2021 Ford F-150
2021 Ford F-150 - What's New for 2021
2021 North American Truck of the Year
2021 North American Truck of the Year
NACTOY jurors said Ford found many ways to improve what was already the market's top-selling pickup.
"The F-Series is Ford's crown jewel, not to mention the highest-selling vehicle lineup in the U.S. for 40 years," said freelance auto reporter, analyst and NACTOY juror John Voelcker. "The latest version refines the package, keeping what's good, updating as needed, and delivering the right mix of features, capabilities, comfort, and style-with the added benefit of the first hybrid powertrain in almost a decade to debut in a full-size pickup truck."
Ford will offer the next-generation F-150 with no fewer than six powertrains-including a hybrid for the first time-plus three cab configurations and both long and short bed lengths. Though its styling may suggest otherwise, Ford's best-selling vehicle will be new from grille to tailgate for 2021. Rumor has it that an electric F-150 is also on the way, but we expect that one won't debut for another year or two. Meanwhile, we anticipate the 2021 F-150 to start trickling into Ford dealerships by the end of 2020.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Like the 2020 model, the 2021 F-150 will be available with several engines-a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6; a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8; a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6; a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. No matter which engine you choose, the F-150 comes paired with a 10-speed automatic. For the first time ever, the F-150 will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain. Ford claims that the new hybrid powertrain-which consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 35 kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission-will offer 430-hp and 570 lb-ft of torque as well as up to 700 miles of driving range per tank. The automaker hasn't released official power numbers or fuel efficiency estimates for it yet. Buyers will be able to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive with any of the F-150's available powertrains.
Towing and Payload Capacity
While the base 3.3-liter V-6 engine's towing capacity maxes out at 8200 pounds, models equipped with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Going with the venerable 5.0-liter V-8 means maximum towing capacity is just 13,000 pounds; the diesel V-6 is capable of up to 12,100 pounds and the hybrid model can tow up to 12,700. Payload capacity ranges from 1840 to 3250 pounds.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Interior appointments receive an upgrade for 2021, which Ford needed to do in order to compete with the Ram 1500's deluxe cabin. More premium materials are said to be used throughout and the cabin is dotted with more storage cubbies. Additional convenience features are intended to make things easier for those who use the F-150 as a mobile workspace. For example, the 10-speed automatic's shift lever can be folded flat with the center console to create a large flat workspace. Similarly, the F-150 can be ordered with fold-flat front seats that can provide a place for sleeping. Passenger space is expected to be similar to the outgoing model, with the four-door crew-cab body style being the most spacious and family-friendly of the bunch. Out back, the F-150's bed sees several improvements, starting with available power-operated running boards that now extend down the side of the truck to provide a handy step to reach into the cargo area. An optional onboard generator provides up to 7.2-kW of power to support electricity needs at the job site or at tailgate parties.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford will provide an 8.0-inch infotainment display as standard that runs an improved version of the brand's Sync 4 software, while a much larger 12.0-inch unit will be optional. This will match the Ram 1500's optional 12.0-inch vertically oriented display, which dwarfs the 8.0-inch screens in both the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, and we expect a Wi-Fi hotspot will also be offered; navigation and SiriusXM radio should be available as options as well as a premium stereo system from Bang & Olufsen. Sync 4's new software provides over-the-air updates for future software releases, traffic-and- weather updates via the optional navigation system, and onboard telematics for fleet customers to help track vehicle location and usage.