2021 Ford F-150 FIRST LOOK

Believe it or not, the 2021 Ford F-150 XLT you see here is 92 percent new or revised, including every exterior panel. This is some Porsche 911–grade design evolution right here.

- Frank Markus

Clearly, the unbroken stuff goes unfixed, as engineers instead concentrate on continuing the F-150’s unrelenting march upward in payload and towing capability. Also improved are the ride quality, stability, and interior refinement, all in the name of enabling the truck to better assist its owner in getting various jobs done.

Most dimensions, the size and configuration of the three available cabs and boxes, and the powertrains (except for the axed six-speed automatic) are unchanged. Leading the roster of cool improvements is a new PowerBoost hybrid offering, which includes Pro Power Onboard. PowerBoost mates the Explorer Hybrid’s transmission-mounted electric motor and frame-mounted 1.5-kW-hr battery pack with the F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. While the Raptor takes a year or so off, this will serve as the new F-150’s most powerful offering and delivers “12,000-pounds-plus” of towing capability, reasonable fuel economy, and a claimed 700-mile driving range. It will be offered on every trim level.