Trucks are still the most dominant vehicle type in the USA, and above them, all stands the F-150. Ford’s full-size truck destroys the competition when it comes to selling numbers, despite them trying to dethrone it with all sorts of new technologies and features.
If you are one of the many F-150 fans and want to buy a new one in the coming months, there are numerous models and trims to choose from. To help you choose the right truck for your needs, we will dissect every trim and tell you what it offers and who is it for. So, what are the different Ford F-150 models? Let’s find out.
Ford F-150 XL
The XL trim is the workhorse in the lineup made for people that use their trucks only to haul large and bulky items in the bed. Depending on your liking, you can have this trim with Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Crew Cab, for seating of three so six people. Three pickup box sizes are available as well – 5.5-ft Styleside, 6.5-ft Styleside, and 8.0-ft Styleside. The XL is available with 4×2 or 4×4 transmissions, and a standard 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque, and 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional engines include 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine, and 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine, all equipped with 10-speed transmissions.
Inside, the F-150 XL comes with a decidedly spartan interior with black vinyl floor covering and a small 2.3-inch productivity screen. Ford offers a larger 4.2-inch screen as an option, together with all-weather floor mats, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, an overhead console, fully flat load floor, powered doors with flip key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist camera, and 110-Volt/400-Watt power inverter in the instrument panel or in the back through the console. On the outside, the XL has a 170-degree rear door, black bumpers, door handles, side mirrors, and skull caps, and halogen headlamps.
Ford F-150 XLT
The higher-end XLT trim starts with the same V6 engine and Regular Cab configuration as the XL, with all other engine options and sizes available as well. However, this model adds 17-inch alloy wheels and has a much more pleasing appearance overall. Instead of black bumpers, the XLT comes with chrome ones. Optionally, this model can be equipped with a two-tone paint treatment, LED box lighting, and LED mirror-mounted spotlights.
Inside, the XLT comes standard with a 4.2-inch productivity screen, MyKey, 12v power points in the front and back, manual air conditioning, and Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking. The entertainment system in the XLT is equipped with the SYNC 3 software, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional Kicker Subwoofer on SuperCab and SuperCrew models.
Ford F-150 Lariat
The Lariat trim is the first in the lineup we would consider for people that will use their F-150 for stuff other than hauling. This model starts with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and a standard 10-speed transmission. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine, and 3.0-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel Engine are available in this trim, as well as 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
On the outside, Lariat comes with chromed bumpers and handles, side mirrors, and skull caps in the body color. You can also specify the halogen headlamps with black surroundings. Inside, the infotainment screen rises to an 8-inch diagonal; the steering wheel is wrapped in leather, while the air-conditioning is automatic and dual-zone. F-150 Lariat can also be specified with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system for higher levels of safety.
Ford F-150 King Ranch
The King Ranch trim enters into luxury territory, both with the starting price and features. This model comes with an excellent 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine with 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque as standard, and available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 3.0-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engines. All models can be specified with 4×2 or 4×4 configurations.
On the outside, the King Ranch trim looks much more muscular, thanks to the Two-Bar Style Chrome Grille and Caribou Mesh Insert. Inside, passengers can enjoy Hi-Fi audio, thanks to the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 premium speakers and 750 Watts of power. The carpet in the King Ranch trim is color-coordinated, and there are LED ambient lighting for a more luxurious experience. The infotainment system here can be voice-navigated.
Finally, safety is improved compared to Lariat with an optional 360-degree camera with Split View, and automatic high beams.
Ford F-150 Platinum
Much like the King Ranch, the Platinum trim starts with the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine and is available with 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 3.0-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engines. On the outside, the Platinum comes with a Chrome-Accent Two-Bar Style Grille with Satin Chrome Surround and Silver Mesh Inserts.
This trim improves significantly on safety as well, bringing Ford’s advanced BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), that can detect a vehicle into the blind spot, even with a trailer attached. Inside, this model has almost the same features as King Ranch, albeit with black carpet flooring.
Ford F-150 Limited
The Limited is the highest trim in F-150’s lineup. It is only available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that develops 450 horsepower and massive 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations are available – the four-wheel-drive model even has two speeds for better off-road capability. On the outside, the Limited model comes with a more refined Grille-Satin Finish Main Bars with Chrome Minor Bars, Satin Finish, and Silver Inserts. Inside, the SuperCrew model is equipped with a twin-panel moonroof and unique multi-contoured leather seats.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor trim is specifically designed to offer off-road enthusiasts the best possible experience. It is only available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, and 4×4 system with electronic-locking rear differential with 4.10 rear axle. For hassle-free driving on rocky or muddy terrains, the Raptor is equipped with the Trail Control system, which acts as a cruise control system when off-roading.
The suspension on the Raptor is perhaps its biggest differentiator compared to other models. The high-output FOX off-road shocks are similar to what you’d find on racing trucks and SUVs. According to Ford, these shocks can automatically adjust the damping to the conditions and give the driver superior control even on the most demanding terrains.
