What’s New for Ford in 2021?

The 2021 model year is a big one for Ford. The Blue Oval will bring back the Bronco SUV for the first time in decades (barring more unforeseen delays) and add the nifty compact Bronco Sport to the lineup. The hot-selling F-150 pickup truck also gets a subtle redesign, an available hybrid powertrain and a ton of useful features. The Mustang name will appear on an SUV in the form of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. And speaking of Mustangs and SUVs, 2021 will be Ford’s first nearly carless year, with the Mustang and (for a select few) GT supercar as its only vehicles in the U.S. market that aren’t SUVs or pickup trucks.

Related: 2021 Ford F-150 Review: Keeping the Champion in Top Condition

Let’s look at what’s new for Ford in 2021, broken down by vehicle type.

All-New Models

2021 Bronco

The Bronco returns after a decades-long hiatus, and we’re excited to drive it. With an available seven-speed manual and best-in-class crawl ratio, the impressive Sasquatch Package and a host of factory accessories, the Bronco looks set to give the Jeep Wrangler a run for its money. Deliveries have been pushed back to the summer barring further delays, unfortunately, and Broncos equipped with the manual and Sasquatch Package are now coming for the 2022 model year, but some Broncos will still be 2021s. To see what the new Bronco is all about, take a look at our coverage of it so far.

2021 Bronco Sport

If you want the Bronco name without the Bronco size, there’s also the new Bronco Sport, which is very capable in its own right. Check out the details and what we think of the Bronco Sport after driving it.

2021 Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s addition of the Mustang name to an all-electric SUV may upset nameplate purists, but the automaker hopes the Mustang Mach-E’s performance and features are enough to assuage those fears. Learn more about the Mustang Mach-E via our comprehensive coverage. 

Cars

2021 Mustang

The Mustang will bring back the Mach 1 name on what Ford calls “the most track-capable 5.0-liter V-8-powered Mustang ever,” while the beloved Shelby GT350 will be discontinued after the 2020 model year. EcoBoost four-cylinder and 5.0-liter V-8-powered Mustangs will also come with Ford CoPilot360 as standard equipment for 2021.

2021 Ford GT

There’s no information available on the 2021 GT at the time of this writing.

SUVs

2021 EcoSport

A new appearance package is available on the mid-level SE, and two new 17-inch wheel designs are available to the model. SES and higher models get a standard six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and faux leather upholstery is standard on the range-topping trim, Titanium. The SE and higher come standard with a cargo cover and package tray.

2021 Escape, Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid

Ford is introducing a plug-in-hybrid version of the Escape for 2021 (a gas-only engine is also available), which is available on every trim but the S and SE Sport. It has what Ford says is 37 miles of electric-only range according to EPA estimates and a combined 100 mpg-equivalent rating. The hybrid powertrain sans plug-in is now standard on the range-topping trim, Titanium, as is Ford CoPilot360 Assist Plus with adaptive cruise control and speed-sign recognition; those features are available on SE and SES. Finally, other interior and exterior appearance updates come for 2021, as well.

2021 Edge

The most significant update for the 2021 Edge is the addition of a standard 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4, Ford’s latest user interface. As before, an ST Line trim offers the appearance of the performance ST model without the actual performance.

2021 Explorer

XLT models can be equipped with a new Sport Appearance Package as part of the 202A options group, adding dark-gray 20-inch wheels and exterior accents. Available wheel sizes now range from 18 to 21 inches. The High-Performance Pack for the ST adds standard high-performance brake pads.

2021 Expedition, Expedition Max

The Expedition Max, an extended-length version of the Expedition, is now available on all trim levels. A new STX Package adds a unique five-bar chrome grille and interior updates, including an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3. New wheel options from 17 to 22 inches are available.

Pickup Trucks

2021 Ranger

A new Tremor Off-Road Package adds bigger tires and under-the-skin upgrades to create a factory-built off-road truck. An STX Special Edition Package is also available, adding a set of black 18-inch wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2021 F-150

There’s far too much to list everything here, but the redesigned F-150 gets subtle appearance updates, a newly available hybrid powertrain, an available on-board generator, a Tremor package of its own, a larger available touchscreen with Sync 4 and eventual hands-free driving on certain trims, not to mention much more. We’re still waiting for news on a Raptor version, and an all-electric F-150 is reportedly on its way, though it’s likely neither will come as a 2021 model. Check out our full review for more details on the new F-150 and be sure to check out the F-150 coverage on our sister site, PickupTrucks.com.

2021 F-Series Super Duty

Little has changed for the 2021 Super Duty, as most updates to the heavy-duty pickups happened for the 2020 model year. A bed step is now optional on trim levels from XL up to Platinum.

Vans

2021 Transit

The Transit received a host of updates for the 2020 model year. Our sister site PickupTrucks.com has all the details, but they include a new crew van (passengers plus cargo) configuration, new powertrain choices, a new all-wheel-drive system that doesn’t compromise seating or load floor height, a new interior and much more. On the heels of all that, Ford has yet to announce any updates as of this writing for 2021.

2021 Transit Connect

There are few changes with the 2021 Transit Connect, but the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission can now be ordered with a prep pack to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

More From Cars.com:

• Ford Explorer: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?
• Ford Moves Back 2021 Bronco Deliveries to Summer
• 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Review: Who Ordered the Budget Land Rover?
• Ford Mustang Mach-E Matches Tesla Model Y for 0-to-60 mph
• Here’s How Much the 2021 Ford F-150 Costs

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.