The Ford F-150 continues to dominate the full-size pickup market with its diverse range of trim levels catering to different needs and preferences. Two exciting options in the lineup are the luxurious Lariat and the off-road-focused Tremor. While sharing the same platform, these trims serve distinctly different purposes, with the Lariat emphasizing comfort and refinement and the Tremor prioritizing all-terrain capability. 

Exterior Differences

The Lariat presents a more sophisticated appearance with its chrome-accented grille, LED lighting, and body-colored bumpers. It features 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard, with options for 20-inch and 22-inch wheels for those seeking a more imposing presence. The overall aesthetic leans toward upscale rather than rugged, making it suitable for both work and upscale social settings.

In contrast, the Tremor immediately announces its off-road intentions with a unique grille featuring an orange accent stripe, powder-coated bumpers, and recovery hooks. It comes standard with 18-inch dark aluminum wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires. The Tremor sits 25.4 mm higher than standard F-150s, providing greater ground clearance for traversing difficult terrain. Its more aggressive stance has functional design elements like skid plates and a modified rear bumper for improved departure angle.

Performance and Capability

The Lariat comes standard with the Ford 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 325 horsepower and 542 Newton-metres of torque, with optional upgrades to the 5.0-liter V8 (400 horsepower/542 Nm) or the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower/678 Nm). The PowerBoost hybrid powertrain is also available, combining the 3.5-liter EcoBoost with an electric motor to generate 430 horsepower and 772 Newton-metres of torque while improving fuel efficiency.

The Tremor comes equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as standard, delivering the power needed for challenging off-road conditions. Both trims utilize the Ford 10-speed automatic transmission, though the Tremor features a more robust four-wheel-drive system with a locking rear differential and Trail Control system that functions like cruise control for off-road driving.

Suspension setups differ significantly, with the Lariat offering a comfort-oriented system and the Tremor featuring upgraded monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks, revised springs, and a 25.4 mm lift kit. The Tremor modified suspension enables 239 mm of front suspension travel and 254 mm of rear travel, substantially more than the Lariat standard configuration.

For towing, both models offer impressive capabilities. When properly equipped, the Lariat can tow up to 6,350 kg, while the Tremor manages up to 4,763 kg—the reduction primarily due to its off-road-focused suspension and tires.

Interior and Technology

The Lariat interior emphasizes luxury with leather-trimmed seats, genuine wood accents, and a generally more upscale ambiance. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while the standard 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for controlling various vehicle functions. Ambient lighting and dual-zone automatic climate control further enhance the premium feel.

The Tremor cabin balances comfort with durability, featuring moisture-resistant interior materials better suited to outdoor adventures. Its seats use more rugged upholstery while still providing proper support during off-road excursions. The Tremor shares the 12-inch touchscreen with the Lariat but adds specific off-road pages that display information like pitch, roll, and steering angle—critical data when navigating challenging terrain.

Both trims offer the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. However, the Tremor includes additional features like a 360-degree camera system with split-view display that proves invaluable when maneuvering off-road.

Off-Road Capability

The most significant differences emerge when comparing off-road capabilities. While the Lariat can handle light off-road duties, particularly when equipped with the FX4 Off-Road Package, the Tremor is purpose-built for more serious adventures.

The Tremor boasts 252 mm of ground clearance—28 mm more than standard F-150 models. Its approach angle of 27.8 degrees, breakover angle of 21.2 degrees, and departure angle of 24.3 degrees all represent substantial improvements over the Lariat. Additionally, the Tremor features a modified rear differential with an electronic locking function, along with a torque-on-demand transfer case similar to that found in the high-performance Raptor.

Another Tremor exclusive is Trail Turn Assist, which can reduce the turning radius in tight off-road situations by applying braking force to the inside rear wheel. The Rock Crawl mode recalibrates throttle response and transmission behaviour for optimal control during technical low-speed maneuvers.

5 Top Best Features

1. Pro Power Onboard: Available on both trims, this integrated power generator provides up to 7.2 kW of exportable power through multiple 120V and 240V outlets, essentially turning the truck into a mobile generator.
2. SYNC 4 with 12-inch Touchscreen: Both models feature this large, vertically oriented display with enhanced voice recognition, wireless smartphone connectivity, and over-the-air update capability.
3. Tremor Trail Control: This off-road cruise control system manages throttle and braking on rough terrain, allowing drivers to focus solely on steering.
4. Lariat Interior Work Surface: With the shift lever folded flat, this creates a convenient workspace for laptops, documents, or lunch breaks.
5. Active Drive Assist Prep Kit: Available on both trims, this hardware enables hands-free driving on more than 160,000 kilometers of divided highways following a future software update.

5 Facts About the 2025 F-150 Lariat and Tremor

1. Ford paints the Tremor recovery hooks orange to follow international rescue equipment standards and make them easier to spot in emergencies.
2. The Lariat digital instrument cluster can display over 30 different screen layouts, allowing for unprecedented personalization of driver information.
3. Engineers tested the Tremor water fording capabilities in a purpose-built facility that simulates crossing streams up to 800 mm deep.
4. When equipped with the PowerBoost hybrid system, the Lariat can power an average home for up to three days during a power outage when connected through the available Home Integration System.
5. Engineers developed the Tremor all-terrain tires specifically for this model, giving them a unique tread pattern that balances off-road traction with low on-road noise and good wear characteristics.

Questions and Answers: 2025 F-150 Lariat VS Tremor

Which has better fuel economy, the Lariat or Tremor?

• The Lariat generally offers better fuel economy, especially when equipped with the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, which achieves approximately 10.2 L/100 km combined. The off-road tires on the Tremor, higher ride height, and standard 3.5L EcoBoost result in higher consumption of approximately 13.8 L/100 km combined.

Can the Tremor off-road features be added to a Lariat?

• While you can equip the Lariat with the FX4 Off-Road Package that adds some capability, the specialized suspension, increased ground clearance, unique transfer case, and Trail Turn Assist are exclusive to the Tremor model.

Which trim has a higher payload capacity?

• The Lariat typically offers higher payload capacity, with maximum ratings up to 1,034 kg compared to the 850 kg of the Tremor. The difference is primarily due to the specialized suspension that prioritizes articulation over load-carrying.

Do both trims offer the same bed length options?

• The Lariat offers more bed configuration options, available with 1.7 m (5.5 ft), 2.0 m (6.5 ft), and 2.4 m (8 ft) beds, depending on cab selection. The Tremor is only available with the 1.7 m or 2.0 m bed options paired with the SuperCrew cab.

Which trim is better for daily commuting?

• The Lariat is generally more comfortable for daily commuting with its more road-focused suspension tuning, better fuel economy, and quieter cabin. The Tremor all-terrain tires and off-road suspension create more road noise and a slightly firmer ride on paved surfaces.

Can both trims be equipped with the Pro Power Onboard generator?

• Yes, both can be equipped with Pro Power Onboard, though the maximum 7.2 kW output is only available with the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain on the Lariat. The Tremor standard 3.5L EcoBoost can be equipped with a 2.0 kW system.

Does the Tremor come with rock rails or running boards?

• It comes with standard running boards, but they’re positioned higher and closer to the body than the power-deployable running boards on the Lariat. Optional Tremor-specific rock rails can be added for additional protection during off-road excursions.

Which trim offers more technology features?

• Both trims offer similar technology features, including the 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. However, the Lariat has more comfort-oriented tech options like Multi-Contour seats with Active Motion massage function, while the Tremor includes off-road specific technology like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist.

Can the Tremor tow as much as a similarly equipped Lariat?

• No, the maximum towing capacity of 4,763 kg is lower than a similarly equipped Lariat, which can tow up to 6,350 kg. This difference is due to the specialized off-road suspension, tires, and higher ride height.

Are there any exclusive interior features for either trim?

• The Lariat offers exclusive interior features like genuine wood trim accents and available premium leather seating surfaces. The Tremor features unique interior appointments, including special all-weather floor mats, distinctive seat trim with Tremor logos, and orange accent stitching that matches its exterior recovery hooks.