The 2021 Ford F-150 is finally hitting the streets for experts to review. It’s always nice to see that the best selling truck is really like. Plus, the Ford F-150 just received significant upgrades for the 2021 model year. However, the interior still might be lacking compared to rivals. 

How is the 2021 Ford F-150 interior? 

According to Cars.com, the new Ford F-150 interior looks great. While the exterior of the truck didn’t change much, it feels brand new on the inside. It has a chic industrial design with simulated metal trim that looks real. 

The dash also has a new twin racetrack design with one hoop encircling the instrument panel and another encompassing the center console and multimedia system. Depending on the trim level, there are various leathers, fabric, wood, and metal that are real and fake. Even the wood trim looks significantly better than previous models. 

But looks could be deceiving. The 2021 Ford F-150 is still behind the competition and standards that the Ram 1500 set. This is immediately made apparent once you start touching cab materials. 

The F-150 interior feels thin and quickly snapped together. It doesn’t feel like it was built with quality materials or efficiently screwed together. This could make the interior seem rushed and cheap. However, the new seats can almost fold entirely flat for napping, so that’s an interesting new perk. 

Also, Edmunds noted that the Ford F-150 hasn’t changed its suspension much, so the ride quality isn’t as comfortable as the Ram 1500’s either. It may be noisier in the cabin as well. But on a positive note, there are abundant storage cubes throughout the cab, and there is a fold-out work tray. 

How is the tech? 

Cars.com also found a few issues with the new interior technology. The optional 12-inch touchscreen system and 12-inch touchscreen look amazing. Plus, the Ford Sync 4 multimedia system is a significant improvement over the last system. 

However, a home button is missing for the Sync system. There isn’t a main screen for the multimedia system, making it feel outdated and complicated to use. You’ll find yourself switching through various screens in an attempt to find settings inside of having a central location. 

Hopefully, there will be an over the air update soon to address this functionality issue. They didn’t test the Prop Power Onboard Generator, which is a bummer. We’re eager to see how well it performs. 

2021 Ford F-150 positives 

But these features don’t mean the new F-150 is a bad truck. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need to connect your phone with a cord. Also, Active Assist for hands-free driving is coming. 

You can also tap into the generator in the truck bed to find two 120-volt and 20-volt outlets. They can be used to power tools, an air compressor, a TV and floodlights for tailgating, the entire RV, and more. 

Plus, for a light-duty pickup, the Ford F-150 is incredibly powerful. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 14,000 lb. Meanwhile, the Ram 1500 can only tow up to 12,750 lb. The F-150 can also carry a payload of up to 3,325 lb, while the Chevy Silverado maxes out at 2,250 lb.