Details about the new 2021 Ford F-150 are here. An all-new engine, the 3.5L V-6 Hybrid PowerBoost, joins Ford’s existing 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, and the 3.0L Powerstroke diesel. A new body style accompanies these engines along with new technology that makes the F-150 one of the most impressive job-site ready trucks we’ve ever seen. It can also tow up to 14,000 pounds, an 800 pound improvement over the highest rated 2020 model. Max payload is also increased to a whopping 3,325 pounds. While Ford made big improvements to the lineup as a whole, the 2021 F-150 3.0L Powerstroke engine remains largely unchanged. Despite no changes being made, the 3.0L Powerstroke is still a very viable option and should be considered over other trucks for people who tow frequently.
2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Performance
The new 2021 F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke engine offers owners 250 horsepower at 3,250 rpm and 440 ft-lb of torque at 1,750 rpm. A max payload of 1,840 is available on Supercab models, while the Supercrew has a max payload of 1,805 lbs. Max tow capacity is 12,100 pounds when equipped with the max tow package. While the 2021 3.0L Powerstroke doesn’t make the highest numbers in the F-150 lineup, we still prefer its durability and ability to tow compared to other models.
How does the 3.0l Powerstroke Compare to Other Gas-Powered Models?
The 3.0L Powerstroke was the fuel economy champion ford Ford’s 2020 F-150 lineup. With the new 3.5L Powerboost engine however, the 3.0L Powerstroke may have to remove its crown and hand it over. The 3.5L PowerBoost engine’s fuel economy isn’t available yet, but Ford has mentioned that it will be able to get at least 700 miles out of a single tank. Now, fuel economy estimates never take towing into consideration. The major draw of the 3.0L Powerstroke engine is that it’s a diesel, and diesel trucks get significantly better fuel economy while towing.
While the 3.0L Powerstroke may have lower torque than both the 3.5l PowerBoost and the 3.5L EcoBoost engines, it reaches max torque significantly faster. The 3.0L Powerstroke reaches peak torque at only 1,750 rpm while both the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and Powerboost reach peak torque at 3,000 rpm. Hybrid engines are relatively new to trucks. We are very interested in seeing how the hybrid motor impacts towing. For now, we still like the F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke if you’re going to be frequently towing.
2021 Ford F-150 Technology
The 2021 Ford F-150’s new technology is helpful on both the luxury and functionality fronts. Pro Power Onboard makes the F-150 a portable generator capable of powering a job site for an entire day. It has 120V and 240V power sources, easily accessible in the bed to plug in power tools. It’s a perfect partner to the tailgate work surface that offers a mobile workbench. The truck’s interior also has an available work surface option. It converts the center console to a flat surface, perfect for working on a laptop.
The F-150’s Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Backup Assist features make backing up a trailer a breeze. Trailer Reverse Guidance uses the F-150’s high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views as well as guidance on how to turn the wheel when backing up a trailer. When set up, the Pro backup assist makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial.
A bigger center digital display is standard on all trims. XL and low XLT trims receive an 8″ touch screen, while upper XLT trims and above receive a new 12″ screen. The gauge cluster is brand new, with more luxurious models receiving a “smart” 15″ digital gauge cluster. Rear view cameras are also standard on all trims. For extra comfort, a max-recline feature is available on King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited Trims allowing the front seats to recline nearly 180 degrees.
2021 F-150 Availability
Ford anticipates the new 2021 F-150 will be available at dealerships this fall. Hopefully we don’t have any additional CoronaVirus complications so we can see these new trucks sooner than later.
