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

How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 cost?

Prices have softened 7.12% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,618 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 fit for commuting, family duty, and towing. The main trade-offs are a higher price than some shoppers want, plus some feature gaps in certain trims.

The F-150’s broad use case is part of the appeal: it can serve as a work truck, daily driver, or tow vehicle without giving up the basics of pickup usefulness. Good and great deals account for 31.9% 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.

Owner feedback points to a truck that feels dependable, trouble-free, and easy to count on over time. The expert evaluation also highlights good road manners and a powertrain lineup that supports everyday use and heavier-duty tasks. Ford’s warranty coverage includes a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the truck has been maintained properly, especially if it was used for towing or heavy work.

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 accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free trucks. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear from towing, suspension condition, brakes, and interior condition. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, since some desirable features are not standard on lower trims.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin materials range from spartan in the base XL to much more luxurious in the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. The base trim is the one most likely to feel stripped down, while higher trims add a more upscale look and feel.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 3.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, two EcoBoost V6 engines, a Power Stroke 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, and the PowerBoost hybrid. The hybrid is the most powerful option, but it is not the best choice if you want maximum towing.
• 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.
• Infotainment: Sync 4 brings an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Higher trims can get 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 V6 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 it is also the trim most likely to feel bare-bones inside. Choose it if you want the lowest entry point and can live without many comfort and convenience upgrades.
• XLT: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday usability without jumping too far up the price ladder. It is the trim to target if you want a balanced mix of equipment and cost.
• Lariat: This is the step up if you want a more polished truck with stronger comfort and tech appeal. It suits buyers who spend a lot of time in the cabin and want a more premium feel.
• King Ranch: This trim leans into luxury, with leather upholstery and wood trim that make the cabin feel much fancier than the lower trims. It is a good fit if you want a high-end truck experience.
• Platinum: This is another upscale choice for shoppers who want a more luxurious interior and a more premium overall presentation.
• Limited: This is the top-end choice for buyers who want the most upscale version of the truck.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so check carefully which driver-assistance items are included on the trim you’re considering.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to compare listings carefully and move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,618 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.12% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,741, 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 $32,741 sits slightly below last year's $35,253.

That decline suggests the market has become more favorable for buyers, but it also means sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you plan to resell later, the current trend implies that value retention will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment. Trucks with desirable trims and strong maintenance records should hold up better than stripped-down examples 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?

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

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 they cost extra. Ford also planned Active Drive Assist for later availability, with hardware prep on equipped trims and software added later for a fee.

The main caveat is that full crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available when this truck launched, so you should pay close attention to the exact safety equipment on the truck 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:

• 31.9% 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 7.12% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.84/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings the redesigned Sync 4 system, an available hybrid powertrain, and a broader tech-focused update.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,533, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,741 average.
• It offers an accommodating and modern interior with comfortable road manners.

The bottom line: Choose the 2021 if you want the newer tech, broader powertrain choice, and stronger market selection. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the better value path and still delivers the core F-150 strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.