What is the song in the new Ford F-150 2026 Built Ford Tough commercial?

If you’ve seen the new Ford F-150 commercials kicking off for 2026, you’ve probably felt it: a surge of energy, a sense of adventure, and a soundtrack that makes you want to roll down the windows and hit the open road. The "Built Ford Tough" campaign is back, and this year, it’s not just powered by a powerful engine, but by some of the most carefully chosen and impactful music in recent memory.

But what are the songs that make these ads so instantly memorable? From a classic trucking anthem reimagined for a new generation to a brand-new, heartfelt hit from a country music superstar, here’s your complete guide to the sounds of the 2026 Ford F-150.

The Main Anthem: A Remix of "East Bound and Down"The flagship commercial for the 2026 F-150 features a song that is instantly recognizable to anyone who loves classic American road trip movies and truck culture. It’s a high-energy, pulse-pounding remix of "East Bound and Down," the iconic theme song from the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit.

Originally performed by the legendary Jerry Reed, the song is a perfect, almost inevitable, fit for the F-150. Its lyrics are all about a long haul, unwavering determination, and getting the job done against the clock—themes that resonate deeply with the "Built Ford Tough" ethos of reliability and endurance. The song tells the story of a high-stakes, cross-country run, and that spirit of adventure is exactly what Ford wants to evoke.

The new 2026 remix modernizes the track with a heavier, more driving beat and a contemporary production style, making it feel fresh and powerful while still honoring the beloved classic. It’s a brilliant way to bridge generations, appealing to older truck buyers who remember the film fondly and younger audiences who are hearing it for the first time.

You can watch the main commercial and feel the power of the remix here:
👉 [Watch: Ford F-150 | Built Ford Tough (Official Anthem 2026)] ()

The remix is used masterfully to underscore the F-150's legendary capability and endurance. As the commercial visually demonstrates the truck towing massive loads, hauling heavy equipment, and confidently conquering tough terrain, the driving, insistent rhythm of "East Bound and Down" pushes the narrative forward with unstoppable momentum. It’s a powerful sonic reminder that this is a truck built for the long haul, for the long road ahead, just like the song’s determined protagonist.

The Country Collaboration: Lainey Wilson's "4x4xU"Alongside the classic remix, Ford has also brilliantly tapped into the heart of contemporary country music with a special, deeply authentic collaboration. The company has partnered with Grammy-nominated country music superstar Lainey Wilson for a dedicated campaign featuring her hit song "4x4xU."

Wilson, known for her distinctive, soulful voice and her modern take on traditional, storytelling country, is a perfect ambassador for the brand. Her music often celebrates rural life, hard work, family, and the beauty of the great outdoors—values that align seamlessly with the F-150's image and the lifestyle of its core customers. She doesn't just sing about these things; she lives them, which gives the partnership a powerful sense of truth.

In this special commercial, Wilson is featured not as a detached spokesperson, but as herself, driving her own F-150, with "4x4xU" serving as the perfect, emotive backdrop. The song itself is a clever and heartfelt love letter, using the "4x4" (four-wheel drive) as a metaphor for a solid, dependable, and adventurous relationship.
👉 [Watch: Lainey Wilson x Ford | "4x4xU" (Special Collaboration)] ()

This collaboration does far more than just provide a pleasant soundtrack. It strategically connects the F-150 with a massive, passionate, and dedicated fanbase, associating the truck with the authentic, down-to-earth, no-frills lifestyle that Wilson represents so genuinely. It’s a masterclass in lifestyle marketing, showing the truck not just as a tool for work, but as an integral part of a cherished way of life, a companion for both daily chores and weekend adventures.

For the Off-Roader: "Unleash the Beast" with a Rock Edge

For those who crave the ultimate in high-performance, off-road capability, Ford has a dedicated, adrenaline-soaked commercial for the F-150 Raptor 2026. Titled "Unleash the Beast," this spot focuses entirely on the truck's extreme capabilities—tearing through deserts at high speed, climbing seemingly insurmountable rocky inclines, and dominating any terrain in its path.

The soundtrack for this video takes a sharp, intentional turn away from the country and classic rock influences of the other ads. It features a harder, more aggressive, guitar-driven rock music track designed specifically to match the Raptor's ferocious attitude and untamed spirit. The heavy, distorted guitars and pounding, relentless drums amplify the sense of raw power, blistering speed, and controlled chaos that defines the Raptor driving experience.
👉 [Watch: Ford F-150 Raptor 2026 | Unleash the Beast] (

This deliberate choice of music is highly strategic. It immediately signals to the viewer that the Raptor is a completely different beast altogether—not just a capable work truck, but a high-performance, purpose-built machine designed for pure adrenaline and adventure. The music tells you, before you even see the truck jump a massive dune or power through a rocky riverbed, that this is all about excitement, passion, and the pursuit of raw power.

Why Music is Central to "Built Ford Tough"

Ford's "Built Ford Tough" campaign has always intuitively understood the profound power of music. A great song can elevate a commercial from a simple product demonstration to an immersive, emotional experience that stays with the viewer. For the 2026 campaign, the music strategy is particularly smart and multi-layered:

• Nostalgia and Heritage: The "East Bound and Down" remix taps into decades of American truck and road trip culture, instantly connecting the new F-150 to a proud, rugged, and adventurous legacy.

• Authenticity and Lifestyle: Lainey Wilson's "4x4xU" brings genuine, modern country authenticity, linking the truck to a real, relatable, and aspirational lifestyle.

• Energy and Excitement: The hard-hitting rock track in the Raptor ad creates pure adrenaline and excitement, perfectly matching the truck's extreme performance capabilities.

By using different musical genres for different trucks and different messages, Ford speaks directly and effectively to the specific desires and identities of each potential buyer—whether they need a dependable workhorse for the job site, a lifestyle companion for the family, or an off-road monster for weekend adventures.

Conclusion

So, the next time you see a Ford F-150 commercial and find yourself instinctively humming along or feeling a surge of energy, you'll know the rich stories behind the songs. The 2026 "Built Ford Tough" campaign is powered by a diverse, carefully curated, and powerful soundtrack:

• A modern, high-energy remix of the classic "East Bound and Down" for the main F-150 lineup.

• Lainey Wilson's heartfelt and clever "4x4xU" for a touch of authentic, modern country life.

• A driving, aggressive rock track for the adrenaline-pumping, off-road F-150 Raptor.

Each song is meticulously chosen to amplify the specific truck's strengths and, more importantly, to connect with drivers on a deep, emotional level. It’s proof that for Ford, being "Built Ford Tough" is as much about heart, soul, and the right soundtrack as it is about horsepower, torque, and towing capacity.

👉 Watch the full Ford F-150 2026 campaign here:

• Main Anthem "East Bound and Down" Remix: 

  

  Watch YouTube video

• Lainey Wilson "4x4xU" Collaboration: 

  

  Watch YouTube video

• F-150 Raptor "Unleash the Beast": 

  

  Watch YouTube video

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