The new F-150 might not look that different on the outside, but under the skin is an automotive revolution. Ford claims every single panel is a never-before-seen on the pickup model. Boasting nothing less than six powertrains (including the introduced hybrid), three cab configurations with both long and short beds, this F-150 has proved once again why competition is just a myth when it’s in the running.
Ford’s best-seller will be completely fresh from grille to tailgate for 2021, which is great because who wants to remember anything about the year 2020?
Just kidding.
Not really.
It’s no surprise that the 2021 model will be available with several engines—a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6; a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8; a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6; a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. And the best part is, every single one of them comes paired with a 10-speed automatic. Incase you missed it, that’s standard now for F-150’s. What’s our favorite feature? Well, there’s no way we can can narrow it down to one, but one thing we do drool over is the fact that the F-150 will be offered with a hybrid powertrain–FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.
The new hybrid powertrain—which consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 35 kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission—will offer 430-hp and 570 lb-ft of torque as well as up to 700 miles of driving range per tank. The automaker hasn’t released official power numbers or fuel efficiency estimates for it yet. Buyers will be able to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive with any of the F-150’s available powertrains. The rumored all-electric F-150 will likely be a joint venture with EV upstart Rivian, but Ford has yet to announce much about that.
The rear of the 2021 F-150 is most easily distinguished by its simpler, triangular taillights – gone are the dated polygonal lamps. On the Limited model, the chamfered bright tailgate applique gives way to a simpler rectangular one – ironic given the alterations on the rocker panel. That tailgate now incorporates some very useful features. Notches in the top rail can now accommodate C-clamps, and the inside of the gate features a slot that can function as a phone stand and a deep cup holder for that morning jolt.
The Great Indoors
Nowhere are changes more blunt than inside the cabin. The dashboard aesthetic has been completely redesigned to appeal tot the F-150’s massive new 12.0-inch touchscreen display. Joining a base 8.0-inch display, the largest infotainment screen is oriented horizontally, unlike the Uconnect 12 system on the Ram 1500. The instrument cluster has also been redesigned, with a standard 4.0-inch productivity screen between analog gauges on some models and a full 12.3-inch digital display – inspired by the 2020 Explorer – on others.
The 12.0-inch infotainment display, optional on XLT and standard on Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, occupies massive real estate on the center stack, leaving room beneath for redesigned climate controls that still use physical buttons – thank goodness. Resisting modern trends, it’s also cleanly integrated into the dash, a look that we think will age very well.
But don’t just take our word for it:
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