Ford’s big-selling ute has some tough competition from the likes of Chevrolet’s Realtree Silverado, Ram’s new 1500 with camouflage and Toyota’s Western-style Ranger — all of which have been thriving in Australia. To help keep its nose in front, the F-150 has been spruced up with extra equipment and a ‘Rough-and-Ready’ look that’s aimed at hunters and overland adventurers.
The 2024 F150 Lariat for Sale range starts at $106,950 before on-road costs for the XLT short wheelbase and stretches to $139,950 for the flagship Lariat we’re testing. Both grades can be had in long-wheelbase form for an extra $995, adding 300mm between the axles to boost tray capacity to 2005mm. The top-spec Lariat adds wireless smartphone mirroring to the infotainment system, satellite navigation and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The centre console also features a dial that accesses a trailer-specific steering system called Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist, which helps guide the rig when backing up and can be controlled from the driver’s seat.
F150 Lariat for Sale: Rugged Performance Meets Modern Comfort
Sitting in the driver’s seat, you’d be hard-pressed to guess this is a local conversion job, which feels high quality and well stitched together. A panoramic glass roof, leather interior and powered tailgate are all available as options. Other nice-to-haves include adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors and a surround-view monitor.
There are six airbags, a 360-degree camera, rear park assist, lane-keeping assistance, rollover mitigation and three child seat upper anchorage points across the F-150 range. Unlike some of the systems popping up in cars these days, the F-150’s ADAS is supportive rather than so intrusive you have to have it switched off altogether.