2021 Ford F-150 : Ford’s Bold First Step Into Hybrid Truck Technology
Overview
The Ford F-150 has been the top selling vehicle in America for the last 30 years and looks to continue its dominance atop the charts with the 2021 lineup featuring all of the customization truck owners were looking for, with 6 different powertrain options available, including the all new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid engine everyone’s been talking about. Whether you’re looking for a tough-as-nails work truck, a versatile eco-friendly gas-sipper, or a luxurious truck that will turn heads, the 2021 F-150 has a variety of configurations for every need imaginable.
New Changes For 2021
Upgraded handling and suspension allows for a smoother ride, a quieter cabin, and makes for an enjoyable driving experience. Ford has also improved the F-150’s aerodynamics and updated the trucks’ looks with subtle yet handsome changes. As for the interior, 2 new touchscreen options are introduced, as well as improved interior material among many other enhancements made to the cabin. And lets not forget the hybrid powertrain option being offered for the first time in the F-150’s 70 year lifespan.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2021 Ford F-150 comes available with 6 different trim levels available, the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The prices range from $28,940 for the bare-bones XL trim and go up to over $80,000 for a fully loaded Limited trim, so you know you’ll be able to find one within your budget that will best suit your needs.
Engine Options, Towing, Payload Capacity, & MPG
The 2021 F-150 offers 6 powerful and versatile engine options to choose from :
- 3.3-liter FlexFuel V-6 (290 hp, 265 lb-ft torque, 1,985 lbs payload, 20-21 MPG combined, 8,200 lbs max towing)
- Twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft torque, 2,480 lbs payload, 21-22 MPG combined, 10,100 lbs max towing)
- 5.0-liter V-8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft torque, 3,325 lbs payload, 19-20 MPG combined, 13,300 lbs max towing)
- 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V-6 (250 hp, 440 lb-ft torque,1,840 lbs payload, 22-24 MPG combined est., 12,100 lbs max towing)
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft torque, 3,250 lbs payload, 20 MPG combined, 14,000 lbs max towing)
- Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid V-6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft torque, 2,120 lbs payload, 24 MPG combined, 12,700 lbs max towing)
All of these engines, except the hybrid V-6, are paired with a bulletproof 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 engine has a similar 10-speed Modular Hybrid Transmission that has the same gear ratios as the SelectShift transmission.
Interior
The cabin and interior received a sorely needed improvement for the 2021 model year. Upgraded premium materials were used throughout the cabin and more storage space was added as well. The option to have fully-reclining seats has been included this year, allowing drivers to stop and lay down to rest on long road trips. You can also add an option that allows you to fold the shift lever down into the center console, which can be used as a flat workspace if you use your truck for work often.
Technology
An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard on XL and XLT trims, as well as Apple Carplay/Android Auto capability and a backup camera is also included as a standard feature. Moving to the Lariat trim level will get you a massive 12-inch infotainment display and the option to upgrade to a premium B & O sound system. The new 12-inch display will include 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot capability as a bonus. A new tech feature to the 2021 model is the option to install a ProPower Onboard generator, installed in the bed of the truck and available in 3 different power levels : 2 kilowatts on the gas models, 2.4 kilowatts on the hybrid model, and 7.2 kilowatts on the gas-electric model.
Safety
Automatic high beam headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and active lane control all come standard on the base F-150. Upgrading to the XLT trim and beyond will get you blind spot monitoring, automatic post-collision braking, and parking sensors. Some other features you can add include a 360 degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Active Drive Assist, a feature that allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel and lets the truck do the rest, as long as the driver is facing forward with their eyes open.