carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $38,683–$51,984 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Ford F-150 S at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 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 S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $38,683–$51,984, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Ford F-150 S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.4/10 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 S is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. 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 S ranks #127 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 76% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,683 starting price is about 10% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford F-150 S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $4,000 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $43,783 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $42,509 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $41,234 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $39,959 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $38,683 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $37,408 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $36,133 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $34,857 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $33,582 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $32,306 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $31,031 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Ford F-150 S's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #127 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 76% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Ford F-150 S starts at $38,683 and ranges up to $51,984 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.