Nothing says America more than the Ford F-150. It has been named the best-selling vehicle in the US since 1981. That is 40 years of continuous innovation, improvements, and overcoming numerous hurdles. 

But how has the Ford F-series been able to remain the king of trucks for so long? This is an answer that is highly debated by many, but its dimensions may have something to do with it. 

This article will take an in-depth look at all of the specifications of the new, 2021 Ford F-150. Keep in mind that the numbers may vary slightly due to the several engine variations and configurations that an F-series can be had in. Maybe this wide range of options is what has made it remain on top for so many years. 

How Much Does an F-150 Weigh?

The 2021 F-150 curb weight can be anywhere from 4,021 lb. to a whopping 5,540 lbs. Weight is something that greatly affects a truck’s overall performance from a hauling and towing aspect.

This is a big difference, but given the no less than six engine configurations, alongside several bodies and trim packages, the new F-150’s weight can vary considerably. Modern trucks are loaded with all the comforts you were likely to find in the top-of-the-line luxury cars of yesterday. 

Buyers are getting fussier, so the truck industry has to offer something extra with each new model to entice new clients and keep the current ones coming back.

We know that the chances of you getting a 4,000 lb truck are slim, as the regular cab F-150’s only amount for 5% of all sales, according to Ford, but it is technically possible.

How Tall is an F-150?

At its basic configuration, it is 6’3”, and the tallest being 6’6”. No matter the options a new owner might want, the overall height will remain almost unchanged, making it ideal in situations where ceiling height may be at a premium.

Having a 2WD drivetrain will keep your overall height lower, while the 4WD will yield you the extra 3” in height. An added 3” will not make a huge difference, but the visual aspect will change dramatically from 2WD to 4WD as the 4X4’s front end will stand taller and look more “leveled-out” when looking at it from afar.

If you are anything like us, you don’t plan to keep your truck stock for long. Even tires with a more aggressive tread pattern will change the overall height of the vehicle, not to mention a lift kit.

How Wide is an F-150?

No matter how you spec your truck, the total width will end up remaining the same. This measurement is 79.9”, whereas its closest competitor, the Silverado 1500 is slightly wider at 81.2”. Both of these measurements are recorded without taking the side mirrors into consideration. 

Yes, when looking at it from a technical standpoint, a wide track can mean better handling, but when going around tight city streets, that extra few inches can mean be the difference between taking that corner safely without the added risk of damaging your rims, or even worse, someone else’s car.  

How Long is an F-150?

Trucks are big vehicles, even in their most basic configuration. Add to that an 8’ bed and a crew cab, and you’ve got yourself a vehicle that can easily extend to over 20’. 

Out on the open road, an F150 can feel quite comfortable and easy to drive, but when coming into tight spaces such as parking lots and urban streets, its sheer size can pose a problem for inexperienced drivers. 

Luckily, the single cab, 6.5’ box configuration measures comes in at 17.4’. This may seem long, but when comparing it to the nearly 21’(20.8’ to be exact) of the Supercab Lariat F150 with the 8’ bed, that initial 17.4’ seems like a kids toy. 

Chances are slim that you will notice that additional 2.5’ in real-world driving conditions given the abundant use of safety equipment such as parking sensors and cameras, but the overall length may have an impact in certain situations, such as pulling an extra long enclosed trailer or 5th wheel. 

The laws on overall length vary ever-so-slightly from state to state. If unsure, make sure to check the requirements of each one before heading out. 

What is the F-150 Payload Capacity?

If you are planning to frequently use the bed as it was intended, you can benefit from a payload capacity of 3,325 lbs, which is more than any other in it’s class when equipped correctly.

This is more than 1,000 lbs. over any of its closest competitors. Being able to lug around an additional half-ton of material each time is huge. If you are using your truck for work, the potential savings in fuel, maintenance, labor, etc. can be enormous.

However, to be able to achieve such numbers, the truck must be configured as follows: It must be a regular cab model with an 8’ bed and the 5.0L V8 engine. Granted, this is not the most desirable model as far as resale value goes, but this is the only way to be able to beat the competition. 

How Much Room is Inside an F-150?

While its closest competitor the Silverado 1500, does have slightly more head (43.03”) and legroom at 44.53”(we are talking under 1” of difference) upfront, the F-150 takes the cake in both rear leg and headroom, 43.6” and 40.4” respectively. It is no wonder why most fleets go for a Ford truck.

One of the main reasons someone buys a truck is to haul or tow heavy loads. Unknowingly, most do like a bigger vehicle thanks to the amount of interior space offered, especially head and legroom. While compact cars have their place in the world, they are not sought after for their sprawling interior room. 

The modern truck buyer wants to have ample room in the driver’s seat as well as knowing that their passengers aren’t cramped. Automakers such as Ford considered this when making the 2021 F-150, and offers some of the best interior dimensions in their class.  

Another interior area the F-150 reigns supreme in is the front shoulder and hip room. It is no secret that people are getting bigger in stature with every passing generation, and no, we are not talking about obesity. Having additional shoulder and hip room on long drives can be the key to a successful road trip. 

It is important to note that the models used in this specific comparison were as close as possible in terms of spec. The Ford in question was the 2021 F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew with a 6.5’ bed, and the Silverado 1500 was the Custom Trail Boss edition with a Double Cab. Both were the 4WD models.

How Much Ground Clearance Does an F-150 Have?

A bare-bones 2021, 2WD regular cab F-150 can sit as low as 8.2” from the ground up front. On the other hand, a nicely specced 4X4 Lariat with a SuperCrew cab can have as much as 9.4” of ground in the front. This added height can mean the difference between getting where you need to be or having to wait for someone to help get you out.

This is undoubtedly one of the most important features of a truck. You want as much ground clearance as possible to help you get over bumpy terrain and dirt roads. We understand that some owners will get a lift kit installed to achieve optimal clearance, but it is good to know that you can get over certain terrain with a stock truck. 

2WD trucks are easy to spot from afar as the front end will usually sit lower in the front. This is thanks in part to the lack of front driveshaft, transfer case, and other components normally found on a 4WD truck.