2023 King Ranch Tremor - Initial Impressions

Longrangehunter

Tremoraholic
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
510
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Location
Utah
Current Ride
2023 6.7HO F-250 KR Tremor
Current Ride #2
2025 6.7HO F-350 Platinum Tremor (Ordered)
I haven't seen many posts about folks taking delivery of trims higher than Lariat, and my dealer told me this is the only one they've seen. Figured I would give some initial impressions for those on the fence about ordering a '24 (same trucks, different colors). I picked it up in Kansas this weekend, drove it 1,150 miles back to Utah yesterday. I feel like I got more driving experience than I cared for lol.

Appearance:

I know everyone complains about the new grille, but I don't mind it. The star white really pops, if you're on the fence about the $1k upcharge over oxford white, do it. Oxford looks like you're there to read the meter.

Appearance-wise, next to my '22, you can tell they have the same mother, but different daddies.

Interior:

Ford completely knocked it out of the park. I do have the max recline seats, and they are incredibly comfortable, even after sitting in them for 17 hours yesterday. The dash features, the door panels, the "easter eggs" are all a huge step up from the previous generation. The fit and finish is significantly improved. No creaks or rattles. No cheap-looking black plastic everywhere. Lots of nice details incorporated.

The interior sound deadening seems to have been improved as well. This truck is noticeably quieter than my '22 driving down the road.

Driving:

The heads up display is pretty amazing, and has different views for "calm mode", standard driving, towing, etc. It is adjustable for position and brightness, or you can turn it off.

The adaptive cruise is much improved, and now features lane-centering, so unlike the '22 that complains at you as you pinball out of your lane, this one keeps you centered in the lane. All you have to do is keep your hand on the wheel.

The ride quality, steering, and overall handling is much improved over my '22. I have the same tire pressure in my tires, so that variable is not a consideration. Not sure what changes were made specifically, but it is much smoother.

High Output 6.7l

Admittedly, I've been fairly nice to it, since I'm still breaking it in, but it is noticeably more responsive and fast to accelerate than my '22 6.7l, and I felt like that truck had more power than it needed already. I was able to pull I-70 over vail summit in 10th gear for almost the entirety of the drive (traffic speeds allowing). You would have never noticed the truck was climbing to over 11k feet, it just quietly cruised along. I never exceeded 2k RPM.

I averaged 75-85 MPH, and got 17.3 MPG over the entirety of the trip. That was with some fairly brutal headwinds in western Kansas/eastern Colorado. I also noticed that on my '22, MPG improved over 5k miles, and assume that will be the case for the HO as well.

It does use more DEF, I used 47% of the tank yesterday. I filled my '22 in June, and I still have more than 3/4 of a tank. The increased utilization is significant.

Was it Worth it?

I was initially on the fence about paying almost $10k more for a 2023 than I did for my '22. My question was is there really $10k more worth of truck here? YES. I am much happier with the purchase than I thought I would be. It is the best Super Duty Ford has ever produced, IMO.
 

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100% worth it over the prior Gen. I wish I had a Platinum and max recline but other than that I am extremely happy with mine as well. I am seeing 22-23 mpg on the highway with mine, so yours should get better and I am averaging 17-18.5 mpg in town. Congrats on the KR, it's a looker.
 
Thanks for the write-up...have MY24 KR on order
Glad to hear the positive comments!
 
I haven't seen many posts about folks taking delivery of trims higher than Lariat, and my dealer told me this is the only one they've seen. Figured I would give some initial impressions for those on the fence about ordering a '24 (same trucks, different colors). I picked it up in Kansas this weekend, drove it 1,150 miles back to Utah yesterday. I feel like I got more driving experience than I cared for lol.

Appearance:

I know everyone complains about the new grille, but I don't mind it. The star white really pops, if you're on the fence about the $1k upcharge over oxford white, do it. Oxford looks like you're there to read the meter.

Appearance-wise, next to my '22, you can tell they have the same mother, but different daddies.

Interior:

Ford completely knocked it out of the park. I do have the max recline seats, and they are incredibly comfortable, even after sitting in them for 17 hours yesterday. The dash features, the door panels, the "easter eggs" are all a huge step up from the previous generation. The fit and finish is significantly improved. No creaks or rattles. No cheap-looking black plastic everywhere. Lots of nice details incorporated.

The interior sound deadening seems to have been improved as well. This truck is noticeably quieter than my '22 driving down the road.

Driving:

The heads up display is pretty amazing, and has different views for "calm mode", standard driving, towing, etc. It is adjustable for position and brightness, or you can turn it off.

The adaptive cruise is much improved, and now features lane-centering, so unlike the '22 that complains at you as you pinball out of your lane, this one keeps you centered in the lane. All you have to do is keep your hand on the wheel.

The ride quality, steering, and overall handling is much improved over my '22. I have the same tire pressure in my tires, so that variable is not a consideration. Not sure what changes were made specifically, but it is much smoother.

High Output 6.7l

Admittedly, I've been fairly nice to it, since I'm still breaking it in, but it is noticeably more responsive and fast to accelerate than my '22 6.7l, and I felt like that truck had more power than it needed already. I was able to pull I-70 over vail summit in 10th gear for almost the entirety of the drive (traffic speeds allowing). You would have never noticed the truck was climbing to over 11k feet, it just quietly cruised along. I never exceeded 2k RPM.

I averaged 75-85 MPH, and got 17.3 MPG over the entirety of the trip. That was with some fairly brutal headwinds in western Kansas/eastern Colorado. I also noticed that on my '22, MPG improved over 5k miles, and assume that will be the case for the HO as well.

It does use more DEF, I used 47% of the tank yesterday. I filled my '22 in June, and I still have more than 3/4 of a tank. The increased utilization is significant.

Was it Worth it?

I was initially on the fence about paying almost $10k more for a 2023 than I did for my '22. My question was is there really $10k more worth of truck here? YES. I am much happier with the purchase than I thought I would be. It is the best Super Duty Ford has ever produced, IMO.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. After looking at your photos I think this truck works better than any of the black package photos I’ve see so far.

How’s that interior smell? It’s real leather, right? I sat in a big horn dodge and man did it smell like a tack shop! It was awesome!
 
I went from a '22 Tremor Lariat Ultimate to a '23 Platinum (not a tremor). My seats are MC but not Max Recline. The seats are much more comfortable even though the Lariat seats were fine. Between the new MY features and the trim upgrades we are very happy with the new truck.
 
really appreciate write up and first impressions, especially the comments regarding seats ride quality and high output diesel
 
I haven't seen many posts about folks taking delivery of trims higher than Lariat, and my dealer told me this is the only one they've seen. Figured I would give some initial impressions for those on the fence about ordering a '24 (same trucks, different colors). I picked it up in Kansas this weekend, drove it 1,150 miles back to Utah yesterday. I feel like I got more driving experience than I cared for lol.

Appearance:

I know everyone complains about the new grille, but I don't mind it. The star white really pops, if you're on the fence about the $1k upcharge over oxford white, do it. Oxford looks like you're there to read the meter.

Appearance-wise, next to my '22, you can tell they have the same mother, but different daddies.

Interior:

Ford completely knocked it out of the park. I do have the max recline seats, and they are incredibly comfortable, even after sitting in them for 17 hours yesterday. The dash features, the door panels, the "easter eggs" are all a huge step up from the previous generation. The fit and finish is significantly improved. No creaks or rattles. No cheap-looking black plastic everywhere. Lots of nice details incorporated.

The interior sound deadening seems to have been improved as well. This truck is noticeably quieter than my '22 driving down the road.

Driving:

The heads up display is pretty amazing, and has different views for "calm mode", standard driving, towing, etc. It is adjustable for position and brightness, or you can turn it off.

The adaptive cruise is much improved, and now features lane-centering, so unlike the '22 that complains at you as you pinball out of your lane, this one keeps you centered in the lane. All you have to do is keep your hand on the wheel.

The ride quality, steering, and overall handling is much improved over my '22. I have the same tire pressure in my tires, so that variable is not a consideration. Not sure what changes were made specifically, but it is much smoother.

High Output 6.7l

Admittedly, I've been fairly nice to it, since I'm still breaking it in, but it is noticeably more responsive and fast to accelerate than my '22 6.7l, and I felt like that truck had more power than it needed already. I was able to pull I-70 over vail summit in 10th gear for almost the entirety of the drive (traffic speeds allowing). You would have never noticed the truck was climbing to over 11k feet, it just quietly cruised along. I never exceeded 2k RPM.

I averaged 75-85 MPH, and got 17.3 MPG over the entirety of the trip. That was with some fairly brutal headwinds in western Kansas/eastern Colorado. I also noticed that on my '22, MPG improved over 5k miles, and assume that will be the case for the HO as well.

It does use more DEF, I used 47% of the tank yesterday. I filled my '22 in June, and I still have more than 3/4 of a tank. The increased utilization is significant.

Was it Worth it?

I was initially on the fence about paying almost $10k more for a 2023 than I did for my '22. My question was is there really $10k more worth of truck here? YES. I am much happier with the purchase than I thought I would be. It is the best Super Duty Ford has ever produced, IMO.
I have exact same truck other than f350 and agree with your assessment and wanted to add just a few more items coming from a 22 f250 king ranch.

1) my adaptive steering - while although not listed on a 23- is very similar and even better on my 23 IMO. It’s hard to explain but turns just like my 22 adaptive steering did but isnt as floaty- a bit more firmer- but not too firm. Kudos to ford on this. Think it’s perfect

2) the trim on top of the dash surrounding the instrument and entertainment clusters is actually a dark bronzish/ brown color that ties into the king ranch color perfectly. Didn’t notice till the sun was on it and is a plus since so many pieces are now plastic and black these days.

3) still playing with the HUD a bit. I think GMs is better right now in my wife’s Yukon. Maybe ford will update /maybe not but I actually haven’t played with it too much - I do think with just a little tilt or movement of the head and it seems to fade and change intensity very easy IMO where GMs stays pretty constant at any viewing angle.

4) HO engine is smoother then the regular 6.7 and doesn’t seem to drop too terribly low in the first gear. Almost is as preppy as a gas engine would be in an f150 in that first gear.

5) interior is perfect. They did a great job on the KR which brings me to 6

6) why would you not have full projection and LED taillights in a king ranch? We are to the point now that a king ranch costs just as much as a platinum - and in some cases I’ve seen more with the chrome package. King ranch and platinum should be the same trim level - it’s just preference at that point. At $100k getting full projectors and LED tails for another $2-3k should just be included at that point. it’s interesting they would be incredibly detailed on the interior of the king ranch with a bunch of cool subtle eggs then not have led taillights at the least like my 22

7- the clarity of the cameras is definitely better then 22

8) the entertainment and info clusters are more of a duller display then gloss like the 22. Think cheaper LED vs OLED . Not bad and probably takes down the glare better but I really enjoyed how vivid the 22 display was . I’ll get used to it

Overall I’m very pleased with the 23’s and find the exterior just fine and don’t mind it- especially in the two tone. It seems to break the grill up a bit and the stone grey hides the side step better- which I don’t mind by the way. Think everyone is just embarrassed Ford would just blatantly take that feature from GM but it will help many people with how big these trucks are.
 
Adaptive steering was discontinued and isn't on the '23s.
I understand that. What I was saying is I had it on the 22 and the 23- although it doesn’t list it/ have it- turns just like my 22 that had it - just a bit firmer then my 22 which I like.
 
Understood, just didn't want people to think the adaptive technology and motors were still present on the 23s/24s. (y)
 
Understood, just didn't want people to think the adaptive technology and motors were still present on the 23s/24s. (y)
Good point. Yeah I know they removed it but for some reason turns just like my 22 with few rotations. Maybe It’s me but would be interested if others think the same or different
 
The 6.7 HO is definitely a step up from the standard 6.7 in every way. And I agree about the interior, it's an improvement over the '20-22's as well. IMHO, the Lariat Ultimate on up should have LED projectors and full LED tails, in fact the build sheet even lists LED tails yet we got a hybrid tail light. My Lariat Ultimate sticker'd for over $95K, that price point deserves the best headlights and tail lights available, especially when my 2017 KR had both for $20K less lol.
 
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. After looking at your photos I think this truck works better than any of the black package photos I’ve see so far.

How’s that interior smell? It’s real leather, right? I sat in a big horn dodge and man did it smell like a tack shop! It was awesome!
It smells overwhelmingly of new car and leather. I have to remind myself not to fart in it, or I'll lose that wonderful smell sooner.
 
I have exact same truck other than f350 and agree with your assessment and wanted to add just a few more items coming from a 22 f250 king ranch.

1) my adaptive steering - while although not listed on a 23- is very similar and even better on my 23 IMO. It’s hard to explain but turns just like my 22 adaptive steering did but isnt as floaty- a bit more firmer- but not too firm. Kudos to ford on this. Think it’s perfect

2) the trim on top of the dash surrounding the instrument and entertainment clusters is actually a dark bronzish/ brown color that ties into the king ranch color perfectly. Didn’t notice till the sun was on it and is a plus since so many pieces are now plastic and black these days.

3) still playing with the HUD a bit. I think GMs is better right now in my wife’s Yukon. Maybe ford will update /maybe not but I actually haven’t played with it too much - I do think with just a little tilt or movement of the head and it seems to fade and change intensity very easy IMO where GMs stays pretty constant at any viewing angle.

4) HO engine is smoother then the regular 6.7 and doesn’t seem to drop too terribly low in the first gear. Almost is as preppy as a gas engine would be in an f150 in that first gear.

5) interior is perfect. They did a great job on the KR which brings me to 6

6) why would you not have full projection and LED taillights in a king ranch? We are to the point now that a king ranch costs just as much as a platinum - and in some cases I’ve seen more with the chrome package. King ranch and platinum should be the same trim level - it’s just preference at that point. At $100k getting full projectors and LED tails for another $2-3k should just be included at that point. it’s interesting they would be incredibly detailed on the interior of the king ranch with a bunch of cool subtle eggs then not have led taillights at the least like my 22

7- the clarity of the cameras is definitely better then 22

8) the entertainment and info clusters are more of a duller display then gloss like the 22. Think cheaper LED vs OLED . Not bad and probably takes down the glare better but I really enjoyed how vivid the 22 display was . I’ll get used to it

Overall I’m very pleased with the 23’s and find the exterior just fine and don’t mind it- especially in the two tone. It seems to break the grill up a bit and the stone grey hides the side step better- which I don’t mind by the way. Think everyone is just embarrassed Ford would just blatantly take that feature from GM but it will help many people with how big these trucks are.
I agree that the steering is much improved, it does not wander in the lane like my '22 liked to do early on.

I also agree that the HUD can distort slightly if not viewed straight on, it does have a somewhat narrow viewing window.
 
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