Lariat, KR, Platinum?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
Chrome Package = Tailgate plaque
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 6
From: Louisville
I think there are a few misconceptions here. Way back almost a year ago, the "early adopters" of the 2017 Super Duty discussed the difference in seats between the Lariat, KR, and Platinum. I was actually able to compare them side by side.
The basic seat design is the same XL-Platinum. Trucks with the massaging seats have small air bladders beneath the cushion which inflate and deflate in a computer controlled manner to simulate a "massage" function. This results in a thinner "cushion" material and some folks have felt this makes the seat less comfortable; others have no issue. Otherwise, all trucks share the same seat cushion.
The coverings are vinyl, cloth, or leather. In my direct comparison, the leather grade between a Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum is identical. However, the Lariat seats use more vinyl sections than leather sections when compared to the KR or Platinum. This might give the impression that the leather is "better" when in reality it is not...there is just more leather.
Just because the color of the leather is different on a King Ranch, does not make it higher quality.
2009kr made a great point in another posting regarding 350DRW vs 450: the poster tends to be biased towards what they purchased. So it only seems natural to think the leather quality in a KR or Platinum would be superior to the Lariat trim.
Quite a few years ago, KR leather truly was different - more saddle like. However, it required frequent care and maintenance to keep it looking and feeling great. Many owners complained, and Ford eventually switched over to the standard leather dyed to the orange-brown signature color, and with a little stitching here and there plus a logo. This leather held up better with little to no maintenance.
My previous truck was a 2016 F-250 King Ranch. The seats were very nice, and definitely "looked" better than the standard Lariat seat. However, I don't believe they were a different grade of leather.
It's possible I'm wrong and if you're a leather expert with access to both trucks, feel free to correct me.
The basic seat design is the same XL-Platinum. Trucks with the massaging seats have small air bladders beneath the cushion which inflate and deflate in a computer controlled manner to simulate a "massage" function. This results in a thinner "cushion" material and some folks have felt this makes the seat less comfortable; others have no issue. Otherwise, all trucks share the same seat cushion.
The coverings are vinyl, cloth, or leather. In my direct comparison, the leather grade between a Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum is identical. However, the Lariat seats use more vinyl sections than leather sections when compared to the KR or Platinum. This might give the impression that the leather is "better" when in reality it is not...there is just more leather.
Just because the color of the leather is different on a King Ranch, does not make it higher quality.
2009kr made a great point in another posting regarding 350DRW vs 450: the poster tends to be biased towards what they purchased. So it only seems natural to think the leather quality in a KR or Platinum would be superior to the Lariat trim.
Quite a few years ago, KR leather truly was different - more saddle like. However, it required frequent care and maintenance to keep it looking and feeling great. Many owners complained, and Ford eventually switched over to the standard leather dyed to the orange-brown signature color, and with a little stitching here and there plus a logo. This leather held up better with little to no maintenance.
My previous truck was a 2016 F-250 King Ranch. The seats were very nice, and definitely "looked" better than the standard Lariat seat. However, I don't believe they were a different grade of leather.
It's possible I'm wrong and if you're a leather expert with access to both trucks, feel free to correct me.
OP, other than the leather differences, the quoted post is pretty spot-on with regards to the seat construction. They are all essentially the same with the exception of the massage bladders, power functions, and styling differences.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I can't believe some of you think the seats on the xlt through the platinum are the same or similar. They are very, very different.
I gave my dealer a $500 deposit to order a Lariat. I went back to his lot a week or so later and sat in a Lariat and a Platinum right next to eachother and repeated the process multiple times. I could not believe how cheap the Lariat seats looked and felt. It was a dealbreaker for me.
I thought the seats in the Lariat were so bad that I decided to just eat the $500 and buy a platinum from another dealer. So, I upgraded to the Platinum mostly for the seats alone.
I gave my dealer a $500 deposit to order a Lariat. I went back to his lot a week or so later and sat in a Lariat and a Platinum right next to eachother and repeated the process multiple times. I could not believe how cheap the Lariat seats looked and felt. It was a dealbreaker for me.
I thought the seats in the Lariat were so bad that I decided to just eat the $500 and buy a platinum from another dealer. So, I upgraded to the Platinum mostly for the seats alone.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
Noted. Is it an option on the 450's? I bought a truck on the lot that did not have so I assumed, erroneously.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 4,131
From: Jacksonville
Maybe Ford should have offered an optional "Southern States moonroof sunshade package" which would include a much thicker sunshade complete with reflective shiny aluminum backing (facing the glass). This could have been included at "no cost" to the group of "hot weather states" and optional for everyone else, much the way the "cold weather states" get the engine block heater, electric supplemental cabin heater, and dual alternators at "no cost."
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,120
Likes: 652
From: NH
Yes, it is available on the 450's.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,477
Likes: 4,069
From: Raceland, La.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 6
From: Louisville
I can't believe some of you think the seats on the xlt through the platinum are the same or similar. They are very, very different.
I gave my dealer a $500 deposit to order a Lariat. I went back to his lot a week or so later and sat in a Lariat and a Platinum right next to eachother and repeated the process multiple times. I could not believe how cheap the Lariat seats looked and felt. It was a dealbreaker for me.
I thought the seats in the Lariat were so bad that I decided to just eat the $500 and buy a platinum from another dealer. So, I upgraded to the Platinum mostly for the seats alone.
I gave my dealer a $500 deposit to order a Lariat. I went back to his lot a week or so later and sat in a Lariat and a Platinum right next to eachother and repeated the process multiple times. I could not believe how cheap the Lariat seats looked and felt. It was a dealbreaker for me.
I thought the seats in the Lariat were so bad that I decided to just eat the $500 and buy a platinum from another dealer. So, I upgraded to the Platinum mostly for the seats alone.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Have you sat in and felt both seats right next to eachother? My opinion shouldn't matter to anyone that has the opportunity to do that. I didn't want to spend the additional $$$ for a Platinum EVER, so I had no prior bias towards the Lariat, which is also a beautiful truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 4,131
From: Jacksonville
Dammit man! That means the seats in my $70k Lariat are 16.8% more offensive to the rear end than the Platinum seats. Truthfully I've never sat in a Platinum but if they are that much more plush and comfortable than the ones in the Lariats then I'm glad I didn't sit in one. I spent enough on this one. On the other hand I'm sure my simpleton **** couldn't tell the difference.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 6
From: Louisville
The materials are certainly different. This observation is not perception. My perception is that the Lariat seat material looks and feels cheap and is inappropriate in a $60k vehicle. The platinum seat feels WAY more plush to me and my car snob friend that I was with. Someone in this thread mentioned the cushioning is identical. I'm not saying it isn't true but I am having a hard time believing that.
Have you sat in and felt both seats right next to eachother? My opinion shouldn't matter to anyone that has the opportunity to do that. I didn't want to spend the additional $$$ for a Platinum EVER, so I had no prior bias towards the Lariat, which is also a beautiful truck.
Have you sat in and felt both seats right next to eachother? My opinion shouldn't matter to anyone that has the opportunity to do that. I didn't want to spend the additional $$$ for a Platinum EVER, so I had no prior bias towards the Lariat, which is also a beautiful truck.
I'm glad that you're happy with your choice and I hope your new truck serves you well for many years to come!
And yes, I've sat in both seats next to each other. I've sat in every seat available on this truck.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 322
Likes: 13
From: Florida
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
Okay, I sat in a Lariat with the Ultimate package and a Platinum parked next to it. I guess it is in the eyes, or maybe rear, of the beholder. I felt the Lariat was more comfortable maybe because it wasn't as firm as the Platinum. The other thing I noticed is the Lariat's bottom seat seemed to be longer and supported my thighs better. Maybe the Platinum's seat needed adjusting. It was black and it was rather hot so didn't sit long.
The dealer did tell me he could start ordering 18's on 9-13. If that is true I may wait.
The dealer did tell me he could start ordering 18's on 9-13. If that is true I may wait.