So, just in case there was ever any doubt, this thread clearly demonstrates why Ford offers five trim levels, and a g-zillion options for cab, color, bed size, wheels, engines, and other stuff. We all think something different is better, more important, lasts longer, looks more beautiful, etc. I guess it's the same reason we aren't all married to the same girl.

"Vive la différence"

By the way, I'm driving a 2014 Kodiak Brown King Ranch 350 and my 2017 Bronze Fire King Ranch 450 is being built next week!

 

Can you actually feel a difference in the leather between king ranch and lariat

 

It only needs to feel different to the person buying it!

 

The answer is... YES!

 

Anymorr info?

some of these responses were helpful but a lot were people just complimenting beautiful trucks lol

 

I have been debating the same thing. There are a lot of good points in the above posts, but for me I was trying to determine what the price difference would be for two trucks configured similarly. Just to be upfront, my last three trucks have been King Ranch, and I have been happy with all of them.

For me it was confusing what is included in each version of truck standard and what would have to be an upgrade option to get what I wanted. Attached is a spreadsheet I put together trying to decide which is the best buy for the price.

Hopefully this data will be helpful.

If you have any questions ask.

 

I'd like to give my opinion...having owned a 2016 King Ranch and traded it for a 2017 Lariat Ultimate.

You can get two tone on the Lariat but not the painted bumpers. Unfortunately the painted bumpers get chips in them far too easily.

My 2016 KR was bronze fire / caribou and I think that is the best color combo ever.

On the 2017 trucks, the grille is the same as the Lariat except the thin slats above and below the main grille bars are painted body color. The wheels are slightly different. You can get the huge shiny tailgate appliqué with the tiny Ford logo...I hate that look.

Inside, you get the brown dash and steering column. I did not like this as well as the black. The seats appear to be " exactly " the same as a Lariat, same exact grade of leather...but more leather sections than vinyl. The Lariat seats have tons of vinyl in them. The KR seemed to have less vinyl, but the same grade of leather. I was able to compare my 2017 Lariat to a 2017 KR.

Bottom line, the 2017 seats in any form are not as good as the 2011-2016 seats.

Before, the KR gave you much more wood trim than a Lariat. Now you get exactly the same amount in the same places...it just happens to be a nicer veneer.

Previously, the lit running boards were a cool, unique feature. Now, the LED puddle lamps render them irrelevant.

In the end, I didn't feel the KR felt as "special" for 2017 as it previously had, so I went with a Lariat Ultimate. I was able to get everything the Ranch would have had except the brown seats, dash, and exterior stuff.

When I bought the 2016, the sales manager flat out told me a King Ranch would not help hardly at all at trade in time. And he appeared to be right since I did trade it.

 

When I bought the 2016, the sales manager flat out told me a King Ranch would not help hardly at all at trade in time. And he appeared to be right since I did trade it.[/QUOTE]

I agree, went to school with sales manager at my dealer he also told me that original MSRP, condition and milage is how he determines his offer. It's possible to have a lariat with a higher MSRP than a KR.

 

That's very helpful the both of you. i appreciate that guide you wrote out in PDF

i have yet yet to sit in a king ranch so if the leather is the same that's a 4K savings. Haha.

 

Your welcome.

I am still debating what to purchase, but as Troverman stated depending on what options your need or don't want the price difference can be pretty substantial. Personally I don't want the Twin Panel Moon Roof, so the ultimate packages are out and I wanted the heavier front springs but the Snow Plow package springs are two stiff so I will probably get the Camper Package, for a couple of bucks more you get the Sway Bar and a rear helper spring. The moral of the story is go through the order guide carefully because the package deals add and subtract a lot of options automatically. Additionally, when looking through the order guide make sure you look for the required notes.

Dave

 

Don't get me wrong, the King Ranch trucks for 2017 are still beautiful. Although I feel the leather quality between a King Ranch are Lariat are identical, there is still more leather in the KR seats, and the orange logos on the seats and center console are very nice. *Visually* I think the KR seats still look more upscale, even if the leather grade is the same.

The sales manager told me there was very little difference in trade-in value between a Lariat and KR that were similarly equipped. At the time of buying the 2016 KR, I was debating buying that truck or another 2016 Lariat. I agree that it has more to do with MSRP.

 

why did you not get the moon roof or want it?

 

Chris, I'll not speak for Dave...but unless you are just determined to not get the moonroof...get it! It is awesome. Best sunroof I've ever had. Massive coverage, very large opening area, nice sunshade. I love it, no leaks or anything like that.

 

Chis, I have had the single glass Moon Roof in my last two KR 150's and while I haven't had any problems I don't use it enough to justify the cost. Now that I have moved back to NW PA I use it even less, if I still lived down south I would probably get one.

Additionally, due to PA's new Registration/Weight sticker laws I am trying to stay at 10K GVWR to reduce annual fees so am going with a F250 vs F350; and the double Moon Roof weights 96 lbs so not getting one increases my payload by 96 LBS.