Are you trying to decide between the F150 Platinum and Limited trim package? If so, you probably want to know more about the differences so you can choose the best option for you. We've researched and found some information to help you decide.
Platinum and Limited are the top two trim packages offered on the Ford F-150 truck series. The Limited has more features offered as standard equipment than the Platinum.
Both the Limited and Platinum have exclusive interior and exterior features that make them unique.
There are differences worth mentioning in the following areas:
- Mechanical
- Exterior
- Interior/Comfort
- Safety/Security
- Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology
- Functional
- Optional Upgrades
Keep reading to find what comes as standard equipment, upgrade options for both, plus some information about other trim packages available.
Platinum versus Limited Comparision
Based on a review of the 2o21 F-150 ordering guide and model specifications, below are some differences between the two trim packages categorized by the information commonly found on the dealer sticker sheets.
Mechanical
Both Platinum and Limited have the electronic 10-speed automatic transmission and monotube rear shocks.
The Platinum trim comes standard with the 5.0L V8 with Auto-Start technology and Flex-Fuel capability, while the Limited has the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost also with Auto-Start technology.
The Platinum trim level can upgrade to the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, the 3.5 L PowerBoost Hybrid, or the 3.0 Diesel engine. The Limited has the Hybrid engine upgrade option, but the 3.0 Diesel engine is not available as an option on this trim level.
The Platinum has a two-speed automatic 4WD, while the Limited has a two-speed automatic AWD with locking 4WD.
Exterior
Each trim level has exterior badges, appliques, and grille and exhaust markings exclusive to its trim package. The Limited trim features the standard moonroof, which is available only as an upgrade on the Platinum.
The Limited trim features a power tailgate with a tailgate step and work surface. These features are available as optional upgrades for the Platinum trim level.
The Platinum has polished 20" aluminum wheels, while the Limited has 22" polished aluminum wheels.
Interior/Comfort
Each package has unique interior features like badges and appliques to denote the trim level.
The Limited has genuine wood trim accents. Standard to both are heated and ventilated leather front seats, 10-way power driver seat with memory, adjustable passenger seat, and heated rear seats. The Limited offers two 400W Outlets and Pro Power Onboard. 7.2KW
Safety/Security
Both trim levels offer the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller.
Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology
The adaptive steering and auto high beams with rain-sensing wipers are standard on both trim levels.
Both also offer the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.o loaded with stop and go, lane centering, speed sign recognition, evasive steering, intersection assist, and connected built-in navigation.
What the Limited offers that the Platinum does not is the 360-degree camera and the Co-Pilot Active 2.0 prep package with Active Park Assist and Active Drive Assist.
Functional
Both packages offer a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with HD radio, but the Platinum level offers eight speakers while the Limited boasts 18 speakers.
The universal garage door opener and wireless charging pad are standard for both. However, the Limited provides a standard trailer tow package, including Pro Trailer back-up assist, only available as an upgrade option on the Platinum series.
Optional Upgrades
Below are some optional upgrades that are available on both trim levels.
- Max recline driver and passenger seat
- Interior work surface
- Axle upgrade
- Foldable pick-up box bed extender
- Partitioned lockable fold-flat storage
- Extended 36-gallon fuel tank
- Engine block heater
Which F-150 engine is best?
There are currently seven engine options available for the 2021 F-150, with an 8th option in the works for future F150s. However, you want to know which is the best one.
Fuel economy is usually a factor when considering an engine. For more information about the fuel economy on the 2021 F-150 engine options, check out the official ratings by the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy by clicking here.
For further consideration, here is an overview of each one with a quick comparison of horsepower, torque, and towing capacity.
3.3-L Ti-VCT V-6
This option is the base model engine for the F-150, and it gets the job done with optimized performance due to its twin independent variable cam timing, port fuel, and direct injection system.
- horsepower= 290
- Torque= 265lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 8,200lbs
2.7-L EcoBoost V-6
This engine may not be the biggest, but it is still respectable with its horsepower, torque, and towing capability. This engine option is only available on the XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels.
- Horsepower= 325
- Torque=400lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 9,100lbs
3.5-L EcoBoost V-6
This engine has a best-in-class tow capacity rating and twin turbos for instant power on demand.
- Horsepower=400
- Torque= 500lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 14,000lbs
3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6
This hybrid engine utilizes gas and electric energy without losing its ability to power through any job.
- Horsepower= 430
- Torque= 570lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 12,700lbs
High-Output 3.5-L EcoBoost
This engine is exclusive to the Raptor and is all about raw power and adventure. It's built to withstand even the most rugged off-road conditions without sacrificing power or torque.
- Horsepower= 450
- Torque=51olb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 8,200lbs
3.0-L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V-6
For those who prefer a diesel engine, this one is for you. Using Powerstroke Technology, this is an engine built for longevity and durability. The diesel engine is available on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels.
- Horsepower= 250
- Torque= 440lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 12,200lbs
5.0-L Ti-VCT V-8
This engine has the muscle you want and need. It has a best-in-class payload rating and VDE technology that allows the engine to shut off half of its cylinders when full power is not needed. It is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim packages.
- Horsepower=400
- Torque=410lb-ft
- Towing capacity = up to 13,000lbs
Coming Soon
Could a battery-powered F-150 be on the horizon? It seems so. The F-150 Lightning is coming soon. It will have a completely gas-free motor. The Lightning is rumored to be very powerful, with the ability to tow over 1,000,000 pounds.
It is still unclear when it will be officially on the road, but we know a 2022 model is available for reserve. The fully electric model follows the recent release of the 2021 F150 Hybrid option.
What are Ford's trim levels?
For 2021, Ford offers six standard trim levels and two off-road trim packages for the F-150 truck. Each trim level up to the Lariat offers the standard equipment of the previous level but with more added.
Starting at King Ranch and above, the standard equipment is the same as the Lariat trim level but with variations of additional standard upgrades. However, optional upgrades are available for each package that the dealer or the buyer can add.
Below is the progression of the Ford trim levels from basic standard equipment to the most upgraded options offered as standard equipment. For more information about each one, you can review the available 2021 F-150 ordering guide.
- XL
- XLT
- Lariat
- King Ranch
- Platinum
- Limited
- Tremor - Off-Road
- Raptor - Off-Road
What's better, King Ranch or Platinum?
The Platinum is considered the higher trim level, but many people favor the King Ranch because of the signature leather interior from King Ranch, Inc in Texas.
The King Ranch is more of a work truck, but that doesn't mean that it sacrifices comfort or beauty. Many standard features and even more optional upgrades available on the King Ranch make it a favorite.
What is the difference between Ford truck models?
Vehicles, especially trucks, are classified by Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR. This rating is significant for commercial vehicles that adhere to state travel laws, permits, and hours of operation rules.
Trucks are also categorized by size, which can be compact, mid-size, full-size, and heavy-duty. There are also references to payloads such as half-ton, 3/4 ton, and ton trucks.
Size and payload terms are the more common references when talking about the average pick-up truck. This type of classification is no different for the Ford truck models.
Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a hybrid compact truck with excellent fuel economy.
Ranger
The Ford Ranger started as a compact truck and remained one until its discontinuation in 2011. Ford reintroduced it into the line-up in 2019, and its redesign turned it into a light-duty mid-size truck.
F-150
The popular Ford F-150 is a mid-size truck, also referred to as a half-ton truck, because the payload capacity on the 2021 model is between 1721 - 2856 pounds.
Remember, the payload includes passengers and all cargo inside the cab. Therefore, this means it can safely haul a half-ton in the bed without exceeding overall payload capacity.
Super Duty
Super Duty trucks are meant for work. They are built to haul and tow and are often considered commercial vehicles. Super Duty trucks can be 3/4 ton or ton trucks depending on the model. Ford offers three models in their Super Duty series.
- F-250
- F-350
- F-450
In Closing
Whichever option you choose between the Platinum and the Limited F-150, you will have a luxury truck that you will love to drive.
For more information about the Platinum package, read, What Is The Platinum Ultimate Package For Ford Trucks?
For more information about caring for your F-150, consider reading How To Add Fuel Additive To Ford F150 [A Complete Guide].