2021 has been a massive year for Ford. They seem to be focused on setting a new record regarding the number of major models released by a car brand in a year. New Mustang March 1, reborn Bronco, and fully overhauled F150 have been rolled out this year. Incredible!
F150 is among the most iconic Ford vehicles in the market hence there was great excitement when the brand announced a next-generation version will be released. The anticipation level was high, with experts and lovers of the model widely discussing what to expect.
With anticipation sky-high, the market was red hot and ready to receive the 2021 Ford F150. The brand released it when the ovation can be said to be loudest hence it was received incredibly. Despite the other great models that have been released this year, there is hardly any argument about the 2021 Ford F150 being the most significant.
The very first thing to say about the 2021 Ford F150 is that it showcases the increasingly electrified future of Ford, just like Mustang Mach E. There are a lot of new things in the new F150, including its availability as a hybrid for the first time. SYNC 4 infotainment, massive touchscreen, and new digital instrument are among other new things in the 2021 Ford F150.
Overview of 2021 Ford F150
2021 Ford F150 comes with nothing less than six powertrains that include the pioneering hybrid. There are also three cab configurations as well as short and long bed lengths. This is a perfect car to make whatever statement you want to make to whoever. The upscale models offer even much more.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
One of the unanimous expectations for the 2021 Ford F150 is the need for Ford to upgrade the interior appointments, to at least match the deluxe cabin of major competitions. Ford did not disappoint when the 2021 Ford F150 was eventually released. More premium materials were used for all the interior and more storage cubbies are featured in the cabin. These upgraded features are not just for luxury but comfort and convenience, especially for people who use it as a mobile workspace.
If you want a large flat workspace, fold the 10-speed automatic shift lever while you need to order a fold-flat front seat with F150 to get a sleeping place. The passenger space is like the previous model, very spacious and suitable for family and friends.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2021 Ford F150 comes with different engines – a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6, a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6, a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8, and a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission, regardless of the engine type.
A hybrid powertrain is also offered with F150 for the first time, with the new 400-hp hybrid powertrain (containing a 35kW electric motor) able to give 700 miles of driving range per tank as well as power an onboard generator during power outages or to get work going on job sites.
All the powertrains offer both rear and four-wheel drive allowing buyers to make their choice. Higher options such as King Range gives a more agile feeling by sharpening responses at low speeds, thanks to the variable-assist steering system. The best off-road experience comes from Tremor, thanks to its upgraded suspension, a locking rear differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and the amazing F150 Raptor’s four-wheel drive transfer case.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The highest towing capacity comes from models with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, offering up to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity. The lowest comes from 3.3-liter V-6 engines, offering a towing capacity of 8200 pounds. 13,000 pounds towing capacity is offered by the 5.0-liter V-8 while the diesel V-6 offers 12,100 pounds towing capacity. The payload capacity begins from 1840 to 3250. These impressive capacities place the 2021 Ford F150 on par with major competitions like Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, as well as Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG
The turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 of the 2021 Ford F150 is estimated to have up to 20 mpg city and 26 highway while the hybrid version offers higher – up to 25 mpg city and 26 highway. The lowest comes from the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 – earning up to 18 mpg city and 24 highway.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard infotainment display offered by Ford for this model is 8.0 inches with a better version of Sync 4 software (featuring over-the-air updates for future software releases, onboard telematics, and traffic & weather updates). A 12.0-inch infotainment display unit is provided for people who want it. Only Ram 1500 also offers an optional 12,0-inch infotainment display. Other standard infotainment and connectivity features in F150 are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features are SiriusXM radio, navigation, and Bang &Olufsen stereo system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Numerous driver-assistance features are provided by Ford in the 2021 Ford F150 but only a few are standard. Features such as a rear-facing camera are made available as users walk up through the six trim levels of F150. The website of NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) provides more information about the crash-test results of F150. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also has vital information. Some of the key safety features of the F150 are:
· Adaptive cruise control
· Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistant
· Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Warranty and Maintenance
2021 Ford T150 has 36,000 (3 years) miles of bumper coverage and the powertrain warranty covers 60,000 miles (five years). No complimentary scheduled maintenance is provided for this model by Ford – it is provided for some rivals e.g. GM twins. Also, 5 years coverage is provided for roadside assistance and corrosion, with 60,000 and unlimited miles respectively.
Pricing and Best Choice To Buy
There are different body styles and bed lengths of the 2021 Ford F150. The basic work truck is the XL, followed by XLT. Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited are other options.
| F150 | Price($) |
| XL | 30,985 |
| XLT | 37,095 |
| Lariat | 46,740 |
| Tremor | 51,200 |
| King Ranch | 58,375 |
| Platinum | 61,155 |
| Limited | 72,870 |
Which Is The Best Option?
The price differences are quite significant hence it is imperative to know what you are getting. Lariat seems to have the best mix of features and affordability hence it is perhaps the most preferred but could still be too expensive for some buyers.
Is The 2021 Ford F150 a Good Truck?
Having discussed all the amazing features of the 2021 F150, let’s make the if it is a good truck call. F150 offers myriads of possibilities, reflecting a version of the American dream. It excellently showcases the future of now with its hybrid powertrain and hands-free driving technology. It should earn an 8 over 10 ratings but the fuel economy drag it down to about 7. Therefore, if you are a fan of this best-selling truck, the 2021 model is impressive.
How Good Does the 2021 Ford F150 Look?
The exterior of this truck was updated, making it look even better. If you do not like how plain Ram 1500 is or how blocky the GM twins are, then F150 is the ideal truck for you. There are so many options here – both wheel design and color have 15 different options with 11 different grilles. The interior was also refined to improve users’ comfort.
Ford F150 Reliability
The quality of the 2021 Ford F150 is excellent, featuring more premium materials and the latest technologies. Therefore, it is very reliable. You will get what the brand says it does without any hassle. The warranty covering its functionality is also great.
2021 F150 Accessories
Availability of accessories is a key consideration when buying a car or truck model because accessories let you customize it. Fortunately, there are myriads of accessories in the market for F150 hence there won’t be any problem in making it feel more like yours. The most popular accessories are pet seat cover, custom grilles, chrome trim, roof racks, floor mats, dash covers, pedals, fender flares, light covers, bike racks, wind deflectors, grill guards, etc.
Electric F150
While the 2021 Ford F150 is a signal of the electrified future of Ford, the real electric version may be closer than imagined. The brand has already announced it is working to release it soon. Perhaps we will see this in the next two years. The anticipation for this is also expected to be high, especially with the increasing popularity or acceptance of electric cars given the environmental impacts of other options.
Verdict
The 2021 Ford F150 is an incredible release from Ford. It at the least meets the expectations of even the most demanding or expectant users. You can upscale it as you want which is definitely beyond just a matter of luxury. Some can boast of up to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity. You can as well go for the off-road-focused Tremor model or the bad-boy F150 Raptor. You can read our 2017 Ford Raptor review if you’re interested in learning more.
