As somebody who spent his early adulthood in high performance vehicles, I’ve been where the OP is. Keep the current F150 if you need a truck. For hauling youngsters with some performance, go German. An MB AMG E class, BMW M5, or Porsche Panamera Turbo. All amazing performers, and safe family...
I’ll add that there were probably 20 used 22-24 157” wb trucks within 100 miles of Chicagoland in June and July when I bought my ‘25. I also test drove a few different brand new 157” ‘25s varying from Lariat to Platinum in both eco and powerboost. There were definitely a lot more XLTs too...
Had a 2015 Platinum, 6.5” bed was a requirement in any color but black. Just replaced it and had the same requirements this time around. Yes, it comes with some compromises in parking garages and some cities, but it definitely rides better towing our boat, and it’s an awesome highway cruiser...