2021 Ford F-550

History/Overview

You’ll be excused if you’ve never heard of the Ford F-550. While it is an extension of the popular F-Series line of full-size trucks, the F-550 is the entry point to the brand’s chassis cab models, which come without a cargo box so you can put a custom body on the back. There are no changes to the F-550 for the 2021 model year.

Available Trims

Ford offers the F-550 in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels. The lineup starts with a two-door regular cab, which you can option to an extended SuperCab or a four-door Crew Cab. XL and XLT are standard with a 7.3L gas V8 engine, with the option of a 6.7L turbodiesel Powerstroke V8; the Powerstroke is standard in Lariat trim. Two- and four-wheel drive are available, and all F-550 models get a 10-speed transmission.

Standard Features

F-550 standard kit includes 19.5-inch wheels, a steering damper, air conditioning, a 2.3-inch driver info display and a 4.2-inch centre stack screen, 12-volt power points, tilt-and-telescopic steering, a four-speaker stereo, a split front bench seat with driver lumbar, roof clearance lights, and auto on/off headlights.

XLT trim adds power door locks and windows, and power-adjustable/heated side mirrors. You also get under-seat storage, the Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple and Android smartphone integration in an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver info display, keyless entry, a 110-volt power outlet, cruise control, and a fifth speaker for the stereo.

Lariat models gain heated/ventilated front seats, Ford’s Securicode keyless entry keypad, a 10-speaker B&O stereo with subwoofer, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic A/C, power-adjustable pedals, power-telescoping side mirrors, side-mirror spotlights, and a power-sliding rear window with defroster.

Key Options

All F-550 trims can be optioned with payload upgrades, towing packages and heavy-duty suspension components.

XL can be optioned with the XLT’s upgraded stereo, and an audible lane departure warning system.

An XLT value package brings auto-locking doors, a power driver’s seat, Securicode, and rear under-seat storage. You can also add power-adjustable pedals, and navigation.

Lariat’s options include front captain’s chairs, and a locking console safe deposit box.

Fuel Economy

Natural Resources Canada considers the F-550 a commercial vehicle and doesn’t require Ford to provide fuel consumption estimates.

Competition

GM makes its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in competitive 5500 HD chassis cab variants, and Ram makes a 5500 chassis cab model too.