History/Overview
The Ford F-Series pickup truck line is well into its eighth decade now, and enters its fourteenth generation for the 2021 model with a modest redesign.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The 2021 Ford F-150 has been redesigned, but it’s a subtle update on the outgoing truck, which introduced aluminum bodywork in 2015.
Available Trims
Ford offers the F-150 in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels. The engine range begins with a 3.3L V6. Upgrades include 2.7L and 3.5L turbo V6s, a 3.0L turbodiesel V6, a 5.0L V8, and a new hybrid powertrain that builds on the 3.5L turbo. A 10-speed transmission is standard with all engines. Rear- and four-wheel drive configurations are available.
Body styles include regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew cabs, and there are 5.5-, 6.5- and 8-foot beds.
Standard Features
In XL trim, the F-150 gets black bumpers, automatic high beams, manual side mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, manual front windows, air conditioning, lane keeping assist, forward collision detection and mitigation, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment, and auto engine start/stop.
XLT adds chrome bumpers, fog lights, a locking tailgate, power side mirrors, aluminum wheels, power front windows, power door locks, backup sensors, and cruise control.
The Lariat package brings body-colour side mirrors, LED headlights, LED cornering fog lights, LED box lighting, mirror-mounted spotlights, a 400-watt power outlet, 18-inch wheels, a 12.0-inch driver info display, power-folding side mirrors, trailer backup assist, heated/ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a garage door remote, passive keyless entry, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic A/C, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 12.0-inch touchscreen, and power front seats.
King Ranch trim gains adaptive headlights, a power tailgate with step, 20-inch wheels, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, power steering wheel adjustments, a B&O stereo, leather upholstery, active motion seats, heated rear seats, four-wheel drive, and the 5.0L engine.
Platinum adds a 360-degree camera system, polished wheels, and active park assist 2.0.
Finally, Limited trim gets satin aluminum exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, a twin-panel sunroof, and the 3.5L engine.
Key Options
Options include the Co-Pilot highway driving assist system in entry-level and 2.0 forms.
A 502A package adds LED adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and LED taillights.
The 360-degree camera system is a stand-alone option in certain trims.
An FX4 off-road pack adds better shocks, hill descent control, a rock crawl mode, and underbody skid plates.
There’s also a trailer towing enhancement package offered in all but Limited trim.
Fuel Economy
Ford’s F-150 fuel consumption estimates start at 9.8/9.7 L/100 km (city/highway) for the hybrid 4x4 powertrain. The diesel is next at 11.9/9.1 with 4WD.
All other figures are for trucks with optional 4WD; 2WD versions will be a bit more economical.
The 3.3L V6 is rated 12.0/9.8, and the 2.7L turbo comes in at 12.8/10.0. With the 3.5L engine, consumption is ranked at 13.5/10.2 L/100 km.
Finally, the 5.0L V8’s estimates are 14.8/10.9 L/100 km.
Competition
Ford’s F-150 primary competition comes from the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500. Other full-size truck competitors are the Toyota Tundra and Nissan’s Titan.
