True, push button start doesn't cost Ford much. If push button start was standard on the Dodge Journey 5 years ago, then we know the feature is cheap to build.

But Ford has chosen to use it as a differentiator for their Lariat and up models. And if you're not happy with that, take a look at what competitors offer.

In a few years I imagine it will be basically standard across the board like power windows and locks are today.

 

Here's to hoping market pressure pushes

-keyless fob
-folding mirrors
-dual zone climate
-LED headlights

Into the lower level trims.

 

The catch here is, that if 4 of the 6-7 biggest reasons to upgrade from XLT to Lariat are dropped down, what will the Lariat+ get added to make the jump worthwhile? And on up the line to KR and Plat and Limited.

 

Who cares? Having 20 trim levels doesn't benefit anyone. I'd be happy if Ford offered NO LUXURY OPTIONS - every vehicle gets ALL the latest tech, which drives the cost of all that tech down. The only options would be things like paint, interior colors, & wheel style (which wouldn't change the price much); engine, trans, & 4WD.

 

So you'd be happy if it just so happened that the only vehicle built was just what you want? lol

It's a good thing you have no say in the matter, not everybody want$ to pay for ALL the latest tech and luxury options in their truck, resulting in a pathetic payload capacity because all that tech and luxury weighed it down too much.

 

Unfortunately Ford knows how to nickle and dime these things leaving RAM to attract you on features for the cost.

 

No, I have no use for airbags or seat belts or pushbutton start or a tailgate that opens itself if I wave my foot under it. But if Ford has already spent the money to develop that technology, PUT IT ON THE VEHICLE. All of them. That will bring the unit cost down & the reliability up.Yeah, I remember the good ol' days when trucks didn't have air-conditioned seats and retractable steps, and their payloads were so much...


Wait a second - they were LOWER back then!!! What the???




BTW
Back on the original topic of this thread...

 

I paid $34k for my 2016 F150. A lot for me, but it's a lot of truck. Nothing I want isn't on the invoice. I cannot imagine paying two or three times more no matter what else was included. Ford still wants my business, so they make a $34k truck with no fob or push button.

 

...Once you go keyless you don't understand how you ever dealt with pulling a key out of your pocket...

 

I hate keyless, the old lady's Escape Titanium has it. Probably because I'm an old school, old fart? I'm glad it's still optional depending on trim level.