With the new F-150 model year landing in our showroom early in 2026, it's a good time to take a closer look at two trims shoppers often compare head-to-head: the Lariat and the Platinum. Both truck trims are comfortable and well-equipped, but they appeal to slightly different kinds of drivers looking for an upscale experience. Let's take a look at their many offerings in this comparison between 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat and Platinum.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ford F-150 makes its debut at our dealership in early 2026.
- Ford offers an extensive engine lineup across F-150 trims.
- We anticipate only minor changes for the new model year.
What Features Separate the F-150 Lariat and Platinum Trims?
The Lariat is where the F-150 lineup starts to feel more upscale. It moves you out of the work-truck zone and into something that's much more comfortable day-to-day without the full luxury price. Leather-trimmed seating replaces the standard cloth, and the cabin adds niceties most buyers want, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a cleaner dashboard layout. LED projector headlamps come standard, and BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is also available. Engine choices stay wide open on the Lariat. You can stick with the efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for commuting or move up to more powerful options if you have trailers, boats, or heavy equipment to pull.
The Platinum is the trim for buyers who want their truck to feel as polished as a luxury SUV but still perform like an F-150. It comes with 20-inch gloss-black wheels, chrome detailing, and power-deployable running boards that extend automatically when the door opens. Inside, the Platinum offers more advanced driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Premium audio, an enhanced infotainment setup, wireless charging, and additional convenience features help the Platinum feel a level above.
Engines and Towing for the 2026 F-150 Lineup
Ford continues to offer one of the broadest engine selections in the segment. Every option mates with a 10-speed automatic and the ability to choose rear- or four-wheel drive:
- 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
With the right setup, a SuperCrew equipped 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 2,445-pound payload.
Infotainment, Tech, and Comfort of the 2026 F-150
Inside, the F-150 features a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch center touchscreen running Ford's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum also open the door to more tech. You can add wireless phone charging, take advantage of over-the-air updates, and upgrade to the available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot comes standard on upper trims, and 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.
When Does the 2026 Ford F-150 Arrive in Our Showroom?
The first shipments of the 2026 F-150 begin arriving early in the year, and we're sure the Lariat and Platinum will be among the most popular choices. If you're torn between the Lariat's comfort and the Platinum's luxury leanings, make sure to contact us for more information, and be sure to schedule your test drive. We're here to help!