2021 Ford F-150 Review

　　

2021 Ford F-150 Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　Anytime there's a redesigned Ford F-150, it's kind of a big deal. After all, the F-150 has dominated vehicle sales in the United States for decades. So here we are with the redesigned 2021 F-150. There's no revolutionary shift in construction this year, unlike in 2015 when Ford debuted aluminum body panels on the F-150. Instead, Ford has focused on enhancing the truck's capability in other ways. Examples include a new hybrid powertrain, a robust onboard generator, and an updated interior with a new infotainment system.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$174/mo  for F-150 XL

　　F-150 XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $29,290 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $29,590 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $33,375 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $33,935 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $34,235 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $34,680 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $36,805 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $37,000 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,305 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $39,280 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $40,510 MSRPXL 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $42,985 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $35,400 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $35,700 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $38,310 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $38,825 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 8 ft. LB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $39,125 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,615 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $40,660 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) - $41,735 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,965 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.3L 6cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $44,155 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $44,220 MSRPXLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $46,640 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,545 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 8 ft. LB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,845 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,905 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $48,160 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $48,970 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCab 4WD 8 ft. LB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $50,435 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $51,330 MSRPLariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $52,795 MSRPTremor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $49,505 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $56,680 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $56,980 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $60,105 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $60,405 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $59,460 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $59,760 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $62,885 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 10A) - $63,185 MSRPRaptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $64,145 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $71,175 MSRPLimited 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $74,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Ford calls that hybrid powertrain PowerBoost. It consists of the optional turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired to a hybrid system to produce an impressive combination of strong power and high fuel economy. Also new for the 2021 F-150 is the Pro Power Onboard system. It's an onboard electric generator that allows you to power tools and appliances whether you're stationary or driving. You can pair it to one of the F-150's regular gasoline engines, but it gets really cranking with the hybrid powertrain, where it can generate up to 7,200 watts.

　　As always, a lot of the F-150's appeal comes from its seemingly endless range of configurations. Whether you're looking for a basic work truck, a fully loaded luxury cruiser or a go-anywhere off-roader, there's a version of the F-150 to meet your needs and budget. It's true that Chevrolet, GMC and Ram have all overhauled their pickups over the last couple of years, offering further refinements and trick new features. But this new F-150 has taken the lead and is our zzdcar Top Rated Truck for 2021. Check out the in-depth evaluation categories of our F-150 Expert Rating to learn more.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We added a 2021 Ford F-150 with the hybrid V6 engine to our long-term road test fleet fresh off naming the best-seller as our zzdcar Top Rated Truck of 2021. The F-150 continues to do traditional truck things well, but we want to play around with Pro Power Onboard and get a better sense of the hybrid fuel economy over 20,000 miles. zzdcar Top Rated Truck of 2021.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the F-150 drive? Ford offers a wide range of engines and configurations. We tested a 4WD crew cab in the Platinum trim with the new hybrid powertrain. In zzdcar testing, it reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is significantly quicker than any similarly equipped pickup. Alas, the sensation of the gas engine kicking on and off means this powertrain lacks smoothness at low speeds that you'll find in the 5.0-liter V8 and non-hybrid turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engines. The 10-speed automatic provides smooth and quick shifts across all powertrains.

　　The F-150 has direct and quick steering. That makes the truck feel smaller and more nimble in parking lots plus more stable on the freeway. The brakes are powerful and give you confidence in their stopping power, even when they're recuperating power with the hybrid powertrain. Considering its high towing and payload capabilities, the F-150 is overall a pleasing truck to operate.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the F-150? The F-150 can be a massively comfortable truck depending on the options you choose and the ones you skip. The front seats are supportive and can be equipped with heating, ventilation, three-level lumbar adjustment and even a massaging function. The available Max Recline front seats can recline to give you a nearly flat seat to rest or take a nap, but they lack the side bolstering and overall comfort of the standard seats.

　　While the F-150 rides pretty comfortably, the Ram's unique coil-spring rear suspension still provides a slightly better ride. Road, tire and wind noise is kept to low volumes. Most of the F-150's available engines sound pretty cool and aren't overly loud. The exception is the optional Power Boost hybrid, which sounds and vibrates like a portable gas generator when it's charging the battery.

　　The climate control system is effective and powerful, requiring little adjustment to maintain your desired temperature.

　　

Interior

9.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Depending on configuration, the F-150 can present a bewildering number of options and controls. Fortunately, the interior layout is intuitive, so you never have to second-guess what you're reaching for. You can adjust most of the truck's big knobs and controls even when you're wearing gloves.

　　A wide range of seat, steering wheel and pedal adjustments ensure a fit for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The crew cab's spaciousness means you won't be short on room either. Ample exterior visibility is afforded in part by large windows and a scalloped section in the front door that clears a view around the side mirrors. The optional surround-view camera system provides visibility all the way around too.

　　

Technology

9.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The F-150 offers many impressive tech features. The available 12-inch center touchscreen and digital gauge cluster are attractive and easy to use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard as are some basic advanced driver safety aids. And plenty more features are available as options.

　　The most impressive bit is Pro Power Onboard, an option that essentially turns the F-150 into a generator. Available in three power output levels depending on powertrain (2.0 kW, 2.4 kW and 7.2 kW), this feature adds power outlets in the bed that transform the tailgate party/camping/construction/off-the-grid experience.

　　

Towing and Storage

8.5/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The F-150 is now the top light-duty pickup truck when it comes to towing and hauling. With the right equipment and configuration, the F-150 is rated to tow as much as 14,000 pounds. The PowerBoost powertrain is just a little lower, at a maximum of 12,700 pounds. For comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is capable of towing 13,300 pounds, while the Ram 1500 can tow as much as 12,750 pounds.

　　In terms of the payload capacity, the F-150 now tops out at an incredible 3,325 pounds — that's nearly 1,000 pounds more than the nearest competitor, the Silverado, which checks in at 2,250 pounds. The bed isn't the biggest, and the tailgate doesn't do any origami-style folding, like those on the Ram and GM trucks. But the available power up-and-down feature and tailgate step remain useful.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy is a strong point for the F-150. With rear-wheel drive and either the V8 or the 3.5-liter V6, the F-150 gets an estimated 20 mpg combined for city/highway driving. That's a bit better than a V8-equipped Silverado or Ram. The new F-150 hybrid gets an estimated 24 mpg combined.

　　All gas engines are recommended to run 87 octane, and fuel tank sizes range from 23 to 36 gallons. But we will note that in our years of testing, Ford's turbocharged engines have underperformed relative to the EPA estimates.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the F-150 a good value? This is a solidly built and well-appointed truck that provides luxury touches at the upper trim levels. On top of the F-150's stout standard offerings that line up confidently against competitors, its true value rests in its wide range of configurations and options that allow buyers to tailor their truck to their needs.

　　Unlike GM trucks, you can opt for the most desirable engine at the base trim level, and unlike Ram trucks, you have more engine, cab and bed options to pick from. The only place the Ford doesn't pull ahead of its GM and Ram competitors is in warranty and ownership perks — it offers similar coverage.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　If you care about bragging rights, the F-150 delivers. It's available with the most torque and quickest acceleration (excluding the niche Ram 1500 TRX), as well as the highest non-diesel fuel economy estimate and greatest towing and payload ratings. Those give you top-tier bragging rights to friends and neighbors. Beyond that, the F-150 is available with some paint colors that are just plain cool, like Leadfoot and Smoked Quartz. The colors do well to highlight the exterior design, with the front grille styled after the one on Ford's Super Duty. Alas, the interior lacks the warmth and presence we enjoy from Ram, its closest competitor.

　　

Which F-150 does zzdcar recommend?

With a long list of standard features, the midlevel Lariat is our recommendation in the F-150 lineup. The Lariat comes with Ford's new 12-inch infotainment screen as well as several safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and rear automatic braking. Plus, the Lariat has access to many of the F-150's high-end creature comforts, so you can pick and choose the options you want.

　　

2021 Ford F-150 models

The 2021 Ford F-150 is offered in six primary trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. There are also the off-road-oriented Tremor and Raptor models that exist outside the traditional lineup. There are three cab styles — regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) — and three bed lengths, depending on cab style. Along with the many trim levels and cab styles, the F-150 offers six available powertrains. All are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or four-wheel drive except the Raptor, which is 4WD-only.

　　The engine lineup includes:

　　3.3-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque) Turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft) 5.0-liter V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) Turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 (250 hp, 440 lb-ft) Turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft) Raptor-specific turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 hp, 510 lb-ft) A hybrid powertrain (Ford's PowerBoost) that combines the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and a battery pack (430 hp, 570 lb-ft) XL

　　Standard features on this base trim level include:

　　Trailer sway control and pre-wired trailer connections Manual mirrors and windows (power windows are standard on the SuperCrew) Single-zone air conditioning Vinyl flooring 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability Safety equipment on the XL includes:

　　Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) XLT

　　Adds to the XL with:

　　Foglights Carpeted flooring Cruise control Power door locks and power windows Power-locking tailgate Front-seat lumbar adjustments Safety equipment for the XLT includes:

　　Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle) Lane keeping assist (steers the F-150 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Lariat

　　Gets you more premium features such as:

　　Class IV trailer hitch LED bed lighting Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation 12-inch center touchscreen Dual-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable pedals Remote start and remote tailgate release King Ranch

　　Amps up the luxury with:

　　LED headlights and taillights Integrated trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab) Heated steering wheel Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column Heated rear seats Eight-speaker B&O stereo Wireless smartphone charging Safety features for the King Ranch include:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the F-150 and the car in front) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Platinum

　　It's equipped similarly to the King Ranch but has some unique cosmetic changes and interior trim.

　　Limited

　　The most luxurious F-150 adds a few items worth noting, such as:

　　Trailer Tow package with Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist system Power running boards Two-panel moonroof Power up-and-down rear tailgate with Ford's tailgate step and work surface Specialized leather upholstery Massaging front seats 18-speaker B&O stereo Pro Power Onboard (see description below) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the F-150 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Limited models built early in the model year also include the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 Prep package, which adds hardware for an automated driving assist system, but the system was not activated upon release. Vehicles built later in the model year have the full suite activated from the factory. A separate subscription is required to keep the hands-free BlueCruise system active.  

　　Tremor

　　The off-road-oriented Tremor is only available as a crew cab with the 5.5-foot-bed. It essentially starts with XLT content and adds:

　　Standard 4WD 18-inch alloy wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires Selectable terrain driving modes Uniquely tuned off-roading suspension Locking rear differential Raptor

　　The off-road-oriented Raptor includes a higher output for the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, 4WD with low-range gearing and more. It combines Tremor features with Lariat content, plus:

　　17-inch alloy wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires 36-gallon gas tank Raptor-specific off-roading suspension with adaptive Fox shock absorbers Raptor-specific fender flares and grille Six upfitter switches As you'd probably expect from a full-size pickup, the F-150 is available with all sorts of options. Most of the lower trim levels can be fitted with options that come standard on higher trims. The most notable option is Ford's in-bed power system called Pro Power Onboard. It is available with three power ratings: 2 kW, 2.4 kW and 7.2 kW. The 7.2-kilowatt system is only available with the 3.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The system allows you to charge and use devices from a system of household-style plugs in the bed of the truck, including power tools, tailgating accessories and even small appliances.

　　Raptor models can take the off-road theming even further with the Raptor 37 Performance package, which adds:

　　Beadlock-capable wheels (helpful when airing down the tires for off-roading) 37-inch tires Retuned shock absorbers Recaro sport front seats with unique upholstery Special exterior graphics and interior trim

　　

2021 F-150 Highlights

Type: SuperCabRegular CabSuperCrewRaptorSuperCrew

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatTremorKing RanchPlatinumRaptorLimitedXL

　　

Base MSRP	$37,000
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$174/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	14,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles