The 2021 Ford F-150 Remains the Leader in Truck Sales

These days, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks dominate US automobile sales charts, and it's easy to see why. Pickup trucks, for example, are both better appointed, interior-wise, and more capable of doing truck things than ever before. As far as these pickups go, there's also one that's the biggest of them all, the Ford F-150. As of 2020, the F-150 has been the country's best-selling truck for 44 consecutive years while also being the best-selling motor vehicle for 39 straight years. The Ford F-150 is such a presence in the auto market that any redesign, like in 2021, is big news. Read on to find out more about why the 2021 Ford F-150 remains the leader in truck sales.

Top Features

Here's a brief look at the 2021 F-150's top features:

• Engine/Transmission - You can equip a 2021 Ford F-150 with one of six available V6 or V8 engines, including the 3.5-liter V6 PowerBoost Full Hybrid. The Ford F-150 gas-electric hybrid delivers an impressive 430-hp and 570 lb.-ft. of torque, and you can expect an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 24 mpg. This engine can pull up to 12,700 pounds, and it has a ton-plus payload rating of 2,120 pounds. All F-150s now sport an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that bolts up to any one of the V6 or V8 engines in the pickup truck's lineup. Power from the engine is delivered by that transmission in a silky smooth fashion, with no hesitation, lag, or other hiccups. The truck's selectable drive modes help you power through any terrain in a pleasing manner, too.
• ProPower On Board - Depending on trim level, you can equip your F-150 with ProPower On Board. PPO is a collection of power outlet types that help deliver the best usable on-demand power in the truck's class. Using ProPower, you can send 2.0kW or 2.4kW (2,000 watts, 2,400 watts) to up to four 120V/20A outlets, or 7.2kW (7,200 watts) to up to six available 120V/20A power outlets and one 240V/30A power outlet. Ford F-150 owners have used ProPower Onboard for everything from recreational uses at campsites to serious services at worksites, such as to power a welding machine and everything in between.
• Productivity - Ford F-150's menu of productivity features has helped this truck attract legions of new buyers. For example, Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system comes with an available 12-inch touchscreen and advanced voice recognition. You can also open or close the F-150's tailgate with just the push of a button.

Trim Levels

Ford F-150s come in many different trim levels, which is another factor that helped make the truck the nation's best-selling vehicle for decades. Want a no-frills, no-nonsense work truck? How about a full-on luxury cruiser? Maybe a hardcore off-road machine is more your style? No problem. For 2021, six different F-150 trim levels are available: XL, Lariat, XLT, Platinum, King Ranch, and Limited.

• F-150 XLs are bread-and-butter, all-business work trucks. Their standard 3.3-liter 290-hp V6 engines, plus numerous features and low starting prices, make XLs a winner.
• You can configure a 2021 Ford F-150 XLT to carry up to six people (in SuperCrew outfit) and sport any one of the six different engines Ford offers for F-150s. The XLT is amazingly versatile.
• If you're on the hunt for serious capability and no small amount of creature comfort, then the 2021 F-150 Lariat is your pickup truck. Sync 4 infotainment and a 325-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine stand out on the Lariat.
• The 2021 F-150 King Ranch comes with big sky country luxury -- and excellent off-roading capability -- in mind. A leather-swathed cabin and a Bang & Olufson entertainment system are hallmarks of the King Ranch.
• Ford's Platinum and Limited F-150 models live in rarified luxury air, and they deliver serious 2WD or 4WD capability to boot. A 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 400-hp, 410 lb.-ft. of torque, and it can even run with half its cylinders shut off for fuel-efficiency.

The 2021 version of the Ford F-150 combines versatility, power, extensive features, and reliability in an attractive, tough-looking exterior. The F-150's interior also doesn't shy away from serious luxury if you want it equipped that way.