2021 Ford F-150 Platinum CrewCab 4x4

What’s New:

The interior gains a redesign instrument panel as well as a massive 12” infotainment screen (which rivals the upgraded Ram), which also houses a fantastic Sync 4 infotainment system.Pros:

What can you say, the F-150 has been the best selling pickup for over 40 years, for a reason.

Cons:

The Ram is quickly catching up, gaining accolades from all the buff books. Still has an external radio antenna, which Ram does not. Power sliding glass rear window opening is too small compared to the competition.

There’s a good reason why the F-150 has been a retail success for well over 40 years. Besides having several accolades under its belt, it was the first to make the half-ton 4-door pickup so popular, with the 2001 SuperCrew. Similar to the Super Duty trucks, the F-150 has a fine compliment of trim levels to choose from: the XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum, King Ranch and top range Limited. Powertrain choices are plentiful as well, with its choice of two EcoBoost engines, a V6 Diesel as well as a new Hybrid, in addition to the awe-inspiring 5.0-liter Coyote V8, and least we do not forget, the awe inspiring off-road capable Raptor. The latest model that just came out is the Tremor, which is also available for the mid-size Ranger.

However, it’s the Ram that’s quickly garnishing attention, now ranking the number two spot, as well as Motor Trend Magazine’s “Truck of the Year, three consecutive years in a row. With its latest update, the upper trim models gained a 12-inch infotainment screen. After that milestone, Ford needed to make a better mousetrap, so the most significant revision for the 2021 F-Series trucks sports a complete redesign for the instrument panel, including an infotainment screen that now rivals the Ram.

Ford didn’t stop there: It now has an ingenious floor-mounted gear selector (not a rotary knob like the Ram), which disappears flat into the console, allowing for a flat workspace. In addition, the front caption chairs fully recline flat, in order to take naps or take deep sleeps. Last, but not least is a ???? located on the underside of the armrest.

The F-150 has the bragging rights as far as best in class towing and payload. There’s even a 120v plug for power tools, along with a LED cargo light. Along with the redesign IP, comes software updates and cloud-based connectivity.

A couple of unique options that’s been around for a few seasons is “Back-Up Assistance” and what football commentator Howey Long once referred to as a “Man Step”, built into the tailgate. This is the second generation, based better mobility. Even though the Ram has an optional swing gate and the full-size GM trucks have the multi-functional tailgate, I still prefer Ford’s answer.

Under the hood, this one has the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 hooked to a 10-speed automatic. It puts out 400-horses and 510-pound feet of torque. My personal preference is the 5-liter Coyote V8, but this drivetrain performs well, as well as the 10-speed automatic. This vehicle is two-wheel drive but is available with four-wheel drive. My tester came with the FX4 off-road package.

This is a really good-looking truck with 20” polished aluminum wheels. A cool feature is that when you walk up to the truck with the key in your pocket, the power running boards deploy for ease of entry. Not only that, the trim package has a button on the door handle as well as a key pad located on the driver’s b-pillar.

The big story, however, in this Platinum Edition is the interior. You’d never know you were getting into a pickup when you see the beautiful seating and elegant stitching everywhere. There are also genuine wood accents throughout.

When you hit the start button, the configurable dash cluster comes to life and is almost like a mini movie. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more colorful and clear graphics and everything is controlled from the power tilt and heated steering wheel.

The focal point of the interior is the massive 12” screen that sits center dash and houses the fantastic Sync 4 infotainment system.

From there, you operate the B&O sound system, Bluetooth, navigation, apps, and much more, including a cool feature called zone lighting, which allows you to control all the exterior lighting. There are spotlights on both mirrors and a really handy light built into the tailgate, if you need to hook a trailer up at night.

In front of the gear shifter, you’ll find USB ports and a built-in phone charger. Above the Sync screen you can control the cameras and turn off the start/stop system. Just to the right of the steering wheel, you can change the six drive modes, including Sport mode and tow/haul mode. The dash screen changes with each mode.

One amazing feature of this pickup is the gear shifter itself. One push of a button will fold it into the console to create a flat surface to allow you to put something there, like a laptop computer.

You can see it in action, here:

In front of the passenger seat, you’ll find two very handy glove boxes, and there is a very large center console that is soft to the touch.

The heated back seats are very comfortable for three people, and there is a massive amount of room, especially when you fold the back seats up. There are a couple of large air conditioning vents, USB ports, and power outlets.

This truck is completely loaded and has everything I can think of except the panoramic moonroof, and it has a lot of terrific safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, reverse sensing system, auto brake hold when you hold the foot brake down, and evasive steering assist.

Cool features that I love about this 14th generation F-150 are the terrific rear camera system, a power tailgate that can be activated by the key fob, and on the tailgate, there is a flat surface with measurements. There is also a very functional tailgate step.

This truck rides and drives like a luxury vehicle, and the interior quietness is exceptional. Fuel economy with the EcoBoost V6 is good at xx in town, xx on the highway, and with the 36-gallon fuel tank, you get well over 500 miles of range.

Now one would ask what the difference is between the Platinum and Limited trims, which lays at the very top tier. First would be the powertrains, which the Platinum has the full complement, the Limited is restricted to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Second would be on the 4x4 models there is no FX4 option for the Limited. Other than that, it’s limited to each other’s distinctive grilles and rear applique for the bed, as well as each other’s distinct interiors, both high-quality. Naturally, the Limited comes with a higher base sticker( $70,825), yet the Platinum ($62,535) can be optioned to include most all of the Limited’s standard equipment.

We needn't have worried with this F-150, because Ford has devised ingenious devices to make in-cabin appetizing not just possible, but convenient beyond expectation. Ford refers to it as the "Interior Work Surface" which retails for a modest $165. That buys a shift lever which folds flat at the press of a button, and a center console lid that flips open and extends to form a tabletop between the two front seats. In addition to that is the $365 "Max Recline Driver/Pass Seat." This equips the leather, multi-contour front buckets with the ability to flatten like a dentist's chair so you can grab a nap. To assist dozing off, Ford has supplied these chairs with massage kneaders which can be orchestrated to provide any kind of skeletal manipulation you desire.

All this wisdom is wrapped into a spectacular looking cab for Platinum level customers. The black leather is highlighted with Carmelo suede inserts and stitching, and the door and dash surfaces match the offbeat seats with a randomly checked design that minimizes reflection while looking ultra-cool. My tester stood tall on its 20 inch fully polished aluminum wheels shod with Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires (275/60R20).

While you can order your F-150 with a more conventional 5.0Ti-VCT “Coyote” V8 good for 400 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque,

Driving the Platinum level F-150 is a fully immersive experience. It's big enough to warrant extra care in operation around town, it's fast enough to leap ahead of other traffic when spurred, and with its indolent comfort level, it provides an unquestionable testament to American design ingenuity in every aspect of its behavior.