While the underpinnings might be the same, the 2021 Ford F-150 is essentially an all-new truck. Tonight Dennis Leary hosted an online vehicle launch for this next generation Alumiduty. Highlights of this new F-150 include a full hybrid powertrain option, all-new body panels, an all-new interior, and tons of technology upgrades. Not only is this new truck ready for the worksite, but it’s ready for daily driver duty and family weekend road trips as well.
We got the original Alumiduty F-150, so nicknamed because of its aluminum bed and body, back in 2015. 2021 marks the next generation of the Ford F-150, and evolution of the completely new truck we got back in 2015. Ford hopes all the updates will keep the F-150 on top of the full-sized light-duty truck segment, which it rules over handily at the moment. Ford sells more F-150 than Chevy and RAM sell their light-duty trucks combined.
2021 F-150 First Impressions
The new F-150 checks all the boxes when it comes to sharp looks that should please the soccer mom and construction worker alike. It will continue to have a fully boxed steel frame and “high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body,” but every exterior panel is new. The track width has also been widened by 3/4-inch for a stronger stance and more stability on and off-road. Larger wheel arches and “larger-diameter tires” -current F-150 get 31s- make the truck look more aggressive, and provide even more off-road capability.
You’ll be able to differentiate between the wide range of trim levels on this truck with 11 different grills and a bunch of tailgate appliques. Thirteen wheel designs will also add to the confusion – I mean personalization.
More Power!
Ford is “targeting to deliver the most maximum towing, payload, torque, and horsepower of any full-size light-duty pickup” with the 2021 F-150. We’ll even see 6 different powertrain options across the F-150 lineup, but it’s the new hybrid option that will provide the big numbers.
The all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain will be available on every trim level of F-150. The hybrid system integrates the 10-speed automatic transmission we already know and love with a 35-kilowatt (47-horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission. Ford expects this hybrid system to deliver at least 12,000 pounds of towing capacity and a targeted EPA range of approximately 700-miles. That range is from a 38-gallon fuel tank, which works out to about 18 MPG. Not bad, but not exciting either.
Also be sure to stay tuned, as Ford promises that “within 2-years we’ll get an all-electric F-150.” This new electric truck should be on the same chassis and general body style we will see next year, but obviously won’t’ be a model year 2021 truck.
Inside the 2021 F-150
The entire interior has been redesigned for more comfort and more storage.
Comfort comes by way of available Max Recline Seats -available on King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models. These seats offer nearly 180-degrees of recline in the front seats. Rest stop naps on your next road trip were never this comfortable!
An optional Interior Work Surface, which folds forward and flat from the armrest, is available on all XL and Limited trim levels. Getting work done in this truck has never been so easy.
Storage has been upgraded with a standard dual glove box and locking storage under the rear seats. Not only that but the rear floor remains completely flat, and the storage bin can also lay flat, to maximize rear interior cargo carry capacity.
2021 Ford F-150 Tech
On the tech front, the new F-150 gets an optional 12-inch touch screen -standard on XLT high series and above-, which offers split-screen functionality. A standard 8-inch touch screen comes on XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks. With both infotainment systems, you get SYNC 4 standard. You also get a new digital owner’s manual. First in class over-the-air updates also opens up options for vehicle enhancements without the need for a mechanic.
“The F-150 will be tougher than ever, and with fully connected over-the-air updates, it opens up a much wider range of potential enhancements – from system upgrades to feature offerings.” -said Craig Schmatz, Ford F-150 chief engineer.
The available trailering systems on the new F-150 will no doubt make towing much easier in all ways.
The FordPass app is standard, and offers keyless entry and even lighting control of the truck.
A full suite of new driver-assist features are also available on the new 2021 Ford F-150. The shiniest is the Active Drive Assist system, “which allows for hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of divided highways in all 50 states and Canada. Its advanced driver-facing camera tracks head position and driver eye gaze to enable hands-free driving when available. It allows owners on certain sections of pre-mapped, divided highways to drive with their hands off the steering wheel.” While early trucks will offer an “Active Drive Assist prep kit,” the software-enabled functionality isn’t expected until third quarter of the 2021 calendar year. “Separate payment will be required to activate full functionality at that time.”
Power & Functionality In The Truck Bed
Ford didn’t forget that this is a truck and meant to do work. In the truck bed, you get two optional new features.
One is the Pro Power Onboard system. This system acts as a portable generator and provides you with all the plugs to run your tools and toys. It’s a 2.0-kilowatt output electrical system on gas engine trucks, or 2.4-kilowatts or optional 7.2-kilowatts on the hybrid powertrain trucks.
The second is a new available Tailgate Work Surface. The tailgate surface features a flat work surface. It also offers integrated rulers, a mobile device holder, a cupholder, and even a pencil holder. This setup will be great around the worksite and/or the campsite.
Expect to see the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 in dealerships this fall. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more about this impressive new truck.
