Ford has reinvented the pick-up truck for the new model year.

Canada’s best-selling truck just got a lot better. For the 2021 model year, Ford is bringing to market an F-150 that’s packed with innovations and capabilities that are sure to appeal to fleet buyers with a broad range of needs.

While the F-150 has been completely redesigned, including improvements in aerodynamic thanks to new active grille shutters, a new automatically deploying active air dam and new cab and tailgate geometry, what sets this truck apart from all others is the way Ford reimagined how a pick-up could be used.

Tailgating for contractors

For starters, Ford has turned the tailgate into a functioning work surface with built-in rulers, mobile device holders and clamp pockets that allow users to clamp materials in place as one would with any other work surface.

This means it’s now possible to flip down the tailgate, set up a table saw or miter (or any other tool) and plug it into the 120V outlet in the truck bed (available with Ford’s Pro Power Onboard option) and get to work.

Think of Pro Power Onboard as a built-in generator that comes with the truck. Ford says it generates enough power to run an entire job site worth of tools. In other words, instead of bringing along a portable generator to a job site, Ford is offering F-150 owners the opportunity to have one built into their vehicles.

Pro Power Onboard comes in three power levels—2.0-kW, 2.4-kW, 7.2-kW—depending on the engine option you choose. The engine has to be running for the generator to work unless you opt for a hybrid version of the F-150.

In that case, Pro Power Onboard will work with the engine off, but the hybrid will automatically turn on the gasoline engine as needed to ensure enough power without draining the battery.

Impressive interior

Inside, a number of key features set the F-150 apart from anything on the market. For starters, a massive optional 12-inch centre screen allows the driver to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously.

Another key option is the new Interior Work Surface. With the push of a button, the centre console shifter tucks away neatly in order to make room for an extended work area that’s ideal for filling out paperwork, signing documents, working on a laptop or eating lunch.

And for those who have to, or want to, sleep in their truck Ford is introducing Max Recline Seats (available on King Ranch, Platinum and Limited models) that fold flat to nearly 180 degrees, with the bottom cushion rising to meet the back cushion (for a flat sleeping surface). Like a business-class seat on an international flight, Max Recline Seats are a first for truck owners.

The all-new F-150 will be available with no less than six engine options, including the aforementioned hybrid model. Look for horsepower ratings, pricing, and other details closer to the official launch date.