2021 Ford F-150

The XL is the entry-level F-150. It comes with 17-inch steel wheels and manually adjustable side mirrors. A step up to the XLT will get you fog lights, a power locking tailgate, chrome bumpers, and power-adjustable side mirrors, while the Lariat comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, and LED bed lighting. It also gains a remote tailgate release, while the more upscale King Ranch comes with all that and adds LED headlights and taillights, a two-tone paint scheme, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The high-end Platinum has a chrome grille, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, and power-deployable running boards, and the top-level Limited has a two-panel moonroof, the power running boards, and a power up-and-down tailgate.

The list of powertrains for the F-150 starts with a 3.3-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower. From there, you can upgrade to a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 that puts out 325 horsepower or get a 5.0-liter V-8 that makes 400 horsepower. Up next are a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 with 250 horsepower or a 3.5-liter turbo gas V-6 that generates 400 horsepower. A new powertrain for 2021 is a hybrid with a 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine and an electric motor that combine to make 430 horsepower.

You can't beat the towing power you get with the 2021 F-150. When equipped, it can handle up to 14,000 pounds and carry up to a 3,325-pound payload.

The latest F-150's cabin is spacious and comfortable. There's room for up to six depending on the cab, and if you bump up from the base, you'll get power door locks and windows. The Lariat has dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and power-adjustable pedals. Another step up to the King Ranch adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, and the high-end trims have massaging front seats and upgraded leather upholstery. Tech features in the F-150 start with an 8-inch touch screen, and even the XL has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Step up to the Lariat for the new 12-inch touch screen or to the King Ranch for an eight-speaker B&O stereo system. You can also get an 18-speaker stereo in the Limited.

Every 2021 F-150 comes with a comprehensive list of driver aids. In addition to the rearview camera, you'll get forward collision warning with mitigation, lane-departure warning, and trailer sway control. The XLT adds a blind-spot monitor, rear automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, and the King Ranch comes with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. A 360-degree camera system comes with the Limited. Ford's new Active Drive Assist comes with standard with the Limited. This kit has hardware that makes it capable of using an automated driving assist system that will arrive later in 2021.