Ford Unveils 2021 F-150: A ‘Bolder And Even Tougher’ Pickup Truck To Rival The Rest

Ford (F) has finally taken the wraps off its 2021 F-150 pickup truck as it looks to outpace its rivals by offering even more towing capacity, payload, torque, and horsepower.

“Since 1948, our hardworking F-Series customers have trusted Ford to help them get the job done,” Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “F-150 is our flagship, it’s 100 percent assembled in America, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard to make sure our customers can get the job done and continue to make a difference in their communities.”

The F-150, which has been the bestselling pickup for Ford and the truck market, with nearly 900,000 units sold in 2019, is powered by a 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid V6 engine. Ford said the engine will offer more horsepower than any light-duty truck in its class.

The truck’s powertrain is mated with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that includes 35 kW electric motor to capture more power and feed it to a 1.5 kW lithium-ion battery situated underneath the truck and software calibration to manage towing heavy trailer loads. The truck is also offered with Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Ford said the truck is targeting a 700-mile range on a single tank of gas while offering a 12,000-pound towing capacity.

Inside the truck, is what Ford called a “bolder and even tougher look.” An interior work surface allows for more room to work or eat in the truck, and the Max Recline Seats provide nearly 180 degrees of recline space, depending on the model. New interior colors, more storage, soil-resistant XL seats, and duel glovebox has also been outfitted on the new F-150.

Also, in the interior of the vehicle is a 12-inch center screen on the XLT high series and higher models. Eight-inch screen is standard on the XL and XLT vehicles. The F-150 has also been engineered for over the air updates.

Outside the truck, Ford said it redesigned every panel of the exterior of the F-150, integrating updated headlamps, new power dome hood, and wrap-around bumpers. Higher fenders have been added, and larger tires round out the vehicle’s stance and off-road capabilities.

The pickup truck also comes with a tailgate work surface and Pro Power Onboard generator ranging from 2 to 7.2 kW, depending on the model, to power tools and accessories. Ford fans will have the option to select 11 different grille options as well as LED headlamps and taillamps, and full-length power running boards with kick switch.

Ford will build the 2021 F-150 at its Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri. The pickup truck will be available this fall.

Ford stock was trading at $5.84 per share at 12:21 p.m. EDT, down $0.20 from 3.23%.