Manoli Katakis 
The 2021 Ford F-150 max payload ratings were made live this morning. And, like with most pickup truck news, there’s a lot of info to sift through. But here’s the main highlight: maximum payload increases to 3,325 lbs with the 2021 F-150, which Ford claims is more than 1,000 pounds over its closest competition. Probably because they’re using the 5.0L V8 to get there, and not a more basic engine like FCA or GM. For instance, the 2021 Ram 1500 has a maximum rating of 2,300 lbs with its V6 engine in 2WD, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado expects 2,280 lbs max payload from its 2.7L L3B four cylinder turbo 2WD configuration. Granted both of these configurations smoke the base V6 2021 F-150, but who really wants to haul over a literal ton of weight in the back with a base engine in the first place?
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid carries a maximum payload rating of 2,120 pounds for the Crew Cab 4×2 model with 6.5-foot box. However, you may be surprised to hear that the last-generation 2020 Ford F-150 was rated to carry more weight in the truck bed in at least two different engine configurations. The five-pound difference on the base model is minuscule, but the 180-pound difference on the Power Stroke model does stick out.
Below is a comprehensive chart comparing the 2021 Ford F-150 max payload to the last-generation 2020 Ford F-150. Apples to apples, the numbers may surprise you.
| POWERTRAIN | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 5.0L Coyote V8 | 3.0L Power Stroke diesel V6 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 3.5L PowerBoost V6 Hybrid |
| 2021 Ford F-150 Max Payload | 1,985 lbs | 2,480 lbs | 3,325 lbs | 1,840 lbs | 3,250 lbs | 2,120 lbs |
| 2020 Ford F-150 Max Payload | 1,990 lbs | 2,470 lbs | 3,270 lbs | 2,020 lbs | 3,230 lbs | — |
| Difference | – 5 lbs | +10 lbs | +75 lbs | -180 lbs | +20 lbs | — |
Raw payload ratings and comparison charts hardly tell the full story of the 2021 Ford F-150. The amount of technology and new features this new pickup truck will offer is the envy of its rivals at the moment.
Content such as the Pro Power Onboard generator, which we first reported on here at MC&T, is available across the entire F-150 lineup, with a 2.0 kW output available for gasoline-powered trucks. That said, all PowerBoost Hybrid models will come standard with a 2.4 kW output, with an available 7.2 kW output generator coming in at an extra charge. Other highlights include a 12-inch diagonal touch screen, standard OTA updates, and even a fully reclining seat for occupants to sleep on.
2021 Ford F-150 production has officially begun as of roughly a week ago.
