There are few vehicles on the road as recognizable as the Ford F-150. How can you miss this gargantuan pickup truck? You simply can’t because it is indeed a beast among the flock.
The F-150 came into existence in 1975, as the blue oval transitioned its F-Series trucks to a brand-new look. The F-Series initially debuted in 1948, weighing an astonishing half-ton (1,000 pounds). But through the years, Ford took on the challenge of making a heavier, more durable machine.
The 2020 F-150 will begin a new generation for Ford, and it includes the option of having a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine under the hood. Once again, it leads its class by towing an impressive 13,200 pounds. Now, the 2021 version of the F-150 is set to even be more powerful.
Mark LaNeve, Ford’s vice president of marketing sales and service, believes the unveiling of the F-150 came at the perfect time as states begin to reopen. In New York, there might not be a truck that’s more enjoyable to drive out to the East End of Long Island than the F-150.
“First of all, some things are the same, and it’s going to be built Ford tough,” LaNeve said. “It’s going to set a new bar like every generation we bring out, from torque, towing, payload and durability. What’s really different about this truck from previous generations is it’s going to have all of the latest technology.”
The all-new F-150, which is set to be available in dealerships later this year, will have a foot-long screen, driver assist technology and more. The driver assist function actually makes the F-150 the first full-size pickup to offer hands-free driving. The truck will have lane shifting assistance, as well as the ability to update the software just like one’s smartphone.
New for 2021 is the plug-in hybrid version of the F-150. The hybrid will feature a Ford EcoBoost 3.5-liter power plant, which will go hand-in-hand with the hybrid motor. While it isn’t fully electric, it is a preview of what Ford will have in the future in terms of the F-150.
“It has a huge desk that comes out of the center console, which can fit an iPad, an engineer’s graphing sheets and more,” LaNeve said. “It’s great for personal use and work. It’ll be a truck leader for many more years.”
And if that’s not enough, the Pro Power Onboard function means people can leave the generator at home and free up cargo space. There’s energy equivalent to powering up 28 average refrigerators, charging a bed full of electric dirt bikes or running an entire job site worth of tools
The F-150’s pricing will be similar to that of the last few years. Brand-new pickups will start at $30,000 for the XL edition, ranging in price until you get to the Limited, which will be approximately $70,000.
Additionally, the F-150 continues to lead the way in terms of towing capability. The new F-150 will have a towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds, which is perfect for construction on the island.
But one of the craziest parts about the new F-150 is that it will include a sleeper seat. Essentially, the seat can go from sitting up right to fully down, just like your bed.
Now, as stay-at-home orders are being lifted, Ford is ready to get people excited about not only driving everywhere, but getting to work in a hefty pickup.
“The showrooms are slowly reopening,” LaNeve said. “Our dealers kept all of these essential vehicles on the road. The dealers have adapted and have moved part of the sales process online.”
At dealerships, Ford is mandating employees to continue social distancing practices. Unfortunately, that means no more handshakes when you seal a deal.
“Customers, if they request, can have the keys left in a box outside,” he said. “The steering wheel and shift knob can be wrapped in plastic, as well as floor mats, plus hand sanitizer in the car. We think this is going to be the new norm.”
