2021 Ford F-150 Lariat For Sale
If you're on the hunt for a solid truck that marries luxury, performance, and practicality, you might want to check out the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat. Whether you're scouring dealership lots or online listings, this truck's going to catch your eye. Known for its strong reputation and incredible versatility, it's no surprise that the Lariat trim continues to be one of the best-selling trucks in America.
I got the chance to drive one recently, and let me tell you: this truck is impressive. There's no such thing as a perfect vehicle, but the 2021 F-150 Lariat sure gets close. Below, we’ll dive into the details on why this truck should be on your radar and explore whether it really lives up to all the hype it gets.
A Quick Overview of the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat
The Ford F-150 has long been a favorite in the full-size truck category, and the 2021 model year introduces a new generation with lots of updates. The Lariat trim, positioned as a mid-to-upper tier in the F-150 lineup, combines ruggedness with upscale features without completely blowing up your budget (well, relatively speaking). It hits the sweet spot for buyers looking for something fancier than the basic XL or XLT trims, but more affordable than the high-end King Ranch or Platinum models.
- Starting Price: Around $49,000 (although it fluctuates depending on the dealership and additional features)
- Engine Options: Multiple choices ranging from a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 to a 5.0L V8
- Towing Capacity: Up to 13,000 pounds
- Fuel Economy: Roughly 19-24 MPG depending on the engine
- Seating: Five passengers, with available leather seats
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s dive deeper into what makes the 2021 F-150 Lariat special – and where it might fall short.
1. Luxurious Yet Functional Interior
One of the first things you'll notice when you climb inside a 2021 F-150 Lariat is that Ford didn’t cut corners with the interior. The materials are high quality, and if you're coming from a workhorse truck like an older model F-150 or even a Ram 1500, the Lariat’s cabin feels downright posh. With leather-trimmed seats (optional) and a modern infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, it’s clear Ford put a lot of thought into making this truck a comfortable place to spend time.
- Pro: Comfortable seating and high-end materials
- Con: While the seats are supportive, I noticed that if you're on the taller side like me (6'2”), the seat adjustment might not offer as much range as you’d want. My knees felt a little jammed against the steering wheel after a while.
- Humorous Twist: “Good thing this truck’s got a lot of power, 'cause after a long drive, you might need to pull some gymnastics to stretch out your legs!”
2. Cutting-Edge Technology – But You’ll Need a Manual
Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system is standard on the Lariat trim, and you get both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12-inch touchscreen is huge – like, iPad huge – and very responsive. You also get a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for when you're out in the boonies but still need to stream some Netflix.
What really stood out was the Active Drive Assist – essentially hands-free driving tech (similar to GM’s Super Cruise). This feature is impressive and useful, especially on long stretches of highway, but there's a bit of a learning curve.
- Pro: Advanced driver-assistance features and tech galore
- Con: Sync 4 has so many features that it's easy to get lost in menus. Good luck figuring out how to change the air conditioning while trying to find your Spotify playlist at the same time.
- Humorous Twist: “Ford packed this truck with so much tech, I half expected it to ask me if I wanted to join a book club.”
3. Performance and Capability – Let’s Talk Engines
When it comes to performance, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat does not disappoint. You have a variety of engine options, from the fuel-efficient 2.7L EcoBoost V6 to the powerful 5.0L V8. Most people will find the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which offers an excellent balance of power and fuel economy, to be their best bet. With 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, you won't feel underpowered pulling a boat or loaded trailer.
The Lariat's towing capacity maxes out at 13,000 pounds, which is enough to haul just about anything short of a full-size house. Plus, Ford added features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, making backing up a trailer way less stressful.
- Pro: Impressive towing and hauling capabilities
- Con: Like most trucks, fuel economy takes a hit when towing or carrying heavy loads. So yeah, maybe hold off on those cross-country road trips with a trailer unless you own a gas station.
- Humorous Twist: “With that kind of power, you can tow just about anything – except maybe your friend’s bad financial decisions!”
4. Safety Features That May Save the Day
Safety is one of those things we often take for granted until we need it. Luckily, Ford has packed the 2021 F-150 Lariat with all the bells and whistles in terms of safety features. We're talking about automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system offers several standard and optional safety assists that make driving easier and, well, safer.
While most of these features are useful, I did notice that the lane-keeping assist can be a little overzealous at times. If you stray even an inch close to the line, the truck will practically yell at you.
- Pro: Comprehensive safety features to keep you secure
- Con: The lane-keeping assist can sometimes feel like an overprotective parent.
- Humorous Twist: “I get it Ford, I’m a bad driver. But can we take it down a notch with the scolding?”
5. Fuel Economy: Not Too Bad for a Truck, But…
Let’s face it: nobody buys a full-size truck expecting Prius-level fuel efficiency. However, the 2021 F-150 Lariat does a respectable job in this department. The EcoBoost engines are relatively efficient for their size and power, with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 rated at 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. If you opt for the hybrid version, you can push those numbers even higher.
That said, don’t expect to be getting 25+ MPG consistently unless you’re light on the gas pedal – and who buys a truck just to baby it around town?
- Pro: Decent fuel economy for a truck of this size
- Con: Don’t kid yourself; you're still driving a truck, and the gas station will know you by name before long.
- Humorous Twist: “The Lariat's fuel efficiency is like my diet – good intentions, but not always easy to maintain.”
6. Storage and Utility: Perfect for Work or Play
If you’re someone who needs a truck for work – whether that’s construction, farming, or just being a weekend warrior – the 2021 F-150 Lariat won’t leave you hanging. The tailgate workspace is an awesome feature, complete with a flat surface, built-in measuring tools, and clamps. Inside, there’s a ton of storage space with a fold-flat rear seat and large center console.
The PowerBoost Hybrid variant even has an onboard generator, which is ideal if you need power tools on the go or want to throw the wildest tailgate party ever.
- Pro: Innovative tailgate features and plenty of interior storage
- Con: I honestly struggled to find a downside here, unless you're like me and forget to clean out the backseat for weeks at a time.
- Humorous Twist: “This truck has so much storage, I found a sandwich in the backseat that I forgot about a month ago – it’s okay though, I think it’s still good.”
7. Styling and Exterior Design
There’s no denying that the 2021 F-150 Lariat looks the part of a modern, rugged truck. The bold front grille, LED headlights, and optional two-tone paint job give it an aggressive yet polished look. Whether you're rolling into a worksite or pulling up to a fancy restaurant (maybe both in the same day), this truck will turn heads.
But with great style comes great responsibility – to wash it regularly. The Lariat’s glossy finish looks amazing when it's clean, but you'll be reminded of every splash of mud or rain if you slack on keeping it spotless.
- Pro: Bold and rugged styling that’s sure to get noticed
- Con: Keeping it clean is a full-time job.
- Humorous Twist: “You’ll love how this truck looks… as long as you don’t mind washing it more than your own clothes.”
Alex Collantes’ Opinion on the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat
I had the chance to chat with Alex Collantes, a longtime Ford enthusiast, and truck owner. Here’s what he had to say about the 2021 F-150 Lariat:
"I’ve driven Fords for years and the 2021 F-150 Lariat really stands out. The tech in this thing is next level – I mean, the touchscreen is bigger than my first laptop! Plus, the towing power is insane. But I will say, the lane assist can be a little over-the-top. Sometimes I feel like I’m battling with the truck over who's actually driving."
It's safe to say Alex loves the truck, but like most of us, he’s got a few minor gripes. Nothing deal-breaking though, especially when you consider everything the Lariat brings to the table.
Conclusion: Is the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat the Right Truck for You?
In short, if you’re in the market for a full-size truck that offers a solid mix of luxury, technology, and performance, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat should be at the top of your list. From its impressive towing capacity to its tech-packed interior, there’s a lot to love about this truck.
That said, it’s not perfect – but really, what vehicle is? The overzealous lane-keeping assist might drive you nuts, and you'll probably get too familiar with your local gas station attendants. But those are small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
If you're ready to hit the road in style and don’t mind making a few more gas stops along the way, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat might just be your perfect match.
Looking to Buy? Here’s What to Keep in Mind:
- Do Your Research: Look for certified pre-owned models if you want to save some cash without sacrificing quality.
- Check Dealerships: Many offer deals, especially toward the end of the year, or during model clearance sales.
- Test Drive: Always test drive before you buy, to ensure the seat position and handling work for you.
Remember: when it comes to trucks, it’s all about balance. The 2021 F-150 Lariat strikes a nice one between power and luxury – just be ready to sacrifice a little in the fuel economy department.