The 2015 Ford F-150 has been rated to have the lowest impact on the environment, lowest cost of ownership, and the top-rated production chain in terms of social justice among full-size pickup trucks, according to an automotive research firm.

The new study from the Automotive Science Group (ASG) based its results on the F-150 XL crew cab equipped with the 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine.

The group uses a vehicle rating platform called the Automotive Performance Index that analyzes economic and environmental performance. The study assessed 225 light-duty trucks from the 2015 model year.

Coincidentally, Ford's aluminum-body F-150 isn't at the top of the fuel-economy list. When equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, the F-150 achieves 26 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel gets 28 mpg highway.

The firm gave the edge to Ford's F-150 due to the higher cost to purchase diesel and the higher carbon-dioxide emissions from burning diesel due to the higher energy content in that fuel.

The firm rated light-duty trucks in three categories, including Full-Size Truck, Mid-Size Truck — Extended Cab; and Mid-Size Truck — Crew Cab. The all-around top performers for the other categories included the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado respectively.

Read the firm's full release here.