2021 Ford F-150: Everything you need to know

Ford's F Series of pickup trucks have achieved somewhat of a Legendary status and have been the backbone of the American economy for quite some time. For the last 39 years, the Ford F-Series has been the best-selling pickup truck in the United States and Canada. Globally it has raked in almost 40 million sales, sharing the stage with the likes of everyday cars like Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf. And this is no easy feat considering they are big, productive, gas-guzzling workhorses.

Ford is constantly working on their best-selling line-up and now they have revealed the 2021 Ford F-150 as the 'Toughest, Most Productive F-150 Ever'. The 2021 model year marks the start of the Fourteenth Generation of the F-150 Pickup. To an untrained eye, the 2021 Ford F-150 might look similar to the previous generation. But Ford claims that 92% of the components that go into the truck are brand spanking new. Only the Cab and the Pickup Box Structure has been carried over from the previous generation.

At a starting price of $30,635, the 2021 Ford F-150, like other pickup trucks, can be configured with multiple body styles and bed lengths. Ford is offering the 2021 F-150 in six trim levels. Starting with the Base Level XL trim, followed by XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and top-of-the-line Limited Trim. Rumors are that Ford is also working on an all-electric F-150 that will join the ranks in another year or two.

2021 F-150 at a glance: Price, Specs, and Features

• Starting Price: $30,635

• 6 different powertrains to choose from (including a diesel and a hybrid powertrain)

• 10 Speed Automatic Transmission standard across the board

• Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive (standard) or All Wheel Drive

• EPA Range of approximately 700 miles on a full tank with the Hybrid Powertrain

• 8,200 to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity (varies with powertrain)

• Larger Infotainment Screen and a Digital Driver’s Display

• Fully Boxed High-Strength Steel Frame with Military Grade aluminum alloy body

• Updated Design with Enhanced Aerodynamics

Engine and Performance: 2021 Ford F-150

Like the previous model years, the 2021 F-150 will be offering buyers a plethora of engine choices. As standard, the truck will come with the familiar 3.3 L V6 engine which puts out 290 hp. Next in line is the 325 hp EcoBoost 2.7 L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. For the torque enthusiasts, there's the 400 hp 5.0 L V8 engine and the 250 hp 3.0 L Diesel V6. And last but not the least, the hybrid powertrain has been making waves throughout the market. Ford calls it the 'PowerBoost' which makes the new F-150 the first fully hybrid pickup truck.

The 'PowerBoost' setup utilizes a 3.5 L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 35 kW electric motor. Combined they are good for 400 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. Ford is also aiming at 700 miles of range on a single tank with this new powertrain. So now you can be conscious of the environment while towing up-to 12,700 pounds.

Ford has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission of the past and now showcases a Ford 10R80 10 Speed Automatic Transmission. The transmission also enables a low-range mode for situations where you need maximum traction and torque. Buyers will also be able to choose between Rear Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive with any of the aforementioned powertrains so that the new F-150 is perfectly tailored according to their needs. Lastly, the rumored all-electric F-150 will also join this generation in coming years. The venture will likely be a joint one with the EV startup Rivian.

2021 Ford F-150 Design, Dimensions, and Ratings: Is the 2021 F-150 Toughest ever?

Ford has advertised the new generation of F-150 as the 'toughest F-150 ever'. Ford has upgraded the previous chassis setup. And it now features a fully boxed high-strength steel architecture. The body shell also features high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy panels which will surely increase the durability and ruggedness of the new F-150. In the process of redesign, the front fenders have also been raised as well as the midsection which has been tucked-in. Ford is also offering a larger set of wheels with all the trim levels that have increased the ground clearance by three-quarters of an inch. So, even though the new F-150 has largely retained the look of the previous generation, it has a larger and more imposing road presence.

The towing and payload capacities have also seen a slight bump. With the base 3.3 L engine, the towing capacity maxes out at 8200 lbs. With the 400 hp Twin-Turbo 3.5L V6, the F-150 can tow up to a maximum of 14,000 pounds. The payload capacity ranges from 1840 to 3250 pounds depending on the powertrain and bed configuration. All of these changes make the new F-150 one of the best, if not the most potent light-duty pickup trucks.

2021 For F-150 Interior: Taking a look inside of the F-150

The interior of the new F-150 has been thoroughly revised to compete against rivals like the RAM 1500. Ford has bumped up the use of premium materials throughout the cabin making the new F-150 less like a truck and more like a comfortable SUV. Ford has also showcased the 'mobile workspace' that adds a whole new aspect of practicality. Basically, the shift lever folds flat to make room for the large flat workspace integrated into the center console.

Ford has also added new fold-flat front seats that will provide a place to sleep. Now buyers can get a shut-eye and stretch out in their luxurious utilitarian vehicle before the shift starts. Overall passenger space is similar to the outgoing generation which was already quite spacious.

Ford is providing a large 8.0-inch infotainment display as standard across all trims. Buyers can also upgrade this display to an even larger 12.0-inch display which will rival the RAM 1500's optional 12-inch vertical display. Keeping up with the times, Ford is also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The standard features list continues with WiFi Hotspot, Navigation, and Sirius XM Radio. Ford's latest Sync 4 operating system will also provide over-the-air updates just like a Tesla.

2021 Ford F-150 Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Gone are the days where pickup trucks were at the bottom of the safety assessments. The new Ford F-150 has a whole suite of safety features and driver assistance features to offer. Even the base variant now comes with advanced active features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection System, Active lane control, and automatic high beams.

With higher trims come even higher-end safety nets like 3D surround view, adaptive cruise control with adaptive steering, and even a level-two autonomous driving. A specked out 2021 Ford F-150 could easily be one of the safest vehicles to be in.

Final Verdict: The reign continues.

The outgoing F-150 was a truly capable, practical, and affordable machine. However, Ford has certainly turned up the notch with the 2021 Ford F-150. It is now tougher, meaner, and even more practical than before. It offers the technology that can go toe to toe with Tesla and safety systems that rival a Volvo. All of this combined with the endless customizations available, and it seems like the four-decade-old reign will likely continue with the 2021 Ford F-150.