Hey guys,

It goes without saying that I'm looking into getting a new vehicle soon, but I'm having trouble selecting the model that I'm interested in. The FX4 and Lariat models seem to have so much in common in terms of interior amenities, and you can customize them to match with the exterior features (e.g. 3.73 EL diff, 3.5L EcoBoost, 4x4, etc). Or maybe things aren't as similar as they seem? Can anyone give me some advice?

Thanks!
Michael

 

The FX4 is a luxury off-road package, almost as nice as the lariat but with skid-plates.

I'd suggest going to the dealer and checking them out in person.

 

Simple question do you prefer chrome (Lariat) or do you prefer the blacked out look (FX4)

 

Well, I'm kind of split in that regard...I like the chrome exterior of the lariat, but I prefer the cool black look of the FX4's interior. That fake wood stuff just doesn't cut it for me (in the lariat).

 

You can get the off road package on the Lariat. 3.73 EL,skid plates and special front shock's. Both the FX4 and the Lariat are nice truck's. I don't think the 6.2 is offered with the offroad pkg though.

 

You can get an FX4 that is almost as basic as an XLT or almost as decked out as a Lariat. The only differences for the 2011s being exterior appearance (FX4 is completely one color; Lariat comes with chrome or two-tone), interior appearance (black vs woodgrain, and in the Lariat you have the option for tan or black leather), and you can get cooled seats in the Lariat. Also the FX4 you have no choice but 3.73 E locker, whereas in the Lariat you have the options for gear ratio and whether you want a E-locker or limited slip. Personally I chose the Lariat because I wanted the two-tone exterior and tan leather seats. I didn't think too much about the cooled seats at the time of purchase, but I love them. I'm not a fan of woodgrain in vehicles at all, but when my ex bought a Lariat a few years ago I became used to the woodgrain I guess so it actually doesn't bother me in my truck. But I have a 2010. If I was shopping for a 2011, I'd reluctantly get a black FX4 because I can't stand the new light woodgrain. So the choice simply comes down to do you want the E-locker (if no, your choice will be Lariat; if yea, move on to next consideration), which appearance you like better, and do you want cooled seats.

 

I was in the same place last September - I chose the Lariat.

The price difference was negligible...what really made the difference for me was the Lariat comes with Heated and Air Conditioned seats - you can't get A/C in the seats of a FX4. I don't off road - needed a Tow Vehicle. Traveling in the Lariat is amazing for long distance - glad I chose her.

 

That's a good fact - I didn't realize that the FX4 didn't offer the A/C seats...that's a perk of the Lariat. I doubt that I'll be taking my f150 off-roading...ever...and I'm sure I'll do some towing, but it'll be pretty limited. I just love the F150s and the utility of having a truck will come in useful from time to time. I'm not completly decided, but I was thinking that I'd get the 3.73 EL rear diff either way (FX4 or Lariat). Appearance isn't that big of a deal for me, but I'm not sure I could stand that fake wood in the '11 for more than a day

If I were to get the lariat, is there anyone that sells replacement panels? E.g. to get rid of that junky looking fake wood?

Thanks.

 

As far as the "fake wood" - I like it way more than cheap looking plastic components...I think Ford has done a very good job with the Lariat's interior. Course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So it all comes down to personal taste. If I could have afforded it, I would have went with the Raptor - but the 2010 didn't have a 4 door. I'm sure there are replacement after market panels out there...

 

When I was shopping for a truck I looked at a FX4 the only thing I liked better than the lariat, was in the black interior truck the black woodgrain looked better than the woodgrain in the black interior lariat, but It wouldn't look good with the tan interior of the lariat so the dark wood grain looks better, also the wood grain in the 2011 lariat is to light, I think also If the FX4 had a color matched FX2 grill It would look much better, one good thing about the f150 is we have so many different trims to choose from If you want so see ho hum just look at the GM trucks they all look the same... (old and outdated)