The folks at Cars.com took a look at the latest model of one of America’s favorite pickup trucks. Like many Ford fans, the reviewers found plenty to like about the all-new 2021 F-150. But truck enthusiasts will especially love three features in particular. And during this ongoing pandemic, you might even need them.

What features did the Cars.com team highlight? And why will you love them?

The work surface

The Cars.com team took a look at a Limited hybrid model of the 2021 Ford F-150. It was equipped with the most powerful 7.2-kilowatt Pro Power onboard generator. 

But first, let’s talk about the F-150’s interior work surface. Many will find the new feature included in the 2021 Ford F-150 highly useful. The fold-out flat surface is perfect for if you work out of your truck or spend a good deal of time there.

The new work surface covers the center console, and the gear selector folds flat in Park to facilitate this. The mobile workspace is useful even if you don’t travel for your job. It offers a great way to turn your Ford F-150 into your office away from home when you need to focus.

The 12-inch touchscreen

Though the standard touchscreen for the new Ford F-150 is an eight-inch, optional 12-inch versions are also available. Meant to be a better alternative to the Ram 1500’s vertically oriented 12-inch display, the F-150’s touchscreen offers a landscape orientation. The F-150’s touchscreens will run an improved version of Ford’s Sync 4 software.

The benefit of a landscape touchscreen is keeping the most important information as close to the top as possible and, thus, easier to access. It also offers a better display scheme for the features you use most, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

The Cars.com reviewers really liked that a few of the physical controls below the screen remain. They found the graphics to be uncomplicated and high-quality.

The onboard generator

An onboard generator on a truck is a genius idea. Ford leads the way with a choice of three onboard generators. If you need power at a worksite or tailgate party, you’re all set. 

According to PickupTrucks.com, there are three Pro Power levels offered with the 2021 Ford F-150. The 2.0-kW system is offered on all gas engine models except the standard 3.3-liter V6. The 2.4-kW system is standard on the F-150 hybrid. The 7.2-kW system is available only on the F-150 hybrid.

When the system is active, it uses the truck’s engine to offer power to the inverter and two separate 120-volt outlets in the truck bed. It works in motion and park so that you can charge items between worksites, campsites, or on the way home. It provides up to 2,000 watts of power for your plug-in devices.

That’s a big boost in wattage, considering most trucks with 120-volt outlets usually offer 400 watts at most. That’s enough power for a small TV or speakers for an outdoor event. And with 2,000 watts, you can power the speakers, TV, mini-fridge, and blender for the ultimate tailgate.

The Cars.com team was impressed with the new features, so it’s safe to say they’ll thrill truck fans too. The 2021 Ford F-150 might not have the same opulent interior as the Ram 1500, but it’s comfortable and highly functional. 

Given the pandemic, the team suggests the new F-150 is a good choice for social distancing. Whether you need to work or eat a takeout meal, this pickup makes it easy, comfortable, and convenient.