What is the Difference Between the Ford Lariat and Platinum?
When it comes to pickup trucks, no brand names stand out quite as bright as Ford. The Ford F-150 has also been making a name for itself, and even though it comes in five trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Raptor, Platinum, and Limited), it seems the Lariat and Platinum are the most popular.
If you have been wondering “what is the difference between the Ford Lariat and Platinum,” then you have come to the right place.
What is the Difference Between the Ford Lariat and Platinum?
The Lariat is two trim levels above the base trim level (the XL), which means it does not have as many advanced features and add ons as the Platinum, which is one trim level below the highest trim level (the Limited).
Lower trim levels are not as expensive as higher trim models, but it does not mean that they do not have much to offer. You have to decide what features are important to you.
If you have been going back and forth between the Lariat and the Platinum, then know that you are not alone. Despite both trim levels having their pros and cons, there are still very stark differences between the two.
After you are done reading what each trim level has to offer, then we are confident that you will be able to make your decision.
Differences Between the Ford Lariat and Platinum
Ford F-150 Lariat Trim Level
As mentioned before, the Ford F-150 comes in five different trim levels. While for some that may be excessive, Ford enthusiasts were excited when they realized that they would be getting an array of options.
The Lariat trim level quickly became a crowd favorite. This is because it is seen as the perfect middle ground: you get the luxury feel and taste of the Ford F-150, without paying the large price tag of a higher trim level.
The Lariat trim level comes with an EcoBoost engine, dual-zone automatic climate control, luxury leather seating, and a large and beautiful touchscreen. If a good sound system is important to you, then you will be happy to know that the Lariat trim level offers a premium sound system.
Here are some key features that make the Ford Lariat stand out:
| ● 2.7 L Turbocharged engine with 325 HP and 400 lb of torque. |
| ● 360-degree camera with a split-view display. |
| ● Enhanced security pack. |
| ● Heated side mirrors. |
| ● Lane-keeping system available. |
| ● Max towing capacity of 9,000 lbs and max payload capacity of 2,470 lbs. |
| ● Rain-sensing wipers. |
| ● Remote tailgate release. |
Starting price: $42.750.00 (pricing may vary, so be sure to check with your local car dealers and car shops).
Ford F-150 Platinum Trim Level
The Ford F-150 platinum trim level, according to Cars.com, offers more power and safety options compared to the lower trim levels.
What makes this trim level standout, is the fact that it does not sacrifice fuel-efficient for engine strength. If you decide to go for the Platinum trim level, then you can expect a combined fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon.
You also do not need to pay for the higher trim levels to be riding in style. The Ford F-150 Platinum trim level offers 20-inch aluminum wheels with chrome exterior accents, and that is just the beginning!
Here are some key features that make the Ford Lariat stand out:
| ● 2.7 L Turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 325 HP and 400 lb of torque. |
| ● Max towing capacity of 9,000 lbs and max load payload capability of 2,470 lbs. |
| ● Satin chrome two-bar grille. |
| ● Rain-sensing wipers. |
| ● LED fog lights. |
| ● BoxLink Interface system. |
| ● 20-inch aluminum wheels. |
| ● Power-deployable running boards. |
| ● De-icer windshield wipers. |
Starting price: $55,270.00 (pricing may vary, so be sure to check with your local car dealership and car shops).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you buy the Ford F-150 models new or used?
In short: it is up to you because each generation differs from the next. Be sure to research each generation, see what each model has to offer, and see which generation fits best for your wants and needs.
Some car models do not seem to offer much from one generation to the next, and that is where buying a used model would be the smarter choice. The Ford F-150 started its first generation in 2015, and there have been quite a bit of change from then to now.
In 2018, Ford offered the refreshed F-150. With his refreshed model, Ford improved both the towing and hauling capacities. They added more power to selected engines, making the popular 10-speed automatic transmission more widely available.
A year later in 2019, the Limited trim received a brand new engine while the Raptor trim level received new shocks. The Limited trim level now has the same EcoBoost powertrain engine that is in the Raptor trim level). Ford also went the extra mile by adding great safety features such as:
● Automatic emergency braking
● Forward collision warning
● Pedestrian detection.
Finally, in 2020, Ford made the 10-speed automatic transmission standard in their F-150s. Also, the lower-trim models now have even more options than they did in previous years.
If you choose to buy the Ford F-150 used, then you can save thousands of dollars.
What kind of engine do the Ford F-150 models offer?
Six different engine options are made available for the Ford F-150, so you will have a lot of options to choose from.
| ● The base trim comes with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that yields 290 HP and 265 feet of torque. |
| ● 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine that yields 375 HP and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds when it is properly equipped. |
| ● Many drivers prefer the 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It yields 325 HP and 400 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available for the base trim levels as well. The Raptor trim and the Limited trim comes equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that yields 450 HP and 510 pound-feet of torque. |
| ● The 5.0-liter Ti VCT V-8 engine yields 400 pound-feet of torque. It is a diesel engine that is available for the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, as well as the Platinum trims. |
| ● The 3.0-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel yields 250 HP and 440 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow capacity of 11,400 pounds and a 1,940-pound payload rating. |
What about the other trim levels?
If you are not sold on either the Lariat or the Platinum trim levels, then you can check out the other trim levels. The Ford F-150 comes in five different trim levels (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Raptor, Platinum, and Limited).
For more information on each of these trim levels, please check out this amazing article, here.
What are the cab and engine options?
As if the array of engine and trim options on the Ford F-150 was not enough to impress you, Ford also offers an array of cab and bed configurations. The F-150 can come with:
● Regular cab: features two doors and a front bench that can seat three peo[le, comfortably. If you opt for the regular cab option, please note that this option is not meant for interior comfort. It is also not meant for seating a lot of passengers. It is great for a higher towing capacity thanks to its lower weight.
● Supercab: this option is an extended regular cab but with four doors and it can seat up to five people, comfortably. The rear doors open backward, and there are hinges in the back of every door which makes it super easy to access the backseat. This option is very spacious and comfortable, so do not let the fact that it is targeted to give people give you the wrong impression.
● SuperCrew cab: For extra room and maximum comfort, definitely check out the SuperCrew cab. It has four full-sized doors and it can fit up to six people, comfortably. This is especially great for your friends or family members that stuck in the rear of the car. However, do keep in mind that only certain cab and bed configuration is available with each trim level. This means that if you are looking into the Limited trim level, then you can only get the SuperCrew cab and the 5.5-foot bed combination.
The Final Verdict| Which Trim Level Did is Best Suited for You?
Have you decided which of the Ford F-150 trim models is the one for you?
One of the best aspects about Ford is the fact that they put so much into each trim level, that even if you opted for the base model, you do not feel like you are getting a low-quality vehicle.
Some drivers just love the base model the way it is, and they do not care for the extra bells and whistles and that is okay. While others want all the extra accessories and benefits of a higher trim level, and that is understandable as well.
If you still are on the fence between the Ford F-150 Lariat trim level and the Ford F-150 Platinum trim level, consider going into your local car dealership or car shop for a closer look. Sometimes, reading about it is not enough, you have to physically experience it to know.
For more information about each trim level, please check out this great article by Cars US News for the Ford F-150 trim levels.