Specs: The 2021 Ford F-150 is a Redesigned Truck for a New Age

A conservative design, all-new hybrid variant, and innovative tech. Here's a look at what makes the new F-150 tick.

The reveal of the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 is a huge deal as it represents the brand’s most important vehicle. It’s also currently the most-sold vehicle in North America, constantly beating its rivals GM and Ram from a sales standpoint. 

But even the almighty F-Series couldn’t avoid the COVID-19 pandemic. While its official reveal was scheduled in Dearborn last April, the event had to be postponed and replaced for an online presentation a few days ahead of its official launch. TractionLife was invited to the event in order grab this new truck’s most vital information.

2021 Ford F-150 Lariat Hybrid
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat Hybrid. Photo: Amee Reehal

Also read: Ford Pivots to Medical Device Manufacturing as Coronavirus Spreads

In a nutshell, expect a truck that looks not much different than its predecessor but offers precisely what truck buyers need from a technology viewpoint, or so Ford believes. Here’s what to expect from the 2021 Ford F-150.

An Evolutionary Design

According to the F-150’s lead designer Ehab Kaoud, his team spent months on the field with F-150 owners figuring out what the next-generation truck should look like. Apparently, these customers didn’t want their dear Ford to change, as the differences in design are so subtle, you’d wonder if this is a new truck at all. 

Take a closer look, however, and you quickly notice chances that are much more substantial than one would believe.

The next-generation 2021 Ford F-150 may not look much different than its predecessor, but offers precisely what pickup truck buyers now need.
New 2021 F-150 Limited in Smoked Quartz Tinted Clearcoat. Photo: Ford

The familiar “C-clamp” headlight design remains, but now offers full (optional) LED illumination, while the entire front fascia was slightly reimagined to retain the truck’s iconic bold look, while incorporating a more modern and aerodynamic design language. As a matter of fact, up to 11 different grille options are available across the lineup, while active grille shutters and a new automatically deploying active air dam help reduce drag and improve overall fuel economy.

The body is still made from “military-grade aluminum”, while Ford claims every panel on the truck is all-new. This next-generation F-150 gets a new power doom hood, wrap-around bumpers, higher fenders, a tucked-in midsection and larger-diameter tires pulled out three quarters of inch versus its predecessor, giving the truck more imposing stance on the road, all while further improving fuel economy.

We were expecting Ford to hop onto the multi-function tailgate setup after GMC released its MultiPro technology last year. However, while Ford has integrated a wide variety of useful tools and equipment to the tailgate to facilitate field work, the truck retains the conventional and rather rudimentary “man step” configuration of its predecessor.

2021 F-150 Interior

2021 Ford F-150 xl limited interior
The cabin is completely redesigned with more comfort, technology and functionality for truck customers along with more premium materials, more colour choices and more storage. Shown here is the interior of the all-new F-150 Limited. Photo: Ford

Note: here’s our full story on the 2021 F-150 interior.

The 2021 F-150 continues with its subtle yet evolutionary redesign inside. Familiar visual touches remain, like the large air vents, while new storage solutions and unique design cues – like the map of Detroit embroidered within the truck’s doors or the American flag located aft of the A-pillar air vents – help distinguish the cabin from its predecessor. 

All variants will come with a fully digital gauge cluster, with base models offering an 8-inch Ford Sync 4 multimedia interface with over-the-air updates. An all-new 12-inch screen – similar to what Ram offers – will be available for higher trim levels. However, Ford preferred opting for a landscape-like screen setup to leave space for physical redundant buttons.

2021 Ford F-150 interior
With the press of a button, the shifter hides flush into the centre storage area. Photo: Amee Reehal

The most noteworthy feature in the 2021 Ford F-150’s interior is the available Interior Work Surface which ingeniously stows the gear lever inside the center console when in park, allowing a large work surface to take its place. The surface is ideal for placing a laptop or grabbing your lunch on the road. Again, this is all a result of Ford’s careful analysis of what truck buyers look for in their rig.

Six Engines, All New Hybrid

Editor’s Note: read about the F-150’s new PowerBoost hybrid engine here.

While Ford didn’t yet release full specifications for the 2021 F-150’s available engines, all previous powerplants will remain available:

  • 3.3-liter V6
  • 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
  • 5.0-liter V8
  • 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
  • 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 (turbodiesel)
All-new F-150 XLT Sport rear view parked outside on the road
New 2021 F-150 XLT Sport Appearance Package in Carbonized Gray. Photo: Ford

For the first time ever in a truck, a hybrid powerplant called PowerBoost will join the F-150 lineup, combining the 3.5-liter EcoBoost’s twin-turbo V6 to a 47-horsepower electric motor integrated into the transmission. In this configuration, Ford promises up to 700 miles (1,126 km) of total range, and a class-leading towing rating of 12,000 pounds. Ford’s PowerBoost system will be available on every F-150 trim level, from a base XL all the way to a fully loaded Limited, as well as offered on four-wheel-drive trucks.

All engines will be paired to Ford’s ten-speed automatic transmission.

Here’s our full review and driving impressions of the next-generation 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid Lariat with the 3.5L PowerBoost.

Built-in Generator

2021 Ford F-150 generator
Available 7.2-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard™ features four 120V 20A outlets and one NEMA L14-30R 240V 30A. The all-new F-150 features more exportable power than any light-duty full-size pickup, offering the ability to use the truck as a mobile generator. It is available with three levels of electrical output depending on engine choice. Photo: Ford

The 2021 F-150 will incorporate, for the first time ever in a full-size truck, a built-in mobile generator. Ford calls the system Pro Power Onboard which offers three levels of electrical outputs depending on the engine you choose:

  • 2.0 kilowatts for 2.7-liter, 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8
  • 2.4 kilowatts for 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid (standard)
  • 7.2 kilowatts for 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid (optional)

Ford claims that the 7.2 kW generator can deliver up to 7,200 watts of simultaneous electricity, or the equivalent of running a 120V plasma cutter, TiG welder, a chop saw and a 1.5hp air compressor all at once.

2021 F-150 Trims and Pricing

Here are all the 2021 F-150 trims available, and pricing (less fees/charges) when it first went on sale in 2020:

Trim/ModelStarting MSRP (US)Starting MSRP (Canada)
F-150 XL$28,940$36,399
F-150 XLT$35,050$41,699
F-150 Lariat$45,325$51,199
F-150 King Ranch$52,600$68,999
F-150 Platinum$55,520$71,399
F-150 Limited$70,825$88,699
F-150 Raptor$53,455$82,699
F-150 TremorNot Available$59,999
F-150 3.0L Power Stroke$42,005$52,699
F-150 3.5L PowerBoost$41,365 (Hybrid)$54,999 (Hybrid)

2021 F-150 Specs and Images

2021 Ford F-150
EnginesMultiple options, including V6, V8, and hybrid
HorsepowerVaries by engine (from approximately 290 to 450+ hp)
TorqueVaries by engine (from approximately 265 to 510+ lb-ft)
Transmission10-speed automatic (varies by engine)
DrivetrainRear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)
Fuel TypeGasoline, Hybrid
Towing CapacityUp to 14,000 lbs
Payload CapacityUp to 3,325 lbs
Bed LengthsAvailable in various lengths (5.5′, 6.5′, or 8′)
Cab StylesRegular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew
Seating Capacity3 to 6 passengers
Infotainment SystemFord SYNC 4 with touchscreen (varies by trim)
Display ScreenUp to 12-inch touchscreen
Maximum Cargo CapacityVaries by bed length
Ground ClearanceVaries based on configuration
Off-Road CapabilitiesAvailable on specific trims (e.g., F-150 Tremor)
Fuel Efficiency (Hybrid)Varies by engine and trim
Safety FeaturesAvailable Ford Co-Pilot360 suite
Available TrimsXL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Raptor, Tremor, 3.0L Power Stroke, 3.5L PowerBoost (Hybrid)
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Author:
William Clavey
William Claveyhttps://claveyscorner.com/
Automotive journalist from Montreal, William is passionate about anything on four wheels. See his work in various outlets including Jalopnik, DriveTribe, TTAC, TractionLife, and others.