The 2021 Ford F-150 is a bestseller for a reason. Ford has an answer to just about every challenge faced by pickup buyers, and even some they have yet to realize. With six trims and a nearly infinite combination of body styles, cabs, bed lengths, engines, and optional equipment, the Ford F-150 is not only the best-selling vehicle in the U.S, but it’s also probably the most versatile.
2021 Ford F-150 XL (Starting at $28,940)
The entry-level XL is the least expensive way to get into an F-150. The F-150 XL is available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew with some combination of 5 ½, 6 ½, or 8-foot beds. The standard engine is a 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic.
Pre-collision assistant and automatic emergency braking are standard, as is a rear backup camera and an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC4 that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The A/C is of the manual variety, as are the windows and door locks.
Selectable driver modes on the 4×2 include normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and trail. The 4×4 adds deep snow/sand, mud, and rut.
Buyers can upgrade the engine and add more options, including the Co-Pilot360 driver-assist system. But for the added dollars, you’re better off just moving up to the XLT trim, which includes many of the XL’s options as standard equipment. Find a Ford F-150 XL for sale
2021 Ford F-150 XL includes:
- A 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 with 10-speed automatic transmission
- SYNC4 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Automatic emergency braking
2021 Ford F-150 XLT ($35,050)
The XLT brings features one expects of a $35,000 vehicle, such as power windows, power door locks, and heated and power-adjustable side mirrors.
It also comes with an impressive roster of safety and driver assists, including the Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite. Included are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlights, reverse brake assist, and a rearview camera.
The XLT also brings more exterior chrome, fog lamps, a full gauge package (oil pressure, transmission, coolant temperature), Ford’s MyKey programmable key fob, and color-coordinated cabin carpeting.
The same 3.3-liter V6 in the base XL powers the XLT. Buyers can upgrade to a 325-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 or 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Four-wheel drive is available, as are several tow packages and additional equipment to assist when trailering. Most notable is the Tow Technology package that adds Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, a 360-degree camera, and trailer brake control.
Among the more desirable XLT options are a power driver’s seat, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 that upgrades the standard Co-Pilot360 with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, traffic sign recognition, Evasive Steering Assist, and Connected Built-In Navigation. The FX4 Off-Road package adds more aggressive shocks, tires and suspension parts, plus hill descent control and rock crawl mode.
Then there are numerous bed upgrades covering everything from a tailgate workstation to LED bed lighting. In the cabin, buyers can opt for power-adjustable pedals, a flat-folding work surface, heated front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat, 40/console/40 bucket seats, a twin-panel moonroof, a 12-inch touchscreen, and B&O audio by Bang & Olufsen.
It is essential to understand some options are limited to specific cab configurations.
Figuring a base price of $37,000 including destination, the monthly payment on a 2021 F-150 XLT Regular Cab with a 60-month loan at 3% would be around $665. That’s about $125 more a month than the XL. Find a Ford F-150 XLT for sale
2021 Ford F-150 XLT includes:
- Co-Pilot360 2.0 – includes the latest driver assists, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring.
- SYNC 4 – allows for seamless integration of smartphone apps like Apple CarPlay and Ford PassConnect.
- Heated power mirrors – keeps frost from building up on the outside mirrors when the temperature drops below freezing.
- 8-way power driver’s seat – allows for a more comfortable driving position regardless of size.
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat ($44,695)
Like the XLT, the Lariat is one of the best-selling trims in the F-150 lineup. It straddles the line between practical and full-on luxury while maintaining a reasonable price range. The fact that pickup trucks now sell in the $45-$55,000 range tells you just how sophisticated they have become, in many cases replacing full-size cars and SUVs as the sole method of family transport.
The Lariat line begins with the SuperCab with many of the XLT’s standard and available features, and offers more power and high-tech options.
Under the hood, the Lariat comes with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and two optional upgrades: a 400-hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 or the 400-hp 5.0-liter V8. Note: The 250-hp 3.0-liter Powerstroke turbodiesel has been discontinued in the 2021 F-150, but you still may be able to find one on the lot at your local Ford store.
The Lariat’s SYNC4 is upgraded to include enhanced voice recognition and a massive 12-inch touchscreen. Other standard features include an auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror, power-folding mirrors with memory, a power locking tailgate, power sliding rear window, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent access with push-button start, and power-adjustable pedals.
Also worth mention is Ford’s FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, leather seating, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, and a 12-inch Digital Productivity Screen (replaces traditional analog cluster). The SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, MyKey, and remote start are also standard. Four-wheel-drive models get a 2-speed automatic 4WD system with neutral towing capability.
Notable options that are bundled alone or in packages include the B&O audio system, 400-watt 110-volt outlet, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, and the Max Trailer Tow Package. Also on the list are 18- and 20-inch wheel upgrades, Active Park Assist, a power tailgate, power-folding and telescoping tow mirrors, and a 2kW Pro-Power Onboard generator mounted in the bed.
Also optional is the Co-Pilot360 Active Prep package, which sets up the system for a future semi-autonomous driving mode when the software is given the OK from Ford.
With fees and destination, the most basic Lariat would sticker for around $47,000. At 3% on a 60-month loan, that would be a monthly payment of $845, almost $200 more a month than a stock XLT. Find a Ford F-150 Lariat for sale
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat includes:
- Digital Productivity Screen – replaces analog gauges with a digital screen that serves as a display for adaptive cruise control, selectable drive modes, and navigation.
- 12-inch SYNC4 touchscreen – the massive center stack touchscreen makes it easy to see and operate the F-150’s many systems, including big navigation maps and FordPass Connect.
- Power sliding rear window – allows more air into the cabin or more space for long items that don’t fit into the cab.
- Rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist – helps the driver see what’s behind the F-150 or guide a trailer hitch without the need for a spotter.
2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch ($56,330)
The King Ranch is the perfect combination of rugged workhorse and upscale rustic. Offered only in SuperCrew configuration with a 5 ½- or 6 ½-foot bed, the King Ranch is all about room, comfort, and capability.
Building off the Lariat, the King Ranch features unique two-tone paint with Stone Gray lower accent color, King Ranch embroidered leather seating and center console armrest, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats.
The 8-speaker, 640-watt B&O audio system comes standard, as does the 400hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. The King Ranch’s checklist includes Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 that brings adaptive cruise control, Evasive Steering Assist, lane centering, and the Connected Built-In Navigation system.
The tilt/telescopic steering wheel is power-adjustable, and the power-adjustable pedals include memory. There’s a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, Adaptive Steering to help improve steering in low-speed situations, and a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm.
On the options list, we have Max-Recline power front seats that fold flat to create a mini-bed for resting or overnighting, an enhanced “Unleashed” B&O sound system with 18 speakers, power-deployable running boards, 20-inch wheels, multi-contour front seats with Active Motion massage, and a power tailgate.
Optional engines include a hybrid version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 called the PowerBoost V6. The hybrid includes a 2.4kW Pro Power onboard generator in the truck bed that can be upgraded to 7.2kW.
A standard King Ranch SuperCrew with no options adds about $150 to the monthly payment over a base Lariat SuperCrew. Find a Ford F-150 King Ranch for sale
2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch includes:
- Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 – brings several driver assists including adaptive cruise control that allows the driver to set and maintain a safe distance between the F-150 and traffic ahead.
- Wireless charging pad – simply place your smartphone on the pad, and it will recharge without the need for wires running to a charge port.
- King Ranch leather interior – maybe even nicer than the Limited and Platinum interior, the King Ranch uses handsome Java-colored leather with unique stitching to create a one-of-a-kind cab.
- B&O audio – designed by Bang & Olufsen, this 640-watt, 8-speaker system is one of the best in-car audio systems around, let alone in a pickup truck.
2021 Ford F-150 Platinum ($59,110)
The Platinum is a luxury trim that allows for some flexibility when adding options and features. It is open to every available option in the F-150 catalog but comes standard with the 5.0-liter V8 engine.
Also standard is the B&O sound system, Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, unique leather and wood trim interior, Connected navigation, and many of the same features as the King Ranch.
20-inch polished wheels are standard, as is a heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic steering column, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, memory for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and power-adjustable pedals, plus the 12-inch Digital Productivity Screen.
The Platinum can be equipped with a different engine, such as the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and PowerBoost hybrid, but requires a 4×4 configuration.
Optional equipment also closely follows the King Ranch and includes a 360-degree camera package, FX Off-Road package, and the Tow Technology and Trailer Tow packages.
The least expensive Platinum trim will add about $75 to your monthly payment over a King Ranch without options. Find a Ford F-150 Platinum for sale
2021 Ford F-150 Platinum includes:
- Platinum interior – unique leather and wood interior, carpeting and floor mats.
- Active Motion front seats – these multi-contour seats help reduce fatigue on long drives with a lumbar massaging pad and a seat-bottom with motion zones.
- 400-watt outlet – this 110-volt outlet allows you to use a standard two or three-prong plug to recharge devices such as laptops. The outlets should not be used to power or operate devices.
- Heated and ventilated front seats – warm in the winter, cool in the summer. Your backside will thank you.
2021 Ford F-150 Limited ($70,825)
There isn’t much to say about the Limited already covered by the King Ranch and Platinum trims. It’s a fully-loaded F-150 with just about every option made standard.
The Limited derives power from Ford’s most potent engine, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and can only be ordered with the short 5-½ foot bed. Find a Ford F-150 Limited for sale
