Our First Look at the New 2021 Ford F-150!
Ford unveils a variety of new cabin features as well as a new Hybrid 3.5L Ecoboost powertrain option dubbed the PowerBoost.
Like many new cars, the 2021 Ford F-150 is more of an evolution than a revolution. But with larger wheel arches, a new tailgate, 11 grille options across the model lineup, 13 wheel options, new amenities, and a new powertrain, the 2021 Ford F-150 promises to offer the most power and towing capability in its class.
The new 2021 Ford F-150 is the most aerodynamic to date, with revised headlamps and tail lights. It also will offer the most standard features in its class on the XL and XLT trims, including 10 safety features like Active Drive Assist and Intersection Assist. There will also be SIX engine options, including gas, diesel, turbocharged, and Hybrid powertrains. I know a lot of folks were expecting the all-electric F-150 to show up at the presentation, but that’s still a couple of years out.
No, the big engine news for the 2021 F-150 is the PowerBoost Hybrid option. We don’t know the exact specs yet, but we do know it will offer 12,00o lbs of towing capacity. We also know it begins with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and add an electric Hybrid component to that, which as you know, adds extra power and loads of instant torque. At this time, most 3.5L EcoBoosts pump out 375-400hp with 470 ft.-lbs. of torque (while the F-150 Limited and Raptor bump those figures up to 450 hp and 510 ft.-lbs.) Given that many hybrid systems add 100-200 extra ponies and ft-lbs, we could see some VERY exciting figures when they’re announced later this year.
The other big new items are Pro-Power OnBoard (a built-in generator option); Max Recline Seats (turns your seats into beds); available lockable, fold-flat rear storage (hides under the rear seats); a new 12″ touchscreen (available on 50% of the trim levels); over-the-air updates; an optional laptop workspace (the center console folds flat); added driver-assist safety features; and a revised tailgate with extra clamp pockets and tie-down locations.
Here are the rest of the details, courtesy of Ford:
Toughest F-150 Ever
The all-new F-150 starts with a durable, proven foundation – a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Every panel of the distinctive, rugged exterior is redesigned while maintaining its bold and tough signature look, including an updated headlamp design, new power dome hood, and wrap-around bumpers. Higher front fenders, a tucked-in midsection, and larger-diameter tires pulled out three-quarters of an inch create a stronger, more powerful stance on and off the road.
There are 11 grille options available across the series lineup, all differentiated in their design and all unmistakably F-150, plus new tailgate appliqués. Functional upgrades throughout include available LED headlamps and taillamps, and available full-length extended power running boards with kick switch that provide better truck-side cargo box accessibility.
The all-new F-150 is also the most aerodynamic ever. New active grille shutters, a new automatically deploying active air dam, and new cab and tailgate geometry all work together to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption on every truck.
The interior is completely redesigned to elevate truck owners’ experience with style, comfort, utility and technology. Featuring enhanced materials, new color choices and more storage, it is built around the functional needs of truck customers. Every surface has been thoughtfully designed, such as more soil-resistant two-tone seats for XL or the new standard dual glovebox.
F-150 introduces an all-new 12-inch center screen – standard on XLT high series and above – that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features. The landscape design strikes a balance between demands for technology accessibility and the greater convenience of physical buttons. An 8-inch touch screen, standard on XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks, means every customer gets touch screen functionality and better rearview camera vision. Both screens feature access to the new digital owner’s manual, which can help all customers find the information they need more easily, including how-to videos for additional explanation.
An available new 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area, along with truck-specific graphics and animations that respond to the all-new F-150’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-by-turn navigation.