If You’re Thinking of Buying a Used F-150, Look for Models From 2021 or Newer

Have you been considering buying a used F-150? As one of the most trusted full-size light-duty pickups, the F-150 is the perfect choice for those who want value without overspending. If you’re looking at used trucks for sale near Florence, a pre-owned F-150 is a particularly smart option. This truck has a reputation for retaining its value and staying strong for a long time.

The F-150 has been part of the Ford family for decades, so there are plenty of model years to explore. However, we highly recommend that shoppers in the used market check out models from 2021 or newer. In 2021, Ford started making some exciting and truly helpful upgrades to its flagship pickup. Below, we’ll cover the reasons we believe F-150s from 2021 and newer are the way to go.

The F-150 Became Much More Efficient in 2021

Starting in 2021, Ford started focusing on more fuel-efficient options for the F-150. The brand recognized that truck drivers faced a major dilemma: they needed the utility of the body style, but they didn’t appreciate its typical poor fuel economy figures.

So, in 2021, Ford added a hybrid engine option, the PowerBoost V6 HEV. That engine didn’t just improve efficiency; it also improved utility because it added powerful onboard generators to the F-150. So models equipped with this engine make it easy to plug in appliances and tools, even when you don’t have access to wall outlets.

Things got really interesting in 2022, when Ford released the all-electric F-150 Lightning. If you’re interested in a pickup that uses no gas whatsoever, you might consider looking at its 2022 and newer iterations. Simply plug the F-150 Lightning into your home charger or at public charging stations, and say goodbye to gas pumps.

The F-150 Lightning has an onboard generator (its Pro Power Onboard) that’s so powerful it’s prepared to provide power to a typical house for about three days during an outage. Between the option to reduce (or eliminate) fuel costs and provide power to external appliances, the hybrid and all-electric F-150s have attracted many shoppers.

Ford Introduced Some Serious Off-Road Trims

If you enjoy off-roading around Florence, then the 2021 and newer F-150s might appeal to you. That’s because in 2021, Ford added two impressive off-road-ready versions to its F-150 lineup: the Tremor trim and the Raptor variant.

The Tremor trim gets you 33-inch all-terrain tires, ready to tackle messy, muddy terrain, from wet trails to sand ruts. It also has an upgraded, off-road-tuned suspension, prepared to absorb some serious turbulence. A locking rear differential on the Tremor sends the same level of torque to both rear wheels to boost traction on slippery surfaces. You’ll enjoy some impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles in the Tremor, too. So go ahead and tackle that surprise hill!

The Raptor variant is a standalone model that takes off-road capabilities to the next level. It adds a five-link rear suspension for incredible articulation and handling on rough roads. The 37-inch tires are even more capable than the Tremor’s to get you out of sticky situations. The Raptor is even known for reaching impressive speeds on sand.

An Automated Driving Tool Became Available

Do you regularly take long drives around Boone County? Constantly moving between the brake and gas pedal becomes exhausting. Making tiny adjustments to the steering becomes a drag, too. Luckily, in 2021, BlueCruise became available.

BlueCruise can take over braking, accelerating, and steering, allowing for a hands-free driving experience. It works on hundreds of thousands of miles of highways across North America, making the road your oyster—the kind that calls for no hands. This system utilizes a driver-facing camera, which monitors driver alertness; if it senses you take your eyes off the road, it notifies you to re-engage. However, so long as you’re paying attention, the system will take over most major maneuvers for you, letting you take a load off.

The Glory of Headrest-Mounted Speakers

When shoppers tell us that premium listening experiences for their music and podcasts are a priority, we mention this perk. In 2021, Ford added available headrest-mounted speakers. You can’t get much closer to the tunes or the words of an audiobook than that. These special speakers are also part of a pretty awesome sound system. With 18 speakers, the accompanying Bang & Olufsen Unleashed Sound System ensures every member of your crew is immersed in your audio entertainment.

Convenient Tools Built Into the Tailgate

If you’re a handyman, contractor, or similar professional in Florence, you probably need to secure and measure materials often. In 2021, Ford added two work-ready features to its tailgate: clampholes and rulers. You’ll find two clamp holes for securing pieces in place, like wood planks or metal sheets, as well as two stamped rulers, offering imperial and metric measurements. It’s like having a workbench built into your tailgate.

Screens That Are More User-Friendly

If you’re looking for modern technology in a used truck, a Ford F-150 from 2021 or more recently won’t disappoint. In 2021, Ford increased the size of the touchscreen from eight inches to twelve. It also upgraded the swipe capabilities, allowing you to swipe the information from the narrow right pane to the left one; this eliminates the need to return to the main menu to pull up the desired info on the larger pane.

Furthermore, the digital instrument panel underwent an upgrade. Starting in 2021, this panel offers special graphics that show you things like trailer braking gain and incline angle so that you can make informed maneuvers. In off-road mode, this display can show you the truck’s rear and roll angle.

For a Pre-Owned F-150, Look to the Year 2021

Ford really stepped up its F-150 game in 2021, refining this fan-favorite in many ways. The addition of the hybrid powertrain in 2021 and the electrified F-150 Lightning in 2022 were major advancements. In fact, they welcomed in a whole new demographic who previously wrote-off full-size trucks due to fuel inefficiency and pollution. The onboard generators accompanying these powertrains amplify job possibilities, too.

The addition of the off-road Tremor trim and Raptor variant also brought in a new wave of F-150 shoppers. Those who wanted the freedom to leave the pavement, while still needing the functions of a truck, started taking a greater interest in the F-150 when these solid options showed up. Technology improvements like BlueCruise, a premium sound system, and more intuitive display screens really helped the F-150 level up, too. If you’re interested in a used F-150 but want to ensure you get something modern and impressive, check out 2021 and newer models.

We proudly carry used F-150s and would love to help you select the right one for your days around Florence! Our teams have expert insights into not only this truck but also this region of Kentucky. Let us learn about your daily drives and guide you to a quality used F-150. This model has topped best-seller lists in the full-size light-duty pickup market for decades. Once you experience it yourself, you’ll see why. And if you’re already a long-time F-150 fan, you’ll love chatting with fellow enthusiasts at our dealership. Come find a used F-150 in great condition at an amazing price at McCluskey Chevrolet!