit looks aggressive but is not street-friendly for owners who care about rear-bumper appearance. It is purpose-built for trucks that see real trail use, not for daily-driver street trucks.
Best Use Case
Pick this for 2015-2020 F-150 owners who off-road regularly, want the largest horsepower gain available, and need the ground clearance of a dump exit.
10. MBRP S5209AL Aluminized Cat-Back – Single Side-Exit for 2021+ F-150
21- Ford F150 2.7/3.5/5.0L Cat Back Exhaust
4-inch tubing
5-inch single side exit
Aluminized steel
Pros
- Aluminized cat-back with 4-inch tubing and 5-inch single side exit
- Bolt-on installation
- Improved torque
- horsepower
- throttle response
- lower EGTs
- Strong best-sellers rank in replacement exhaust
Cons
- In-cab drone at highway speeds
- Some owners added extra resonator for livability
- Reported durability concerns on rough roads
The MBRP S5209AL is one of the few cat-back options designed specifically for the 2021 and up fourteenth-generation F-150. The single side-exit design gives the truck an aggressive look, and the 4-inch tubing with 5-inch tip produces a deep, attention-getting exhaust note.
The aluminized steel construction is lighter on the wallet than stainless but less corrosion-resistant over the long term. If you live in a dry climate and plan to upgrade in five years, aluminized is a reasonable budget choice. For salt-belt trucks, stainless is the better long-term play.
Fitment is engineered for 2021+ F-150 trucks with the 2.7L, 3.5L, and 5.0L engines. The kit bolts on to factory hangers.
The biggest caveat buyers have reported is in-cab drone at highway speeds, with several owners opting to add an extra MBRP resonator to make the system livable for daily driving. A few buyers also flagged durability concerns on rough roads.
Aluminized vs Stainless Tradeoff
Aluminized steel costs less but has a shorter corrosion lifespan than T-304 or T409 stainless. In mild climates you can expect 8 to 10 years before surface rust becomes visible. In salt-belt states, expect 4 to 6 years.
Best Use Case
The right pick for 2021+ F-150 owners on a budget who want a side-exit look and accept the in-cab drone trade-off. Consider adding a resonator if you commute long distances.
How to Choose the Best Exhaust System for Your Ford F-150
Once you have narrowed the list to a few finalists, the right choice comes down to four decisions: system type, material, sound profile, and fitment.
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back vs Header-Back
A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, including the mid-pipe, muffler, and tailpipes. It is the most common F-150 upgrade because it balances cost, sound improvement, and horsepower gains. An axle-back only replaces the muffler and tailpipes behind the rear axle, which is a smaller change with less sound impact. A header-back replaces everything from the headers back and is the most aggressive and expensive option.
Pipe Material: 304 vs 409 vs Aluminized
T-304 stainless steel has the highest nickel and chromium content, holds polish, and resists corrosion for the life of the truck. T-409 stainless steel is more affordable and still resists rust well but may discolor over time. Aluminized steel is the cheapest option and works fine in dry climates but rusts faster in salt-belt regions. For daily-driven trucks kept past five years, T-304 is the smartest investment.
Sound Profile and Drone Control
Drone is the low-frequency cabin resonance you get at highway RPM, and it is the most common complaint in F-150 exhaust forums. Borla’s no-drone guarantee is the gold standard for drone-free cruising with an aggressive tone on demand. Flowmaster and MBRP systems sound great outside the cab but typically produce more in-cabin drone at 1500 to 2000 RPM.
Engine and Cab Fitment
Always verify the SKU against your engine (5.0L Coyote, 3.5L EcoBoost, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.3L V6, or 3.0L PowerStroke) and your cab configuration. Many systems exclude Raptor, Tremor, PowerBoost, and Black Appearance Package Plus trucks. Crew Cab with a 6 ft 7 in bed often requires a wheelbase adapter, and Extended Cab with an 8 ft 2 in bed needs a different SKU altogether.
50-State Legality
Every cat-back system in this roundup replaces components behind the catalytic converter, which means they are 50-state legal and do not affect emissions equipment. You will not fail a smog check. California and CARB-compliant trucks can run any of these kits legally.
For a deeper dive on truck exhaust options, check out our full best exhaust systems roundup and our best cat-back exhaust systems guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best truck exhaust systems?
The best truck exhaust systems for the Ford F-150 in 2026 come from Borla (premium T-304 stainless with no-drone guarantee), MagnaFlow (deep tone at a moderate price), and Flowmaster (the most aggressive V8 note). For the F-150 specifically, the Borla 140616BC for 2015-2020 trucks, the Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme for 2009-2014 models, and the MBRP S5262AL for best value are the top three picks across all engine options.
What is the best sounding exhaust for a F-150 3.5 EcoBoost?
For a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150, the Borla 140616BC delivers the best balance of aggressive tone and drone-free cruising. The Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme produces the loudest note but adds cabin drone. If you want deep tone with a moderate budget, the MBRP S5262AL pre-axle dual outlet is the best value option for the 3.5L EcoBoost.
What is the stock exhaust system for a Ford F-150?
The stock Ford F-150 exhaust uses crushed-bend aluminized steel tubing and an absorption-style muffler designed for quiet operation under load. It restricts exhaust flow and adds weight compared to a mandrel-bent stainless aftermarket system. Swapping to a performance cat-back delivers deeper sound, modest horsepower gains, and typically 5 to 15 lbs of weight savings.
What exhaust gives the best sound?
The Borla ATAK series and Flowmaster Outlaw series deliver the most aggressive V8 sound for the F-150. Borla pairs that aggressive note with no-drone highway cruising, while Flowmaster adds more cabin volume at all RPM. For the deepest pure tone, the MagnaFlow Street Series and MBRP pre-axle dual outlet systems both produce a muscular rumble with slightly less interior noise.
Which exhaust brand is best for Ford F-150?
Borla is widely considered the best exhaust brand for the Ford F-150 because of its T-304 stainless construction, no-drone guarantee, made-in-USA build quality, and broad fitment across all three engine families. MagnaFlow is the best value brand for deep tone at a moderate price, and Flowmaster is the best brand for aggressive, race-inspired sound. All three are 50-state legal and bolt-on to factory hangers.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Exhaust Systems for Ford F-150
After comparing all ten kits, the Flowmaster 817707 Outlaw Extreme stands out as the Editor’s Choice for the loudest, most aggressive exhaust note available, the Borla 140616BC wins the Premium Pick for drone-free T-304 stainless quality, and the MBRP S5262AL takes Best Value for the deepest rumble at the lowest price tier.
If you are shopping for the best exhaust systems for ford f150 in 2026, start with your engine family, then your cab and bed configuration, then your sound priority. The right kit is the one that fits your specific truck, matches your daily-driving tolerance for cabin noise, and uses a material that fits your climate. Any of the ten kits in this roundup will outperform the stock exhaust and give your F-150 the sound and performance upgrade you are looking for.