Blog Posts
2018 Best Half-Ton Truck Challenge Preview: 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat
By Brian Normile
After introducing you to the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country, we're here to show you the next competitor in our upcoming 2018 Best Half-Ton Truck Challenge, the 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat. Unlike the competitors from GM and Ram, the Ford hasn't undergone a recent major redesign, although it was refreshed for the 2018 model year.
You may also note that unlike some other Challenge competitors, this F-150 is not the top trim level available for purchase. We specified that manufacturers send us their best, according to their definition of best, and the popular 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat trim is what Ford sent.
Our test F-150 had a Ruby Red Metallic exterior paint job to complement a Camel leather interior (that's camel color, not material, to be clear) and had a 145-inch wheelbase. Power came from the optional twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 ($1,600), mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with 3.55:1 axle gears and had a base price of $46,970.
Optional equipment on the F-150 included Ford's Equipment Group 502A ($7,335), which added a ton of features like blind spot warning with trailer tow monitoring, leather front bucket seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and LED head- and taillights.
The F-150 also came equipped with the Max Trailer Tow Package ($1,295), which added Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist, extra cooling and a 36-gallon fuel tank. Interestingly, towing mirrors are not part of the towing package and must be ordered separately ($250). Ours had them.
The last major option on our test truck was the Technology Package ($1,395), which gave the F-150 a 360-degree-view camera, Ford's Dynamic Hitch Assist feature (intended to make hooking up a trailer easier and a one-person operation) and lane-keeping assist. The only feature we wish the F-150 had included was the tailgate step for easier access (offered as a $375 option). It also had a spray-in bedliner ($495).
All told, a truck that started at $46,970 (before destination fees) and added more than $12,000 in optional equipment, had an total MSRP of $61,030 (including the $1,295 destination charge), which made the Ford F-150 one of the least expensive competitors in our Challenge. Wednesday's preview: the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT.
