In one of our previous blog posts, we ranked the Ford F-150 among the best trucks of 2020 with good reason. Thanks to its versatility and usefulness, this full-sized truck has cemented its position as the favorite truck in the country. Who wouldn’t love a truck that can easily go from being a workhorse to your preferred off-roading machine and even a luxury cruiser? Plus it looks good!
Every few years though, Ford has the unenviable task of redesigning this bestselling truck while still keeping its core fans and users happy. This is no mean feat but they keep surprising us with what they can pull off without changing the truck’s basic design.
The 2021 Ford F-150 was recently announced and we have been impressed by what we’ve heard and read about it so far. Since this is a 14th generation full-size pickup truck, we wanted to see what new features they’d put into it. While the exterior looks largely the same, this truck has an upmarket interior and a long list of engines on the different trims available ranging from the 2.7-liter Twin Turbo V6 Gas engine to the 5.0-liter V8, all with 10-speed automatic transmission. The new 2021 F-150 also comes with a surprise hybrid engine and Ford promised to release an all-electric model in 2022. Something exciting to look forward to!
It seems the 2021 model is determined to keep assisting drivers to get more stuff done by having an improved ride quality, enhanced stability, and a more refined interior. It also conquers new ground in payload and towing capacity.
Let’s review what the 2021 Ford F-150 brings to the table.
-
Bolder Styling
The F-150 is meant to look tough and capable and we’re glad the engineers did not mess up the exterior. So while the truck retains a fully-boxed high steel frame and the classic lightweight aluminum body that fans love, all the exterior panels were changed out.
It also boasts an updated headlight design with an option of LED headlights and taillights. This model spots raised fenders, all the better for larger tires than maintain its aggressive stance. We also love that it comes with 11 grille options, each giving the truck a unique look, making it easy for those who want to modify their trucks to get a grille that goes with their overall new look.
Billed as the most aerodynamic F-150 ever, this rig gets a new active air dam that automatically deploys at high speeds and retracts at low off-road speeds. Additionally, the side-view mirrors have been resized and are now shaped for optimum airflow, new active grille shutters are applied and the top of the closed tailgate spots an improved spoiler shape.
If you need a flat surface to work on while on the road, the F-150 has got you covered. The tailgate now comes with an optional flat work surface that incorporates rulers (with both metric and imperial markings) a mobile device holder as well as cup and pencil holders. There are also cleats mounted to the sides of the tailgate that can be used to tie stuff down as well as 2 recessed C-clamps designed to hold materials in place.
-
An Impressive All-New Interior
While the exterior of the F-150 has largely remained unchanged, the interior has been overhauled and redesigned with a focus on improved storage, newer materials, and color choices. Again, this makes it easy for those who want to build a customized truck to find something they like.
Some of the improvements to the interior include the Max Recline Seating. Higher trims of the F-150 have front seats that recline almost 180 degrees to form a lie-flat bed, just in case you’re ever in the mood for vehicle napping at some point.
All 2021 F-150s are now equipped with larger screens. XLT models and higher trims come with a 12-inch touchscreen with hard buttons for climate and audio control. They also have wireless Android Auto, Ford+Alexa compatibility, and Apple CarPlay as part of the updated Sync4 infotainment system. Lower trims get the standard 8-inch touchscreen.
You no longer need to worry if you want a work surface inside the truck for using a laptop, signing documents, or eating. This truck has a stowable shifter that, at the touch of a button, folds down into the center console allowing the center armrest to flip over to form a flat work surface.
-
Plenty of Engine Options
Finally, drivers will be spoilt for choice by the number of engine options available for the different 2021 Ford F-150 trims. The new 3.5-liter hybrid V6 is certainly one to watch. It’s available in all trims and promises to deliver more torque and horsepower than other trucks in that class. With a 12,000 pound towing capacity, reasonable fuel economy, and a 700-mile driving range offered on all trim levels, we think the hybrid will be well-received and even gain popularity.
If you’re not interested in the hybrid, you can check out some of the other engine options e.g. the 3.3-liter V6 or the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and even the 5.0-liter V8 Gas engine that is available on the King Ranch or Platinum trims.
Outdoor enthusiasts will simply love the optional onboard generator with up to 7.2kW power output for the hybrid and 2.0 kilowatts for gasoline-engine models. We can’t wait to try out both options for ourselves.
The new 2021 Ford F-150 is a truck that’s loaded with lots of power and goodies that drivers will love and we think that it’s a worthy purchase, just like its predecessors. Although competition remains stiff in this tuck category from the GC Sierra 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500 from GM or the Ram 1500 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, we think the Ford F-150 can comfortably hold its own.
If you’re inspired to purchase the 2021 Ford F-150 and want to make it your off-roading rig, don’t hesitate to bring it to one of the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shops in Utah. We can help you get it trail-ready with one of our trail prep packages. Check them out and give us a call or visit us when ready.
