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Buyers seeking an adventure-capable full-size truck have another option to consider in 2023. The new Ford F-150 Rattler brings distinctive style and off-road capability to the company's lineup at a budget-friendly price.
"Our new F-150 Rattler offers aspiring adventurers an off-road option with expressive looks and capability in one package," said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager in a press release. "This truck builds off the F-150 off-road legacy while allowing us to introduce new customers to the right blend of styling and value in the F-150 lineup."
Based on the entry-level Ford F-150 XL grade, the 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler has added FX4 package content, including skid plates, hill descent control, an electronic rear-locking differential, all-terrain tires and specially tuned off-road shock absorbers.
It rides on 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, has F-150 Rattler badging on the fender vents, rattlesnake-inspired graphics and a dual exhaust system.
Four-wheel drive comes standard.
Buyers can get their truck with their choice of eight paint jobs: Oxford White, Avalanche, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Antimatter Blue, Stone Gray, Agate Black and Rapid Red TriCoat.
The new truck's cabin continues the desert-inspired theme. Onyx seats that have burnished bronze accents and stitching that match the trim on the instrument panel.
The 2023 F-150 Rattler goes on sale this autumn joining the Ford F-150 XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor and Raptor in the company's full-size truck lineup.
Like the F-150 Rattler, the F-150 Tremor and Raptor are also dedicated to off-road pursuits. The Tremor starts at $52,235 and the pricer, but more capable Raptor has a starting MSRP of $68,675 before destination and delivery fees are added in.
Pricing for the F-150 Rattler will be announced at a later date. Industry expectations are that the model will start in the low $30,000 range, above the $29,990 starting price of the F-150 XL and below the $38,310 cost of the F-150 XLT.
Bed size, cab configuration and engine options, as yet unannounced, are expected to impact pricing as well. For the 2022 model year, the F-150 XL comes standard with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque.
Ford's 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is available for a $1,195 surcharge, giving buyers access to 325 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The automaker also offers the model with its 5.0-liter V8 power plant, which yields 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque for an extra $1,995.
All engines are paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission.
The new Ford truck will come to market without any direct competitors. Ram offers its entry-level 1500 Tradesman with numerous appearance packages, but none come with off-road-ready equipment.
Chevrolet's pricier, entry-level Silverado 1500 WT is similarly not made available with off-roading packages.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more