2019 Ford F-150 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Ford's F-150 has been the best selling full-size truck in America for several years in a row now. The nation's first automaker hopes to continue this trend with the 2019 Ford F-150. Buyers get the choice of six different engines for this pickup truck. The base V-6, the top end V-8, and every choice in between offers tons of power and massive amounts of torque. Acceleration is excellent with every trim level. The F-150 also offers some of the best towing and hauling capabilities in its class.

Ford provides a number of customization options for every trim level. You can get an F-150 in Regular, Super Cab or Super Crew configurations. The Regular Cab is a basic truck meant for two people. The Super Cab gives you some rear seats with two small half doors to access the rear area. Last of all, the Crew Cab can transport 4-5 passengers and offers four-door access. You can also select bed lengths of 5 1/2', 6 1/2' or 8' long. You can get an F-150 configured to meet just about any needs.

The option for a 4X4 package makes the F-150 an excellent off-road performer. It's a great all-weather vehicle, and it comes loaded with plenty of modern safety features too. The ride quality is excellent in this truck. The interior design and build quality is second to none. It's a comfortable truck to ride in no matter where you're headed. The F-150 comes in seven different trim levels. Read on to find out the differences between these packages and which one might be right for you.

 

Compare the 2019 Ford F-150 XL vs XLT Trims. What is the difference?

The XL is the stripped-down, base model of the F-150. The XLT is also very basic but does provide a few more options and creature comforts. Both models are workhorses with all of the power and capabilities you could ever need. They make excellent work trucks due to their simple configurations and lower price points. If you need simple, basic transportation or a durable work vehicle, these two models are excellent choices.

The XL and XLT both come equipped with the 3.3L Ti-VCT V-6 engine. This gets you 290 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. You can tow up to 7,700 lbs. with either model. Both trims get around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg during highway driving. This engine is mated to a fantastic 6-speed, automatic-transmission system. You can opt for an upgraded engine with either model. These choices include the 2.7L EcoBoost V-6, a turbocharged V-6 or the 5.0L Ti-VCT V-8 engine.

The real differences between these two models are in the luxury and safety features. Both come standard with cloth front seats. You can choose a vinyl bench seat for the XL. This is nice for heavy-duty work applications as you can easily hose the truck out to keep it clean. The XLT gives you more options with power front seats and even heated seats.

The XL gives you a basic FM/AM radio. The XLT ups the game with a CD player and Ford's SYNC infotainment system. You can choose this system as an option for the XL, but it may come out a bit cheaper to just get it with the XLT package. The XLT also comes standard with power locks with an integrated key transmitter.

When it comes to safety, both trims start out basically the same. You get the same number of airbags and Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System. The XLT gives you some extra options such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and inflatable safety belts for the second row of seats if you get the Super Crew model.

The XL and XLT are not very different until you start adding on some of the bells and whistles that the XLT lets you choose. Both are meant for basic transportation and use on the job site. Both could make capable off-road fun vehicles as well. If you need just a bit more comfort and the added safety, the XLT gets the job done.

Compare the 2019 F-150 XLT vs Lariat Trims. What is the difference?

The Lariat trim package is your first real, serious upgrade for the F-150. It comes equipped with Ford's 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 engine. This gets you more horsepower with 325 hp compared to the XLT's 290 hp. You get a serious boost in torque as well with 400 lb.-ft. This translates into almost a ton higher towing capacity. The Lariat can tackle up to 8,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

The Lariat has an upgraded transmission system as well. Instead of the 6-spped you get with the XLT, it comes with a 10-speed as standard. You get auto start-stop technology with the Lariat engine. It also provides different drive modes such as EcoSelect, tow-haul, snow-wet and sport. This provides better traction or different steering dynamics for different situations. All in all, the Lariat is a much more fun truck to drive around in.

The Lariat trim brings some serious upgrades to the interior. It starts with standard leather upholstery. The leather seats offer heat and ventilation up front. Sirius XM satellite radio now comes standard. Ford's SYNC 3 with AppLink is thrown in with the Lariat too.

When it comes to optional features, the Lariat gives you quite a few more. You can get more from the infotainment system in the Lariat with a larger touchscreen, a navigation system and B&O Play premium audio. Some of the available safety features include the blind-spot warning system and the inflatable, rear seat belts. There aren't too many difference between the XLT and the Lariat with it comes to safety features.

The Lariat gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It's just as good as the previous models as a work truck. It's even nicer as a comfortable ride to and from work and for wherever else life takes you. It's a nice vehicle for family trips or daily commutes. At this level you get a lot of the best luxury and convenience features without too much of a cost increase from the XLT.

Compare the F-150 Lariat vs King Ranch Trims. What is the difference?

If the Lariat is a major upgrade from the XLT, the King Ranch is even more so. It's worth noting that at this point you will see a major price jump from the base models. The King Ranch, however, warrants the price increase as it gives you all of the performance of the previous trims but in a legitimate luxury vehicle.

The King Ranch comes standard with the 2.7L, EcoBoost V-6. This is the same as the Lariat so you won't get a major performance boost by moving up here. The King Ranch is more about luxury and style. You do get some nice 18-inch alloy wheels with this jump up in trim levels. A much nicer SYNC 3 infotainment system is standard of the King Ranch as well.

There is a better overall quality on the inside of the King Ranch. The fit and finish is nicer and the seats will be more supportive. The front seats will feature 10-way power adjustments. They will also come standard with the heating and ventilation options on the King Ranch. Dual-zone, electronic temperature control will keep everyone in the front and rear comfortable on this model.

The King Ranch steering wheel is heated and wrapped in supple leather on this model. These features are only optional for the Lariat. A universal garage-door opener is included as well. The King Ranch has some extra cosmetic touches on the inside. You'll see wood and chrome accents throughout the cabin.

The King Ranch offers more style, comfort and luxury. It won't be for everyone with the price increase. It doesn't give you too much more where performance and utility are concerned. The safety features are similar too. You get a couple more standard safety features on the King Ranch, but these aren't too expensive to just add on to your Lariat. The King Ranch is for those who want to ride in style.

Compare the F-150 King Ranch vs Raptor Trims. What is the difference?

So far, each move up in trim level has been about added features and luxury appointments. The Raptor trim package is something altogether different. The King Ranch is all about comfort and style. The Raptor is a performance beast. Not only does it have the hauling and towing chops, but it's built for serious off-road fun. The Raptor has become something of a legend among off-road enthusiasts.

It might surprise some that the Raptor isn't equipped with a big V-8. Instead, it gets the twin-turbo, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve, 3.5L EcoBoost. This V-6 engine is actually capable of more power and torque than previous models that sported the classic V-8. The Raptor produces a whopping 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration is surprisingly quick in this truck. Towing and hauling are even better than the previous trim packages.

One of the first things a driver will notice inside of the Raptor is the excellent steering and handling. The driving dynamics feel downright sporty. A higher ground clearance, reinforced frame and seriously upgraded suspension system make this the king of off-road trucks. The grill and Raptor branding add some exterior flourishes and style that will get you noticed on the road too. Ford has trimmed some weight off of the Raptor for 2019 making it almost 500 lbs. lighter this year.

The inside of the King Ranch is all about comfort in a classy package. The Raptor gives you some edgy, rugged design elements. The upholstery is decorated in a tire-tread pattern. Ford's Terrain Management System and Torque-On-Demand further enhance the Raptor's capabilities. This truck comes standard as a 4X4 and makes a great rock crawler. It can truly go anywhere.

It should be easy to select between the King Ranch and Raptor if you're looking at trucks in this price range. It really depends on what you're trying to get from the F-150. Both are more than adequate for work duties and off-road fun. The King Ranch is more upscale style while the Raptor is aggressive and bold. If you want to go off the beaten path, there's not much better than a Raptor.

Compare the 2019 F-150 Raptor vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

The F-150 Platinum comes standard with Ford's 5.0L V-8 engine. Old-school purists may appreciate the V-8 over the modern, turbocharged V-6 options. Some believe it to be a more rugged, longer-lasting engine. It's worth noting, however, that there isn't a lot of data to back up that assertion. When it comes to pure power, the Raptor wins out with 450 hp against the Platinum's 395 hp.

The Platinum trim level offers better fuel economy than the Raptor. It gets a combined fuel-economy rating of around 21 mpg. The Raptor only gets around 16 mpg. All of that power and performance from the Raptor comes at a price. You'll pay that price every time you fill up at the gas pumps. The Platinum may be a more practical trim package for those who prefer to stay on the pavement.

While the build may be practical in the Platinum, it's a full-blown luxury vehicle. It upgrades the comfort, style and luxury over the Lariat in almost every way. The base price of a Platinum model is, however, significantly higher than that of the Lariat. The Platinum automatically gets you all of the upgraded, standard features of the trim packages below the Raptor level. The Raptor, of course, gets some off-road specific perks.

The Platinum gets you the best of the available safety features and options. It comes with a few extras too. Some of the notable additions here are the Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, front head restraints and electronic stability. Ford throws in a full-size spare tire in the Platinum too.

Compare the 2019 F-150 Platinum vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

Moving up to the Limited model from the Platinum gets you all of the extra standard features of the trim levels that came before it. The price increase isn't too bad. Best of all, the Limited model is almost like the best of both worlds for performance and comfort.

With the Limited F-150 you get the same engine and basic performance as the Raptor. This model cranks out 450 hp and provides massive amounts of torque. It's not as geared toward off-road adventures, but it's certainly more than capable of going there if you need it to. The acceleration, handling, towing and hauling are all the best numbers of the lot. You also get the best of the luxury and safety features.

The Limited is a fantastic truck in every way. It can go anywhere and do anything. It has the nicest interior and the most comfortable ride quality of the trim packages. If you have the money, this is one of the finest full-sized trucks on the road. The only real reason to move down from here would be to get a lower price of the Raptor's off-road perks.

If you're trying to decide on the Platinum or Limited, ask yourself what your priorities are. If its simply comfort and luxury, you'll do just fine with the Platinum. If you need all of that and the best performance for towing and hauling, it may be worth the upgrade to the Limited.

 

Final Thoughts

For most drivers, the Lariat will likely be the best trim level to purchase. It's an amazing value for the price. It provides a great balance between luxury and performance. As a work vehicle, very few will need more power and torque than the Lariat provides. Its towing and hauling capacities are about as good as it gets for its price range.

As a daily driver, the Lariat gives you a comfortable ride quality and plenty of nice safety features. The standard infotainment system is amazing as well. The Raptor is certainly a good choice for those who want a serious off-road beast with sporty handling. For everyone else, the Lariat will be your best option. If there are a few features missing from the Lariat, you could always add them on as an option.