Ford F-250 Lariat Vs. Platinum – Which Is Right For You?

When we talk about pickup trucks, no other brand stands out better than Ford. Their F-150 has consistently been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the better part of four decades. But in this article, we will be talking about its big brother, the F-250, specifically, its Lariat and Platinum trims. We have researched each variant's feature to help you choose which is the right one for you. 

Choosing the right trim for you entails a lot of factors, but this will ultimately depend on what you need and what feature you want your truck to have. The Platinum F-250 will have a more favorable luxury and added features compared to the Lariat as it is tier two in the hierarchy of variants. The Lariat will be cheaper and be more geared towards work than comfort in comparison.

Are you interested to learn more about the differences between the two trim levels? Stick around to the finish as we discuss related questions such as what other trims does Ford offer for their quarter-ton trucks, are Ford trucks reliable, how well does it compare to other truck brands, and more. We will also be suggesting related articles that you might find helpful and interesting. 

Comparison between Ford F-250 Lariat and Platinum, Ford F-250 Lariat Vs. Platinum - Which Is Right For You?

What is the difference between Lariat F-250 and Platinum F-250?

Even though Platinum has an advantage on the Lariat in terms of how loaded it is with features and more luxurious amenities, you can not simply say that the first one is better than the latter.

You would have to consider if the features on the Platinum will be useful to you, because why would you pay a couple of extra thousand dollars for features that you won't need.

That's why in this section, we will discuss some main features that separate both trim models that will hopefully help you choose which one you should consider. 

Lariat

The Lariat is in the middle of the pack as it is the third in the hierarchy of F-250 variants that Ford offers. The F-250 King Ranch is the trim that is between the Lariat and the Platinum. 

This F-250 option has an MSRP that starts at $49,605 for the 2022 model year. Here are some key features of this trim:

  • 6-speed Automatic
  • Rear-wheel Drive (option for 4x4)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity, 34 Gallons
  • Leather Seats
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Premium Synthetic Seats
  • Back-up Camera
  • Cross Traffic Alert
  • Rear Parking Aid
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure

Like other car brands, Ford also gives you the option to choose which engine you can equip your Lariat with. We will be discussing the available engines per trim later on as we go along.

Platinum

As we mentioned earlier, the Platinum variant is tier two behind the Limited when it comes to Ford F-series trim ranking. But this does not mean that you won't be getting good features and comfort with this option.

At a starting MSPR of $67,910 for the 2022 model year, you can expect nothing short of great amenities from this trim. Some key features are as follows:

  • 6-speed Automatic
  • Four-wheel Drive (with an option for 4x2)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity, 34 Gallons
  • Leather Interior
  • Premium Sound System
  • Navigation System
  • Steering Wheel Audio Controls
  • Power Mirror(s)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Back-up Camera
  • Cross Traffic Alert
  • Rear Parking Aid
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • ABS

It is worth remembering that a 4x4 setup is good for off-roading and other mixed terrain adventure, but if you are going for a work vehicle, a 4x2 option would always be rated with a higher tow rating.

If you are on the limited side of the budget, the Lariat already features a ton of equipment that comes on higher trimmed variants in other car brands. It is also the more utilitarian choice as its components are more depth to take a beating and rugged used compared to the posher Platinum.

While the latter is a great option if you want that premium feel, but not over the top of the line, as this can make you hesitant to get the truck dirty. After all, pickups are designed to be used for rugged activities and to be able to take up a beating, but with more high-end trims, it may not be as easy because of how expensive they are. 

What other trims does Ford offer for their quarter-ton trucks?

In this order, Ford identifies all its F-series in trims. For the F-250 series, the word super-duty is added per variant.

The most basic trim is the Ford Super Duty F-250 XL, and then:

  • Ford Super Duty F-250 XLT,
  • followed by the Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat,
  • the Ford Super Duty F-250 King Ranch®,
  • the Ford Super Duty F-250 Platinum,
  • and the top-spec Ford Super Duty F-250 Limited.

What engine options does Ford offer for their quarter-ton trucks?

Heavy duty truck engine

For the 2022 model, Ford has taken the liberty to give their customers at least three powertrain options to choose from. Another great option that Ford added is the availability of all engines across all trims, a choice that some of its closes competition is not offering -with the sole exception of the Limited trim, which only comes with the 6.7 turbo Diesel motor.

Here is the list of available engines found in Ford's quarter-ton trucks. 

6.2-liter gas V-8

  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • Horsepower/Torque: 385 hp/430 lb-ft
  • Stock offer engine
  • 15,000 lbs max towing

7.3-liter gas V-8

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Horsepower/Torque: 430 hp/475 lb-ft
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (F-250 XLT Tremor)
  • +$2,045 for this option
  • 15,000 lbs max towing

Power Stroke 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8

  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Horsepower/Torque: 475 hp/1,050 lb-ft
  • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.2 seconds (F-250 Platinum Tremor)
  • +$10,495 for  this option
  • 20,000 lbs max towing (best in class) 

Are Ford trucks reliable?

Ford F-150 pickup trucks at a Ford dealership

Ford is one of the top brands when it comes to pickup reliability. A big chunk of the total car sales of Ford came from selling their pickup trucks. In fact, in 2020, a whopping 13% of the 14.5 million cars sold in the United States belonged to the F-series, and this is all for great reasons. 

According to consumer reports, the 2021 F-250 is the most reliable pickup truck available on the market. This was determined by CR's database from its annual Auto Surveys and testing across 17 potential trouble spots. The data specifically favors the 6.7 liter V8 as the best performing engine in the bunch.

How well does F-250 compare to other quarter-ton trucks?

GMC Sierra 2500HD is parked at the city street

Comparing the F-250 with its counterparts from GM (Chevy Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500) and RAM 2500, the F-250 boasts an amazing record compared to them. 

Ford's quarter-ton tuck holds the best in towing (as mentioned earlier) and the best in the payload in its class with 4,260 lbs capacity on its bed. This comes at a cost as Ford trucks are known to be a bit more expensive compared to their rivals.

You can say that Ford has mastered the formula when it comes to pickup, and this is evident in how the market reacts to their products as the majority of car owners keeps on patronizing new ford trucks every release.

But no matter how good the reputation a car brand has, if you as an owner fail to do your part, especially in the maintenance aspect, you cannot expect your vehicle to last.

By proper care and maintenance, a Super Duty F-250 can average out 200,000 miles. But it is not impossible for you to even quadruple this mark as some F-250s on the road are on their 800,000th mile and still going strong. 

These vehicles are already meant to be used every day and be able to take the wear and tear of everyday work. Couple that with the right care, then you surely will have a very reliable car. 

How well does the F-250 hold up its value?

2020 Ford F-250 pickup truck at a dealership in Halifax's North End

According to the caregde calculator, a Ford F-250 Super Duty will depreciate 45% after 5 years and have a 5-year resale value of $37,730. Assuming that the sticker price of the vehicle when brand new was $68,913. This also supposes a 12,000 mile per year odometer reading.

But many factors like the overall condition of the vehicle, repair, and maintenance cost history, and even the model year (especially if that specific model has a recall) will all play part in the total value of the vehicle. 

In conclusion

As you see, the Platinum variant has more high-tech features and premium interior materials compared to the Lariat. If you are going for a more comfortable and less rugged look, then the Platinum could be the rig for you.

But if you are on the lookout for a truck that can be used as work stead and at the same time function as a family or recreational vehicle for RVing, then you might want to give the Lariat a try. But no matter what you choose, you can always assure you will have your money's worth with these choices. 

Here are some articles that we have previously written, so go ahead and give them a read.  

What’s The Best DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) For Ford F250?

Can You Convert An F250 To An F350? [Pros, Cons, And How To]

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