In 2012 Ford redesigned the F-150 and transformed it into a "traveling workstation" for contractors, sales types, welders, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other on-the-go travelers. From the available interior work surface for computer and paperwork, to the power tailgate that doubles as a workbench, and the onboard generator, the new F-150s are packed with customer needs for productive work and off-road features. As a potential new F-150 owner, you may find it difficult to choose which of the new advanced technology features best suit your productivity needs.
But Ford did not stop there! The improved advances to the 2022 and 2023 models have resulted in the F-150 receiving the Edmunds 2023 Top Rated Truck for the third year in a row.
Power Choices
In addition to these advances, F-150 buyers now can choose from six engines, including the new PowerBoost Full Hybrid that combines the 3.5L turbocharged V6 with a lithium battery and a 35kW electric motor to produce 430 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. After testing a Lariat 4WD SuperCrew with 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, the Consumer Reports article, 7 Reasons the New Ford F-150 is the Most Advanced Version Ever, author Mike Monticello states, "The best news is that the hybrid possesses what feels like a bottomless pit of power, delivered in an effortless and smooth fashion." 
Ford continues to offer the 3.3L TI-VCT V6 (290 hp, 265 lb-ft), 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft), 5.0L TI-VCT V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft), 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft), and the 3.0L PowerStroke V6 Diesel (250 hp, 440 lb-ft). All of the engines are teamed with the electronic 10-speed automatic transmission. In the PowerBoost Full Hybrid F-150, the 47 hp electric motor is uniquely integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission, helping the 4WD version of the hybrid F-150 to attain a combined EPA rating of 24 miles per gallon. More information about the PowerBoost Full Hybrid, see Ford EcoBoost Engine Become PowerBoost Hybrid in 2021 F-150
A 2.4 kW mobile generator with up to four 120-volt 20-amp outlets in the box bed is standard with the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid engine. A powerful 7.2kW output generator (with both 120-volt and 220-volt outlets) is an available option with the PowerBoost Hybrid. The 2021 Ford-150 also offers an on-board 2.0kW output generator with up to four 120-volt 20-amp outlets for F-150 models with optional gas engines, including XL High SuperCab and SuperCrew, XLT SuperCab and SuperCrew, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.
Work Space Choices
The $165 Interior Work Surface option provides all kinds of opportunities for getting work done. 
With the truck in Park, the gear shift can be power-folded into the center console, allowing the center armrest to unfold and create a work surface between the front seats. The driver or passenger can use the flat space for a laptop computer, paperwork, viewing diagrams, signing documents, or simply eating lunch.
The Consumer Reports F-150 article also suggests, "Hop into the new F-150 and you'll notice that Ford did a nicer job with the design and quality of the interior than with last year's model." In addition to door pockets, the F-150 has two glove boxes, storage under the rear seat and many open cubby spaces.
All Ford F-150 models come standard with built-in clamp pockets and tailgate tie-downs in the truck bed. In addition, an optional power tailgate operated with your key fob or in-vehicle button makes loading and unloading easier. Another choice for customers is a composite tailgate work surface with functional tools like a 48-inch ruler, a mobile cell phone holder, a cup holder and storage for pencils and other small items. The tailgate work surface is grained to limit slippage, making it ideal for holding lumber and other materials for sawing or drilling, which can be powered by the onboard generator. Finally, you can also add an integrated step and grab handle to the F-150 tailgate for easy access to the bed.
Payload and Towing Choices
Ford continues to offer six F-150 trim models, including: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. When it comes to payload, though, F-150 customers have a gamut of choices from Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew for carrying up to 6 passengers with 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft, and 8.0-ft cargo boxes. Depending on the choice of powertrain, cab style, payload, and towing packages, F-150 owners can haul a maximum payload of 3,325 lbs and tow a maximum of 14,000 lbs.
Available this summer for off-roaders, the 2021 F-150 Raptor and Tremor, available in SuperCrew cab and the 5.5-ft box only, will provide off-roaders more choices.
The new Raptor maximum payload is 1,400 lbs with maximum conventional towing of 8,200 lbs, as reported in Cranking up the O.G. Desert Predator: Ford Unleashes the Most Off-Road Capable and Connected F-150 Raptor Ever. The redesigned running gear and five-link rear suspension allow the use of bigger wheels and tires on the 2021 Raptor; it gets the torque to the ground because the axle doesn't skitter and toss over rough terrain and reduces body motion on the road, according to Motor Trend in "2021 Ford F-150 Raptor First Look: The Evolution Has Begun," by Alisa Priddle.
In the meantime, Ford gave the F-150 Tremor an aggressive off-road profile, while maintaining the day-to-day practicality of every Ford F-150 pickup. The Tremor has a maximum payload rating of 1,885 lbs and a maximum towing capability of 10,990 lbs, according to Ford Expands Off-Road Family of Trucks with All-New 2021 F-150 Tremor – A Rugged 4x4 for Work and Recreation. That's plenty of hauling capacity for family camping and boat for roughing it in the wild or on the water.
Off-Road Assist Choices
For driving off-road, Ford will make the 360-degree split-screen camera package available as an option on the new Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor to provide an all-around view of obstacles, as well as offering a real-time tire track overlay for the off-road path ahead. Both pickups will be introduced in the summer of 2021.
The Trail One-Pedal Drive is another available off-road technology in the Tremor. According to the Equipment World's Ford's New F-150 Tremor Is Almost A Raptor, but without the Price Tag, by Wayne Grayson. Trail One-Pedal drive allows the driver to press the throttle to accelerate and release it to brake the wheels proportionately, instead of modulating both pedals simultaneously. Ford's available Trail Turn Assist reduces the steering radius in tight off-road situations, and Hill Descent Control works like a cruise control in managing the throttle and brakes, so the driver can focus on the off-road conditions.
The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor's similar technology, called Trail Control, operates as a cruise control for rugged off-road terrain by managing the acceleration and braking, automatically sending torque and stopping force to wheels individually, allowing the driver to focus on steering. According to the Forbes article, 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Arrives this Summer, Raptor R in 2022, by senior contributor Sam Abuelsamid, the Raptor is also taller and bolder and "is six inches wider than other F-150s and it rides on a heavily reinforced frame."
The new Tremor and Raptor both feature selectable drive modes for terrain conditions: Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut, plus the Rock Crawl. The latter mode engages the rear locking differential, turns off the stability control, reduces throttle response, adjusts shift points, and displays the all-around view on the 360-degree camera.
Road Safety Assist Choices
Every Ford F-150 in 2021 comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, both part of Ford's Co-Pilot360 assist safety system. Because the massive front ends on pickups can produce visibility concerns, pedestrian detection is extremely important in reducing fatalities. Any F-150 of XLT or higher trim also comes with blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning with automatic rear braking, and lane keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control is another safety option in the new F-150s.
Owners who choose the $880 Tow Technology package get some fantastic trailer assist systems. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist uses a camera to track the trailer's motion and controls the F-150 steering wheel while the driver rotates a dashboard knob. A Trailer Reverse Guidance system uses multiple views to show what's around the trailer as its being backed up. A Smart Trailer Tow Connector also gives the driver warnings if any trailer lights are not working.
Long-Term Service and Maintenance Choices
All of the new technology choices of power, work space, payload, towing, off-road assist, and road safety assist give customers more reasons for buying a 2021 Ford F-150. And most certainly, these choices will help Ford maintain its 45+ years of leadership in pickup sales. This leadership and domination of sales began when the F-150 nameplate was born in 1975, as reported by Chris Kaiser in Ford F-150 Through the Years.
As the "best-selling vehicle in America," the "7 Reasons" Consumer Reports article states that Ford struck back against competition in a big way with "…updated exterior styling, an all-new interior, numerous job-site innovations inside and out, and a generous roster of standard and available active safety and driver assist features."
With these major F-150 advance technology choices come a greater need for factory-backed service warranties. Whether you haul heavy loads, tow a trailer, or drive to job and sales sites, long-term service and maintenance coverage of hard-working, productive F-150 pickups is a necessity.
Your choices for maintaining the advanced technology and power of the forty-sixth version of the F-150 include: Ford Protect PremiumCare, ExtraCare, BaseCare, PowertrainCare Extended Service Plans (ESP), and Premium Maintenance. You can learn more about these Ford Protect Plans by clicking to the Quick Quote Calculator or by speaking with a Zeigler Auto Group expert at 269.685.3557 today.
8-2-2023