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

How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 cost?

Prices have softened 7.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,814 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Ford F-150 earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10. Owners consistently praise its powerful performance, modern technology, and excellent ride comfort, and many also like its versatility and fuel efficiency from the smaller engines. The trade-offs are that pricing can feel high, the base engine is underwhelming, and some buyers wish for more features in certain trims. For you, that means this truck makes the most sense if you want a highly configurable full-size pickup that can work as a commuter, family hauler, or tow rig. Good and great deals account for 34.8% of listings, so there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviews also point to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with praise for its versatility and the confidence that comes from strong performance and comfort. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by highlighting good road manners and user-friendly tech, both of which support easy ownership over time. Ford’s warranty coverage is about average for the segment, so long-term ownership risk for used buyers comes down more to condition, maintenance history, and how the truck was equipped.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a proper inspection. Focus on the condition of the interior, the operation of the tech features, and whether the truck’s equipment matches the way you plan to use it. If you’re considering a higher-trim truck, make sure the added convenience and safety features are actually present.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup ranges from spartan base-trim materials to much more luxurious finishes in the higher trims, so you should compare cabin quality closely if you want a more upscale feel.
• Powertrain: You get a wide spread of engines, from the 3.3-liter V6 to the 5.0-liter V8, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6s, a diesel V6, and the PowerBoost hybrid; the hybrid is powerful, but it is not the best value if towing is your priority.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, while 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 standard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates; a 12-inch screen is available.
• Fuel efficiency: The PowerBoost hybrid returns 25 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, or 24 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with four-wheel drive.

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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and do not need upscale cabin materials or extra convenience features.
• XLT: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it gives you a more balanced mix of equipment and everyday usability without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Lariat: Choose this if you want a more premium-feeling truck and are willing to pay for a richer feature set.
• King Ranch: This trim leans upscale, with leather upholstery and wood trim that make the cabin feel noticeably fancier.
• Platinum: This is for you if you want a luxury-leaning F-150 with a more polished interior experience.
• Limited: This is the top-end choice for shoppers who want the most feature-rich version of the truck.

The safety package starts with Ford Co-Pilot360, while additional driver-assistance features are available at extra cost.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,814 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.43% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,991, 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 $31,991 sits slightly below last year's $34,559.

That decline suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on how well your truck is equipped and maintained. Trucks with desirable features, strong condition, and broad buyer appeal should hold up better than stripped-down examples. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, 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 safety features 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, but not standard. 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 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:

• 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 redesign adds Sync 4, a revamped interior, and the first F-150 hybrid.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,633, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,991 average.
• It balances everyday comfort with real work capability.

The bottom line: If you want the newer redesign, better tech, and hybrid availability, the 2021 is the stronger pick. If your priority is saving money and you still want a comfortable, capable full-size truck, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

How does the 2021 Ford F-150 compare to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Ford F-150:

• Pros: Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Interior materials feel cheap, Advanced safety features are not standard.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Multiple body styles, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Interior materials feel cheap, Poor fuel economy.

Our experts score the 2021 Ford F-150 7.8/10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.5/10. The Ford stands out for its stronger technology and broader configurability, while the Silverado leans on easy-to-use tech and a similar range of body styles and powertrains. Both trucks have interior-material drawbacks, but the Ford’s higher expert score and more impressive tech make it the more compelling all-around choice. The Silverado’s lower fuel economy is another drawback if efficiency matters to you.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.