The Ford FX4 has become America’s most popular pickup. Here we compare and contrast one of its most popular trim levels, the FX4, and the Lariat. These two trims offer various features and distinctive external and interior designs. So what is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?
The base engine is the primary distinction between the FX4 and Lariat trim levels. The FX4 has a powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. However, the Lariat has a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that produces an incredible 325 horsepower.
To learn more about the critical distinctions between these two fantastic trims, keep reading!
Key Difference Points Between FX4 and Lariat:
First, take a look at a very concise table, where you can get the differences at a glance.
Attribute | FX4 | Lariat |
Safety | Includes essential amenities, like a rearview camera and a SecuriCode keyless entry system | Lariat include essential amenities, like a rearview camera and a SecuriCode keyless entry system. Also includes the SecuriLockTM and BoxLinkTM and four locking cleats. |
Technology | It is equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which has an LCD touch screen. | It is Also equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system. B&O Play sound system, which is an option in the Lariat, has ten powerful speakers |
Distinct Looks | FX4 trims have a powerful, dramatic look, with only slight variations on the truck's exterior. The distinctive grill designs, each of which has a distinct personality, are the first distinguishing feature. | There are body color on the Lariat trim, which is another outward distinction. |
Sleek Wheels | The standard 17-inch wheels for the FX4 available. | New wheel options for 2021 are available, as well as an 18-inch machined aluminum wheel. |
Comfortable Cabin | Three interior options are available for the FX4 trim. They are; Light Grey or Light Camel cloth, as well as Black sport cloth seats. | There are four distinct leather selections available for the Lariat. They are; light grey, light camel, black, and the brand-new for 2021 dark red accented Lariat sport. |
Price | The FX4 has a starting MSRP of $36,160. | The MSRP of the Lariat starts at $42,750. |
Performance | The FX4 has a 3.3 L V6 engine with 290 horsepower. | The Lariat has a lesser turbocharged 2.7 L EcoBoost engine with 325 horsepower. |
Package | You have the option to go with Lariat chrome Appearance Package. It comes with the chrome grille, chrome bumpers, chrome door handles etc. | The only place it has chrome is right there on the ford logo and a couple of other small places. |
Power | Horsepower: 290 | Horsepower: 325 |
Grille | As far as the grille is concerned, you have body colored on the lariat sport model. | However, on the FX4 sport there are always going to be magnetic. |
Interior | The FX4 doesn’t have heated and ventilated seats. | Automatically with the lariat, you get heated and ventilated seats. This means that there is actually a fan that is sucking air through the seat it self. |
Safety:
Both the Ford FX4 and Lariat include essential amenities, like a rearview camera and a SecuriCode keyless entry system. This helps drivers feel more secure on the road.
However, by including the Advanced Safety Security Pack, the Lariat trim raises the bar for safety. The security pack includes SecuriLockTM and BoxLinkTM, and four locking cleats.
Technology:
Technology significantly differs when answering the question, ‘What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’.
The Ford FX4 and Lariat are equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which has an LCD touch screen. In addition, this multimedia platform's GPS navigation system features colored maps with real-time traffic and travel link feeds from SiriusXM.
Additionally, the upgraded SYNC platform, which delivers next-generation applications, now includes a Wi-Fi hotspot. As a result, a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can easily be connected to a high-speed internet network. Any passenger can do this in the FX4 or Lariat.
Furthermore, the SYNC suite is also compatible with FordPass and AppLink. The B&O Play sound system, which is an option in the Lariat, has ten powerful speakers. It also plays music from SiriusXM Satellite Radio or HD Radio.
Distinct Looks:
Both FX4 trims have a powerful, dramatic look, with only slight variations on the truck’s exterior. The distinctive grill designs, each of which has a distinct personality, are the first distinguishing feature.
However, the door handles and side mirrors on the FX4 are black plastic. However, there is body color on the Lariat trim, which is another outward distinction. To find out more about what makes these trims unique, continue reading.
Sleek Wheels:
The standard 17-inch wheels for the FX4 and Lariat are available.
New wheel options for 2021 are also available, as well as an 18-inch machined aluminum wheel for 2020 Lariats.
Comfortable Cabin:
Both of these trimmings feature cozy interiors and robust construction. The Lariat is the more expensive trim with leather seats, yet each interior does have a distinctive flair. The 2.3-inch LCD is replaced by an 8-inch infotainment system in the Lariat model.
See the full feature breakdown below.
FX4:
Three interior options are available for the FX4 trim. They are; Light Grey or Light Camel cloth, as well as Black sports cloth seats. The 2.3-inch Sync 3 is the base model for the infotainment system, while an 8-inch model with navigation is also available.
Lariat:
There are four distinct leather selections available for the Lariat. They are; light grey, light camel, black, and the brand-new 2021 dark red accented Lariat sport. In addition, the 8-inch Sync 3 with SiriusXM Radio is the standard in-car entertainment system.
Price:
The FX4 has a starting MSRP of $36,160. The MSRP of the Lariat starts at $42,750. The base cost for each of these trim levels will go up with any extras or packages.
Furthermore, this is one of the significant factors to consider when answering the question,’ What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’
Performance:
The base engine is one of the most significant distinctions between the FX4 and Lariat versions. The Lariat has a lesser turbocharged 2.7 L EcoBoost engine with 325 horsepower. The FX4 has a 3.3 L V6 engine with 290 horsepower.
Additionally, these two FX4 models are both offered with the 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 engine. This produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
However, choose the 5.0 L Ti-VCT engine if you want even more horsepower. This eight-cylinder engine can generate up to 400 horsepower.
Furthermore, in the FX4 and Lariat, an electronic transmission with 10 gear speeds is installed. This automatic transmission, which leads its class, has several brand-new settings. For instance, the Snow/Wet Mode enhances traction on slick surfaces.
Package:
The package option is another good answer to the question, ‘What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’
Lariat Chrome Appearance Package:
You have the option to go with Lariat Chrome Appearance Package. It comes with a chrome grille, bumpers, door handles, etc.
Below are the exterior features;
Exterior:
- 18-inch chrome-like PVD aluminum wheels
- Chrome 2 bar grille, silver painted surround and background Mesh
- Chrome angular step bars
- Chrome exterior door and tailgate handles with body color bezels
- Chrome exterior mirror caps
- Chrome front tow hooks-2 (4×4)
- Chrome single exhaust tip
Sport Appearance Package:
It gets rid of all the chrome. We like to call it the chrome delete option. It has body colors and everything instead of a bunch of chrome everywhere.
Furthermore, the only place it has chrome is right there on the ford logo and a couple of other small places.
However, FX4 has the same options. So we have the chrome package and the sport package FX4s.
Power:
When we talk about Power, we must also talk about the motor
We have the available 2.7, the base model motor, the 5.0, and the 3.5 Eco-boost on the lariat model. All three of those options are available in the Lariat. They are all great options for towing.
However, if you want the maximum amount of towing, you need to go with the 3.5 Eco-boost. This is because it has the max trailer tow package. Different options and different things can adjust those capacities on towing.
Keep reading to see more answers to the question ‘What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’
FX4 Power | Lariat Power |
3.3L V6 PFDI with Auto Start/Stop | 2.7L V6 Ecoboost with Auto Start/Stop |
Horsepower: 290 | Horsepower: 325 |
Torque (lb-ft.): 265 | Torque (lb-ft.): 400 |
Max Towing: 7,700lbs | Max Towing: 9,000lbs |
Max Payload: 1,990lbs | Max Payload: 2,470lbs |
Grille:
What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat? One difference to consider is the grille.
As far as the grille is concerned, you have body-colored on the lariat sport model. However, in the FX4 sport, there will always be magnetic.
Furthermore, if you are looking for an FX4 sports appearance package, your grille will always be magnetic. Especially if you are going to get a white one or a red one,
However, that grille will be the same color as the rest of the body. So it’s going to make it look a lot more uniform.
Generally, they don’t give the ability to customize the color of the grille with the truck on the FX4. But they give you the ability to do so on the Lariat model.
Interior:
Ventilated Seats:
Automatically with the lariat, you get heated and ventilated seats. This means that there is a fan that is sucking air through the seat itself.
Also, here is a fun little fact about those fans that are being used inside the ventilated seats. In the middle of the covid 19 crisis, Ford motor companies are actually repurposing many of those fans. They are repurposing them for new ventilators.
Additionally, they are working with a couple of other companies to mass manufacture some of these ventilators.
Keep reading to see more answers to the question ‘What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’
Lid for the Center Console:
This lid is identical in both FX4 and lariat models. Also, they have the same center console shifter and console itself.
However, in the lariat, you’ve got dual climate control.
In addition, you also get heated seats available on the select lariat.
The lariat model is where you step up drastically as far as the fit and finish are concerned. As you look at the dashboard on the truck itself, you can see that it is a soft touch material. It also has the stitching going down on the center.
However, if the feeling and the soft touch are essential, you should go with the lariat.
FX4 Interior | Lariat Interior |
It includes single zone manual air conditioning | It provides dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control |
It includes the AM/FM radio with a CD player and infotainment with Applink | It has everything mentioned in the FX4 plus SiriusXM satelite radio |
A standard productivity 2.3’’ screen. | A standard 8” productivity screen |
Has cloth seats | Has leather seats |
Off-Road Capabilities:
FX4:
Both the F-150 and Ford Super Duty come with the FX4 Off-Road Package. On the Ford Super Duty XL, XLT, and Lariat, the FX4 is an add-on that a dealer can add. Both the Ford Super Duty and the F-150 share the FX4 package trim level.
Furthermore, the Ford Super Duty vehicle must have a few qualities to add the FX4 Off-Road Package. For example, the truck must have a limited slip axel and be a 4X4. Also required are all-terrain tires.
Lariat:
This truck excels as a work truck and an off-road vehicle.
Additionally, certain pricier trim levels, like the King Ranch, don’t always see much genuine use. Ford has established its name by making trucks for hardworking people.
The Lariat is designed to carry, tow, and handle the difficulties of off-road driving.
Off-Road Attribute | FX4 Off-Road Capability | Lariat Off-Road Capability |
Suspension | With its new 2.0-inch monotube FOX shock absorbers, the FX4 MAX's suspension gives it an off-road appearance and feel. With leaf springs and a remote reservoir in the rear suspension, heavy-duty off-road use can be quickly recovered from. | The Lariat's suspension system will consist of semi-trailing arms, progressive rate coll-over springs, and a stabilizer. |
Torque (lb-ft.) | 265 | 400 |
Traction Control | They both offer traction control | They both offer traction control |
Rating | Based on its score within the Compact Pickup Trucks category, the FX4 is ranked 2. The FX4 currently has a score of 7.7 out of 10. | Based on its score in the Full Size Pickup Trucks category, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat is ranked #2. This Ford F-150 currently has a score of 8.8 out of 10. |
Ranking | The FX4 is rated third out of seven with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. | With a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, the Lariat is ranked 7th among 17 full-size trucks. |
Which Trim Ought You To Pick?
Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘What is the Difference Between FX4 and Lariat?’, Which Trim Ought You to Pick?
The Ford FX4 model that best suits your needs is the one that satisfies all of them. The Ford FX4 offers the essentials with a few extra comfort features, with a starting MSRP of $36,160.
Furthermore, the FX4 is an excellent choice if you require a vehicle primarily used as a work truck. The Lariat offers the comfort and technological options you need to enjoy every ride thoroughly, especially if you intend to use your 2019 Ford FX4 for personal and professional purposes.
Also Read:
What is The Difference Between XLT and King Ranch?
Is F150 A Good Off-Road Vehicle? 8 Unbeatable Features
Is The Bronco Sport Good in Snow? All You Need to Know
Is Bronco Sport 4×4? All You Need to Know
Is Bronco 2 Good Off-Road? All You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How reliable is the Ford Lariat?
The 2021 Ford FX4 Lariat FX4 is filling a different market need. This truck excels as a work truck and an off-road vehicle.
Furthermore, certain higher trim levels, like the King Ranch, don’t often see much actual use. Ford has established its name by designing trucks for hard-working people.
Which Ford FX4 engine is the most trustworthy?
A massive 411-hp 6.2-liter V8 and two engines with 365 and 302 horsepower each were available. Compared to the departing 2013 model, it received more excellent reliability ratings from consumers. The EcoBoost V6 is a fantastic alternative, and many think it’s the best motor Ford has produced.
Which is more dependable, 5.0 or EcoBoost?
Compared to the 5.0 Coyote, the 3.5L EcoBoost is a better engine. Its advantages are torque, tuning potential, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. However, we think it also makes a better daily driver because of the power spectrum and lower-end torque.
In terms of dependability, the two engines are likewise reasonably comparable.
Better: Ford XL or FX4?
Some standard features differ between the Ford FX4 and Ford FX4 when compared to one another. However, since the XL is the entry-level trim level, it will have a few fewer features than its FX4 sibling.
XLT stands for what?
The term “XLT” stands for “Extra Luxurious Truck,” which dates back to 1970.
This is Surya. I am an experienced off-roader. I have been off-roading for many years across several terrains. I am passionate about 4×4 driving and want to share my knowledge and experience with others.
My goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive and unbiased information about off-roading.
I curated this article through my personal experience and expertise, and I hope it helps you with what you are looking for.