Sam Krahn 
The next generation Ford F-150 is imminent, and Ford is taking an evolutionary redesign of their best seller. Considering the current generation, introduced in 2015, is the best selling vehicle in America, there’s nothing wrong with that. Keeping with the times, the biggest changes will come from electrification and interior tech. From leaked powertrain details, the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid appears to be all but revealed. Now, according to Car and Driver, we know you won’t be driving far on electric only power.
The next generation F-150’s hybrid system will be a small battery pack in between a EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic. While it will be the first plug-in hybrid half ton truck on the market, you will only get about 10 miles of EV range. Huge if true.
If you’re more committed to electric vehicles, you’ll have to wait for the all electric F-150 to get more range, due a few years down the road, or go for a Tesla Cybertruck, a Hummer EV, Bollinger B2, or Rivian R1T. Despite the low range, the hybrid powertrain should nevertheless greatly improve fuel economy. We will have to wait and see if truck owners care that much about efficiency to go for the hybrid.
In addition to the hybrid powertrain, the next Ford F-150 will mainly get exterior and interior refreshes. Expect a new front facia, headlights, and taillights on a familiar body. The inside, however, will see bigger changes. The Ram 1500 has shaken up the truck market with upscale interior offerings and a focus on tech. Ford will play catchup to the Ram’s gigantic 12 inch touchscreen, and offer their own large touchscreen. Based on spy photos, it will adopt a square shape, unlike Ram’s portrait orientation. Elsewhere in the interior, the next-gen F-150 will get a digital instrument cluster, and a general styling update.
Overall, the next generation Ford F-150 should please everyone. Purists will appreciate that Ford is sticking to what works with the 2021 F-150, while others will be impressed by touchscreen tech and hybrid options. The F-150 has always worked for anyone, and Ford’s not about to let that change.
