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The Ford F-150 Lariat is a popular, mid- to high-level trim of the F-150 pickup truck. It balances luxury, technology, and capability, featuring:
The Ford F-150 Tremor is a more off-road-focused trim level. It’s designed to be more capable in challenging terrains than the Lariat.
Mechanicals: Upgraded suspension with increased travel, specialized shocks, a wider track, and locking rear differential.
When it comes to picking the best value truck between the Ford F-150 Lariat and the F-150 Tremor, you might think the choice is simple. But as I break down the specifications, features, and pricing, you’ll see that Ford’s decision-making process might not be as logical as you’d expect. Let’s get into it.
Front Grille & Badging:
Bumper & Skid Plates:
Wheels & Tires:
Suspension & Stance:
Lighting & Tow Hooks:
Seating & Materials:
Dashboard & Technology:
Center Console & Shifter:
On the surface, the Tremor is just slightly more expensive. However, these two trucks cater to very different customers. The Lariat leans towards luxury and comfort, while the Tremor is marketed as a rugged off-road vehicle. But does the Tremor justify its higher price tag? Let’s dig into the details.
Ford has made some questionable choices when it comes to standard and optional equipment. A prime example is rain-sensing wipers, which are standard on the Lariat but an option on the Tremor. Why would an off-road truck not come standard with a feature that improves visibility in poor conditions? If someone from Ford can explain this, I’d love to know.
Similarly, the LED lighting package is another area where the Tremor falls short. The Lariat includes LED fog lamps with cornering lamps, LED projector headlights with dynamic bending, and LED tail lamps as standard. But on the Tremor? These are all options. Again, why does a more expensive, visually striking model lack these features as standard?
The Tremor does come with unique off-road enhancements, such as:
Hill Descent Control (standard on the Tremor, missing from the Lariat)
Trail Control with One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist
Electronic Locking Rear Differential
9.75-inch Gear Set and Axle Upgrade
While these features are great for hardcore off-roading, they don’t hold much resale value. If you’re buying a Tremor specifically for these capabilities, you’ll appreciate them. But for the average buyer, they don’t add significant monetary value in a typical three-year ownership cycle.
The Tremor does stand out visually with its rugged styling, and I’ve assigned it a $750 exterior value premium over the Lariat. This includes unique bumpers, decals, and body-colored trim. If you prefer the aggressive look, it might be worth the extra cost.
Both models come with alloy wheels, which means there’s no additional value from a resale standpoint. Unless you’re moving from steel to alloy wheels, changes in size or design don’t impact resale figures significantly.
Both trucks come with the 5.0L V8 engine as standard, with optional EcoBoost V6 or hybrid setups on the Lariat. Since the base powertrain is the same, there’s no difference in value.
Specification | F-150 Lariat | F-150 Tremor |
---|---|---|
Engine Options | 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Standard) |
Horsepower | 325-400 hp (depending on engine) | 400 hp |
Torque | 400-500 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain | 4x2 or 4x4 | 4x4 (Standard) |
Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 10.9 inches |
Wheels & Tires | 18"-20" alloy wheels, road tires | 18" alloy wheels, 33" all-terrain tires |
Suspension | Standard F-150 Suspension | Off-road tuned suspension with extra travel |
Skid Plates | Optional | Heavy-duty skid plates (Standard) |
Towing Capacity | Up to 13,000 lbs (varies by engine) | Up to 10,900 lbs |
Interior Features | Leather-trimmed seats, premium infotainment | Sport seats with orange accents, rugged interior |
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Let’s compare the Lariat and Tremor, focusing on their key features and how they impact value.
We’ll examine the differences between the Lariat’s emphasis on premium amenities like LED lighting, leather seating, and advanced infotainment versus the Tremor’s focus on off-road enhancements.
Understanding the value proposition of each approach – luxury vs capability – will help you determine which best aligns with your needs and priorities, both for practical use and potential resale.
All valuations below are based on a 36-month/60,000-mile ownership profile.
33-Inch All-Terrain Tires & Unique Wheels
The Tremor comes equipped with 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires and unique matte-finish wheels. These improve off-road grip and durability, but larger tires can increase road noise and reduce fuel economy. From a resale perspective, these add moderate value ($1,200) but are mostly a functional upgrade for off-roaders.
Off-Road Tuned Suspension & Increased Ground Clearance
With special Tremor shocks and a retuned suspension, the ride quality over rough terrain is noticeably improved. The Tremor also sits 2 inches higher in the front, providing 10.9 inches of ground clearance (compared to 8.7 inches on standard models). This upgrade is valued at $1,500 for off-road enthusiasts but offers little financial return for resale.
Standard 4×4 with Off-Road Drive Modes
The Tremor comes standard with 4-wheel drive, along with Trail Control, Rock Crawl mode, and a locking rear differential. This makes it significantly more capable on dirt, mud, and rocky terrain. While adding 4WD aftermarket can be costly, factory integration ensures reliability and a resale boost ($2,000).
Skid Plates & Underbody Protection
With steel skid plates protecting the front differential, transfer case, and fuel tank, the Tremor is built to handle rough terrain. This upgrade, valued at around $1,000, is a must-have for serious off-roaders but doesn’t contribute much to resale value.
Exterior Design & Functional Enhancements
The Tremor stands out with a unique grille, orange accents, and a more aggressive front end. It also features fixed running boards that are higher-mounted for better clearance. These cosmetic changes add exclusivity but hold minimal monetary value ($500).
The Tremor is a fantastic upgrade for those who plan to go off-road frequently. You’re getting a purpose-built truck with serious capability right from the factory.
However, if you primarily use your truck for towing, daily driving, or highway miles, the Tremor’s upgrades won’t provide much added value, and in some cases, they slightly reduce max towing capacity.
If off-roading is a priority, the Tremor is worth every penny. Otherwise, you may be better off sticking with a standard F-150 trim and adding select upgrades.
Leather-Trimmed Interior & Heated/Ventilated Seats
The Lariat upgrades from cloth to premium leather-trimmed seats, along with heated and ventilated front seats. Leather interiors increase resale value ($1,500) and improve durability over time. The heated and ventilated seats add year-round comfort and are worth an estimated $1,000 in added value.
12-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster & Sync 4 with Enhanced Features
The 12-inch digital gauge cluster replaces traditional analog dials, providing customizable displays and better visibility. The SYNC 4 infotainment system includes voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Technology upgrades like these add around $1,200 in value, especially for modern buyers.
LED Projector Headlights with Dynamic Bending
The Lariat features LED projector headlights with dynamic bending, meaning they adjust as you steer. Better nighttime visibility and a premium look add around $800 in value, though lighting technology advances quickly, so it won’t significantly impact long-term resale.
Remote Start & Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
Convenience features like remote start, intelligent access, and push-button start make everyday use easier. While not critical for resale, they add around $500 in perceived value for buyers.
B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
The 8-speaker B&O sound system delivers a richer audio experience compared to lower trims. Factory premium sound systems can increase desirability ($750 in value) but won’t necessarily add much to resale unless paired with a luxury package.
Power-Folding Mirrors & Advanced Safety Features
Lariat trims come with power-folding side mirrors, making parking and tight spaces easier. It also adds Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and evasive steering assist. These safety features add around $1,000 in functional value, particularly for long-distance drivers.
If you want more comfort, advanced tech, and a premium interior without stepping into luxury pricing territory, the Lariat is a great investment. The leather seats, digital displays, and extra safety tech boost resale value more than off-road upgrades like the Tremor.
For those who prioritize daily driving comfort, long highway trips, and tech features, the Lariat is worth the upgrade. If off-roading or heavy towing is the goal, other trims might be better suited.
MSRP: The base price for the Ford F150 Lariat starts around $63,260.
Higher trims: Models like the Tremor can exceed $64,815 depending on optional features and configurations.
Longer-Term Costs:
Estimating Overall Costs:
Tremor maintenance is a bit unique:
General Maintenance Still Applies:
Cost Considerations:
Choosing between the Ford F-150 Lariat and Tremor involves weighing luxury against off-road capability, and that extends to insurance costs too. The Lariat, as a premium but more mainstream trim, generally sees lower insurance premiums due to its lower MSRP, potentially lower repair costs, and possibly perceived lower theft risk.
The Tremor, designed for off-road adventures, often has higher insurance costs due to a higher MSRP, potentially pricier and harder-to-find parts, and a perceived higher risk from its intended use. However, individual factors like driving history, location, and coverage choices play a huge role.
Ford F-150 Lariat:
Ford F-150 Tremor:
What This Means:
Extended Warranty Options:
Specific Considerations for the Tremor:
Consider the Lariat if:
Consider the Tremor if:
Here’s a simple decision-making framework:
The biggest difference is their focus. The Lariat prioritizes luxury, comfort, and everyday usability, while the Tremor is designed for off-road performance and ruggedness.
Both the Lariat and Tremor are capable tow vehicles. The Lariat, with its broader range of available engines and potentially higher payload capacity (depending on configuration), might be slightly better suited for heavy towing. However, the Tremor is still very capable, and its upgraded suspension can be beneficial when towing off-road or on uneven surfaces.
Fuel economy can vary depending on the engine and configuration for both trucks. However, due to the Tremor’s off-road tires and potentially higher ride height, it might have slightly lower fuel economy than a similarly equipped Lariat.
No. While both offer a good range of features, they have different priorities. The Lariat emphasizes luxury and technology, while the Tremor focuses on off-road functionality. You won’t find the Tremor’s off-road-specific features on the Lariat, and the Lariat may offer higher trim levels of comfort and tech not available on the Tremor.
Unlock accurate valuations for your car’s features in seconds – find out what your options are worth today and in the future.