Ford F 150 2021 Review:

Ford offers the 2021 F-150 with no less than six
powertrains—including a hybrid for the first time—plus three cab configurations
and both long and short bed lengths. Need something to impress your in-laws?
The top-end models offer more than just a touch of luxury. Pulling a heavy
object? 

We expect some of these half-ton trucks to have towing capacities as
high as 14,000 pounds. An off-road-focused trimmer model is also available, and
don’t forget the bad-boy F-150 Raptor (reviewed separately), Ford’s performance
powerhouse.

What is new for 2021?

While its styling might suggest otherwise, Ford’s best-selling
vehicle is all-new for 2021 from the grille to the tailgate. An electric F-150
is also rumored to be on the way, but we don’t expect that to debut for a year
or two.

Engines, Transmissions, and
Performance

Like the 2020 model, the 2021 F-150 is available with a number of
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
the 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. No matter which engine you choose, the F-150
is paired with a 10-speed automatic. For the first time, the F-150 is offered
with a hybrid powertrain as well. Ford claims that the new 400-hp hybrid
powertrain—composed of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, 35-kilowatt electric motor,
and 10-speed automatic transmission—offers a driving range of up to 700 miles
per tank. will do And can also power an on-board generator to keep power
flowing at work sites or during power outages. Buyers will be able to choose between
rear- and four-wheel drive with any of the F-150’s available powertrains.

 At
our test track, a four-wheel-drive Lariat with a hybrid powertrain sprinted to
60 mph in 5.4 seconds. On our test drive, we noted a compliant ride and
acceptable handling. High-spec models such as King Wrench come with a
variable-assist steering system that sharpens response at low speeds for a more
agile feel. The Trimmer model promises extreme off-road capability. It features
33-inch all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, a locking rear differential,
and a four-wheel drive transfer case borrowed from the mighty F-150 Raptor. On
our test track, the Quake jumped from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, just 0.1
seconds behind the more powerful Raptor.

Towing and Payload Capacity

While the towing capacity of the base 3.3-liter V-6 engine tops out
at 8,200 pounds, models equipped with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 can
tow up to 14,000 pounds. Going with the venerable 5.0-liter V-8 means the
maximum towing capacity is just 13,000 pounds. The diesel V-6 has a towing
capacity of up to 12,100 pounds and the hybrid model has up to 12,700. Payload
capacities range from 1840 to 3250 pounds. 

These towing and payload
capabilities keep the new F-150 on par with key competitors like the Chevrolet
Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ram 1500.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2021 F-150 will earn up to 20 mpg city and 26
highway with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is
rated at up to 18 mpg city and 24 highway. The hybrid version is estimated to
be up to 25 mpg city and on 26 highways. Once we can drive the new F-150 on our
75-mph highway fuel economy route, part of our extensive testing regimen, we
can estimate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Interior appointments get an upgrade for 2021, something Ford
needed to do to compete with the Ram 1500’s deluxe cabin. More premium
materials are used and the cabin is packed with more storage cubbies.
Additional convenience features are aimed at making things easier for those who
use the F-150 as a mobile workspace. For example, the 10-speed automatic shift
lever can be folded flat against the center console to create a large flat
workspace. Similarly, the F-150 can be ordered with fold-flat front seats that
can provide more sleeping space.

 Passenger space is similar to that of the
outgoing model, with the four-door crew-cab body style being the most spacious
and family-friendly. From the rear, the F-150’s bed sees several improvements,
starting with available power-operated running boards that now extend under the
truck to provide an easy step to access the cargo area. An optional onboard
generator provides up to 7.2 kilowatts of power to meet the power needs of job
sites or tailgate parties.

All Specifications of Ford F 150
Model 2021: