The 2021 Ford F-150 Is Tougher and More Efficient Than Ever
Now in its 14th generation, the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 boasts more tech, more comfort, and even a new hybrid powertrain. Ford’s best-selling truck hasn’t had any changes in over five model years, so this new redesign is a much-welcomed and highly-anticipated departure from the last generation. And while it’s tough to perfect perfection, Ford has gone leap and bound this year in making the new Ford F-150 tougher and more fuel-efficient than it ever has been.
The 2021 Ford F-150 is new inside and out
At first glance, you might think that the 2021 Ford F-150 looks a lot like the last iteration of the truck. And in some ways, you would be correct. However, Ford does note that the 2021 model has updated headlights, a “power dome” hood, and new bumpers, which we think give the truck a meaner, yet sophisticated look. Additionally, sleeker body lines run down the sides of the truck and extend to the rear tailgate, which has a wider applique for the nameplate. There are also 11 different front grilles options to choose from across the lineup, so the boldness of the truck is somewhat customizable as well.
In addition to the appearance revisions, other functional exterior upgrades include LED head and tail lights as well as full-length power running boards with a kick switch. Ford made some aerodynamic updates as well, which include active front shutters, an automatic-deploying air dam, and a freer-flowing cab and tailgate design.
The interior of the Ford F-150 was completely redone as well. The F-150 is now available with a much larger 12-inch touchscreen – a welcomed upgrade over last year’s tech – that has a split-screen feature to control multiple functions simultaneously. There’s also a new 12-inch digital instrument panel that displays pertinent information to the driver now available.
There are a few more cool interior features in the Ford F-150
In addition to all the tech-savvy features, the 2021 Ford F-150’s interior also provides more comfort and convenience for added productivity, whether you’re working on a job site or casually commuting. An Interior Work Surface, that’s basically a desk in the center console, is now available. According to Ford, it’s ideal for signing documents, acting a laptop desk, or even for eating food. One neat trick that they incorporated is a stowable push-button shifter that can be neatly tucked away when the Work Surface is in use.
If you or your passengers ever need a nap, then you’ll delight in the comfort of the F-150s Max Recline Seats that available on the higher trims. These seats fold down a full 180 degrees to provide a comfortable place to lay, although, we don’t recommend sleeping on the job. And if you need more space to put all of your gear, then the lockable rear storage unit that’s located underneath the rear seats.
The Ford F-150 has some tricks under the hood, too
For the 2021 model year, there are six different engine choices across the lineup: a 3.3-liter V6, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, a 5.0-liter V8, a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, a 3.0-liter Powerstroke V6, and, most importantly, an all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid V6 engine. Of course, we can go on and on about all the different engines, but we know that the hybrid engine is the most interesting part. The PowerBoost V6 is available on all trim levels and is the first full-hybrid application on a pick-up truck.
Unfortunately, there’s no mention of horsepower or torque figures at this time, however, we do know that Ford is targeting an EPA range of 700 miles on a single tank of gas and a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. The hybrid setup is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and utilizes a 47-horsepower electric motor that captures regenerative braking energy to replenish the 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Speaking of power, the F-150 also comes with a Pro Power Onboard generator that provides power to a number of different 120-volt outlets located inside the truck and in the cargo bed for easy access in providing juice to your power tools.
The Ford F-150 is also more tech-savvy than before
To keep you more connected while working, the Ford F-150 now utilizes the all-new SYNC 4, which provides a real-time mapping and more natural voice control to make it easier to input direction or make phone calls. Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 2.0, which is the brand suite of driver assists, is available as well.
The 2021 F-150 is what we have been waiting for
With a host of new and intelligent features, a bold new look inside and out, and a ground-breaking hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Ford F-150 looks to be the updated truck that America has been waiting for.
