New 2021 F-150 hybrid pickup coming to Ford dealerships this fall

Ford unveiled the 2021 F-150, a vehicle that targets the most towing, payload, torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup, says the manufacturer.

Boasting new bolder exterior design, and an all-new interior providing more comfort, storage, technology and functionality for users it introduces new features to increase customer productivity, new connected vehicle innovations such as over-the-air updates that help keep F-150 at the forefront of purposeful technology, and an optional new 3.5-litre PowerBoost hybrid powertrain with Pro Power Onboard – an integrated power generator.

The new F-150 starts with a fully boxed high-strength steel frame and an aluminum alloy body. There are 11 grille options available across the series lineup, all differentiated in their design, plus new tailgate appliqués. Functional upgrades throughout include available LED headlamps and taillamps, and available full-length extended power running boards with kick switch that provide better truck-side cargo box accessibility.

Sophisticated Guidance Systems

Ford pickup will be the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer an optional Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro-Trailer Backup Assist. Trailer Reverse Guidance, made popular on Super Duty, uses the truck’s high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views along with helpful graphics that tell drivers which way to turn the steering wheel while backing up. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial, continues on F-150.

The interior is completely redesigned and features new materials, new colour choices and more storage. F-150 also introduces a new 12-inch centre screen with landscape design – standard on XLT high series and above – that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features. XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks get an 8-inch touch screen providing improved rear view camera vision. Both screens feature access to the new digital owner’s manual, which can help all customers find the information they need more easily, including how-to videos for additional explanation.

An optional 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area, along with truck-specific graphics and animations that respond to the all-new F-150’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-by-turn navigation.

A first hybrid powerplant

The new 3.5-litre PowerBoost hybrid V6 powertrain is targeted to deliver the most torque and horsepower on the light-duty full-size pickup category. Available on every trim level from F-150 XL to Limited, the PowerBoost system adds instant electric torque to Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. It is targeting an EPA-estimated range of approximately 1,100 km on a single tank of gas and will deliver at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing.

PowerBoost combines Ford’s EcoBoost engine and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kW (47-hp) electric motor integrated into the transmission, as well as software calibrated specially for truck use, including drive modes like tow/haul mode to help customers better manage towing heavy trailers.

The electric motor applies regenerative braking energy capture to help recharge a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery packaged underneath the truck in the chassis, leaving the cab and cargo box untouched.

The Pro Power Onboard system will also expand the F-150 capability by bringing generator levels of exportable power to work sites, camp sites and everyday life. Pro Power Onboard is available with a 2.0-kW output on optional gas engines, while PowerBoost-equipped F-150 comes standard with 2.4 kW of output or an optional 7.2 kW of output. Power is accessible through in-cabin outlets and up to four cargo bed-mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets, with a 240-volt 30-amp outlet on the 7.2-kW version. The system even provides power on the move to charge tool batteries in between jobs.

The F-150 hybrid pickup will be on sale this fall at all Ford Canadian dealers. According to a Ford of Canada spokesperson, it is expected to generate low-volume sales.

Photos: Ford