Next-gen Ford F-150: Leave the House Behind?

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Even before the pandemic and subsequent economic crash, much talk was being made about living in your car. Specifically, the vehicle of choice would be a spacious yet efficient van. It continues to this day in many corners of the Internet.

Ford apparently took this discourse to heart, reportedly adding a new feature to the upcoming 2021 F-150 pickup that makes home ownership unnecessary.

Preferable, yes, but unnecessary.

As Ford readies its next-generation full-sizer for public viewing in late June, Reuters reports that the model will gain a feature sure to make long-distance drivers, nervous campers, and the temporarily homeless cheer.

In addition to the over-the-air software updates awaiting the new model (a feature that should reduce trips to the service bay while keeping the model’s tech somewhat fresh), Ford plans to make like the defunct Nash Motors and offer an in-car sleep solution.

A person with knowledge of the vehicle tells Reuters that buyers can opt for a lay-flat passenger seat that mimics the lounging chairs you’d find in the ritziest airline cabins. “You can basically live in the truck,” the source claims.

Obviously an appealing feature, assuming usage doesn’t overlap with worry about missed payments. It isn’t known on what trims this seat will be offered. If worse comes to worse, you can opt for a low-end model with front bench seat, or just recline the best you can and try to catch some Zzzzs.

Spy photos of camouflaged prototypes reveal an evolutionary styling change, with Ford preferring to keep the radical alterations hidden. That includes the new OVA capability, as well as the hybrid variant slated to join the lineup in short order (a vehicle Ford touts as a mobile power solution). Within two years, customers will be able to get their hands on a fully electric version.

This week, the f150gen14 forum pointed out a teaser image offered alongside the model’s June 25th launch info (see header image above). Clearly, Ford didn’t take Tesla’s Cybertruck for a muse.

[Image: Ford]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • JMII JMII on Jun 19, 2020

    Given the size of these trucks its likely the interior space is larger then the bedroom in my first apartment. Having internet connectivity gives it another leg up on my first apartment. The price will be close that of my first house so this sleeper cab is starting to make sense.

  • Scott Scott on Jun 21, 2020

    My only question is, Wouldnt it make more sense for the rear bench to fold out into a bed in some fashion, rather than making the front passenger seat a recliner? I have had cars with the front seat the went all the way down, and while you could sleep on them they weren’t entirely comfortable.

  • SCE to AUX With these items under the pros:[list][*]It's quick, though it seems to take the powertrain a second to get sorted when you go from cruising to tromping on it.[/*][*]The powertrain transitions are mostly smooth, though occasionally harsh.[/*][/list]I'd much rather go electric or pure ICE I hate herky-jerky hybrid drivetrains.The list of cons is pretty damning for a new vehicle. Who is buying these things?
  • Jrhurren Nissan is in a sad state of affairs. Even the Z mentioned, nice though it is, will get passed over 3 times by better vehicles in the category. And that’s pretty much the story of Nissan right now. Zero of their vehicles are competitive in the segment. The only people I know who drive them are company cars that were “take it or leave it”.
  • Jrhurren I rented a RAV for a 12 day vacation with lots of driving. I walked away from the experience pretty unimpressed. Count me in with Team Honda. Never had a bad one yet
  • ToolGuy I don't deserve a vehicle like this.
  • SCE to AUX I see a new Murano to replace the low-volume Murano, and a new trim level for the Rogue. Yawn.
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