While not every detail about the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 has been made public yet, there is plenty that we do know and that Ford is sharing about this exciting new truck. For starters, we know that it is going to be an F-150, so it is going to be the best full-size pickup you can get your hands on. The other thing we know for certain is that it is going to come with an available full hybrid trim, so those who want a cleaner driving experience and the ability to power their job site with their truck will be able to do so. But how will the 2021 Ford F-150 compare to other F-150 models, namely the most recent 2020 F-150? Obviously, the 2020 version doesn’t have a full hybrid option available, but are there other differences too? To help you compare these two fantastic trucks, here is the 2021 Ford F-150 vs the 2020 Ford F-150.
2021 Ford F-150
There are few things more exciting in the car world than comparing a Ford with another Ford. Because both trucks are made by the leading truck maker, it is a win-win situation. Actually, it is a win, win, win, since just by reading about both of them you get the joy of learning more about these spectacular machines.
Obviously, the engine of the 2021 F-150 is what has most captured the public’s imagination. The 2021 F-150 is going to be available as a full hybrid with a 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6 engine. While the precise numbers on the horsepower have yet to be announced, based on similar engines and hybrid vehicles like the 2020 Hybrid Explorer, we can expect that the 2021 Hybrid F-150 will be capable of generating up to 450 hp. That should be all the power F-150 drivers need, whether you need maximal horsepower for the job site or on the weekend to haul your boat or camper.
There are some other performance measures that suggest good things from the Hybrid F-150 and will undoubtedly make it an exceptional truck. For starters, there is the fact that you will be able to go up to 700 miles on one tank of gas. That is a lot of miles and is sure to make filling up the tank a rarity. Even if you travel more than 1,000 miles a month, you would only have to head to the pump 1-2 times every four weeks.
This point transitions nicely to the topic of fuel efficiency. If the hybrid F-150 will be able to go 700 miles on one tank of gas and that tank is 30 gallons, based on simple math, we can expect that the hybrid F-150 will be able to get in the low 20s in regards to miles per gallon.
Another important performance metric F-150 enthusiasts care about is towing capacity. The good news is that the Hybrid F-150 is going to be a towing beast. Ford has been clear that it is targeting a towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. The carmaker knows what people want and will not rest until they give it to them.
What makes the Hybrid F-150 truly exceptional is the built-in generator that will come standard. A 2.4 kW generator will be standard on the Hybrid F-150 and an available 7.2 kW generator will come with two 120-volt, 20 amp plugins, and a 240-volt plugin. What this means for the job site is that you will have tons of power at your fingertips. In theory, you will be able to run your entire job site for up to a week and maybe even longer on a single tank of gas.
In addition to the full Hybrid F-150, there will be several other F-150 trims that will come with all of the great features of the 2020 version. The XL trim will have an 8” touchscreen and will be a real workhorse capable of tackling just about any task.
The STX trim will look stunning on the inside with an all-black interior that is going to pop.
The third trim is the XLT and will have an upgraded 12” touchscreen and a 40/20/40 front seat with a foldable center console that is as comfortable as it is stylish.
The Lariat Sport, Kings Ranch, and Platinum trims will all have stunning upgrades of their own and come with the same great power and capabilities you would expect of a Ford F-150. With Ford, we know that they aren’t going to go backward, so anything we will see on the 2020 F-150, we can be sure will be just as good (or be better) on the 2021 F-150.
2020 Ford F-150
The advantage of the 2020 Ford F-150 is that it is a known entity. Drivers have already had the chance to fall in love with its quality performance and brilliant interior.
The 2020 version has seven different trims, ranging from the base model XL all the way up to the high-performing and beloved Raptor. In addition to the variety found with the trims are six different engine choices that offer exceptional power and towing capabilities.
All told, the 2020 Ford F-150 has seating for anywhere from 3-6 depending on cabin configuration, gets between 15-21 miles per gallon in the city and 18-28 MPG on the highway depending on the engine, and ranges from 250-450 horsepower. It also comes as a RWD or 4WD drivetrain and has a number of bed configurations. There is almost no limit to the ways you can customize a 2020 F-150.
If there is one area where the 2020 version does fall a bit flat compared to what is being advertised for the 2021 version, it’s in regard to towing capacity. While the goal for the 2021 version is 12,000 lbs, the 2020 F-150 maxes out in the 5,000-8,000 lb range depending on the engine, cabin, and bed configuration. The added towing capacity you will find on the 2021 F-150 is going to be more than welcomed.
Other than towing, the 2020 F-150 is an excellent truck for safety and convenience. The 2020 F-150 has a litany of standard and available safety features, which include technologies like Pro Trailer Backup Assist to take the stress out of maneuvering the F-150 while connected to a trailer. Hill Descent Control also helps to maintain a consistent speed while going down hill, something that makes driving less stressful, especially when towing a boat or camper.
The other nice thing about the 2020 F-150 is that we already know the price. You can get an XL starting at $28,745. The other trims’ prices are well-known too and quite reasonable, ranging from $34,760 for the XLT up to $67,735 for the Limited.
2021 Ford F-150 vs. 2020 Ford F-150
Because of the full hybrid option and increased towing capacity of the 2021 Ford F-150, it has a slight edge over the 2020 version. But if we are being honest both are winners and among the top full-size trucks on the road. With either the 2021 or 2020 F-150, you get a reliable truck that is known for its superior performance and a long list of safety features. With these two Ford F-150’s, it really is a win, win, win.
