Ford xlt crew cab

CARFAX — Your Vehicle History Expert

Sometimes what you don't know can't hurt you, but that's not the case when buying a used car. As an independent vehicle history provider, at CARFAX we've made it our mission to tell you everything you need to know by uncovering as many events as possible from the previous life of a used car. Our primary goal is to help you get to know your next car from the inside out before deciding to make an investment that will be part of you and your family's everyday life. We believe your next car shouldn't be hiding anything from you.

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports contain over 28 billion historical records from 20 European countries, the US and Canada, which are updated daily with new information.

Even if you live in a country we don't collect vehicle data from, it's still always worth checking the Vehicle Identification Number without obligation. The used car import and export market is booming and many owners would be surprised to find out exactly what happened to their vehicle during its previous life abroad.

Privacy for Customers — Transparency over Vehicles

Let's be clear: Although we strive to find every detail of a vehicle's life so far, we are focused only on the vehicle's history, and do not collect any information on previous owners. The information we provide relates solely to the vehicle, its odometer reading, any accidents that have been covered up, where the vehicle comes from and much more — it never gets personal. We've uncovered irreparable damage several times in the past, but other times our vehicle history checks draw a blank — and sometimes that's actually a good thing.

Second Hand — Not Second Best

Did you know that considerably more used cars are sold than new cars? We think this second-hand system is nothing short of fantastic. However, it goes without saying that it gives rise to different methods and tactics: Some sellers will disguise a car that's been in an accident under a fresh coat of paint, tamper with the odometer or conceal theft. This is one of the less appealing aspects of buying second hand. Our goal is to establish trusting relationships between buyers and sellers, since this is the best way to help customers make the right decision. Your new car should be reliable and make you feel safe, as well as make you feel like you haven't paid too much.

But more than anything else, we don't want you or your family unknowingly sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle that isn't 100% safe. This is why we strive to take these vehicles off the road, which not only makes the used car market safer but our streets safer too.

CARFAX — 35+ Years of Experience in Vehicle Histories

CARFAX was founded in the US in 1984 and expanded into Europe in 2007. Around 100 team members spread across six European offices process vehicle information from 22 countries.

Fostering strategic partnerships with registration authorities, law enforcement agencies, government departments, insurance companies, inspection centers and numerous other leading companies around the world has enabled us to compile a unique international database for vehicle histories. We use this database to help make the used car market more transparent. We give everyone in the process of buying a used car access to what is currently the world's most comprehensive source for vehicle history reports, and is growing day by day.

We remain neutral and independent despite our partnerships — our sole purpose is help customers make an informed choice and ensure their safety and the safety of their family. This includes never collecting any personal details — we do not accept any PII from data sources amongst the information we provide about a vehicle. We ensure that data protection laws are observed at all times. Furthermore, we always collect our data in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks — in all the countries in which we are active. We expressly distance ourselves from illegal activities such as data theft, scraping and hacking.

Overview

Ford offers the 2021 F-150 with no fewer than six powertrains—including a hybrid for the first time—plus three cab configurations and both long and short bed lengths. Need something to impress the in-laws? Upscale models offer more than just a touch of luxury. Towing something heavy? We expect some of these half-ton trucks will boast a maximum towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds. An off-road focused Tremor model is available as well and don't forget the bad-boy F-150 Raptor (reviewed separately), Ford's performance powerhouse.

What's New for 2021?

Though its styling may suggest otherwise, Ford's best-selling vehicle is new from grille to tailgate for 2021. Rumor has it that an electric F-150 is also on the way, but we expect that one won't debut for another year or two.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The F-150 is available with multiple body styles and bed lengths. While the XLT model is a step up from the basic XL work truck, we prefer the additional luxuries on the Lariat. It costs over $10,000 more than the XLT, which may put it out of reach for some buyers, but it has the best mix of features and affordability.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Like the 2020 model, the 2021 F-150 is available with several engines—a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6; a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8; a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6; a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. No matter which engine you choose, the F-150 comes paired with a 10-speed automatic. For the first time ever, the F-150 is also offered with a hybrid powertrain. Ford claims that the new 400-hp hybrid powertrain—which consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 35 kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission—will offer up to 700 miles of driving range per tank and can also power an onboard generator for keeping the power flowing at job sites or during power outages. Buyers will be able to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive with any of the F-150's available powertrains. At our test track, a four-wheel drive Lariat with the hybrid powertrain galloped to 60 mph in a brisk 5.4 seconds. During our test drive, we noted a compliant ride and agreeable handling; high-spec models such as the King Range come with a variable-assist steering system that sharpens responses at low speeds for a more agile feeling. We haven't driven it yet, but the Tremor model promises the most off-road capability; it offers 33-inch all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, a locking rear differential and a four-wheel drive transfer case borrowed from the mighty F-150 Raptor. The rumored all-electric F-150 will likely be a joint venture with EV upstart Rivian, but Ford has yet to announce much about that.

Towing and Payload Capacity

While the base 3.3-liter V-6 engine's towing capacity maxes out at 8200 pounds, models equipped with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Going with the venerable 5.0-liter V-8 means maximum towing capacity is just 13,000 pounds; the diesel V-6 is capable of up to 12,100 pounds and the hybrid model can tow up to 12,700. Payload capacity ranges from 1840 to 3250 pounds. These towing and payload capacities keeps the new F-150 in the hunt with key rivals like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ram 1500.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2021 F-150 with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 will earn up to 20 mpg city and 26 highway. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is rated up to 18 mpg city and 24 highway. The hybrid version has estimates as high as 25 mpg city and 26 highway. Once we can run the new F-150 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Interior appointments receive an upgrade for 2021, which Ford needed to do in order to compete with the Ram 1500's deluxe cabin. More premium materials used throughout and the cabin is dotted with more storage cubbies. Additional convenience features are intended to make things easier for those who use the F-150 as a mobile workspace. For example, the 10-speed automatic's shift lever can be folded flat with the center console to create a large flat workspace. Similarly, the F-150 can be ordered with fold-flat front seats that can provide a place for sleeping. Passenger space is similar to the outgoing model, with the four-door crew-cab body style being the most spacious and family-friendly of the bunch. Out back, the F-150's bed sees several improvements, starting with available power-operated running boards that now extend down the side of the truck to provide a handy step to reach into the cargo area. An optional onboard generator provides up to 7.2-kW of power to support electricity needs at the job site or at tailgate parties.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Ford provides an 8.0-inch infotainment display as standard that runs an improved version of the brand's Sync 4 software, while a much larger 12.0-inch unit is optional. This matches the Ram 1500's optional 12.0-inch vertically oriented display, which dwarfs the 8.0-inch screens in both the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot; navigation, SiriusXM radio, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system are optional. Sync 4's new software provides over-the-air updates for future software releases, traffic-and- weather updates via the optional navigation system, and onboard telematics for fleet customers to help track vehicle location and usage.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ford is offering a host of driver-assistance features, but few are standard. More features will be available as buyers walk up through the F-150's six trim levels, including a rear-facing camera for monitoring a trailer while on the go. For more information about the F-150's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The F-150 comes with three years or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain protection. Ford doesn't offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance, but rivals such as the Toyota Tundra and the GM twins do.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs

The Ford F150 Has Three Cab Styles. A Standard Cab (Regular Cab), Supercab (Extended Cab), and SuperCrew (Crew Cab).

Ford F150 Standard Cab: This is the standard 2 door model. There are some newer versions that have 2 mini doors behind the regular doors. The Standard cab will fit 2 people comfortably and 3 if one doesn't mind keeping there arms in tight. The Standard Cab has the same powertrain as the other cab styles, but less weight so has a slightly better towing capacity of 12,200 pounds.
Ford F150 SuperCab: This at one time was available in 2 door and 3 door models. However on newer F150 models they come with 4 doors (two regular front doors and 2 rear reverse hinged doors). The SuperCab is only available on the Ford F150 XLT and Lariat trim models. Ford F150 SuperCrew maximum payload of 3,020 pounds and towing capacity of 12,100 pounds.
Ford F150 SuperCrew: This version came out in 2001 and has 4 regular doors. When you want an F150 that can haul up to 6 passengers comfortably and has the best towing power you cannot go wrong with the SuperCrew. The SuperCrew also is only available on the Lariat trim level and above. If you have a Premium King Range or Platinum you have a SuperCrew as it's the only option available for those models. Ford F150 SuperCrew maximum towing capacity is 11,900 pounds with 2,910 pounds of payload.