2021 Ford F-150: An Undercover Peek

With the better half of 100,000 more trucks sold than Ram and Silverado, the Ford F-series continues to be the best-selling truck in America. Not only that, the astounding 200,000 trucks sold keeps the F-Series at the forefront of America’s best-selling vehicles as we roll into the second quarter of 2021. What keeps these trucks on top year after year?

• Capability?
• Style?
• Ford’s willingness to venture deeper into new and uncharted territory?

After studying the punch packed by the new F-150, we think it’s a perfect combination of all three.

We briefly discussed the 2021 Ford F-150 as an “honorable mention” in towing capacity, but read on for a full rundown of noteworthy upgrades in power, prestige, and progress. And since we can’t talk pickups without talking tonneaus, we’ve added a bed cover guide to the bottom of this article. Scroll down and meet UnderCover’s lineup of hard-folding and one-piece tonneaus specially suited for the best-selling truck in America.

A Revolution of Evolution

The Ford F-150 may be a timeless platform, but it still sees its share of updates each year. And yea, the new boss might look like the old boss, but there’s actually a lot more going on under the sheet metal than first meets the eye.

The 2021 Ford F-150 marks an all-new generation – the 14th to be exact. Dimension, size, and cab configuration are largely untouched, but nearly 92% of this truck is new or revised – including the exterior panels. Motortrend rightly calls it a “stealth redesign.”

Up front, the fresh Ford gets a new power dome hood, updated headlamps, higher front fenders, and wrap-around bumpers – not to mention, 11 grille options across the lineup. Underneath is a chassis shape-up that compliments the newer, more powerful drivelines. Of course, that means the relocation of supports for some, but the reinforced frame and widened track are what really help this model pack a punch.

But we all know real beauty comes from within. So, what’s powering this beast?

For the most part, the same guts of the 2020 model carry over. Ford’s packing these trucks with a 10-speed transmission to harness the power from the 5.0L V8, 3.3L V6, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, 3.0L V6 diesel, or the first-ever hybrid engine for the platform.

That’s right – the all-new F-150 gets an all-new hybrid option. But don’t be fooled; this is no dinky novelty powerplant. Available on every trim level, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine paired to a 35 kW motor pushes out 430 horsepower and provides instant electric torque (570 lb.-ft.) According to Ford, it targets an EPA-estimated range of 700 miles on a single tank of gas. Plus, the F-150 Hybrid’s onboard generator produces 7.2 kW of power, giving you the ability to power tools, work equipment, or even your house during a storm.

In short, you can certainly get a familiar truck setup – but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill F-150 anymore.

Our Heavy Weight Champ

So, how does the full-size champ stack up in the Towing Wars?

Pretty well, it seems. Even with the base 3.3L V6, the F-150 hits the ranks with a 5,000-pound max towing capacity with a single cab two-wheel-drive configuration. Bump it up to the SuperCrew and 4×4, and you can haul up to 8,200 pounds.

You’re probably not looking for the squatting power of the base-level commuter truck, though.

Yeah, we hear you screaming “How about that goofy hybrid?” at your screen. Are you ready for this? When paired up with a 2WD SuperCrew, this mighty tyke is ready to tow up to 12,700 pounds!

Still, if you’re looking to haul, the V8 is the reigning king. On the low end of the scale, the 5.0L starts pulling hard enough to haul the same trailer that would max out the 3.3L V6 on any day.

With the right gearing, driveline, and cab configuration, the 5.0L trucks can pull up to 13,000 pounds—nearly a thousand pounds better than the prior model year. That’s not all, though, as the F-150 also offers a best-in-class tow rating of 14,000 pounds with a weight-distribution hitch.

More than Power

Part of what puts the F-150 on the map for so many motorists is the fact that it’s such a versatile platform that can be priced to match nearly any budget. There are six different trim levels to choose from, with MSRPs starting below $30k and some models creeping toward six figures once all the bells and whistles are tallied.

• XL-$28,940
• XLT- $30,050
• Lariat- $44,695
• King Rang- $56,330
• Platinum-$59,110
• Limited- $70,825

As usual, the F-150 can be configured as a basic work truck all the way up to a full-on luxury ride. You can start with a single-cab, cloth seat, air-conditioned highway commuter or end with a SuperCab paired with dual-zone AC, a 12-inch Digital Productivity Screen, ambient lighting, power-adjustable pedals, and heated leather seats with as many controls as a cockpit.

Ford’s gone bananas with convenience features, too.

Sleeper seats are now an option for the King Ranch, Limited, and Platinum trucks. These bad boys are built to lay totally flat so the passengers can kick back and catch a snooze no matter where they are.

Another great new option for all trucks in the lineup is the foldable shifter and center console. With the push of a button, the shift lever folds flat, allowing you to open up the center console to create a flat surface. Some might use that for slamming burgers during lunch, while others can use it as a work station between job sites. Honestly – every truck should have one.

Whatever trim package or engine choice you decide on, you’ll still need to protect your investment. Check out these top-notch tonneau offerings from Undercover.

Hard Folding Covers

UnderCover’s lineup is nothing short of extensive for the F-150. Your options start with a total of three different hard folding tonneau covers. The entry-level option is even a heavy hitter as it’s the Flex, which UnderCover calls the “cover that never goes out of style.”

Everything to love about UnderCover’s folding covers starts with the Flex. Heavy-duty aluminum construction, easy installations, weatherproof sealing, and finish that’s flush with the bed rails make it easy to see why UnderCover’s still singing its praises.

Next, is the UltraFlex. This cover takes things up a notch by introducing features that make it the so-called “ultimate, all-purpose truck bed cover.” Features that help it live up to UnderCover’s description are the dual-action tailgate seal, integrated lighting, and carpeted under panels.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can upgrade to the ArmorFlex. While this cover has everything to love about the standard Flex, it has an emphasis on durability. It’s flush, it’s functional, and it’s layered with a durable Line-X coating to resist dents and scratches.

One-Piece Covers

As if that’s not enough, UnderCover’s taking things even further by answering the demand of those who prefer a one-piece design, with four different designs.

The SE is your entry-level option, boasting all the features of the brand’s original Classic cover, but adding style lines and a rear spoiler more suited for today’s modern truck owner. Constructed of a durable ABS plastic with an upgraded single-point locking system, the SE also features a no-drill installation, and a textured UV-resistant black finish. One step up is the Lux, which sports all the same great benefits but throws in the option for paint-matching to the F-150’s factory colors.

The same “better and best” school of thought applies to the other two options: the Elite and Elite LX. The Elite is a textured-black cover that features built-in lighting, an X-Effect design to boost resistance, and a double-seal system to keep water out of your bed. The Elite LX kicks things up a notch, offering a carpet-lined underside, and a flawless paint job that is color-matched to the color of your truck.