Her + His Car Reviews
2021 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew
Our car reviews are innovative and interesting as we provide insightful and expert reviews from both Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $56,980 as tested | $56,980 |
| Performance | |
| The redesigned, powerful 2021 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew is top class. Coming in at a curb weight of 5,014 lbs., this extraordinary powerhouse can manage towing up to 12,000 pounds. Made of high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body to its torture-tested high strength steel frame, the F-150 is tough to its core.
It's available in both diesel and a hybrid version. Our sample model is a revamped powertrain lineup. The engine is a bold 5.0L V8 with 400 horsepower; sheer force. Some writers who tested the EcoBoost V6, opted for the speed and acceleration of that sized engine versus the V8, which takes a little longer to gain traction. No matter the powertrain, a 10-speed automatic transmission equips this pickup and delivers timely and seamless precision. Handling is nimble and responsive for such a big pickup on the windy roads of Western Pennsylvania. We noted the ride was especially comfortable and was not bumpy when on uneven pavement, like the (many) cobblestone streets within the city limits of Pittsburgh. The wheelbase of our model is 157 inches and provides a more stable ride. Even with a wider turn, the handling of the new 2021 F-150 delivers superior comfort. |
Power for our demonstrator came from a 400 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8, backed by Ford's new 10 speed automatic transmission. It's a good, smooth one most of the time, though there were times when it seemed to hesitate to shift into gear.
Man does this thing MOVE when you hit the pedal! Smooth, relatively quiet and steady on the road, I have nothing but praise for the F-150's power, acceleration, and passing ability. But even more impressive, at least for me --a non-truck driver--- is how smooth, tomb quiet, and remarkably stable the F-150 is on the road. I have finally found a truck that I really would buy--if--and it's a big if--I had the bucks to handle the cost. Inside the F-150 you do not hear a thing, and it is just a joy to pilot--as long as you aren't parking. Brakes are quite good, too, adding yet another reason to buy the F-150. I just had a feeling of stability and security with this truck, and none of the sway and bounciness I usually experience with trucks. But....there's a big problem for those of who live in the city: Parking. I don't think it's an accident that almost all the F-150s I see in Pittsburgh are out in the 'burbs, not in the city. Pittsburgh, just this year made what I think is a terrible decision: Installing confusing and infuriating rotaries that are the bane of anyone who owns or uses trucks for work. The city also has very narrow streets and parking is at a premium for cars on city streets, never mind trying to locate a space in which you can park, but also be able to maneuver gracefully. Parking the Supercrew really raised the hairs on my head more than once. However, if you have the patience, and you are an experienced driver of something as large as the F-150--especially the gigantic Supercrew version-- then by all means, you simply have to consider this truck. You won't be disappointed. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| The 2021 F-150 excels in fuel consumption with 22 miles in highway miles and 16 in city. With all the amazing features and amenities of this truck, it's the fuel economy that many buyers love best. | Here's another big surprise: Fuel economy!
The fuel economy figures weren't provided on our Moroney, but I can tell you that last year, with the same engine in our tester, the Feds rated the F-150 at 18 miles per gallon overall, 16 city and 22 highway, but I got about 20 miles per gallon overall. Heck my old 2009 minivan gets that! The F-150 uses 5.6 miles of gasoline for every 100 miles driven, and you will need to spend about $3,500 more in fuel costs over five years, compared with the average new vehicle, according to the Feds. Annual fuel cost is $2,100, based on driving 15,00 miles annually with gasoline costing $2.55 a gallon. |
| The Truck | |
| In its 43rd year of production, the Ford 2021 F-150 does not disappoint. The F-150 has one of the highest reliability performance numbers in its category.
Whether for business, personal, or a cross function of both, buyers use the F-150 for as many reasons as there are consumers. Women purchase 20% of trucks autonomously in the United States. These, and all buyers, look to Ford and the F-150 to deliver in the full-size segment. The two F-150's chief designers, Barb Whalen and Lindsey Grant, have focused on making this top seller built with 'comfort creatures and having a feel like home away from home.' What's new in this model year? A whole lot of cool and new. Supported by 18" silver aluminum wheels, the grill on this beast is super muscular and impressive, as is the 6" chrome extended running board. It is F-O-R-D through and through and means business. The headlights, LED and fog lights are an assist in all driving conditions. The color combinations dazzle. Included are BoxLink - a lockable, secure tiedown system in the bed. A power outlet, tailgate fold-out step, and stowable loading ramps. In the cabin, additional storage has been added, and a tailgate with a flat work surface. Also, there is a lockable storage underneath the rear seats. Even rival Ram 1500 doesn't have this (yet). In the city I drove cautiously. I had the experience that my foot was resting on the brake continuously. What I mean is the speed limit within the city limits rests around 25 mph and the F-150 with its glorious power can move on the slightest of down angles or with the wind at its back. Simply, owners need to honor the speed limit, as this vehicle has a lot of weight and wants to excel. 25 mph can go to 45 mph quickly. Be aware. |
Sometimes, you have to look beneath the surface of things. Ford's 2021 F-150 is one of those products that demands a closer look.
To see it on the road, you will be hard pressed to find much to distinguish it from previous models--unless you are looking dead center on the grille, which is now a more contemporary, simplified design instead of the gaudy, complicated looking front end of prior models. But it's not the looks that call for more of your attention. The F-150 is a redesign that happens to look a lot like its predecessor, but for 2021 it has a wealth of features that earn it a top of the list position for consumers. First of all, you have all sorts of engine choices to make. Ford's F-150 has them all covered. They include hybrid, gasoline and diesel engines, so you can get something that fits your needs perfectly. The new hybrid powertrain, named and PowerBoost includes a 3.5-liter V-6 which is turbocharged. Though it will cost you more money, it's great for those who are watching the money in your wallet and the mileage that you get. Ford also has gone to great lengths to satisfy those who need the convenience of being able to work from their truck. This year's news is an onboard optional large generator to operate any number of electrical powered equipment right from the truck. Named the Pro Power Onboard system, it's a boon to any number of potential Ford customers who rely on generators as part of their work. And remember the days when everybody complained about the infotainment system in Ford products because it was simply too tough to use intuitively? Those days are gone. You can set up the Bluetooth system in a flash, with no fuss and no muss. And all the other functions that are part of the infotainment system are easy to use, too. It's completely intuitive, and that's wonderful, as far as I'm concerned. I also loved the large, legible instrument gauges on the 2021 F-150. No more straining your eyes or trying to decipher an overcrowded instrument panel. Your biggest challenge, I think, will be simply deciding which version of the F-150 you want to have parked in your driveway. There are more versions of the F-150 than just about any other model in the whole Ford lineup. If you decide to pick up a brochure on the F-150, you'd better sit down and take it all in because the catalog personifies what the "F-150 lineup looks like this year, and I can tell you the variety is astonishing. It goes without saying that there are a ton of choices you will have to make if you buy the F-150. For instance, Ford gives you a choice of three styles. You can choose regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab), and of course, you will have to pick one of three different lengths for the truck bed itself. Now let's talk about the model lineup. First up is the Ford F-150 XL, with a rather lengthy list of standard features, including 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights with automatic high beams, trailer sway control, pre-wired trailer connections, manual mirrors and windows, vinyl flooring, a cloth-upholstered 40/20/40-split front bench, a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a driver information display, air conditioning, a 4.2-inch central display screen, a four-speaker radio, a rearview camera, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. SuperCab and SuperCrew models come with 60/40-split folding rear seats and two additional speakers. If you are looking for a few optional features, consider Ford's 101A package, which gets you power windows and locks (including the tailgate), power mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, Ford's MyKey vehicle control feature, a larger driver information screen, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, a USB port and a CD player. Other XL options include chrome and sport appearance packages, the FX4 Off-Road package, side steps, a tailgate assist step, drop-in or spray-in bedliners, remote vehicle tracking, and trailer tow packages with Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. The next step up the F-150 model ladder is the F-150 XLT. Standard features include the aforementioned 101A package, along with alloy wheels, chrome bumpers, and exterior trim, foglights, a keypad entry system, rear privacy glass, carpeting, driver and passenger seat lumbar adjustments, additional interior storage bins and pocket, an eight-inch touchscreen, which has Sync3, AppleCarPlay, and Android Auto, FordPass Wi-Fi connectivity, and an additional USB port. Some of the available options for the XLT include a regular or panoramic sunroof choice, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable rear seat belts, a navigation system, power adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming driver side and rearview mirror, power adjustable driver's seat, rear under seat storage and a number of other options. The next model up is the popular F-150 Lariat. Standard features include the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine. 18-inch wheels, a trailer hitch, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver-seat memory settings, ambient lighting, leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. There are, as you might expect, optional packages for the Lariat. The Mid 501A package adds upgraded mirrors, remote tailgate release, rear parking sensors and front-facing spotlights to the features listed in the XLT's Luxury 302A package. The Luxury 502A package, meanwhile, adds LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, front bucket seats, heated rear outboard seats (SuperCrew), a navigation system, and an 11-speaker stereo with HD radio. Other options include lane departure warning, power-deployable running boards, a surround-view camera system, an automated parallel parking system and adaptive cruise control. You've basically reached the top of the heap with the F-150 Limited, which comes with the high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, an extended-range 36-gallon fuel tank (the standard tank is 23 or 26 gallons, depending on cab size), 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery in front, unique styling details and many of the F-150's optional features as standard. Looking for something hot as a firecracker and a head turner all rolled up in one? Don't miss the F-150 Raptor. Providing all the heat is the same high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine as the Limited. It has many of the same features as the XLT, but it offers a reinforced frame, a special four-wheel-drive system, a modified long-travel suspension, Fox shocks, flared fenders, skid plates, 17-inch wheels with upgraded off-road tires, and special interior trim with leather and cloth upholstery. The Raptor offers many of the same options as the XLT and the Lariat, as well as a few exterior styling packages, a Torsen limited-slip front differential and forged, bead-lock capable wheels. |
| Safety | |
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Driver Air Bags, Passenger Air Bags, Side and Head Air Bags, Daytime Running Lights, Brake Assist, ABS, Traction Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Tire Pressure Monitor, Lane Departure Monitor, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors.
Cross Traffic Alert. Rearview Camera, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking. Perimeter Alarm. SOS Post Crash Alert System. 5 Year/60,000 Roadside Assistance includes Fuel Delivery, Towing, Lock Out Assistance, Flat Tire Change Battery Jump. So, if you purchase, the Ford 150, you may want to weigh out the pros and cons of this vs AAA. Personally, I am beholden to AAA, as they are always on time; for a few dollars a month, it's worth the redundancy. |
Among the safety features other than the usual belts and air bags, are the Advanced Security Pack, AdvanceTrac with RSC; Safety Canopy Air bags, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and other safety perks as well. |
| Technology | |
| Daytime Running Lamps, Easy Fuel Capless Filler, Auto Start and Stop, Elect 4x4 on Fly (allows driver to choose between two different 4x4 modes and a 2WD at very high speeds), Power Tailgate Lock, FordPass Connect 4G Connect - allowing for an office on the go, Hotspot Modem, Lane Keeping System.
Post Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Assist W AEB, Reverse Brake Assist, Reverse Sensing and Rear-View Camera, Select Shift, Rear Privacy Glass. Trailer Sway Bar, Headlamps - Auto lamps, Manual Fold Power Mirrors, Keyless Entry & ignition, Dual-Zone Climate Control for Passengers in Both Seats. Auto-High Beams (one of my all-time favorites) Sirius SM® Radio for all moods and listening styles. XLT Sport package includes FM/AM radio, SYNC infotainment system, and more. |
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| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| This high-grade hauler is luxe, and the colors are vibrant retro. Designers Whalen & Grant intended that owners would want - rather, love spending time in their Ford pickup. The power seats recline to 180 degrees, a nice relaxation move for passengers. There is an optional interior workspace to help make it comfortable and ergonomic when on one's laptop. The industry-leading 12" screen has SYNC as well as APPLE CARRPLAY and ANDROID AUTO with voice command. It-has-it-all. And the user experience is relatively intuitive. No uptime, here.
This is a super comfortable interior, by the way. Rich leathers and great ultra-luxe textures are used throughout the dash and interior. As Whalen adds, it's a 'crafted lifestyle, brought indoor.' I thought that was a great statement and well presented. We mentioned the new grille design, which is super-hot. Also updated is the new tailgate that has been redesigned. They added outside 'zone' lighting for safety purposes, a really smart feature. And a bottle opener, how great, who does that? There are so many goodies on this vehicle, you want for nothing. I would be remiss not to mention how quiet the cabin is... you can hear yourself breath. When on a longer test drive, I like to lean over and put my prop my right elbow up with a slight lean into the console. With the ginormous console this truck has, I didn't have to lean over. This middle section has such roominess for things you have to reach for when getting in and out of vehicle, including tech and drink and phone. Speaking of room, seating configuration is outstanding and leg room the same. Depending upon the size of the passengers, the F-150 seats 4 - 6 adults. For my 5' frame, this truck makes accommodations, too; with seats that effortlessly adjust to all sized drivers, including the telescopic steering wheel. And this vehicle is convenient to get in and out of with the running board. Safe, wide and slip resistant. The 60/40-fold-up rear seat double as it also packs and organizes goodies inside of. For parents, our tester had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. For more visit Cars.com. Here is the thing to get about F-150's. You can pay as much as $40,000-50,000 variance between F-150 models. That is true for so many brand and vehicles, but especially for Fords and for their lineup of trucks. Research, prep and knowing what amenities you want - need - and can live with and can't live without will help narrow the price point. Lastly, a spare tire is included. This is mentioned, as buyers today need to be aware that one-third of vehicles do not come with a tire standard anymore. Ford is assembling this model in the USA; both in Michigan and in Missouri. |
I look at the current F-150 as an understated classic, always fashionable truck. It projects strength, dignity, security and practicality, and will probably never go out of style, and the new front end looks a lot classier, simpler, and more elegant and contemporary. I especially like the dip on the doors that provides a feeling of expansiveness and airiness, as well as giving you an even better sense of security as you drive the truck.
Overall, the new grille and a few changes in the side profile and other details result in a truck that looks an awful lot better than the competition. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 Year/36,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty. 5 Year/60,000 Powertrain Warranty. 5 Year/60,000 Roadside Assistance. | Three-year, 36,000-mile warranty bumper to bumper and five years/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. |
