2021 Ford F-150: From OTA to Flat Seats, These Are The Innovative Features You Need To Know

Ford’s biggest model, the F-150 pickup, returns with a new set of rags and a ton of new features and innovations to combat rival light trucks. After reviewing everything new with the 2021 Ford F-150We’ve chosen five of the biggest and funniest innovations in this full-size bruise. While the truck looks very similar to the previous model, there are plenty of things owners should appreciate, whether they are hardcore contractors or weekend warriors who treat their trucks like capable cars.

Maximum reclining seats almost flat

We hear something about be able to live essentially in the 2021 F-150, and Max reclining seats certainly support the notion. The seats can be folded up to almost 180 degrees, creating a cozy place to kick back and relax. The lower cushion and backrest cushions meet, while the upper backrest rotates 10 degrees forward to keep anyone supported and comfortable. The whole concept is no different than a first-class airplane seat.

PowerBoost V6 hybrid powertrain looks electrifying

Ford has been pretty good at naming more efficient technologies as something that indicates they actually do more power while keeping things green. The “PowerBoost” V6 hybrid powertrain is the latest example. Engineers at Ford took the 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine and linked it with a 35-kilowatt electric motor built into the 10-speed automatic transmission. A 1.5 kilowatt-hour battery provides the juice and is placed under the truck to ensure that the cab and cargo space are almost identical to other F-150 models.

We don’t have a final horsepower figure for the twin-turbo V6 plus the added boost of the hybrid system, but the electronic engine will add 47 horsepower. Ford also said that the F-150 PowerBoost should go 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

On-board generator Pro Power

The powertrain is not the only electrified part of the 2021 F-150. Ford included an optional power take-off called the Pro Power Onboard that will leave the generators at home. With the option, F-150 drivers will have a 2.0 kW output available for trucks with normal gasoline engines. For those who choose the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, it has 2.4 standard kW, with an option to increase the juice to a power of 7.2 kW.

For the lowest outputs, owners can access the plugs inside the F-150, or there are up to four 120-volt outlets in the truck bed. For the 7.20kW output, Ford will also install a 240-volt power outlet in the bed.

Flip-up gear selector and table

Column changers have often been the norm when it comes to trucks, but Ford said it knows many customers prefer a standard console gear selector. So the 2021 F-150 offers the best of both worlds. With the push of a button, drivers can fold the gear selector down on the console, and that provides room for the truck’s optional interior work surface. The company said the option provides enough space to work on a comfortable 15-inch laptop or eat a meal. It also works with the bench and chair settings. You can do some work, have lunch, and then take a nap in the Max reclining seats.

Integrated Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

The 2021 F-150 will feature Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment system, which houses over-the-air upgrade capability. That makes the truck a super connected machine, and the F-150 is the first truck to provide the skill standard. Ford stressed that this will allow the company to send meaningful updates to drivers without issue, and said it could involve anything from start to finish. Tesla is best known for using OTA updates often to provide entirely new features, and Ford could do the same with the F-150. We don’t think Ford pushes karaoke to the truck, but the possibilities are totally open.