The XL is surprisingly nice, as we learned driving a 2005 model. At the other end of the spectrum is the King Ranch, which evokes images of Montana and cowboys. We love it, but it's not for everyone.
In Lariat trim, an F-150 rivals luxury cars in terms of design, materials and completeness, with beautiful, rich wood trim, both shiny and matte metallic finishes on major panels, and a lovely three-pod instrument panel behind the multi-function steering wheel. Our F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4X2 Styleside featured beige lower trim and a beige leather interior (Arizona Beige, that is).
The Lariat is one of the classiest, quietest, most completely equipped pickup truck interiors we have spent time in. Lariat comes with every known amenity.
We found the XLT's front bench seats attractive, but they were flat and lacked support. The front bench is split three ways. The center section flips down to reveal a center console with storage and cup holders; the console is flat, unlike GM's, so you can put a clipboard on it.
The FX4's optional captain's chairs were much more comfortable, offering decent support for the hips and back. They also looked great, trimmed in black leather with light gray stitching. Adjusting the power seats may be a little awkward for drivers with big arms because the clearance between the door armrest and the seat is a little tight; rake adjustment on the power driver's seat is manual, and raking it forward can be a bit awkward. The center console between the captain's chairs is deep and holds a lot of stuff and features a pair of big, solid cup holders. The floor shifter for the automatic works very well.
The radio and HVAC controls are plain but straightforward and easy to operate. Delayed accessory power means you can turn off the ignition, remove the key, and continue to operate the power windows and run the radio until you open the door.
Ford redesigned this latest-generation F-150 very carefully and the attention to detail is obvious. Giant mirrors afford an excellent view rearward. There's a hook for your dry cleaning. Rear park-assist helps greatly when parallel parking one of these big rigs. It beeps ever more rapidly as you back toward something and even turns down the radio. A set of overhead storage bins is available that snap into rails; Ford offers five different sets of these bins, and the aftermarket is making additional versions with overhead entertainment systems and other specialty items built in. One of our few grips is that the clear plastic over the instrument panel is too reflective in bright sunlight, making the instruments hard to read. Everything else inside functions very well and looks beautiful.
The SuperCrew (crew cab) models offer a roomy back seat. Full-size adults should find the accommodations here comfortable and convenient. The big difference in the back seats between SuperCrew and SuperCab (extended cab) models is rear legroom: 39.0 inches for SuperCrew, 32.7 inches for SuperCab. The rear seat bottom flips up for carrying cargo behind the front seats.
