The new F-150 model year is here, so it's a good time to take a closer look at two of its most popular trims, the Lariat and King Ranch. Let's take a look at their many offerings in this comparison guide so that you can pick the best truck for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Lariat and King Ranch sit next to each other in the F-150's lineup.
- You have ample choices in engines for your Ford pickup, no matter the trim.
- As of this writing, Ford has only minor changes for the new model year.
Since the F-150 received a refresh in '24, this model year gets only trim-specific updates. The Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum no longer have four-wheel drive as standard; the King Ranch and Platinum lose the optional V8 option. Available Blue Cruise hands-free is now a one-time purchase over seven years--monthly subscriptions are now a thing of the past.
What are the Main Differences Between the F-150 Lariat and King Ranch Trims?
The Lariat is that point in the lineup where the F-150 moves from a basic work truck to something more upscale. Leather-trimmed seats replace the cloth of the lower trims, and the cabin adds dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a clean dashboard layout, and LED projector headlamps. BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is also available.
The Western-themed King Ranch builds on what you get with the Lariat but adds a more upscale feel, bringing in 20-inch wheels, a twin-panel panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a head-up display to round out the package.
Extra Features
| 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat |
2026 Ford F-150 King Ranch |
| Leather-trimmed seats |
Western-themed leather and wood accents |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Heated and ventilated front seats |
Heated and ventilated front seats |
| LED projector headlamps |
Head-up display |
| Available BlueCruise hands-free driving tech |
Twin-panel panoramic moonroof |
What Transmission is Found in the 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat?
Each engine below is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, you can choose rear- or four-wheel drive and the following engines:
- 2.7L twin-turbo V6: 325 hp/400 lb-ft of torque
- 5.0L V8: 400 hp/410 lb-ft of torque
- 3.5L twin-turbo V6: 400 hp/500 lb-ft of torque
- 3.5L hybrid V6: 430 hp/570 lb-ft of torque
The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 comes standard on the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor models while remaining optional on the XL and XLT. The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid is offered as an option for the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. For buyers who prefer a naturally aspirated option, the V8 is available on the XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, and Tremor trims.
A SuperCrew with the 3.5-liter V6 and a 6.5-foot bed can tow up to 13,500 pounds, while a Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed can tackle a payload of up to 2,445 pounds.
Does the 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat Offer Good Technology?
Higher trims from the Lariat on up open the door to more tech. You can add wireless phone charging, take advantage of over-the-air updates, and upgrade to a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. You can even add a head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield, so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
The F-150 features a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen running Ford's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Is the 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat Better than the King Ranch?
What you choose will depend more on your style preferences than anything else. If you can't decide between the Lariat's comfort and the Western flair of the King Ranch, come in and check both trims out at Alan Jay Ford Sebring! We'll get you in your perfect fit! Not only will your tuck be the perfect fit, the price will be, too. At Alan Jay our customers are customers for life due to our 100% transparent pricing. You see the whole price up front. We don't slip in hidden fees or gimmicks. We offer trust. That's the Alan Jay Way.