carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $33,638–$45,204 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Ford F-150 at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.4/10. The Ford F-150 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $33,638–$45,204, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Ford F-150 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Ford F-150 is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Ford F-150 ranks #97 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,638 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford F-150 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.9/10 | $38,073 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $38,073 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $36,965 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $35,856 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $34,747 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $33,638 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $32,529 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $31,420 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $30,311 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $29,202 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $28,093 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $26,984 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 16/12/2021 · 21V986000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. |
|---|---|
| Visibility / Windshield / Critical fasteners 18/02/2021 · 21V090000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such,… |
| Air bags / Sensor / Side impact 15/10/2021 · 21V805000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the… |
| Service brakes, hydraulic 15/07/2021 · 21V533000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance. |
| Seat belts / Front / Webbing 23/08/2021 · 21V653000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed. |
Showing 5 of 27 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.