Lariat vs. Platinum

[BLACKCHERRY]

Hey Guys, I have 2 trucks on order right now:

2022 Lariat F250 4x4 CCSB, Rapid Red/Black Int.
6.7L, Black Appearance, Tremor, Lariat Ult., PWR Running Boards, High Cap Trailer, Upfitters, Roof Clearance Lights, 397 Alt.


2022 Platinum F350 4x4, CCSB, Atlas Blue/Dark Marsala Int.
6.7L, 3.55 Elec Lock, Fx4, Roof Clearance Lights, 397 Alt., Upfitters, Spray in Liner


These two trucks build out to exactly the same price but the F250 Lariat comes down $1,710 thanks to the Tremor discounts with the other packages. Both have build dates in July with AUG ETA to dealership. Dealer doesn't care which I take, other goes on their lot.

I am spending WAY too much time trying to decide between the two and keep reading conflicting information on the differences between the Lariat (fully optioned like mine) vs. the Platinum. Truth be told, only reason i am getting a Tremor in the F250 is because it's required to combine with the Lariat Ult. to get the PWR Running boards. I am going a 5.5" Full-tilt Carli Suspension kit on it and have 38" Toyo MT and 20" American Forces that will replace most of the "Tremor" on the truck. That said, i love the black appearance package.

The Platinum is a non-tremor but would be getting the same suspension treatment listed above. The Platinum comes with the PWR Running boards and, being an f350, doesn't require the high-cap tow.

I like the look of the Lariat Black appearance better; I still really like the Velocity Blue (Atlas blue is close enough that i use these for reference) Platinums I've seen and would be happy with it. I've read there are several differences in the Lariat and platinum levels MORE than just additional standard options.

I know PWR Running boards & Adaptive Cruise are standard which is awesome - I've also heard heated steering wheel (not a big deal, I'm in southern California, lol), Nicer Quality Leather, Real Wood interior pieces, difference windshield with higher quality glass, etc. Any merit to any of these? The big one is the "Nicer" leather vs. just different design with the massagers. People accept it as fact but I've yet to find any documentation it's nicer.

Either way, i would be getting the same truck in different colors, it seems. The Packages on the Lariat vs. the Platinum seem to balance all options. If there's merit to what people are saying on the Platinum, it may be a better value AND better resale.

Definitely Mind-F*cking this as I've never spent this much on anything short of a house so I want to make sure i do it right the first time. Both would be X-Plan.

 

[TennesseeTremor]

I think it will come down to which one you think looks better. Which would you pick if they were on the lot sitting right next to each other? People obviously love the “black appearance package” think that’s a main reason you see a lot of lariat tremors. Kind of reminds me of the old dodge sports package when they got rid of the chrome.

 

[CalTremor2020]

I ordered my truck decided to go with the platinum for the massaging seats and the potential for higher resale value (if I ever sell it). I sort of regret it because I think the giant PLATINUM appliqué on the back looks stupid. The massaging seats are fine. They keep your butt from going numb on long drives but that’s about it. I like my power deployable steps though. Makes it easier for my older relatives to get in.

 

[ibeb]

I went with a fairly loaded F350 Lariat Ultimate with the sport because I wanted the black accent over the chrome. Like you, first truck I have built and spent this much coin on, so wanted to make sure it was what I wanted. For me, I didn't care about the power boards, I see more of them going around town with one board stuck down and the other up, plus I had a set of ADD Rock Sliders to put on. I was torn on the massage seats, but not enough to deal with the big Platinum badge on the tailgate. That being said, when we got the wife's Explorer ST she wanted the tech package for the larger display. It also includes the massage seats, she rarely uses them and the couple if times I road in it and tried, they weren't for me.

If the dealer doesn't care which you get, then just wait for them to both show, park them next to each other and go from there.

 

[BLACKCHERRY]

I think it will come down to which one you think looks better. Which would you pick if they were on the lot sitting right next to each other? People obviously love the “black appearance package” think that’s a main reason you see a lot of lariat tremors. Kind of reminds me of the old dodge sports package when they got rid of the chrome.

I wish there was a Black Appearance Platinum… if I had to choose, I think itl
Be the Red Lariat/Black Appearance.

 

[BLACKCHERRY]

I ordered my truck decided to go with the platinum for the massaging seats and the potential for higher resale value (if I ever sell it). I sort of regret it because I think the giant PLATINUM appliqué on the back looks stupid. The massaging seats are fine. They keep your butt from going numb on long drives but that’s about it. I like my power deployable steps though. Makes it easier for my older relatives to get in.

Good to know! The AMP steps are a must have for me with the lift. I run them on everything and never had a hanging board. Put them on the last truck in 2013 and they’re still perfect on truck today (Buddy bought it from me). The massagers seem gimmicky but, if the leather really is better quality than the lariat, it’s a consideration.

 

[BLACKCHERRY]

I went with a fairly loaded F350 Lariat Ultimate with the sport because I wanted the black accent over the chrome. Like you, first truck I have built and spent this much coin on, so wanted to make sure it was what I wanted. For me, I didn't care about the power boards, I see more of them going around town with one board stuck down and the other up, plus I had a set of ADD Rock Sliders to put on. I was torn on the massage seats, but not enough to deal with the big Platinum badge on the tailgate. That being said, when we got the wife's Explorer ST she wanted the tech package for the larger display. It also includes the massage seats, she rarely uses them and the couple if times I road in it and tried, they weren't for me.

If the dealer doesn't care which you get, then just wait for them to both show, park them next to each other and go from there.

I think I would sit there for several days and force someone to make the decision for me.

 

[DwnSth]

Hey Guys, I have 2 trucks on order right now:

2022 Lariat F250 4x4 CCSB, Rapid Red/Black Int.
6.7L, Black Appearance, Tremor, Lariat Ult., PWR Running Boards, High Cap Trailer, Upfitters, Roof Clearance Lights, 397 Alt.
View attachment 27024

2022 Platinum F350 4x4, CCSB, Atlas Blue/Dark Marsala Int.
6.7L, 3.55 Elec Lock, Fx4, Roof Clearance Lights, 397 Alt., Upfitters, Spray in Liner
View attachment 27025

These two trucks build out to exactly the same price but the F250 Lariat comes down $1,710 thanks to the Tremor discounts with the other packages. Both have build dates in July with AUG ETA to dealership. Dealer doesn't care which I take, other goes on their lot.

I am spending WAY too much time trying to decide between the two and keep reading conflicting information on the differences between the Lariat (fully optioned like mine) vs. the Platinum. Truth be told, only reason i am getting a Tremor in the F250 is because it's required to combine with the Lariat Ult. to get the PWR Running boards. I am going a 5.5" Full-tilt Carli Suspension kit on it and have 38" Toyo MT and 20" American Forces that will replace most of the "Tremor" on the truck. That said, i love the black appearance package.

The Platinum is a non-tremor but would be getting the same suspension treatment listed above. The Platinum comes with the PWR Running boards and, being an f350, doesn't require the high-cap tow.

I like the look of the Lariat Black appearance better; I still really like the Velocity Blue (Atlas blue is close enough that i use these for reference) Platinums I've seen and would be happy with it. I've read there are several differences in the Lariat and platinum levels MORE than just additional standard options.

I know PWR Running boards & Adaptive Cruise are standard which is awesome - I've also heard heated steering wheel (not a big deal, I'm in southern California, lol), Nicer Quality Leather, Real Wood interior pieces, difference windshield with higher quality glass, etc. Any merit to any of these? The big one is the "Nicer" leather vs. just different design with the massagers. People accept it as fact but I've yet to find any documentation it's nicer.

Either way, i would be getting the same truck in different colors, it seems. The Packages on the Lariat vs. the Platinum seem to balance all options. If there's merit to what people are saying on the Platinum, it may be a better value AND better resale.

Definitely Mind-F*cking this as I've never spent this much on anything short of a house so I want to make sure i do it right the first time. Both would be X-Plan.

Do you like chrome?

 

[BroncOh]

Lariat is the sweet spot. Not a fan of the wood grain though, so hopefully I can swap that out later.

 

[Briski]

The dealership will probably get one before the other. I like the idea of parking them side by side, if that’s possible, then making the final decision!

 

[ProudpopVegas]

Between those two, I’d go lariat. But I love the black package…..

 

[ScottK]

I wish I could get Lariat with the Platinum seats, but it's mot possible. I HATE the platinum (and King Ranch/Limited) metal tailgate stripe, and so I am stuck with Lariat. Why in the world is badging of trim line so important to Ford? They prevent me from ordering the top 3 trims.

 

[Jericho]

My honest take; the best package is the lariat, the trim looks a bit better on the Platinum but the seats don't get better than those on the XLT.

Ford's always used crap leather in their seats, never more so than now, but with the advent of cushion air conditioning, suddenly the foam needs to allow airflow; this means the foam is full of holes and will age accordingly. The XLT doesn't have this option, so the foam is solid and should last a while longer. Those of us with the 'premium' seats will find they're ready for replacement in just a few years, maybe less if you're particularly heavy set.

 

[Smindustries]

For what it's worth, the Lariat interior has the work truck's light grey headliner. Everything else can be had in black, however you have a grey ceiling. Makes the interior look like two different designers did it.

I can't speak firsthand to the leather in the Lariat, but the leathers used in the King Ranch and Platinum are garbage, so I have to assume that lower-positioned models don't get anything better.

 

[Farmtrk]

I like the platinum for the messaging seats, and resale. The only dislike is the tailgate, which can be wrapped or color matched.

I would look into the carpet delete if you are out in the dirt a lot.

 

[PapaRaptor]

I am a fan of the Tremor however you are going to toss the suspension so It makes sense to go with the Plat.

 

[Parksoffroad]

When I ordered mine the only thing I could figure you got with the platinum was the massage seats. All the rest was badging and fluff for a higher price. Maybe resale is higher for the uneducated buyer or the pinkys up I drive a platinum guy, but anyone in the know will know the difference and what you get for the higher trim level and price. Not sure now, but for the 2020 I could have added power running boards on my build, but they were over $1000 and I didnt really care for them. My vote would be Lariat in a 350, so back to the drawing board!

 

[JRHII]

I wish I could get Lariat with the Platinum seats, but it's mot possible. I HATE the platinum (and King Ranch/Limited) metal tailgate stripe, and so I am stuck with Lariat. Why in the world is badging of trim line so important to Ford? They prevent me from ordering the top 3 trims.

I have the Lariat black package ... but wished I had the premium seats. The Balck package outweighed the seats for me ... but definitely consider the ride ... after all, you will spend more time sitting in the truck vs looking at it.

 

[Guest6786]

Good to know! The AMP steps are a must have for me with the lift. I run them on everything and never had a hanging board. Put them on the last truck in 2013 and they’re still perfect on truck today (Buddy bought it from me). The massagers seem gimmicky but, if the leather really is better quality than the lariat, it’s a consideration.

I would try to go 350 with diesel- i figured you were going 250 for Cal registration hassles-
The power steps can be left extended which is great for some door ding protection-

 

[BLACKCHERRY]

Do you like chrome?

I like subtle anything. My 2016 started as an XLT but eventually went KR grill surround (paint to match) with a chrome center and color matched bumpers. I love the color-matched bumpers of the Platinum, love the brushed grill and don't have any qualms with the cool-to-hate tailgate badge. Hell, it's the bright badge of honor you rock when you pay that much for a truck! lol. I don't care for the chrome mirror caps and trim. Wish they would've kept it more body-color or brushed.

Lariat is the sweet spot. Not a fan of the wood grain though, so hopefully I can swap that out later.

I agree. If the Lariat saved me a decent amount of $$, I wouldn't even question it.

The dealership will probably get one before the other. I like the idea of parking them side by side, if that’s possible, then making the final decision!

Yeah, probably won't happen. One is due early August delivery, other is mid to late. With the current state of things, I can only imagine they're going to want a decision asap once the first truck lands.

Between those two, I’d go lariat. But I love the black package…..

I wish I could get Lariat with the Platinum seats, but it's mot possible. I HATE the platinum (and King Ranch/Limited) metal tailgate stripe, and so I am stuck with Lariat. Why in the world is badging of trim line so important to Ford? They prevent me from ordering the top 3 trims.

I wish i could get the Platinum with the Black appearance...

My honest take; the best package is the lariat, the trim looks a bit better on the Platinum but the seats don't get better than those on the XLT.

Ford's always used crap leather in their seats, never more so than now, but with the advent of cushion air conditioning, suddenly the foam needs to allow airflow; this means the foam is full of holes and will age accordingly. The XLT doesn't have this option, so the foam is solid and should last a while longer. Those of us with the 'premium' seats will find they're ready for replacement in just a few years, maybe less if you're particularly heavy set.

This makes too much sense. I am 6'2" and 250lbs so I'm sure I'll destroy them. Nothing was more comfortable than the XLT seats in my 2016.

For what it's worth, the Lariat interior has the work truck's light grey headliner. Everything else can be had in black, however you have a grey ceiling. Makes the interior look like two different designers did it.

I can't speak firsthand to the leather in the Lariat, but the leathers used in the King Ranch and Platinum are garbage, so I have to assume that lower-positioned models don't get anything better.

Never even looked up... Interesting. Is the black a better headliner or it's a simple color change? What makes you say the Platinum and KR leather are junk?

I like the platinum for the messaging seats, and resale. The only dislike is the tailgate, which can be wrapped or color matched.

I would look into the carpet delete if you are out in the dirt a lot.

This truck won't be seeing much dirt-time. It's the family hauler more than anything else. For the dirt, I have a purpose-built rig. I have a detailer on speed-dial after every trip to the desert, too, lol.

I am a fan of the Tremor however you are going to toss the suspension so It makes sense to go with the Plat.

100% - only real reason i selected the Tremor option was to get the power running boards which are standard on the Plati.

When I ordered mine the only thing I could figure you got with the platinum was the massage seats. All the rest was badging and fluff for a higher price. Maybe resale is higher for the uneducated buyer or the pinkys up I drive a platinum guy, but anyone in the know will know the difference and what you get for the higher trim level and price. Not sure now, but for the 2020 I could have added power running boards on my build, but they were over $1000 and I didnt really care for them. My vote would be Lariat in a 350, so back to the drawing board!

LOL ?

I would try to go 350 with diesel- i figured you were going 250 for Cal registration hassles-
The power steps can be left extended which is great for some door ding protection-

I have the registration part figured out, LOL. I'm leaning toward the Platinum 350 now.