scott150

500A you can get 40/20/40 501A comes with console... but either way 40/20/40 sucks.

I'm talking if you get a centre console, it's best with the column shift, and that combination isn't available on lariat and up. Having a gear shifter in the path to the cup holder is really annoying after a while, which is why I give lots of points to the 302A over 501A... That's just my personal preference... lots of people like the idea of paying extra to push a button to start and then have the truck honk when you get out while its running.

XLT (non-sport) with console.


vs.

Lariat with console.

scott150

The lariat has 4WD auto in addition to 4High and 4Low. 4WD auto works like most AWD cars, engaging the front when traction loss is detected.

JeffKTM350

This is not correct. I have a 501A Lariat with the standard 40/20/40. Wanted seating for 6.

screwball16

I went through very similar dilemma and could not justify the premium for Lariat, but man it is niiiiicccceeee !!!

one other thing I really liked, and have not seen listed in other posts is that the Lariat (all trim levels) has ambient lighting in the cabin .. I really wanted that but again, could not justify the significant $$$$$$ to get a Lariat. I also agree that the center console (column shifter) is much more useable but does not look as cool

Spamfritter

This is what the 502A package has, although some of the 501A features are listed here as well.

BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
Remote Start System
Remote tailgate release
Reverse Sensing System
LED side-mirror spotlights
PowerFold® side/power glass with heat, turn signal, memory, driver’s side auto-dimming feature, high-intensity LED security approach lamps
Chrome skull caps on exterior mirrors
110V/400W power outlet
Universal garage door opener
Heated/cooled leather-trimmed bucket seats with 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, power lumbar, memory feature and flow-through console with floor shifter
Audio System from Sony® with HD Radio™
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Voice-activated Navigation System
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats (SuperCrew® only)
Power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory
Quad-beam LED headlamps and LED taillamps
Automatic high-beams with rain-sensing windshield wipers
18-inch Chrome-like PVD wheels
265/60R18 BSW all-season tires (A/S) (4x2)
275/65R18 OWL all-terrain tires (A/T) (4x4)
Chrome angular step bars
Chrome door handles with body-color bezel
Chrome front tow hooks (4x4 only) – two (2)
Chrome single-tip exhaust
Chrome three-bar style grille with chrome surround and mesh insert

Additionally the 502A options are available on 501A for the most part. My truck is only missing the chrome stuff and the following despite being a 501A package truck:

• Audio System from Sony® with HD Radio™
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats (SuperCrew® only)
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory
• Quad-beam LED headlamps and LED taillamps

As some have pointed out, some of the Lariat options are available on XLT trim level trucks.

Generally you get leather, center console with floor shifter, heated and cooled seats, power folding mirrors, 8" productivity screen, 3 bar grill, ambient lighting, woodgrain or carbon fiber interior accents, My Key, push button start, 4A mode on 4WD models and a lot more if you check the breakdown of the features.

Quite honestly I got a 501A truck and the only thing I really wanted out of the 502A package is the LED headlamps. The rest of the things I really wanted were added to my truck anyway. Some things like the Sony Radio would have been nice, but not worth the cost to me.

I don't mind the shifter and actually prefer it. I like resting my hand on it. I can use the cup holders without issue. The area taken by the shifter really doesn't take much away in terms of storage. These trucks have so many damn pockets and bins that the only way you'd find the capacity insufficient on the Lariat and up trucks is if you are a hoarder.

Well that configuration can be ordered, but the dealers rarely if ever get them that way.

JeffKTM350

You're right about that, I had to order it.

scott150

The shifter does look awesome and has a great feel to it, but I find after a long drive, especially with a passenger, the crap piles up. There will be coffee cups, water bottles, jar of snacks, cell phones and charging cables tangled around this area... I just don't think the application of a console shifter is very practical for an F150 or really any vehicle with an automatic transmission... if ford would offer a manual, different story.

Any ways, 501A is extremely nice, 302A is only slightly less nice.

Another compromise of 501A is that the blind spot radar deletes the convex mirrors. The reverse lights are also reduced down to tiny slits.

Spamfritter

The reverse lights do suck. That's for certain.

horse43

I will add too, there a few nice things missing from the XLT instrument panel vs the Lariat:

Trailer Light Status
Turn by Turn Navigation

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned prior, but you get cooled heats and the auto/dual climate controls.

BlackBoost

Make yourself a complete list of what you can get with the 501A that's missing on the 302A. Take into account that the 302A with sport package adds things for cheap. Then look at the price difference and ask yourself if it's worth it. If you're still not sure, have a look around the forum for problems people are having: cooled seats, adaptive cruise control, leather, all the other bell and whistle problems, then ask yourself again if it's worth it.


So let's say you like the 501A because it has a heated steering wheel and remote tailgate. Are you will to pay $10k (or whatever) more for that?