The Ford F-250 is the kind of truck that can handle the heavy lifting without beating you up in the process. With strong engine choices and trims that scale from straightforward to downright luxurious, it's a work truck that doesn't make you choose between power and comfort. Have a closer look at how two of its luxe trims compare in this 2026 Ford F-250 Lariat vs Platinum review.
Key Takeaways
- Both the Ford F-250 Lariat and Platinum trims elevate comfort and convenience for long workdays and long weekend drives.
- These higher-end trims offer luxury-grade materials without sacrificing capability.
- The Platinum Plus package adds exclusive upgrades for drivers who want a premium HD truck with max performance.
Features Included in the F-250 Lariat
The Lariat is where the F-250 really starts feeling upscale. It builds on the XLT with a long list of comfort upgrades, with its quieter, more refined cabin. LED headlights come standard, along with dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and synthetic leather upholstery. The front passenger seat gains power adjustment, and the driver's seat includes memory settings so you can dial in the comfort easily. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear seats get heat as well when you opt for the center console.
Technology jumps up a notch, too. The digital instrument cluster is sharp and easy to read, and a 12-inch touchscreen gives you built-in navigation and quick access to key settings. The Lariat also features an eight-speaker B&O audio system, and its wireless charging pad keeps your phone powered on long hauls. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system help make this big truck easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Features of the F-250 Platinum
Move up to the Platinum, and you're stepping into something that feels much closer to luxury, without the western styling that defines the King Ranch. The exterior gets its own trim and detailing, the taillights are upgraded to LEDs, and the interior switches to Platinum-specific leather and finishing. Ford also includes Onboard Scales & Smart Hitch here, which helps you keep an eye on payload and trailer tongue weight.
For drivers who want the most premium setup available, the Platinum Plus package (exclusive to models with high-output diesel) features satin-chrome trim, 20-inch dark gray wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, and upgraded leather with French stitching all give the truck a more polished feel. The front seats get another bump in quality, and Pro Power Onboard allows you to run tools or equipment from the bed, and six prewired auxiliary switches are ready for add-ons like light bars, compressors, or PTO-driven accessories.
Which 2026 F-250 Will You Choose?
Both F-250 models give you plenty of ways to match the truck to your lifestyle, whether you're leaning toward the Lariat's mid-level mix of comfort and practicality or the Platinum's luxury feel. When you're ready to get behind the wheel, we're here to walk you through these trims and set you up with a test drive (or two). Contact Banner Ford of Mandeville today to experience the F-250 firsthand--you'll be glad you did!