Are you torn between the F-150 Lariat and Platinum trims for your new purchase? It’s a tough call. But I’ve got you covered.
In this Ford F150 Platinum vs Lariat comparison, I’ve explained every aspect that defines these two trims so you’ll gain the clarity needed to confidently select the perfect fit for you. Let’s get started.
Ford F150 Lariat Vs Platinum At A Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of all the differences between the lariat and platinum trims of the F150:
| Factor | F-150 Lariat | F-150 Platinum |
| Engines | Comes with a more efficient engine. | Has the bigger engine as standard. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Solid MPG, longer range. | Slightly lower MPG, flex-fuel option. |
| Interior Features | Similar basics, touchscreen. | Upgraded audio, heated/ventilated seats. |
| Comfort and Convenience | Has slight upgradability in storage, with extra advanced features. | Not as good with storage, but otherwise the same set of features. |
| Safety Features | Standard features, BlueCruise | Same set of features. |
| Exterior Design | Is more built for urban drives. | Taller and more off-road ready. |
| Price | Lower cost, similar features. | Higher cost, comes with extras only good in certain situations. |
| Resale Value | Good features and decent resale value. | Higher perceived luxury, better resale. |
Differences Between F150 Lariat and Platinum In Detail
The main difference between the F150 Lariat and the platinum trim is that the F150 Platinum oozes luxury with its heated seats and fancy sound system while the F150 Lariat is more down-to-earth, budget-friendly, and still comfy.
Now, let’s get into the thick of it and discuss the differences in more detail.
Power And Handling
Winner: F150 Platinum
The F-150 Lariat and Platinum trims have similar setups, offering 4×2 and optional 4×4, so it’s a tie there.
The Lariat packs a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 at 325 hp, while the Platinum goes big with a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 at 400 hp.
Thanks to the Platinum’s bigger engine, it has the upper hand in towing and might feel a bit more confident on the road, offering enhanced acceleration and dynamic handling.
Both trims allow engine upgrades for a personalized performance blend.
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: F150 Lariat
The F150 Lariat runs on regular gas, giving it a solid combined MPG of 22. With a 26-gallon tank, it hits 520 miles in the city and 676 on the highway.
Meanwhile, the Platinum, equipped with flex-fuel, gets a slightly lower combined MPG at 19. Its 26-gallon tank takes it 442 miles in the city and 572 on the highway.
Both have the same tank size, the other features are what make up the differences.
The flex-fuel option in the Platinum lets you use E85, but it comes with a trade-off: lower overall fuel efficiency compared to the Lariat.
If you’re after more miles per gallon, the F150 Lariat is your go-to, especially for highway cruising or racking up overall mileage.
Interior Features And Tech
Winner: F150 Platinum
The F-150 Lariat and Platinum share basics like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a stowable shifter.
Both have a 12-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM, but the Platinum adds a fancier B&O Unleashed Sound System and built-in navigation.
In seating, they’ve both got power-adjustable leather seats, but the Platinum’s are heated and ventilated.
Lariat’s good, but if you’re after a bit more luxury and tech, the Platinum Interior has the edge with upgraded audio and extra comfort perks.
I’ve also felt that the black seats coming with the Platinum are more premium-feeling than the gray seats coming with the Lariat.
Because of the better seats, the Platinum looks better on the inside as well.
Comfort And Convenience
Winner: F150 Lariat
The F150 Lariat and Platinum share basics like keyless ignition and rearview cameras.
Lariat adds adjustable pedals and extra storage, while Platinum brings wireless charging and adaptive cruise control from the get-go.
Both have climate control, heated steering wheels, and cool mirrors.
The Lariat has the only slight edge in this factor. You can get a Partitioned Lockable Underseat Storage as an option.
You won’t miss out much by getting the Ford F150 Lariat- as you can get the same extra stuff the Platinum comes with, installed as Optional Features in the truck.
In terms of comfort, the F150 Lariat and Platinum trims are practically identical.
Both share the same interior dimensions – front and rear headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room.
Whether you go for the Lariat or Platinum, you’re getting the same level of comfort.
Safety Features
Winner: Tie
The F150 Lariat and Platinum trims share standard safety features like a Rear View Camera, AdvanceTrac™, and various airbags.
Both include BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, Curve Control, and Anti-Lock Brakes.
They also have Lane Departure Warnings, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-collision safety systems.
The Platinum and Lariat both come with BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving, giving them an edge in advanced driver assistance.
So, if you’re worried about driving safely, you’ll have peace of mind with either option.
Exterior Design
Winner: F150 Platinum
Though both look the same, there’s a bit of a size comparison here.
Both the F150 Lariat and Platinum share a solid exterior design, but the Platinum stands out with a taller profile (77.6 in.) and higher ground clearance (8.8 in.).
Either trim looks good, but if you need a taller stance and off-road adventures, the Platinum’s your best bet, as it’s more versatile. This is the main difference between both trims.
You can get some flair with platinum badging and convenient power running boards that deploy when you open the door. Both of these are special with F-150 Platinums.
The Platinum’s sharper approach and departure angles (24.0 and 26.3 degrees) make it more off-road-ready.
On the style front, the Lariat offers a large range of 22 exterior colors, while the Platinum is a bit limited with a mere 8.
As a small plus, Platinum also comes with a shiny chrome bit on the tailgate to add to the appearance.
Price
Winner: F150 Lariat
I’ve noticed some folks on the F150 and Reddit forums were a bit wary about a $13k price gap between the F150 Platinum and Lariat trims, but that was over two years ago.
As of now, the Platinum goes for $68,795, and the Lariat is $57,730. The gap has shrunk to a more manageable $11k.
This gap is likely due to the Platinum trim’s added luxuries, like platinum badging and power running boards, as well as its extra off-road capabilities.
Considering the updated pricing and features, it might be worth that extra buck if you’re into the fancy stuff and hitting the trails.
However, Lariat still offers a lot of the same goods at a cheaper price, so it gets the win here.
Resale Value
Winner: F150 Premium
As for resale, the F150 Platinum will command a higher resale value.
Its premium status adds a touch of sophistication that can carry over to the used market, potentially fetching a higher price.
Even though a fully loaded Lariat might have similar features, the Platinum’s perceived luxury gives it an upper hand (especially with it being a couple of grand more expensive).
So, for good future proofing, the Platinum could be the savvy choice.
So, Is The F150 Lariat Or Platinum Better?
If you prioritize power and a plush interior and don’t mind the higher cost, go for the F-150 Platinum. If you lean towards fuel efficiency, additional comfort features, and a more budget-friendly option, the F-150 Lariat is a solid choice.
Alternatively, while eyeing the Platinum, many also consider the F-150 Limited, which offers even more luxury and features. You can learn more about that in my f150 limited vs platinum article.
Final Thoughts
Whether you opt for Platinum’s luxury or Lariat’s simplicity and practicality, rest assured you’re getting the rock-solid reliability that defines every F-150.
So, there’s no need for buyer’s regrets; pick a trim, any trim, and enjoy the ride.
Plus, many of those fancy extras are optional for both trims and can be added later on, keeping your options wide open.
