Ford has a strong lineup of pickup trucks for 2021. With the Ranger, F150, and Super Duty, there’s something for everyone. But how can you decide which model is best for you? Let’s compare some of their main features.
Engine and Performance
As Ford’s mid-sized pickup, the Ranger is equipped with a 2.3-liter V-4 engine and a 10-speed transmission. You can select either rear-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive models.
The F150 is offered with a range of engines, beginning with a 3.3-liter V-6 capable of generating 290 HP. You can also have a 5.0-liter V-8 with 400 horsepower, a 2.7-liter twin turbocharged diesel with 325 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V-6 with 400 horsepower. For the first time, the F150 is also available in a hybrid model.
If raw power is what you’re after, the Super Duty’s power-stroke diesel engine produces an eye-watering 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine available with the Super Duty provides 380 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to handle most daily requirements.
Towing Capacity
The Super Duty leads the pack with a towing capacity of 24,000 pounds in a trailer. It can also carry up to 37,000 pounds with an extra fifth wheel for support, and it can pull payloads of up to 7,800 pounds. Keep in mind that towing capacities vary depending on your chosen configuration of cab and cargo bed size.
With the F150, you’ll have a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds with the base engine. If towing is your number one concern, you might want to go for the 3.5-liter V-6 twin turbocharged engine, which tows up to 14,000 pounds.
If you don’t plan on lugging such heavy loads around, the Ranger’s 7,500 pounds of towing capacity will probably be sufficient for your needs. However, remember that this capacity is only available if you choose to add the optional towing package. In terms of payload, the Ranger can manage 1,860 pounds.
Off-Roading Capabilities
The F150 Tremor is a four-wheel-drive trim designed specifically with off-roading in mind. It offers extra ground clearance to keep your vehicle safe while going over uneven terrain. Other additions include running boards, Trail Turn Assist, and Enhanced Trail control features. The Tremor upgrade is also available on the Super Duty.
The Ranger offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance on rear-wheel-drive models. You can boost that to 8.9 inches by choosing a four-wheel-drive spec. The Ranger’s Terrain Management System also improves handling on rough ground.
Fuel Economy
In a rear-wheel-drive 2021 Ranger, you’ll get an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel-drive trim levels offer slightly lower fuel efficiency with 20 mpg and 24 mpg, respectively.
The fuel economy for the F150 varies depending on your choice of engine. The 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V-6 is good for 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The hybrid model increases the pickup’s fuel performance to 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The Super Duty and other heavy-duty trucks aren’t typically tested by the EPA for their fuel economy. However, unofficial tests have estimated that the standard engine setup on a Super Duty will get about 15 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Entertainment
The Super Duty offers you a choice between two cargo box sizes: 6.7 feet or 8 feet long. You can also opt for a larger cabin to seat more passengers, such as the SuperCrew cabin, which seats six. However, even the standard cabin provides spacious accommodation for up to three people.
Every Super Duty, apart from the base XL trims, sports an 8-inch infotainment screen and a wireless hotspot. You can also upgrade to a 10-speaker sound system.
If you need more seating in the cab than the standard three seats in the Ranger, you can opt for the SuperCab or SuperCrew options. The SuperCrew cab offers four full-sized doors and can seat up to five people, while the SuperCab has two half-sized doors and can seat four.
To keep your passengers entertained, the Ranger comes with a four-speaker AM/FM sound system and a wireless hotspot as standard. You need to upgrade to the XLT trim in order to access an 8-inch infotainment screen that’s compatible with Apple and Android devices.
The F150’s interior is equipped with several features designed to make it comfortable for you to work on the go. You can fold the center console flat to create a large workspace, or fold the seats flat to have a place for sleeping. In terms of entertainment, an 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G wireless hotspot, and Bluetooth connectivity. An optional upgrade to a 12-inch infotainment screen is also available.
Driver Assistance
The F150 is equipped with many safety features to give you and your passengers peace of mind on the road. Automated emergency braking is standard, and other features, such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning are available depending on which of the F150’s six trims you choose.
One of the most helpful safety features on the Super Duty is its blind spot monitor, which even works when the heavy-duty truck is towing a trailer. You can also add automatic emergency braking and a multi-view camera system. Automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control are also available.
The Ranger comes with a standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Some of the additional safety features you can choose from include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Ford’s 2021 truck lineup is looking undeniably strong. Do you have any questions about any of these models or trims? Contact us today at Wendle Ford for expert advice on your next truck purchase.
Featured image via Ford
Connect with us
