Used 2021 Ford F-150 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Ford F-150 cost?

Prices have softened 7.93% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 14,650 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing trims and configurations.

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. They also like the fuel efficiency of the smaller engines and the truck’s versatility, which makes it appealing whether you need a commuter, road-trip vehicle, family shuttle, or work truck.

The main trade-offs are an underwhelming base engine and interior materials that can feel cheap. The overview also points to a truck that prioritizes meaningful refinement, broad configuration choices, and the available PowerBoost hybrid rather than a dramatic redesign.

The market still looks reasonably accessible, with 34.6% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with praise for its powerful performance, modern technology, and versatility. That combination suggests you’re looking at a model year that many drivers feel confident living with over time.

The expert review reinforces that impression by noting good road manners, impressive ride quality, and cabin noise levels that are low for a pickup. It also highlights Ford’s warranty coverage as about average for the segment.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that pricing climbs quickly with options, so condition and equipment matter a lot when you compare listings.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — 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, electronics, and any signs of heavy use, especially if the truck was used for towing or work. Pay close attention to how the truck’s condition lines up with its trim and equipment, since pricing can rise quickly with options.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup ranges from XL to Limited, and the base XL is described as spartan while higher trims like King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited feel much more luxurious. If you want the best value, look for a trim that adds comfort and convenience without pushing the price too far into luxury-truck territory.
• Powertrain: You can shop a 3.3-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, two EcoBoost V6s, a Power Stroke diesel, and the PowerBoost hybrid. The hybrid is the most powerful option, but the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost is the better choice if towing is your priority.
• 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 feature gaps on lower trims.
• Infotainment: Sync 4 brings an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with an available 12-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The larger display and digital cluster make the cabin feel more modern, especially on better-equipped trims.
• 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. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost matches the hybrid’s highway figure, while 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 the interior materials are described as spartan. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and plan to add only the equipment you truly need.
• XLT: This is the trim most buyers should start with if they want a better balance of equipment and value. It should give you a more livable daily experience without jumping straight into luxury pricing.
• Lariat: This is the step-up choice if you want more comfort and convenience features while staying below the premium western-luxury trims.
• King Ranch: This trim leans upscale, with leather upholstery and wood trim that make the cabin feel much fancier than the lower trims.
• Platinum: This is another luxury-leaning choice for buyers who want a more premium cabin and are willing to pay for it.
• Limited: This is the top-end option for shoppers who want the most upscale presentation and equipment.

Ford’s safety tech is not standard across the lineup, so check each trim carefully for the driver-assistance features you want.

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 listings.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 14,650 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.93% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,688, 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 $31,688 sits slightly below last year's $34,417.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to help buyers now, but it also means future sellers may need to be realistic about pricing. If you buy at the right number and keep the truck in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to limit depreciation pressure later.

The truck’s broad appeal helps support resale because it offers multiple body styles, multiple powertrain choices, and strong technology. Those traits tend to keep demand healthy across a wide range of used-truck shoppers.

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 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 lower trims may leave you wanting more driver assistance.

A key 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 exact 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:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.93% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a redesigned interior, Sync 4 infotainment, and the first F-150 hybrid.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,436, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,688 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 mix, and the hybrid option. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2020 is the better value play.

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 stronger technology and a broader range of configurations, while the Silverado’s main advantages are also versatility and easy-to-use tech. The Ford’s weaker base engine and nonstandard advanced safety features are worth noting, but it still comes out ahead overall. The Silverado is cheaper on average, but its poor fuel economy and lower expert score make it the less compelling pick for most shoppers.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.