2021 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Ford F-150

The 2020 Ford F-150 showcased a design that balanced modern truck demands with a timeless aesthetic. Unlike its competitors, which often leaned towards aggressive and abstract designs, the F-150 maintained a restrained yet confident look with clean lines and a blocky grille. This approach ensured that the truck's styling remained appealing even as it aged. Inside, the F-150 featured a straightforward, mechanical-looking dashboard that initially felt cold but came to life upon startup. While the lower trims were dominated by hard plastics, the higher trims introduced soft-touch materials and leather, though they still fell short of the luxury offered by rivals like the Ram 1500. The focus was on durability, with a cabin designed to withstand wear and tear.

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained a similar thematic exterior design to its predecessor, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. These changes aimed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The interior saw a redesign while maintaining the previous model's design theme, featuring large angular air vents and a high centre console. The materials varied across trims, with the King Ranch model boasting leather upholstery and wood trim, elevating its luxury feel compared to other high-end trucks.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of powertrain options. The base XL and XLT trims came with a 3.3-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 was available, delivering 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. For those preferring more cylinders, a 5.0-litre V8 offered 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The lineup also included a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 producing 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The XL and XLT trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the lineup had a 10-speed automatic. The F-150 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 5,987 kilograms (12,300 pounds) when properly equipped.

The 2021 Ford F-150 carried over most powertrains from the previous generation. The base model retained the 3.3-litre V6 with 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.0-litre V8 was rated at 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful option. The hybrid offered impressive fuel efficiency but had a less smooth transition between electric and hybrid modes. The 2021 model also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 6,350 kilograms (14,000 pounds) with the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6.

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered three cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with bed sizes of 5.5, 6.5, and 8 feet. The SuperCrew stood out for its spacious cabin, providing ample backseat legroom and a large load floor when the rear seats were flipped up. The truck featured numerous storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a large centre console storage bin. A bed step extended from the tailgate for easier access, though GM's corner bed steps offered a simpler solution.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to the idea of a mobile office, with features like a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered Max Recline Seats for resting. The truck provided generous storage, including a centre-console bin and large cupholders. Cab options included a two-door regular cab, SuperCab with rear half doors, and SuperCrew with full-size rear doors. Bed sizes were similar to the previous model, with optional power running boards and a fold-out tailgate step for easier access. The Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets, a unique feature among competitors.

The 2020 Ford F-150's XL trim featured a basic AM/FM radio, with the option to add the SYNC infotainment system. The XLT trim introduced the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced voice recognition. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface. Higher trims included FordPass with a 4G Wi-Fi modem and an optional B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

The 2021 Ford F-150 debuted the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available. The system's menus were well-organized, and physical buttons were provided for essential functions. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance features made towing easier, though they were optional.

The 2020 Ford F-150 came with standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, curve control, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was available for easier towing. The SuperCrew model received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Ford F-150's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner. Additional features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control were available. The new BlueCruise system, offering hands-free driving on highways, was set to be introduced later in the year. Full crash-test ratings were not yet available, but the IIHS gave a "good" rating for roof strength.