Used 2021 Ford F-150 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 cost?

Prices have softened 6.44% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,595 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $33,020.86, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 for different kinds of use.

The trade-offs are familiar: the base engine is underwhelming, the interior materials can feel cheap, and advanced safety features are not standard.

That makes it a strong fit if you want a highly configurable full-size pickup for commuting, family duty, towing, or work, especially if you value tech and comfort. Good and great deals account for 31.6% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, trouble-free, and well suited to long-term use, with many owners saying they can count on it for a wide range of jobs. The expert evaluation also highlights good road manners and a powertrain lineup that supports everyday usability and heavy-duty tasks.

Ford’s hybrid setup is described as making good use of its electric motor, and the truck’s overall engineering aims to balance capability with efficiency. The warranty coverage is about average for the segment, which is worth keeping in mind as you compare used examples.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that higher-option trucks can be expensive to maintain and repair if prior owners skipped upkeep.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean title alone does not tell you how the truck was used or maintained. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear from towing, interior condition, and any signs of heavy work use. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, since the feature spread is wide and base trucks can feel much more basic than higher trims.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup ranges from XL to Limited, and the biggest differences are in cabin materials and comfort. Base trucks are much more spartan, while higher trims add a more upscale feel and more convenience features.
• Powertrain: You get a broad engine lineup, including a 3.3-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 options, a Power Stroke diesel V6, and the PowerBoost hybrid. The hybrid is the most powerful setup, but the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost is the better choice if maximum towing matters more than fuel savings.
• 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 check carefully for missing equipment on lower trims.
• Infotainment: Sync 4 brings an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims can be equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
• Fuel efficiency: The PowerBoost hybrid returns 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 most basic version, and it makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and can live with the spartan cabin. It is the trim most likely to feel stripped down, so it works best as a work truck rather than a comfort-first daily driver.
• XLT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more everyday usability without pushing you too far up the price ladder. If you want a balanced mix of equipment, comfort, and value, this is the one to start with.
• Lariat: This is the right step up if you want a more polished cabin and more of the tech and convenience that make the redesign appealing. It suits you if you plan to spend a lot of time in the truck and want a nicer ownership experience.
• King Ranch: This trim leans into a more upscale feel, with leather upholstery and wood trim that make the cabin look and feel more premium. It is a good fit if you want a luxury-leaning truck without going all the way to the top of the range.
• Platinum: This is for you if you want a high-end truck with a more luxurious interior and strong feature content. It makes the most sense if comfort and presentation matter as much as capability.
• Limited: This is the top-end choice for shoppers who want the most premium version of the F-150 lineup. It is the trim to consider if you want the richest feature set and are willing to pay for it.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check each truck’s equipment list carefully before you buy.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile deals.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,595 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.44% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,020.86, 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 $33,018 sits slightly below last year's $35,290.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you a better entry point than a year ago. For a future seller, that can mean less upside if prices keep easing, especially if you buy at the higher end of the range.

On the other hand, the F-150’s broad appeal and strong feature set should help it stay in demand with used-truck shoppers. Well-equipped examples with desirable powertrains and clean histories should hold up better than bare-bones trucks with heavy wear.

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?

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

Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner include 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 lower trims may leave you wanting more standard driver assistance.

The safety evaluation also notes that full crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available at launch. That means you should pay close attention to the exact safety equipment on any used example you’re considering.

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:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.44% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.84/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brings Sync 4, an available PowerBoost hybrid, and a broader mix of configurations.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,687, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,018 average.
• It offers an accommodating and modern interior with comfortable road manners.

The bottom line: If you want the newer redesign, stronger tech, and more configuration flexibility, the 2021 is the better pick. If your priority is saving money and you still want a capable, comfortable full-size truck, the 2020 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.