The Lariat and the King Ranch are some of the most distinctive F-150 trims on the market, trucks with unique personalities and even more impressive capabilities. The Lariat has a smaller engine, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with a corresponding smaller towing capacity, than the King Ranch, which comes standard with a 5.0L V8 engine. The King Ranch's list of features is also longer, with more tech options coming standard than on the Lariat.
2018 Ford F-150 Lariat vs King Ranch
The Bottom Line:
The differences are mostly under the hood in this pair as well, with the Lariat coming with a smaller engine with less capacity for towing, but the price tag is smaller as well. 
Power and Performance
| Lariat | King Ranch |
| 20/26 mpg | 17/23 mpg |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 325 horsepower 400 lb.-ft. torque 8,500 lbs. max towing | 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine 395 horsepower 400 lb.-ft. torque 11,600 lbs. max towing |
| 10-speed transmission with tow-haul, snow-wet, EcoSelect, and sport modes, Auto Start-Stop Engine Technology | 10-speed transmission with tow-haul, snow-wet, EcoSelect, and sport modes, Auto Start-Stop Engine Technology |
| Optional: 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine | Optional: Turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine |
Comfort & Tech Features
| Lariat | King Ranch |
| Leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front bench seat | Heated & ventilated front bucket seats with leather trim; heated back seats |
| SiriusXM satellite radio, SYNC 3, SYNC 3 with AppLink | SiriusXM satellite radio, B&O Play premium audio, SYNC 3, SYNC Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot, FordPass, voice-activated navigation with Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link |
| Keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals with memory, MyKey | Keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals with memory, rear parking sensors, MyKey, 110-volt/400-watt Power Inverter in front and back (SuperCab and SuperCrew) |
| OPTIONAL: Leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front bucket seats, B&O Play premium audio, SYNC Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot, FordPass, voice-activated navigation with Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link, rear parking sensors, 110-volt/400-watt Power Inverter in front and back (SuperCab and SuperCrew) | OPTIONAL: 360-degree camera with split-view, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist |
Safety & Security
| Lariat | King Ranch |
| Rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist | Rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist |
| Curve Control | Curve Control |
| Front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain airbags | Front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain airbags |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System Optional: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable safety belts in second row (SuperCrew) | SOS Post-Crash Alert System Optional: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable safety belts in second row (SuperCrew) |
Style
| Lariat | King Ranch |
| Chrome two-bar style grille with four minor bars, Black Surround and Background Mesh | Chrome two-bar style grille with Chrome Surround and Caribou Mesh Insert |
| Body-colored, heated, auto-dimming side mirrors | Body-colored, heated, auto-dimming side mirrors |
| Optional: Box side steps, 4×4 skid plates, twin-panel moonroof (SuperCrew), Tonneau Pickup Box Cover (hard or soft) | Optional: Box side steps, chrome front and rear bumpers, power telescoping trailer tow mirrors, 4×4 skid plates, twin-panel moonroof (SuperCrew), Tonneau Pickup Box Cover (hard or soft)) |
Choosing between these two stylish trucks - the 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch and the F-150 Platinum - can feel a bit like choosing apples over oranges, or vice versa. When it comes down to it, they've got a lot in common. Both swaddle you in leather, dish out the smartphone integration features, and tow and haul major weight with astonishing ease.
The Takeaway:
The major differences between these two come down to style. The King Ranch embraces a western ranch style, with King Ranch badging and a distinctly outdoor-adventure vibe. The Platinum has an uptown flair, with more chrome and a few extras as well.