If you are in the market for a new or used Ford F-150 Lariat, you’ve likely realized that not all Lariats are created equal. Ford uses specific "order code" packages that can drastically change the features—and the price—of the truck.
The most common point of confusion for Lariat buyers is the difference between the standard 501A package and the upgraded 502A package.
Today, we’re comparing two seemingly identical 2024 F-150 Lariats—both featuring the stunning Black Appearance Package—to reveal exactly what you get when you step up to the 502A, and where the best value lies for your wallet.
The Shared Foundation: What Both Trucks Offer
Before diving into the differences, it’s important to note that even the "base" 501A Lariat is a loaded truck.
In 2024, whether you choose the 501A or 502A, both trucks in this comparison (equipped with the Black Appearance Package) feature:
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Heated and ventilated front seats
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Panoramic sunroof and power-sliding rear window
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360-degree camera system and front sensors
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LED headlights and fog lights
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Adaptive Cruise Control (with optional BlueCruise capability)
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Painted-to-match bumpers and 20-inch black wheels (via Black Appearance Package)
However, once you look past the exterior, the significant differences begin to emerge.
The 2024 F-150 Lariat 501A: The Baseline
The 501A is a fantastic truck, but it lacks several creature comforts and utility features that many luxury truck buyers expect.
Inside the 501A, you get a standard 8-speaker B&O Sound System. While decent, it doesn't pack the punch of the upgraded system. You also miss out on the modern convenience of a wireless mobile phone charger.
The bed of the 501A features an easy-lower manual tailgate and a 400W outlet, but it is missing key utility features like the integrated tailgate step and bed lighting.
The 2024 F-150 Lariat 502A: The Premium Upgrades
Stepping up to the 502A package adds significant technology, comfort, and utility upgrades. These aren't just minor tweaks; they are features that change how you use the truck daily.
Here are the major additions you get with the 502A package:
1. Superior Audio and Technology
The 502A swaps the standard audio for an immersive 14-speaker B&O Unleashed Sound System. It also adds a Heads-Up Display (HUD), which projects vital information like speed, navigation directions, and audio sources directly onto the windshield.
2. The Mobile Office Package
If you work out of your truck, this is a game-changer. The 502A includes:
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Wireless Mobile Phone Charging Pad.
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Interior Work Surface: The center console gear shifter folds flat, allowing the console lid to unfold into a flat desk space, perfect for a laptop or eating lunch.
3. Enhanced Comfort and Storage
Your passengers will appreciate the upgrade, as the 502A includes heated rear seats. You also gain a lockable, partitioned storage compartment underneath the rear bench seat for securing valuables.
4. Cargo Convenience Package
The utility of the truck bed is significantly improved with the 502A. You get:
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Power Up/Down Tailgate: Open or close the tailgate with the push of a button from the cab or key fob.
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Tailgate Step: The integrated step and handle make accessing the bed much easier.
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LED Bed Lighting: Essential for loading cargo at night.
The Financial Verdict: New vs. Used Value
Knowing the features is half the battle; understanding the value is the other half.
When purchasing brand new in 2024, the MSRP difference between a 501A and a 502A was roughly $6,100. That is a significant chunk of change for the added features.
However, the used market is a different story.
As demonstrated in the video, on the current used market, the price gap between these two packages shrinks dramatically—often to around a $2,500 difference.
The Recommendation: If you are buying used, the 502A package is an undeniable value. For a relatively small difference in monthly payment, you gain the premium sound system, heads-up display, power tailgate, and mobile office features. When the price gap narrows that much, always go for the 502A.
Watch the full comparison of these two trucks in the video below: