The Ford F-150 truck line has been known for its quality, capability, and durability. Whether you use your truck for work or just can’t live without one, the F-150 has been the most popular choice for truck owners for decades. One of the biggest reasons people buy a truck is for its towing capability, and the F-150 shines here too. This workhorse comes in seven trims, each with its own powertrain configuration. We’ve broken them down by powertrain, so you can see which is the right choice for your situation.
F-150 XL
The XL trim is the base model. Powering the XL is Ford’s 3.3-liter Ti-VCT (Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing) V-6 engine. Paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain puts out 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. As is, the XL can tow up to 5,000 pounds. When equipped with optional tow features, the XL can tow up to 8,200 pounds. You can upgrade the engine to a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 and tow up to 7,600 pounds. Adding tow options to this powertrain lets you haul up to 10,000 pounds.
The 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine is also available in the base trim. This engine raises the XL’s tow rating to up to 9,100 pounds. Additional tow systems can boost that number up to 13,000 pounds. There’s also a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine option on the XL. Without adding options, this powertrain can tow up to 11,200 pounds. With upgrades, this combination can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Finally, there’s the new 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full-Hybrid V-6 engine. This unique powertrain can tow up to 11,000 pounds without options and up to 12,400 when properly equipped.
F-150 XLT
The XLT trim uses the same V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission standard as the base XL trim. It has the same engine options to choose from but the towing capacities are slightly higher. The base model 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine tows a minimum of up to 5,100 pounds, but when properly equipped can tow up to 8,100 pounds.
Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost ups its towing capacity to a minimum of 7,700 pounds and a maximum of up to 10,100 pounds when adding towing and hauling packages. Depending on your configuration, the 5.0-liter engine can start at a slightly higher towing capacity range of 9,300 to 9,700 pounds and still tops out at 13,000 pounds.
The Power Stroke Diesel engine is available on the XLT. It gets 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque with a tow rating on the XLT of 10,400 pounds at the low end and up to 12,100 pounds when packages are added. Ratings remain the same on the XLT’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.5-liter PowerBoost engines.
F-150 Lariat Trim
A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is standard equipment and it produces 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The Lariat has all the same engine options as the XLT with the exception of the 3.3-liter engine which is unavailable. All the Lariat configurations get the same tow ratings as the XLT trims.
F-150 King Ranch and Platinum Trims
Ford uses their 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine standard in the King Ranch and Platinum trims and drops from availability the 3.3-liter V-6 and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engines. The 5.0-liter engine boasts 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Tow ratings for all available engines remain the same as their counterpart powertrain on the XL trim.
F-150 Limited Trim
Standard on the Limited trim is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that gets 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The only engine option on the Limited trim is the 3.5-liter Full-Hybrid engine. Both these engines have the same towing capacities found on their XL counterparts.
F-150 Tremor
This is a new edition of the F-150 lineup in 2021. It also uses the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine and gets the same power numbers and towing capacity as the XL trim.
F-150 Raptor
In addition to the Ford F-150 Tremor, set for 2021 is the 3rd edition of the Ford F-150 Raptor. The engine will be Ford’s 3rd generation twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine and an increased tow rating of 8,200 lbs.
Towing and Hauling Packages
Ford offers a variety of packages available on select trims. These packages are designed to improve the payload and hauling capacities and offer additional towing capabilities to make the job easier.
2.7-Liter EcoBoost V-6 Payload Package
This is only available on the XL and XLT trims with the 2.7-liter engine and requires the Trailer Tow Package to be added with it. It comes with a 3.73 electronic locking rear differential and a 9.75-inch gear set.
Class IV Trailer Hitch Package
This package is optional on the XL and XLT trims and standard on the rest. It comes with a four-pin/seven-pin wiring harness, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, and a Smart Trailer Tow Connector for Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Trailer Coverage when BLIS is included.
Heavy-Duty Payload Package
This is optional on the XL and XLT trims. It is only available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and the 5.0-liter V-8 engines. It must be equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package. The package includes a 3.73 electronic locking rear differential and a 9.75-inch gear set. It also features upgraded springs and 18-inch silver aluminum Heavy-Duty Payload Package wheels.
Max Trailer Tow Package
This is optional on the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, 5.0-liter V-8, 3.5-liter PowerBoost, and 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engines. It comes with a 3.55 electronic locking rear differential, a four-pin/seven-pin wiring harness, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Smart Trailer Tow Connector, an integrated trailer brake controller, and an upgraded rear bumper.
Tow Technology Package
The Tow Technology Package is available only on the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. It features Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a 360-Degree Camera, Trailer Reverse Guidance, Trailer Brake Controller, and the Smart Trailer Tow Connector.
Trailer Tow Package
This package is optional on the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. It includes the four-pin/seven-pin wiring harness, Class IV trailer hitch receiver, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Brake Controller, Tailgate LED, and the Smart Trailer Tow Connector.
Talk to a Ford F-150 Expert Today
The 2021 Ford F-150 is loaded with power and capability options to help you to handle any job you might have in mind. If you’re interested in learning more about the Ford F-150 line of trucks, you can contact us today. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable professionals can answer any of your questions and take you for a test drive if you desire.
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