New pickup trucks for 2021: a roundup of all the major releases so far

Innovation continues to move forward in the development of pickup trucks, and that has continued as manufacturers release their 2021 model year trucks. From hybrid options to improved trailering, major manufacturers have brought plenty of new ideas to the table - here are some of the highlights.

There was quite a stir for GMC truck fans this year thanks to the launch of the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV, but Chevrolet and GMC are both updating their pickups for the 2021 model year as well.

On the GMC side, the 2021 Sierra 1500 will feature added trailering capacity when equipped with two popular engines. The 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel will offer an added 1,900 pounds of capacity in two-wheel-drive configurations and boast a max trailering capacity of 9,300 pounds. With the 2.7-litre turbo engine, Sierra 1500 can pull up to 9,200 pounds. Certain Sierra Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.6-litre Duramax diesel, 10-speed Allison transmission and max tow package can handle up to 36,000 pounds of towing.

In addition, trailering technology has been expanded for both light- and heavy-duty models, including features like a trailer length indicator, jackknife alert, updated rear trailer view, rear side view enhancement, and cargo bed view enhancement.

Chevrolet's Silverado models also get similar trailering technology and also improve towing and carrying
performance. In specific 1500 models, the 2.7-litre turbo can tow up to 9,300 pounds and carry up to 2,280 pounds of payload. Moving up the range, the 3500HD is able to pull up to 20,000 pounds conventionally or 36,000 pounds using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel.

One of the world's most popular vehicles made a big statement earlier this year when Ford launched the brand-new 2021 F-150. Headlining the relaunch of the popular pickup is the PowerBoost hybrid engine option, which adds electrification to the mix and brings huge work potential to the vehicle.

A ground-up revision that incorporates a high-strength steel frame and updates all through the truck, the new F-150 is designed to be a work truck throughout. The interior features a number of options such as the Interior Work Surface, which folds out and provides enough room to use a 15-inch laptop or other tools. And if you need to charge that laptop, the available Pro Power Onboard generator system provides power that can do everything from powering mobile computers to driving a mobile metal shop depending on the engine selection. Up to four 120-volt outlets can be installed in the cargo bed, with more elsewhere around the truck. The tailgate is even ready for the jobsite, with clamp attachments for pockets, spaces to hold mobile devices, pencil holders and more available.

The PowerBoost hybrid V6 is the centrepiece of the new F-150, though, and for good reason. This combination of Ford's EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a 35-kilowatt electric motor is expected to give the 2021 F-150 up to 700 miles on a tank of gas and offer at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing.

Ford has also added a variety of connected features and driver assist options, including over-the-air updates and Co-Pilot360, which incorporates pre-collision assist features, pedestrian detection and more.

If you want a truck that has plenty of jam to get to and from the jobsite, or to climb that boulder that hung you up last time you were in the back country, then the Ram 1500 TRX with its 702 hp will do just fine. If you just want to haul the crew and some equipment around the jobsite, there are plenty of more sedate options in the Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty ranges as well.

The 1500 is designed for hard work, with a max payload of 2,300 pounds and trailer towing ability up to 12,750 pounds. The eTorque mild hybrid system is available on either the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 or 5.7-litre HEMI V8, bringing fuel efficiency along with 305 and 395 hp, as well as 269 and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. Also available is the standard 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, which delivers 260 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

Step up to the 2500 and 3500 and Ram provides even more power and capability. Ram says the 3500 Heavy Duty can offer towing capacity of up to 35,100 pounds and a payload of up to 7,680 pounds. Opt for the 6.7-litre Cummins high-output turbo diesel and owners get 400 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. Also available are a 370 hp and 850 lb.-ft. standard-output version of the Cummins diesel and the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 pushing 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

Toyota has announced four Double Cab and eight CrewMax cab models of its Tundra full-sized pickup for the 2021 model year. Available in a range of trim levels including an aggressive Trail package for off-road enthusiasts, the Tundra is designed for the jobsite or the campsite, the manufacturer says.

Powered by the 5.7-litre i-FORCE V8, Tundra features 381 peak horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque in a sophisticated and an advanced engine that manages fuel use and emissions.

Heavy-duty suspension systems include a double wishbone system on the front and multi-leaf springs with bias-mounted shocks at the rear. Every Tundra includes solid stopping power from 13.9-inch front brake rotors and four-piston calipers. A tow package is factory-installed in every Tundra, including a heavy-duty hitch receiver, wiring harness, transmission cooler, trailer brake controller and transmission fluid temperature gauge.

Inside, Tundra has space for five adults, and a range of amenities that include smart technologies such as Toyota's Connected Services, a suite of powerful and easy to use services.

For a lighter truck, the Tacoma features a 3.5-litre V6 paired with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions that offers plenty of power alongside efficiency. Available in 15 different variations, the Tacoma is styled with rugged yet urban looks that will please any buyer. A well-appointed interior and a hard-playing exterior makes the Tacoma ideal for backwoods exploration, city driving or light fleet work.

Honda's mid-size Ridgeline will be launched with a new redesign in early 2021, reflecting rugged and versatile capabilities.
 
At home on dirt and mud or roadways of all kinds, the 2021 Ridgeline is powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-litre direct-injected VTEC V6 backed by a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Some models feature the i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, which automatically sends up to 70 percent of the engine's 262 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportions 100 percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel. The Intelligent Traction Dynamics System, standard on all Ridgelines, optimizes power delivery and distribution for various conditions including snow and pavement for 2WD models, while Ridgelines equipped with i-VTM4 get additional selectable modes for mud and sand.

In the cabin, Ridgeline offers a variety of passenger comfort features as well as a variety of safety and driver-assist technologies including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation and more. A wide bed space makes the Ridgeline easy to load and use for various tasks.