Ford trucks are amongst some of the most sought after in the world. And with good reason. Solid as a rock, easy to maintain, and affordable, it’s easy to see why Ford pickups are still so well-loved in the United States. In fact, Ford’s F-Series holds the record for being the most popular pickup in America for 45-years straight.
So, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at Ford’s 2021 F-150 lineup. You are sure to find one for your needs.
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Starting Price: $29,290
The single-cab F-150 XL is a truck beloved by working men and women all over the United States. The XL comes with regular, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab configurations with either 6.5- or 8-inch boxes if you’re looking to haul more people or equipment.
The 2021 F-150 XL comes with Ford’s 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine and electronic 10-speed automatic transmission as a standard. On the road in standard 2WD trim, expect to get 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Overall, the 2021 F-150 XL is a great choice for anyone looking for a solid work truck. With plenty of upgrades to choose from, you can easily customize the right truck for you. However, the XL is clearly intended to be a barebones entry-level work truck. While it does come with a decent engine, the lack of features can put some folks off.
XLT
Starting Price: $35,400
Where the 2021 F-150 XL was a purely no-frills model, the XLT adds on a little more. For starters, it comes with aluminum rims as a standard, in contrast to the XL’s steel wheels. Plus, everything you see on the XL comes on the XLT as a standard.
As with the F-150 XL, the XLT is powered by the same 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 mated to an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission. As such, fuel consumption stands at 24 mpg for highway and 20 mpg for city driving in 2WD configuration.
While the powerplant and transmission remains the same on both the F-150 XL and XLT, the XLT comes with some extra features.
Firstly, the 2021 F-150 XLT comes with a stylish, two-bar chromed grille with black accents as a standard feature. Lastly, the XLT has Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage. It alerts the driver to any objects that are in the truck’s or trailer’s blind spot. Thus, providing an even stronger sense of security.
Lariat
Starting Price: $45,045
When it comes to the 2021 F-150 Lariat, size doesn’t matter. Powered by Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the Lariat boasts a respectable 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft of torque. Featuring twin intercooled turbos and a dual overhead cam design with variable intake/exhaust cam, the Lariat is one serious beast.
Despite its twin turbos, the 2021 F-150 Lariat is still extremely fuel efficient. Fuel consumption comes in at around 26 mpg on the highways and 20 mpg for city driving.
When compared to the XL and XLT, the Lariat brings more to the table in terms of features. Besides the 2.7L twin-turbo V6 engine, the Lariat comes with a 12-inch digital dash and center stack screen as standard. Additionally, all safety features found on the XL and XLT also come with the Lariat.
All and all, the F-150 Lariat takes the tried and tested F-150 chassis and modernizes it with a new turbocharged engine and other digital solutions. However, the additional $10,000 premium may put some off.
King Ranch
Starting Price: $56,015
The king of the road is here with the F-150 King Ranch. Rated at 400 horsepower with a monstrous 410 lb.-ft of torque on tap, you’d be hard-pressed to find an obstacle that slows this beast down.
Ford’s legendary 5.0L V8 isn’t just powerful, it’s also economical thanks to Variable Displacement Engine technology. In terms of fuel economy, the King Ranch isn’t half bad with 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.
Besides the mighty 5.0L V8, the King Ranch comes with a myriad of extras that will satisfy even the most hardcore Ford fans. Thanks to the sound system by Bang & Olufsen with HD radio technology, road trips will never be the same again. Stay comfortable along the way with heated and ventilated front leather bucket seats that provide optimal support.
Platinum
Starting Price: $58,795
Like the King Ranch, the 2021 F-150 Platinum comes equipped with Ford’s mighty 5.0L V8. As such, the two trims have identical fuel consumption ratings — 24 mpg highway and 17 mpg city. However, the King Ranch makes a few key improvements to justify the difference in price.
Of the mark, you’ll immediately realize that the Platinum is sitting pretty on a set of 20-inch polished aluminum wheels that come as a standard. The Platinum is also equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0. This is an advanced suite of safety and driver assist technologies designed to maximize safety. Features in this suite include evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and intersection assist.
Limited
Starting Price: $73,105
Regarded as the penultimate F-150, the Limited is the result of more than a century’s worth of Ford technology and development.
Powered by the impressive 3.5L twin-turbo, EcoBoost engine, the 2021 F-150 Limited produces 400 horsepower and a whopping 500 lb.-ft. of torque. Giving you more than enough power to shift just about anything in the world.
Not only is the 3.5L twin-turbo intercooled engine powerful, it’s also fuel-efficient. Rated at 26 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, it’s difficult to believe that these ratings are from an engine with this much power.
While the 3.5L twin-turbo engine is the star of the show, there’s much more to the Limited. Never run out of juice wherever you go thanks to the Pro Power Onboard 7.2kW generator that comes as a standard with the Limited. Besides that, stay comfortable thanks to the Limited’s front bucket seats with Active Motion.
Overall, the 2021 F-150 Limited features an amazing engine and plenty of great features. However, the $73,105 price tag is seriously hefty for what would probably be used as a work truck by most.
