All information in this article has been revised and updated for the latest 2021-2022 models.
Like most pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 comes in a dazzling array of trim levels and configurations. You can choose between everything from bare-bones workhorses to truly luxurious pickups. Here we look at the Texas-inspired King Ranch and the opulent Platinum. Both boast all-leather heated seats inside, host a ton of tech features, and drip with chrome but beneath it all, they're still built Ford tough.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE
No difference at all here. Both the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels come standard with the F-150's better V8, 5-liter engine that makes 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. On lesser F-150 trims, this engine is an upgrade. In either the King Ranch or the Platinum trim, the engine pulls the same 9,300 pounds when towing. You can get standard front-wheel drive or upgrade to a four-wheel drive version on both as well. EPA estimates vary across different sites but are approximately 16 city and 22 highway.
COMFORT AND TECH FEATURES
Get ready to wrap yourself in leather regardless of whether you choose King Ranch or Platinum. In this area, it's what's under the seats that makes the difference. The King Ranch has heated front and rear seats while the front bucket seats are also ventilated. You also get the superior Bang & Olufsen audio system, a voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, remote start, and heated steering wheel with memory.
Platinum offers the same comfort, with heated and ventilated seats, and all of the same tech features but adds a Wi-Fi hotspot for good measure. Those who find themselves often on the go with laptop in hand may find that addition an important tool.
New for 2021 is the option to fold the 10-speed automatic shift lever completely flat for a large workspace, or fold the seats for optimal sleeping room. The new 7.2-kW onboard generator is perfect for everyday work needs or tailgate parties and the bed now has power-operated running boards that extend down the side to become a step for easier reach-ins.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The King Ranch has safety features you'd expect to see, like rear view camera and front and side airbags. You're also getting the MyKey system that works hard to keep teen drivers safe.
However, the Platinum trim level offers the more exclusive safety tech, like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and inflatable safety belts in the second row.
STYLE
The King Ranch and Platinum each have a different look. With the King Ranch, you'll find the leathers and other surfaces have a southwestern feel. In one color option, it's all reddish brown over a darker, mottled brown. A distinctive wavy design is seared into the leather at the seat's head and center storage compartment between seats. In the King Ranch, that leather is paired with real wood trim as well. A lasso and leather work gloves would look right at home. The face of the truck sports a chrome two-bar style grille with chrome surround and caribou mesh insert.
The Platinum abandons the southwestern style for a contemporary vibe, embracing a sleek and polished look. On the outside, you get a satin-aluminum-finish and three-bar-style grille with chrome accents and bright mesh insert. The 20-inch wheels are bigger and feature polished aluminum. Inside, there's more of a futuristic look than an old-timey feel. One popular color combination is dark red over black leather. The sideview mirrors are capped with chrome.
TAKEAWAY
The King Ranch is luxurious enough to make anyone feel like southwest royalty, but if safety is more your concern we'd suggest the Platinum.