Brett Foote
The 2021 Ford F-150 is an all-new vehicle, as we’ve covered extensively in the past. And progress means change, something that truck buyers have become accustomed to in recent years. But while FoMoCo no longer sells a Ford F-150 without a touchscreen, the good old-fashioned column shifter is still going strong and is still widely available in a number of trims and configurations.
| Trim | Column Shifter | Console Shifter |
|---|---|---|
| XL | Standard | N/A |
| XLT 300A | Standard | N/A |
| XLT 301A | Standard | Optional* |
| XLT 302A | Standard | Optional* |
| Lariat 500A | Standard | N/A |
| Lariat 501A | Standard | Optional** |
| Lariat 502A | N/A | Standard |
| King Ranch | N/A | Standard |
| Platinum | N/A | Standard |
| Limited | N/A | Standard |
| Raptor | N/A | Standard |
* Requires XLT Sport Appearance Package
** Requires Lariat Sport Appearance Package
The 2021 Ford F-150 column shifter is standard equipment from the base XL model all the way up through the Lariat trim, until the 502A High package. There’s no bed configuration or engine/powertrain limitation, either, though the column shifter is not available with the XLT or Lariat Sport Appearance Packages, which come bundled with the console shifter.
The column shifter is also standard equipment on XLT 301A and XLT 302A models, as well as the Lariat 501A, though the console shifter is optional. However, to get the console shifter, XLT buyers must equip their trucks with the XLT Sport Appearance Package, while Lariat 501A buyers must also choose the Lariat Sport Appearance Package.
From there, shoppers forgo their ability to purchase a 2021 F-150 with a column shifter. This option is not available on the Lariat with the 502A package, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims, nor the all-new, third-generation 2021 F-150 Raptor. It’s currently unclear if the 2021 F-150 Tremor, which as we exclusively reported, is a trim level and not an option package, will be available with a column shifter. Regardless, it’s nice to see that the 2021 Ford F-150 column shifter is widely available for those who those who need it.
We’ll have more on the 2021 F-150 soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
To me that’s the best place for it. I would prefer it on the column if possible but if not, no big deal as long as I don’t have to shift gears myself.
That’s good news. Love the column shifter. My first car was a standard with 3 on the tree. Also had a 94 Lumina Euro coupe automatic with a column shifter with a front bench seat. Loved it.
I hate console shifters on a truck, feels like wasted space. I only wish the Lariat trim didn’t force a console shifter when you opt for the center console option vs 6 seat option.
Ford needs to allow the choice of column or console without baking it into the other packages. I like the sport package but didn’t order it on my F150 because i didn’t want a console shifter. Sorry but i need to space for my stuff.
I wanted the console shifter on my 2021 XLT but its not available because the sport pacakage doesn’t come in antimatter blue.
Fords folding console shifter is more of a market hype than anything transgressive. A column shifter would eliminate such need. Ford would be wise to design a work table into bench seat fold down armrest and more profits to make. Ford has been riding the laurels of f150 for far to long. Competition is eating into this area every day. Ford used to be the wagon master for years with the two way tailgate but has the lowly Honda ridgeline stealing this 50+ year old idea. Get with it man!