For the 2021 model year, Ford’s F-150 sports a refreshed interior filled with new safety and convenience features.
The Ford F-150 is unquestionably America’s favorite truck, with Ford selling over 750,000 F-Series pickups every year since 2013. A light-duty full-size pickup, its success looks to continue with the launch of an all-new 14th-generation model in 2021.
Although not a drastic departure from the model it replaces, the latest F-150 features an impressive cabin with many unique features. Here, we’ll cover these in detail so you have a better idea of what you’re getting yourself into.
Design and Practicality
When designing the interior of the 2021 F-150—a process that reportedly took four years—senior color and materials designer Rob Brancheau told the Detroit Free Press that he and the vehicle’s design team had a specific vision in mind.
They pictured the vehicle’s key buyers as “a construction worker, a newlywed husband, parents with kids in high school (and a little extra money because they’re not buying baby stuff), and then maybe grandparents who have worked hard and are ready to reward themselves.”
Despite its interior dimensions not growing in size compared to the outgoing model, the 14th-gen F-150’s interior design does improve productivity by being easier to work out of. What’s more, several new comfort and convenience features mean the interior is also more enjoyable than ever before.
All models feature 40.8 inches of front headroom and 43.9 inches of front legroom. SuperCab models offer 40.3 inches of rear headroom and 33.5 inches of rear legroom, while SuperCrew variants increase this to 40.4 inches and 43.6 inches respectively.
Ford lists the overall capacity of the “cargo box” as being 52.8 cu. ft. for models with a 5.5 ft. bed, 62.3 cu. ft. for models with a 6.5 ft. bed, and 77.4 cu. ft. for those with an 8.0 ft. bed.
Front row seating options include captain’s chairs for two or a bench seat for three, offering room for up to six people in SuperCab and SuperCrew models. Those who opt for front bucket seats gain access to some of the F-150’s headline features.
Available on all models fitted with front captain’s chairs is an option called the Work Surface, which transforms the center console into a makeshift desk. With the press of a button, the gear selector folds down and the center console storage lid folds out, revealing a flat surface that’s perfect for taking notes or using a laptop.
Those who opt for a King Ranch, Platinum, or Limited model can also have their F-150 fitted with Max Recline Seats. With this feature, the two front seats fold almost perfectly flat, which is perfect for power naps after a few hours on the road. Combine that with Ford’s exclusive Multi-contour “massaging” seats and you might end up staying a few hours.
While higher-end models feature a range of leather upholstery, even the entry-level XL model had an upgrade, now sporting black, soil-resistant fabrics. A dual glove box is now standard to allow for additional interior storage. Twin-cab models also feature a lockable fold-flat storage box located below the rear seats to allow for even more storage space.
Technology & Onboard Entertainment Features
One of the interior highlights of the new Ford F-150 is the massive 12.0 in infotainment screen fitted as standard on XLT high series models and above.
Paired with this are turn-by-turn navigation instructions, off-roading data, and graphics that correspond to the vehicle’s drive modes in its large “information-on-demand” area. What’s more, all lower spec’d models now come standard with an 8.0-inch LCD touchscreen.
The new operating system allows for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Waze and Amazon Alexa functionality.
Another feature is FordPass, a phone app that allows you to control certain vehicle functions from a smartphone. The Sync 4 system also allows for over-the-air updates to keep your truck’s operating systems up to date.
For those looking to tow with their F-150, there are some handy features it offers to make the job easier. The all-new F-150 adds technology that works to improve towing convenience and driver confidence. It is the only light-duty full-size pickup with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance.
New Trailer Reverse Guidance uses the truck’s high-resolution cameras to provide multiple views along with helpful graphics that tell drivers which way to turn the steering wheel when backing up. Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a dial.
Brand-name audio systems from Bang & Olufsen are available on most F-150 models, with an eight-speaker B&O Sound System available on the XLT and up, while an 18-speaker B&O Unleashed system with speakers integrated into the front headrests is available on Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models.
Connectivity was clearly a focus of the 2021 F-150, as USB, USB-C, 12-volt, domestic sockets, and a wireless charging pad all being available. There are also power outlets in the bed, which are perfect for connecting tools.
You can also use the F-150 as a generator–something that can be enabled through selecting a special mode in its infotainment system – which is even enough to power a whole house in the event of a power outage.
Safety Tech & Airbag Protection
Front, seat-mounted side, and knee airbags are fitted to all Ford F-150 models, while its “Safety Canopy” curtain airbags provide protection for rear-seat occupants, too. A 911 Assist system is also fitted to the F-150, which automatically alerts emergency responders in the event of an accident.
Active safety technology is also available, including features like blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, and evasive steering assistance.
Ford’s blind-spot monitoring system does precisely as its name suggests, “monitoring” a driver’s blind zone. Should a vehicle be detected within this zone, radar sensors inside both sides of the rear bumpers fascia will illuminate a warning light on the corresponding side mirror.
Cross-traffic Alert uses the same sensors from the blind-spot monitoring system to detect approaching vehicles from either side while the driver is moving in reverse. This means that instead of slamming on your brakes at the last possible moment (hopefully), you’ll receive an alert when they’re within a 45 ft range in any direction.
Ford’s evasive steering assistance system reads driver input and kicks in as soon as it detects an evasive maneuver is being made. In real-world scenarios, “over” or “under” steer is a significant issue, with a lot happening in the blink of an eye. This system takes over the steering of the vehicle by just the right amount, improving the chances that an accident is avoided.
All of these features are included in the 701A Technology Package, which you’ll find on the Platinum, Limited, or King Ranch.
Given the model’s newness to the market, crash test scores from either the NHTSA or IIHS are yet to be released for the all-new 2021 model at the time of this article’s publication.
2021 Ford F-150’s Strategically Designed Cabin
It’s clear to see that the 2021 Ford F-150’s interior is an intelligently designed space filled with unique features and advanced tech. If the interior is anything to go by, it looks like Ford is onto another winner with the 14th-generation F-150.
Photos: Ford
