Sure, Ford has redesigned the F-150 for 2021, but what does that all mean? The team in Dearborn came up with a handy guide to show the innovations and while we could just post those two images here, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Scroll down to get a more in-depth look at the 21 changes to the exterior and interior of the 2021 Ford F-150 for the new model year.
New steel frame
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Ford has given the truck a new high-strength steel frame. That doesn’t mean that they’ve shied away from aluminum. The body is made from a high-strength version of the material.
Appearance packages & wheel options
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Ford is promising that the F-150 will come with a wide variety of appearance packages and wheel options. Though the exact packages to be offered aren’t known, we do know the wheel options, which vary by trim level:
- Standard
- 17-inch silver-painted wheels
- 17-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels
- 18-inch machined-aluminum alloy wheels with magnetic pockets
- 18-inch machined-aluminum alloy wheels with ebony black pockets
- 18-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels
- 18-inch aluminum alloy chrome-like PVD wheels
- Optional:
- 20-inch aluminum alloy chrome-like PVD wheels
- 20-inch aluminum alloy premium painted tarnished dark wheels
- 20-inch machined-aluminum alloy wheels with magnetic pockets
- 20-inch machined-aluminum alloy wheels with light caribou-painted pockets
- 20-inch polished-aluminum alloy wheels
- 22-inch polished-aluminum alloy wheels
PowerBoost
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
When it’s a hybrid a hybrid? When it’s a PowerBoost. The 2021 Ford F-150 will be available as the only full-hybrid model in its segment. This is compared to the mild-hybrid 48-volt system that some of its competition has.
The system consists of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 35-kilowatt battery. Ford estimates that drivers can go 700 miles between fill ups.
The hybrid models will also have at least 12,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
Buyers can get the PowerBoost powertrain on any trim level F-150.
PowerBoost models have a “PowerBoost” badge on the outside bottom of the F-150’s driver’s side door. When the truck is powered by a the available diesel engine, the badging is changed out to “PowerStroke”. When one of the traditional gasoline-powered engines is chosen, it appears that there is no badge in that area.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
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Ford is continuing to give its F-150 Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Not much is new with the technology, but it does play out on the F-150’s new, larger screen which provides higher resolution imagery. The knob sits in a similar position as it did in the last generation but the trailer brake controls are lower down, having been divided by a horizontal structural element in the center stack that runs the width of the interior.
Trailer Reverse Guidance
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The F-150 doesn’t have as many camera angles as the Chevrolet Silverado but it does have reverse guidance, which utilizes five cameras to give drivers an idea of their obstacles and provide line guidance while backing up. The system can even tell you which way to turn the wheel.
Pro Power Onboard
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You don’t need to bring a generator with you when you opt for Pro Power Onboard, which turns the F-150 into a mobile generator. Buyers can purchase the tech at every trim level. It has a 2.0 kilowatt output on optional gasoline engines. PowerBoost models get a 2.4-kilowatt or 7.2-kilowatt system.
Zone lighting
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When you don’t need the full power of the F-150’s headlights while camping, parking, or maneuvering in your driveway, zone lighting is the solution you need. The technology allows you to control the individual exterior lights on the truck.
Trailer Theft Alert
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The Ford F-150 doesn’t just let thieves sneak off in the middle of they night with your trailer unnoticed. The automaker’s new trailer theft alert pushes an alert to your mobile device via the FordPass app if the tech senses that the trailer is being unhooked while the truck is locked.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
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Ford technology has enabled the F-150 to receive over-the-air technology updates. This means that you won’t have to visit the dealership or use a small disc to get the navigation system updated. Also, owners can add features to their model as the technology develops and is made available.
Clamp pockets
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In the tailgate the F-150 are clamp pockets designed to hold down materials so clean cuts can be made and precision work can be executed.
Built-in bottle opener
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The F-150 is ready to tailgate. The design team added new cleats on the inside of the tailgate that don’t just act as tie-down locations – they’re also capable of acting as bottle openers.
Tailgate Work Surface
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Buyers can opt for the Tailgate Work Surface, which provides an area with built-in rulers, a mobile device holder, cupholder, and pencil holder. This isn’t just good for pros. DIYers and weekend warriors will like the feature too.
All-new interior
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Ford has put comfort, technology, and functionality in focus in the redesigned cabin. From seats to displays to ergonomics, the company took into account interviews with current and previous-generation F-150 owners when designing the new interior.
Max Recline Seats
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The truck’s Max Recline Seats fold flat to nearly 180 degrees, providing plenty of space to lay down, recline to a comfortable position while you wait for your takeout to finish cooking, and provides a fresh configuration for hauling items in the cabin.
Larger digital gauge cluster
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The F-150 is available with a customizable 12.0-inch digital instrument panel. It responds to the truck’s selective drive modes and displays data that is helpful for off-roading and towing, as well as turn-by-turn navigation instructions. The easy-to-read screens feature crisp graphics. A 4.0-inch productivity screen is standard in the instrument cluster.
12-inch infotainment display
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Ford is giving the F-150 an available 12-inch infotainment touch screen located at the center of the dashboard. An 8-inch infotainment touch screen is standard. The Ram 1500 has a similarly sized screen, but that one is vertically oriented as opposed to the horizontally oriented screen in the new F-150.
More standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies
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The 2021 Ford F-150 has more driver-assist technologies than what you’ll find in other full-size trucks. This includes Active Drive Assist, a new hands-free driving technology. You can see all the technologies in action here.
SYNC 4
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The new SYNC 4 infotainment system is standard. It features hands-free voice control, phone capability, navigation, and other features. The system can connect your smartphone to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly. It has twice the computing power as SYNC 3.
Lockable rear under-seat storage
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
This one is pretty straightforward. The available bin below the back seat can be locked for storage security.
Interior work surface
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
This may be one of the niftiest inventions of the F-150. The center console is able to be opened up and used to create a flat surface to work on – a portable desk or table. The truck’s shifter folds into a storage area so that it doesn’t get in the way.
Trailer light check
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
Using the FordPass app, owners can cycle through the trailer light functions to check to see if any of their lights are out and to ensure that the system is functioning properly. This means that there is no partner required to help with hookup.
