New 2021 Ford F-150 Increases Torque, Towing & Payload
The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 has a maximum tow rating of 14,000 pounds, an 800-pound increase over the 2020-MY, and a hybrid model that achieves 570 lb.-ft. of torque, the most torque ever in an F-150.

The F-150 achieves its max tow capability when equipped with the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and Max Trailer Tow Package.
Photo: Ford
The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 has a maximum tow rating of 14,000 pounds, an 800-pound increase over the 2020-MY, and a hybrid model that achieves 570 lb.-ft. of torque, the most torque ever in an F-150, according to the automaker.
The F-150 achieves its max tow capability when equipped with the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and Max Trailer Tow Package. Meanwhile, the 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid truck is rated at a maximum of 12,700 pounds of conventional towing – the most towing ever offered by any full hybrid pickup, according to Ford. The full hybrid model also makes 430 hp.
Maximum payload increases to 3,325 pounds on the 5.0L V8, with gains across most trim levels and configurations, according to Ford. PowerBoost-equipped trucks debut with a maximum payload of 2,120 pounds for the crew cab 4x2 model with 6.5-foot box.
Also, the fully hybrid has a standard Pro Power Onboard that brings 2.4 kilowatts of standard power and an available 7.2 kilowatts.
Meanwhile, the F-150’s 5.0L V8 gets a bump of 5 hp and 10 lb.-ft. of torque, to 400 hp and 410 lb.-ft., while the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is now rated at 400 hp and 500 lb.-ft. – a jump of 25 hp and 30 lb.-ft. of torque.
The F-150 is built on a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body and box.
“With capability and functionality foundational to F-Series, the all-new F-150 not only tows more and hauls more than any other light-duty full-size pickup, it is built to surpass customer expectations with smart innovations that will make them even more productive every day,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager.
The all-new F-150 adds technology that works to improve towing convenience and driver confidence. It has 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.
F-150 provides customer-focused features including standard 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi hotspot, new standard tailgate clamp pockets, available Interior Work Surface, available Tailgate Work Surface, available Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available class-exclusive Max Recline Seats.
The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. It is built and assembled in America at Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
More Vehicle Research

EV Realty Names Henrik Holland President as Charging Platform Expands
The former Prologis Mobility and Shell executive will help expand EV Realty’s truck charging business and move its power-first infrastructure model into autonomous vehicle depots and other fleet sectors.
Read More →
Mercedes-Benz Introduces Electric GLC With Up to 350 Miles of Range
The GLC 400 4MATIC Electric features an 800-volt architecture, 330-kW DC fast charging and a 94-kWh battery, along with Mercedes-Benz's new MB.OS operating system.
Read More →
Fleet Has a Talent Pipeline Problem, not a Talent Problem
Where will the next generation of fleet leaders come from, and what does the industry need to do differently to find them?
Read More →
Fleet Hacks: What Are You Still Doing Manually?
From daily recaps to repeatable workflows, fleet professionals share how AI can cut through busywork while keeping human judgment at the center.
Read More →
How One Fleet Manager Put a New Spin on Safety Training
Joe Lewis turned a pre-trip inspection lesson into an AI-assisted song, then four safety albums. The experiment also revealed why human oversight matters when AI enters driver training.
Read More →
2027 Ram ProMaster City Starts Under $40K
Ram is returning to the smaller commercial van market with a new ProMaster City aimed at delivery, service, trade, and passenger applications. Starting at $39,995 with destination, the 2027 van offers up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity, more than 2,000 pounds of payload, and multiple cargo and passenger configurations.
Read More →
New Tariff Threats & a Leadership Change at Wheels | AF News Recap
A new tariff threat is creating more uncertainty for fleet ordering, Wheels has named a new president, and we’re asking whether certification is really worth the investment.
Read More →
Certification: What’s in It for the Fleet Manager?
From smarter fleet decisions to stronger career credibility, certification can give fleet managers knowledge they may never gain inside a single operation.
Read More →
Wheels Names Matthew Cole President
Cole brings more than 30 years of automotive and technology experience to the fleet management company, including leadership roles at Aptiv, Visteon and Johnson Controls.
Read More →
AI is changing what fleet managers can build & 849,000 vehicles recalled | AF News Recap
Fleet managers are learning how to build their own AI-powered tools, Stellantis is recalling nearly 849,000 vehicles, and this year’s Fleet Manager of the Year finalists have been revealed. Additionally, we’re examining how to identify repairs that warrant a second look. Here’s what you need to know this week.
Read More →