Used 2021 Ford F-150 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 cost?

Prices have softened 6.99% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,709 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and powertrains.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Ford F-150 earns a 4.84/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its powerful performance, modern technology, and excellent ride comfort. They also like the fuel efficiency of the smaller engines and the truck’s versatility, which makes it a strong fit whether you need a commuter, family hauler, or work truck.

The trade-offs are familiar ones: pricing can feel high, and some buyers wish for features like front parking sensors in certain trims. The truck’s broad capability and tech-forward redesign help offset those compromises, especially if you want a full-size pickup with lots of configuration choices.

Good and great deals account for 31.5% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.84/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, with praise for its trouble-free day-to-day use, strong performance, and versatility. That kind of response matters if you want a used pickup you can count on for commuting, hauling, and towing.

The expert evaluation also supports that impression by noting good road manners and a comfortable ride, which are the kinds of traits that usually hold up well over time. Ford’s warranty coverage is about average for the segment, so long-term ownership risk will depend more on how the truck was used and maintained than on any standout coverage advantage.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Ford F-150?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, maintenance history, and whether the truck’s equipment matches the way you plan to use it. Pay extra attention to cabin condition and feature content, since the truck’s value changes a lot with trim and options.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base XL trim is described as spartan, while King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited move toward a much more luxurious feel. If you want the best value, look for a trim that balances comfort and equipment without jumping all the way to the top end.
• Powertrain: You get a 3.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, and the PowerBoost hybrid. The hybrid is the most powerful option, but the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost is the one to target if maximum towing matters.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, hill-descent control, and intersection assist are available at extra cost, so base-trim shoppers should confirm which aids are actually included.
• Infotainment: Sync 4 brings an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims can add a 12-inch touchscreen, and the system also supports useful towing aids like Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
• Fuel efficiency: The PowerBoost hybrid is rated at 25 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 24 mpg combined with four-wheel drive. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost matches the hybrid’s highway mpg, and the Power Stroke diesel is rated at 27 mpg highway with 4WD.

Which 2021 Ford F-150 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Ford F-150 is offered in 6 trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• XL: This is the work-focused starting point, but the cabin materials are the most basic and the base engine is the weakest part of the lineup. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and can live without many comfort upgrades.
• XLT: This is the trim most shoppers should start with because it gives you a better balance of equipment and value than the XL without pushing into luxury pricing. It is the best-value choice if you want a more livable daily driver.
• Lariat: This is the step up if you want a more upscale feel and more convenience features without going all the way to the premium trims. It suits you if comfort matters but you still want to keep the truck relatively practical.
• King Ranch: This trim leans into luxury, with leather upholstery and wood trim that make the cabin feel much fancier. It is the right pick if you want a premium truck experience and are willing to pay for it.
• Platinum: This is another high-end choice for shoppers who want a more luxurious interior and a richer feature set. It fits you if you want a polished truck that feels close to top-tier.
• Limited: This is the top-end trim for buyers who want the most upscale version of the F-150. It makes the most sense if you want maximum comfort and are shopping near the top of the price range.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check carefully for the driver-assistance equipment you want on any trim you consider.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Ford F-150?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,709 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.99% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,679, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Ford F-150's resale value?

The current average of $32,680 sits slightly below last year's $35,135.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give buyers more negotiating room, but it also means future sellers may need to price carefully to stay competitive. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later because you are starting from a softer market level.

The truck’s broad appeal helps support resale, especially because it offers multiple cab styles, powertrains, and trim levels. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.84/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 safe?

The 2021 Ford F-150 earns a good rating from IIHS for roof strength.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 equipment includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, hill-descent control, and intersection assist are available, but not standard, so you should confirm the exact safety content on any used example you consider.

One caveat is that full crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available when this model launched, so you should pay close attention to the specific equipment on the truck you’re shopping.

Should I buy a 2021 Ford F-150 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.99% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.84/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings the redesigned Sync 4 system, an available PowerBoost hybrid, and a broader tech-forward update than the prior year.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,387, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,680 average.
• It offers an accommodating and modern interior with comfortable road manners.

The bottom line: If you want the newer tech, hybrid option, and broader trim-and-powertrain spread, the 2021 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is saving money and you mainly want a capable, comfortable full-size truck, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.