2021 Ford F-150

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2021 Ford F-150 Test Drive Review: Electrifying A Legend

Even a best-selling vehicle like the Ford F-150 is not immune to changing times. Consumers demand more efficient vehicles, even in the highly-competitive pickup truck space. While electric pickups are imminent, Ford thinks it has a more ready approach for today's truck owner. The 2021 Ford F-150 arrives as an all-new model, now with an optional hybrid drivetrain for the first time ever. Ford's venerable EcoBoost series makes a comeback as well, combining with the electric motors in a new PowerBoost combination. There are more conventional V6, V8, and diesel engines available too, for buyers who want to keep their trucks old school.

Along with the new hybrid powertrain, Ford has made extensive changes to the F-150, including a revised exterior and a radical new interior. Ford has been challenged recently by the likes of General Motors and Ram, but the Blue Oval hopes this latest F-150 will help stave off the competition. The F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for 43 years, and after driving a Platinum-trim Ford F-150 with the new PowerBoost hybrid system to review for a week, we don't see that changing any time soon.

Read in this review:

2021 Ford F-150 Changes: 🚙What’s the difference vs 2020 F-150?

The latest Ford F-150 is an all-new introduction for the 2021 model year. Dubbed by Ford as the toughest F-150 ever conceived, the latest truck boasts updated exterior styling, a newly available hybrid powertrain, and vastly improved technology. Six different engines are on offer, with the most notable being the new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid with superior outputs of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The rest of the engine options are similar to what has been offered before and include a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-liter V8. Another advantage to the hybrid is the availability of a new 7.2-kilowatt onboard generator. The more aggressive appearance is combined with features like active grille shutters to make this a more aerodynamic truck than before. In the cabin, there are new materials and a big step up in tech, with an expansive 12-inch touchscreen on upper trims and the ability for the Ford F-150 truck to receive over-the-air updates.

Pros and Cons

  • Modernized exterior makes a bold statement
  • Brilliant new hybrid powertrain
  • Plenty of engine options
  • Upscale, high-tech cabin
  • Class-leading towing and payload figures
  • Tons of cool new features
  • Ram 1500 remains more comfortable
  • As usual, top trims are expensive
  • Looks too similar to last year's model
  • Some features feel gimmicky
  • Real-world fuel economy was disappointing

Best Deals on 2021 Ford F-150

2021 Ford F-150 Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
XL
2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
3.3L V6 Flex-fuel (FFV)
5.0L V8 Flex-fuel (FFV)
10-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$29,290
XLT
2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
3.3L V6 Flex-fuel (FFV)
5.0L V8 Flex-fuel (FFV)
10-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$35,400
Lariat
2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
5.0L V8 Flex-fuel (FFV)
10-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$45,545
Tremor
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
10-Speed Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive
$49,505
King Ranch
5.0L V8 Flex-fuel (FFV)
10-Speed Automatic
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
$56,680

New F-150 Exterior

A new Ford F-150 should look both familiar and fresh; that's not an easy ask, but Ford seems to have pulled it off. The frontal aspect has a more squared-off look than before, highlighted by crisp daytime running lights and a massive grille, while the rear is more chiseled with updated taillight clusters that appear to stretch deeper into the rear fenders. A staggering 11 different grille options are on offer, so the F-150's look changes markedly depending on the trim and how it is specced. The base XL comes with black bumpers, halogen headlamps, 17-inch steel wheels, and a two-bar style black grille. Upgrading to the XLT introduces chrome bumpers, but the range-topping Ford F-150 Limited almost looks like a different truck entirely with its full LED lighting, satin chrome grille surround, twin-panel moonroof, and 22-inch polished alloy wheels. From functional workhorse to a luxury-oriented truck, there's something for everyone here.

2021 Ford F-150 Front View CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Rear View CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Front Angle View CarBuzz
See All 2021 Ford F-150 Exterior Photos

Dimensions

With three bed sizes and three body styles, the F-150's dimensions vary significantly from one model to the next. We'll start with the numbers that are common to all versions, though. Regardless of the F-150 you choose, every model has a width of 79.9 inches excluding the mirrors, increasing to a substantial 95.7 inches with the standard mirrors extended. With the trailer tow mirrors, you'll want to avoid narrow lanes as the width swells to 105.9 inches.

Three box sizes are on offer; the smallest stretches to 5.5 feet and the next two are 6.5 and eight feet. It's worth noting that the smallest box is only offered on the SuperCrew, while this body style isn't compatible with the largest box. Both the Regular Cab and SuperCab can be had with either of the bigger box sizes.

The shortest wheelbase belongs to the Regular Cab with the 6.5-foot box at 122.8 inches, while the lengthiest wheelbase is 164.1 inches for the SuperCab with the eight-foot box. The truck's length varies from 209.1 inches all the way to 250.3 inches. Finally, the height range is from 75.2 to 77.6 inches, depending on the body style and whether 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains are chosen.

The new Ford F-150 must also be able to tackle some off-roading when required to do so. Bearing this in mind, the ground clearance varies between 8.2 and 9.4 inches. Meanwhile, the greatest approach/departure/ramp breakover angles are 24.9/26.3/23.5 degrees. However, these maximum figures in each category will vary from one configuration to the next.

In terms of curb weight, the lightest F-150 is the Regular Cab 4x2 with the 3.3-liter V6 engine at 4,021 pounds, while the heaviest F-150 weight goes to the SuperCrew 4x4 with the hybrid powertrain and the bigger box at 5,540 lbs.

  • Length 209.1 in
  • Wheelbase 122.0 in
  • Height 75.6 in
  • Max Width 79.9 in
  • Curb Weight 4,021.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

On the cheapest XL Regular Cab, buyers can choose from a selection of eight colors: Race Red, Stone Gray, Velocity Blue, Agate Black, Iconic Silver, Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, and Oxford White. None of these colors cost anything extra. Upgrading to the XL SuperCab adds Lead Foot and Space White shades to the palette, but both of these will require equipment upgrades that increase the base price by $2,560. On the XLT, buyers can go for Guard or Rapid Red as well, with the latter adding $395 to the price. Here, a secondary color can also be chosen, but this once again requires further equipment upgrades. With so many possibilities on offer, it's best to spend some time playing with Ford's online configurator to create your perfect F-150. For instance, the top Limited trim has a less comprehensive selection of six colors that include Smoked Quartz ($510) and Star White ($595). These colors are also offered on other trims like the King Ranch, which offers the distinctive choice of Kodiak Brown paired with a Stone Gray lower body.

  • Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat +$395
  • Smoked Quartz Metallic Tinted Clearcoat +$510
  • Star White Metallic Tri-Coat +$595
  • School Bus Yellow, Requires valid FIN code +$660
  • Green, Requires valid FIN code +$660
  • Orange, Requires valid FIN code +$660
  • Vermillion Red, Requires valid FIN code +$660
  • Yellow, Requires valid FIN code +$660
  • Lead Foot
  • Velocity Blue Metallic
  • Antimatter Blue Metallic
  • Space White Metallic
  • Guard Metallic
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic
  • Kodiak Brown Metallic
See all 20 colors

F-150 Performance

The new Ford F-150's performance ranges from adequate to truly brisk for a large truck. Making the least power in the lineup is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 250 horsepower, but this is countered by a useful 440 lb-ft of torque. There are three other gas-powered V6 engines on offer, with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 providing the F-150's best towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, which is 800 lbs more than the outgoing F-150 could tow. However, the most impressive outputs are reserved for the hybridized 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 which generates 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, making it the most torque-rich F-150 ever. In independent testing, this engine was able to power a four-wheel-drive variant of the F-150 pickup to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, and it can tow up to 12,700 lbs. At the other end of the Ford F-150 towing capacity spectrum, the 3.3-liter V6 can only haul 5,000 lbs in certain configurations. There's also a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque or a 5.0-liter V8 producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Of course, rear-wheel-drive versions of the F-150 are offered as well. The hybrid is one of the quickest large trucks you can buy, but the ballistic Ram 1500 TRX is the one to get if all you care about is straight-line speed.

2021 Ford F-150 Front-End View CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Instrument Cluster CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Motor CarBuzz

Engine and Transmission

There are six different engines on offer throughout the Ford F-150 pickup truck, starting with the base 3.3-liter naturally-aspirated Ti-VCT V6 that makes 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. There are two gas-powered EcoBoost units to choose from, starting with the 2.7-liter V6 that makes 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 impresses with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. If you still believe that there is no replacement for displacement, there is a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 that makes 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. The only diesel in the lineup is the 3.0-liter Power Stroke with 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. However, the king of the current F-150 range is the new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft.

Regardless of the model you choose, every F-150 engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Besides the base 3.3-liter, every other engine provides strong torque and smooth, easy acceleration, but the hybrid is the star of the show here. The 47-hp electric motor has been integrated into the transmission and helps to provide plenty of grunt. This powertrain includes a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that can silently motivate the F-150 for short spurts.

  • Engines
    2.7L Turbo, 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas, 3.0L Turbo Diesel, 3.3L V6 Flex-fuel (FFV), 3.5L Turbo, 3.5L Turbo V6 Hybrid, 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas, 5.0L V8, 5.0L V8 Flex-fuel (FFV)
  • Transmission
    10-Speed Automatic
  • Drivetrains
    4X4, RWD

Handling and Driving Impressions

Despite adding a radical new powertrain option to the mix, Ford made sure to keep the F-150's driving manners very close to the outgoing model. The steering, while far from sports-car-like, gives a firm impression of what the front end is up to without feeling twitchy or numb. In terms of body control, the F-150 still can not match the Ram 1500's coil spring ride quality, especially when equipped with the optional air suspension. There's plenty of shaking and shimmying when the F-150 drives over bumps, and prepare for heaps of body lean through tight turns. This is a truck, after all, so you can wait for the upcoming Raptor version if you crave improved performance.

Though the Ram still outclasses it in ride comfort, the F-150 will surge past the 1500 so long as it isn't the new supercharged TRX model. They say there's no replacement for displacement, but Ram's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is completely outmatched by Ford's new PowerBoost hybrid. Even GM's mighty 6.2-liter V8 feels weak by comparison. 570 lb-ft motivates the F-150 forward with no drama, delivering shocking performance. Selectable drive modes, including a surprisingly fun Sport mode and a super-numb Eco mode, change the character of the drivetrain for different situations.

The truck can coast or creep in traffic using electric power alone, making the F-150's driving experience more calming. We could barely tell when the engine engaged or disengaged aside from a few rough starts after hitting the throttle en-route to a fresh green light. Anyone who doubts that a hybrid pickup truck can still be tough will eat their words after a jaunt in the PowerBoost F-150.

F-150 Gas Mileage

The Ford F-150 gas mileage you attain will depend largely on the engine you choose and the work you subject it to. Considering how quick it is off the mark, the Ford F-150 hybrid's EPA-rated gas mileage figures of 24/24/24 miles per gallon city/highway/combined in 4WD guise are certainly impressive, and with 2WD, it'll return 25/26/25 mpg. Sadly, we struggled to average just 22 mpg in our 4WD tester, and in the pickup truck world, a few mpg makes a big difference. While the PowerBoost is the most efficient model in the range, a quick review of the numbers reveals that it's not the most efficient truck in the segment; for instance, the Ram 1500 2WD with the diesel engine returns 22/32/26 mpg. However, the hybrid F-150 is clearly a winner in city driving. The next most efficient F-150 is the diesel at 20/27/23 mpg, followed by the 2.7-liter EcoBoost in 2WD guise that returns 20/26/22 mpg. Running on regular gas, the 3.3-liter V6 with 2WD manages 20/24/21 mpg. Both this model and the 2.7-liter lose about one mpg on average with 4WD. However, with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the F-150 returns a combined 20 mpg whether you choose 2WD or 4WD.

Predictably, the 5.0-liter V8 is the heaviest on gas with the worst figures of 11/17/13 mpg when equipped with 4WD and running on E85 gas. The F-150 mpg figures you'll see with the V8 improves to 17/24/20 mpg in 2WD guise and when running on regular gas.

The gas tank size varies across the range, with Regular Cab and SuperCab variants employing a 23-gallon tank and the SuperCrew able to carry 26 gallons of fuel. However, an extended-range 36-gallon gas tank is available on all body styles but isn't compatible with the 122-inch wheelbase, the diesel engine, or the hybrid. Instead, the hybrid gets its own 30.6-gallon gas tank and, therefore, can achieve a range of 765 miles in 2WD guise. With the 36-gallon tank and the 2.7-liter engine, the F-150 will be able to traverse 792 miles.

  • Fuel Tank Capacity
    23.0 Gallons
  • Fuel Economy
    City/Hwy: 20/24 mpg
* 2021 Ford F-150 XL 2WD Regular Cab 6.5' Box

F-150 Interior

The previous F-150 pickup truck had a solid cabin, but it wasn't as luxurious as what Ram brought to the table with its latest 1500. Ford knew it needed to up its game in this area and that's exactly what has been done inside the new F-150. Although the cabin doesn't look dramatically different, the materials are better, build quality is sturdy, the available 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is much-improved, and the top trims feel truly luxurious. Most people should be able to get used to the control layout quickly. There are some nifty available features like the transmission shifter that can fold away to open up a flat work surface, which is perfect for using a laptop on the job site, while Active Drive Assist will allow for hands-free driving on over 100,000 miles of highways in the US and Canada. The entry-level version has single-zone air conditioning and an eight-inch touchscreen, but the upper trims spoil you with leather upholstery, ventilated/heated seats, a 360-degree camera system, and much more. Yes, you can even get an F-150 with massaging seats.

2021 Ford F-150 Dashboard CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Steering Wheel Design CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Front Chairs CarBuzz
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Seating and Interior Space

Ford offers the F-150 in three different body styles, each with varying levels of passenger space. The Regular Cab is the smallest option with seating for up to three passengers on a single front bench. Opting for the SuperCab adds room for five (or up to six with the front bench) with a tight 33.5 inches of legroom in the back seats, accessed via rear-opening half doors. The SuperCrew is ideal for families or large work teams with its full-sized rear doors and seating for five or six with a whopping 43.6 inches of rear legroom. No matter which body style you get, headroom remains excellent with over 40 inches in the front and back seats. It is worth noting that the Ram offers better sliding and reclining rear seats that are more comfortable on long journeys. Ford does offer a feature called Max Recline seats on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models, allowing the driver and passenger to drop back nearly 180 degrees to take a nap.

  • Seating capacity
    3-seater
  • Front Leg Room 43.9 in
  • Front Head Room 40.8 in

Interior Colors and Materials

The basic XL Regular Cab starts things off with Medium Dark Slate cloth upholstery or the same color scheme with tough vinyl upholstery. This same rugged approach continues with a urethane steering wheel and a floor covering in black vinyl. On the XL SuperCab, black sport cloth upholstery is optionally available. On the XLT, cloth upholstery is standard and another color choice, Baja Tan, becomes available. The first trim to offer standard leather front seats is the Lariat, with these offered in a choice of Medium Dark Slate, Black, or Baja Tan. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard from this trim and up. Another welcome step up is the King Ranch which gets a Mesa leather-wrapped steering wheel, genuine wood interior accents, and a special Java color scheme for its leather-upholstered seats. The Platinum's classy cabin comes with multi-contour leather seats in either Black or Carmelo, while the Limited boasts an Admiral Blue leather-wrapped steering wheel and the same shade for its leather seats. This interior is a massive improvement over the previous generation and puts the F-150 much closer to the Ram 1500's level.

F-150 Trunk and Cargo Space

The latest F-150 offers the same 5.5-, 6.5-, and eight-foot bed sizes as the outgoing model. The smallest box is only offered on the SuperCrew and has an inside length of 67.1 inches, a width between the wheelhouses of 51.1 inches, and a cargo volume of 52.8 cubic feet. In the middle of the pack is the 6.5-foot box which is offered on all three body styles. With its greater 78.9-inch length, cargo volume grows to 62.3 cubes. Finally, the eight-foot box on the Regular Cab and SuperCab has a 97.6-inch length and a cargo volume of 77.4 cubes. The Ram 1500 can't compete with the F-150's biggest box, but the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 leads the way here with up to 89.1 cubes of space when equipped with its own eight-foot box. However, the Ford F-150 pickup offers about as much space as anyone could need, along with an exceptional maximum payload capacity of 3,250 lbs for the Regular Cab 4x2 with the biggest box and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. That's around 1,000 lbs more than what the most capable Silverado can offer.

The new Ford F-150 is a large vehicle so unsurprisingly has numerous options for interior storage. On the base model, you don't get the massive center console as on other versions, but this is optionally available although seating capacity will be reduced. In the SuperCab and SuperCrew, the 60/40 rear bench can flip up for extra cargo space. Large cupholders make it easy to store cups or coffee or water bottles, while a wireless charging pad and a narrow slot to store your smartphone alongside the shift lever are useful. On the SuperCrew, an available fold-flat, partitioned storage compartment is available beneath the rear seat which is perfect for fishing rods and the like.

2021 Ford F-150 Second-Row Seats CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Front Seats CarBuzz
2021 Ford F-150 Cargo Room CarBuzz

F-150 Infotainment and Features

Features

From affordable workhorse to a luxury chariot that can rival some truly upscale sedans, the 2021 Ford F-150 lineup covers the full gamut. The base XL ships with manual single-zone air conditioning, a four-inch productivity screen, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, and driver-assist technologies like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. This version also gets trailer sway control, selectable driving modes with a tow/haul mode, and hill start assist.

One step above this is the XLT which adds cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. After this, the sky - and your budget - are the limit as the F-150 can be equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless charging, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with a driver's memory system, power-folding side mirrors, and a power tailgate. Additional driver-assist technologies include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, front parking sensors, a forward sensing system, and active parking assistance that merely requires braking from the driver.

Outside, more expensive versions boast power-deployable running boards, LED security approach lamps in the side mirrors, and a twin-panel moonroof. The higher trim models like the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited also gain access to massaging seats that now feel more effective than before. A power-sliding rear window is available too. The F-150's new Pro Power Onboard generator offers an output of up to 7.2 kW with the hybrid powertrain; believe it or not, this provides enough juice to power two RVs.

Infotainment

The XL and XLT standard trims receive an adequately-sized eight-inch touchscreen while the XLT with the High Package and above all get a massive 12-inch display powered by Ford's latest Sync4 infotainment system. This larger screen allows drivers to split the display, gaining access to two different functions at the same time. For example, a driver can have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto running wirelessly while also controlling the built-in radio. An available 12-inch digital gauge cluster can show off-roading and navigation data while changing themes based on the drive mode. An eight-speaker B&O Sound System starts on the XLT trim while the top three trims include an incredible 18-speaker B&O Unleashed system with speakers in the headliner and front headrests.

F-150 Problems and Reliability

J.D. Power's rating for the 2021 Ford F-150 stands at 84 out of a possible 100, which is a solid showing. The latest F-150 is still quite new to the market, so it's little surprise that no problems have resulted in any recalls yet.

If anything does go wrong, Ford offers a standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Corrosion coverage runs for five years, while roadside assistance is offered for five years or 60,000 miles.

Warranty

  • Basic:
    3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain:
    5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
  • Corrosion:
    5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
  • Roadside Assistance:
    5 Years \ 60,000 Miles

F-150 Safety

The NHTSA has yet to review the 2021 Ford F-150 for crashworthiness. At the IIHS, the 2021 F-150 has only been tested for roof strength, for which it attained a maximum rating of Good. We expect a more thorough crash-safety score for the new truck imminently.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

  • Overall Rating
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
  • Side Crash Rating
  • Rollover Rating

Key Safety Features

Every new Ford F-150 comes with a roll stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and six airbags including side-curtain airbags. On the base XL, you get a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist, pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking, hill start assist, and trailer sway control. Many more safety features can be availed via options or choosing a higher trim level. These include a 360-degree camera system, an integrated trailer brake controller, hill descent control, blind-spot monitoring with both cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage, lane-keep assist, front/rear parking sensors, trailer reverse guidance, and adaptive cruise control. Other safety items that are available are parking assistance, trailer backup assistance, and intersection assist.

Verdict: 🏁Is the 2021 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck a good car?

Ford hasn't been in a position to lose its pickup truck sales crown, and with the 2021 F-150, it should be able to hold this title for years to come. The most recent Ram 1500 offered the best alternative we've seen for years with its premium interior and car-like ride comfort, but this 14th generation F-150 tips the scale back in Ford's favor. There are still plenty of reasons to pick a competitor over an F-150, but following this new update, those differences are no longer glaringly obvious.

The 2021 F-150 offers one of the most extensive engine lineups in the business, including the most available towing capacity, best-in-class payload, and stellar fuel economy. It's also the only truck on the market to offer a full hybrid powertrain yielding excellent efficiency and electrifying performance. Ford's updates to the interior bring it more in-line with the Ram and with features like hands-free driving, massaging seats, and amazing driver assist systems, the F-150 outclasses its rivals in many respects. The 2021 Ford F-150 is clearly one of the best pickup trucks on the market, and it deserves high consideration. With the F-150 at the beginning of its lifestyle, the other truck brands must once go into catch up mode.

🚘What's the Price of the New Ford F-150?

The most affordable Ford F-150 is the XL which begins at $28,940 in the USA before options, taxes, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,695. Following this entry-level model is the XLT at $35,050 and the Lariat SuperCab at an MSRP of $44,695. Above this are three luxurious, SuperCrew-only trims, starting with the King Ranch at $56,330. The SuperCrew is, however, also offered on the cheaper trims. The top two trims are the Platinum at $59,110 and the Limited at a substantial $70,825. These prices all represent the trims in their cheapest form and in 4x2 guise.

Of course, there are numerous ways to increase the final cost of the Ford F-150. On the base XL Regular Cab, upgrading to the SuperCab costs $4,085, and going for the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 adds $1,195 to the bill. Opting for the Regular Cab 4x4 will cost $4,645. Elsewhere in the lineup, the King Ranch SuperCrew comes with the V8 as standard, but you can upgrade to the hybrid V6 for a total increase of $3,590. On this model, going from 4x2 to 4x4 costs $3,425. If money is no object, the Ford F-150 price can exceed $80,000.

New F-150 Models

The 2021 Ford F-150 is available in a choice of six trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Three bed lengths, three body styles, and six engines ensure that there is an F-150 for every need and budget. Kicking off the lineup is a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, followed by two turbocharged V6s, a V8, a V6 turbodiesel, and the new 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 hybrid with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. Engine availability is trim-dependent, but every F-150 has a ten-speed automatic gearbox and can be upgraded from 4x2 to 4x4.

As the entry-level F-150, the XL comes with black bumpers, a black grille, halogen headlamps, and 17-inch steel wheels. It is one of only two trims that is compatible with the Regular Cab, while the 3.3-liter V6 is standard here. Inside, you will find cloth or vinyl-upholstered seats, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, single-zone air conditioning, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

The XLT's specifications include 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome surround for the grille, chrome bumpers, heated side mirrors, and a power-locking tailgate. Inside, the XLT gains cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and remote keyless entry.

The Lariat gets the more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine as standard and comes only in SuperCab or SuperCrew body styles. Compared with the XLT, the Lariat adds 18-inch alloy wheels, trailer tow coverage for the blind-spot monitoring system, LED tailgate exterior lighting, push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster.

Unlike preceding trims, the King Ranch can only seat a maximum of five occupants and is only available as a SuperCrew. It comes with the 5.0-liter V8 as standard and boasts specs like front parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Moving into luxury territory is the F-150 Platinum with 20-inch polished alloy wheels, power-deployable running boards, chrome side mirror caps, and a satin aluminum tailgate applique. It also features a chrome single-bar grille.

Finally, the Limited gets the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine as standard. It rides on massive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and boasts active park assistance, trailer reverse guidance, and a twin-panel moonroof. The cabin is outfitted with premium gear like a 360-degree camera system, Admiral Blue leather upholstery, and a magnificent 18-speaker B&O sound system.

See All 2021 Ford F-150 Trims and Specs

Additional Packages

Truck owners love to customize their purchases and the Ford F-150 does not disappoint. Even the base XL Regular Cab can be upgraded with the 101A High package for $2,080; it adds power equipment, cruise control, and rear parking sensors. This model can be equipped with the FX4 Off-Road package with hill descent control, skid plates, and more, but requires the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and 4WD as well. Combined, the upgrades will cost you a hefty $8,175. On the XLT, the 301A Mid package costs $2,010 and equips an eight-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.

The pricier trims have plenty of customization potential, too. On the Lariat, the 502A High package costs $6,920 and adds the Lariat Chrome Appearance package, rain-sensing wipers, the B&O sound system, and LED projector headlamps. If you intend on towing, there are plenty of upgrades on offer. On the King Ranch, the $1,090 Trailer Tow package adds a seven-pin wiring harness, a class IV trailer hitch receiver, a trailer brake controller, and more.

If the top-spec Limited is just out of reach, the Platinum can be upgraded with some of the former's features. For example, the 701A High package on the Platinum costs $2,685 and adds a power tailgate, the 18-speaker B&O sound system, the tow technology package, a 360-degree camera, and more. The Limited has almost everything already equipped by default, but one of the most impressive options is the 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard system that can power two RVs. It requires upgrading to the hybrid engine and the total cost will be $1,900.

🚗What Ford F-150 Model Should I Buy?

Pickup trucks are highly personalized items ordered for different tasks, so it's tough to recommend a one-size-fits-all option. We think the Lariat trim offers the best overall combination of features at a reasonable price, starting at $48,045 for the SuperCrew model with 2WD. This trim level includes the 2.7-liter EcoBoost as the standard engine option but we'd upgrade to either the 5.0-liter V8 for $800 or the 3.5-liter EcoBoost for $1,400. If money was no object, we'd opt for the plush King Ranch trim level with the potent PowerBoost engine and a few options, bringing the price up to around $70,000.

Check out other Ford F-150 Styles

2021 Ford F-150 Comparisons

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Chevrolet
Ram 1500 Ram
CompetitorHorsepowerMPGPrice (MSRP)
Ford F-150290 hp20/24 mpg$29,290
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 310 hp19/22 mpg$34,600
Ram 1500 305 hp20/26 mpg$36,500

2021 Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a good truck but already fell just short of the outgoing F-150, so the gap has widened with the release of the new Ford. While the Chevy had the superior towing capacity of over 13,000 lbs previously, this has now been eclipsed by the F-150. The F-150 also has a much better maximum payload figure of 1,000 lbs more than the Chevy's best. Some Chevy models are saddled with a dated six-speed automatic, and overall, we prefer the Ford's powertrains, highlighted by the new 430-hp PowerBoost hybrid. Inside, the Ford has a more upscale cabin with better materials and better tech; the F-150's available 12-inch touchscreen and 18-speaker B&O sound system easily better what the Silverado can offer here. In the Chevy's favor is greater space for cargo with its eight-foot bed. Despite this, the new Ford F-150 is easily the more polished truck between these two.

See Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Review

2021 Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500

As one of the most impressive trucks for sale right now, you could almost blame the Ram 1500 for some of the improvements we've seen in the new F-150. The current 1500 took luxury and tech to new heights in large trucks with its beautifully-trimmed cabin, enormous touchscreen interface, and plush ride. The Ram remains the most comfortable truck you can buy in this segment, but the Ford is now at least equal in terms of cabin ambiance. And, while the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid offers an astonishing mix of pace and efficiency, the Ram 1500 TRX has broken all the rules for high-performing, conventionally-powered trucks. There is no disputing that the F-150 is the new towing and hauling king, though - it exceeds the Ram's towing capacity by over 1,000 lbs and betters its maximum payload by just under 1,000 lbs. With its bigger available cargo box, the F-150 also has more space for cargo. If you won't be needing your truck for serious heavy-duty work and desire a comfortable commuter, the Ram 1500 remains in contention here, but the Ford is undoubtedly more capable.

See Ram 1500 Review

Ford F-150 Popular Comparisons

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2021 Ford F-150 Video Review

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