When a manufacturer rolls out a body style change, the question is always the same: did they actually change the truck, or did they just give it a facelift? We happen to have a 2023 F-150 Lariat and a 2024 F-150 Lariat sitting right here at the shop in Ephrata, and since they are both 502A package trucks with the sport appearance package, it is the perfect time to dig into what is actually different.
If you are driving around Lancaster County trying to decide if you should snag a deal on a 23 or pony up for the 24, here is the breakdown of what has changed and what stayed exactly the same.
Exterior Styling and the New Face of Ford
The most obvious difference is the front end. Ford updated the grille and the housing for the LED headlights. Even though they are both LEDs, the 2024 has a much more modern, streamlined look. The fog light housings got a refresh too.
Walking around the side, you will notice new wheel designs. The 2023 we have here has the classic black Lariat 20-inch wheels, while the 2024 is sporting a grayed-out 20-inch design. In my opinion, the 2024 appearance updates look great, but underneath the skin, a lot remains familiar. You are still looking at the same running boards and the same bed options, whether you need a five and a half foot or a six and a half foot box.
One thing to keep in mind is that some differences you see might just be trim packages. For example, our 2024 has the black appearance package, which integrates the dual exhaust into the rear bumper. The 2023 has the exhaust coming out the side, but you could get that integrated look in 2023 if you found one with the right package.
Interior Tech and the Sync 4 Refresh
If you hop inside, you might think you are sitting in the exact same truck at first. The layout is basically identical, with the pano sunroof, the big touchscreen, and the heated and cooled seats. However, there are three main tech updates in the 2024 that you should know about:
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Updated Sync 4: The 2024 features a refreshed version of the Sync 4 system. While the screen size is the same, the processor is a bit quicker, making the interface feel smoother and more responsive when you are flipping through menus.
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Digital Cluster: The layout of the digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel has been updated for a fresher look.
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Camera Resolution: Ford says the 2024 has sharper resolution for the backup and 360-degree cameras. When you are backing into a tight spot in a busy parking lot on Oregon Pike, that extra clarity is always welcome.
One huge win for the 2024 interior is the removal of that reddish-brown "Marcala" leather trim that was on the dash and console of many 2023 Lariats. The 2024 black appearance package keeps everything dark and clean, which honestly looks a whole lot better.
Standard Equipment and the MSRP Jump
This is where things get interesting. For 2024, Ford changed how they bundle options. They made more equipment standard on the Lariat trim levels. In 2023, you could pick and choose more individual options to keep the price down. In 2024, Ford basically said, "This is how everyone orders them anyway," and bundled it all together.
Because of that, the MSRP on a 2024 Lariat 502A is generally $4,000 to $6,000 higher than a similarly equipped 2023. It is not necessarily that the truck is "more expensive" for the sake of it, but you are forced to take more standard tech, which bumps up that window sticker. For 2024, you are looking at an MSRP range of roughly $66,000 to $73,000, whereas the 2023s were landing between $62,000 and $68,000.
Performance and Engines: The Status Quo
If you were hoping for more horsepower in the new model, I hate to be the bearer of boring news. The engine lineup remains exactly the same. You still have the choice between:
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2.7L EcoBoost
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3.5L EcoBoost
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3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid
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5.0L V8
The horsepower and torque specs did not budge. Whether you go with the 23 or the 24, you are getting the same proven performance and towing capability.
The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Buy?
Right now on our lot, the price gap is real. Our 2024 Lariat is sitting in the mid-50s, while the 2023 is in the upper 40s. That is about a $5,000 to $7,000 difference for trucks with similar mileage.
The 2024 gives you the newest body style, better software for over-the-air updates, and a slightly sharper tech interface. The 2023 has already taken its biggest depreciation hit, meaning you get the same engine and 90% of the same interior for a significantly lower price point.
So, is the new face and the smoother screen worth the extra five grand? That is the big question. If you want the latest and greatest, the 24 is the way to go. But if you want the best value for your dollar, it is hard to beat a late-model 2023.
Check out the full walkaround video below to see these two trucks side-by-side: