Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome is a transatlantic on wheels with surprising consumption | Assessment

From Brazil: feijoada, samba, football, cheese bread and guaraná. From the United States: baseball, American football, shopping malls, cars and extra-large SUVs. Nations separated by an approximate distance of 6,800 km, but which started to share a trend: large full-size pickup trucks.

With the proportions of transatlantic ships on wheels and a finish worthy of a premium segment, these trucks cost more than R$500,000 and arouse curiosity and attention wherever they go due to their generous size. Ford’s F-Series line was born in 1948 as the blue oval brand’s first project after World War II. Since then, it has become one of the best-selling vehicle families in the United States.

The arrival of the F-150 in Brazil took place in April 2023, in the Lariat and Platinum versions, both equipped with the iconic naturally aspirated V8 5.0 Coyote, combined with the ten-speed automatic transmission. After 16 months of presence in Brazil, the 2025 line arrived last year, with a one-off facelift and Lariat Chrome and Lariat Black options, both for R$560,000. The trio is reinforced by the Tremor version (R$ 580 thousand), prepared to tackle tracks in the best Heavy Metal style.

Ford F-150 is a battleship ready for anything

With a price lower than the Ram 1500 Laramie (starting at R$584,990) and the Chevrolet Silverado High Country (starting at R$573,590), the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome appears as the most affordable full-size pickup truck on the Brazilian market. The value remains unchanged for the Lariat Black version, which only brings aesthetic changes with darkened finishes.

For those who frequently face urban traffic, the size of the F-150 can be intimidating. It is 5.89 meters long, 2.08 m wide and almost 2 meters high. But it only takes a few minutes behind the wheel for the experience to become natural — thanks to the elevated driving position, excellent visibility to the front and sides, as well as an arsenal of electronic assistants that smooth the handling in any situation.

The generous wheelbase of 3.69 m guarantees plenty of space in the cabin. In other words, the Ford F-150 is literally a living room on wheels — both in the front and second row. Compared to its rivals, it beats the Ram 1500 Laramie in wheelbase (3.67 m) and is behind the Chevrolet Silverado High Country (3.74 m).

If anyone buying a pickup truck is interested in how much cargo it can carry, the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome’s bed offers a volumetric capacity of 1,370 liters and a load capacity of 740 kg (671 kg in the Tremor version). One of the utility’s differences is the rear lid with the central portion offering a side opening, in the style of the Fiat Toro, facilitating access even with a trailer attached.

The volume of the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome’s bucket exceeds that of the Ram 1500 Laramie (1,200 liters and 557 kg), which is differentiated by the RamBox system (two 107-liter compartments on the sides of the bucket). The Chevrolet Silverado High Country has the advantage in terms of total volume: 1,781 liters, with 716 kg of load capacity.

Real V8, with Mustang pedigree

While Ram went to the turbocharger side, Ford stayed true to the naturally aspirated V8. And what a V8 engine! This is the 5.0 Coyote, the same one used in the Mustang, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The delivery is visceral: 405 hp and 56.7 kgfm, enough to take it from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The maximum speed is 180 km/h.

When driving in a measured manner, the bubbly sound of the V8 – also found in the Chevrolet Silverado – invades the cabin, turning off the radio just to enjoy this mechanical symphony. However, when pressing the accelerator pedal hard, the sound changes radically, transmitting a music that only a V-shaped eight-cylinder engine is capable of producing!

The Ram 1500 Laramie is more powerful — 426 hp and 64.8 kgfm — and faster (0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 s), but loses in efficiency. According to the Inmetro Vehicle Labeling Program, the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome records 6.5 km/l in the city and 8.5 km/l on the highway. The Ram’s consumption is 6 km/l and 7 km/l, respectively.

During our evaluation, it surprised us with 8.5 km/l in urban use — thanks to the cylinder deactivation system and the start-stop, which is smooth in operation. The Start-Stop operation is practically imperceptible, whether when turning off or reconnecting the engine with eight V-shaped cylinders. The 136-liter tank is larger than that of rivals. In fact, to compare, the Ram 1500 Laramie takes 125 liters, and the Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 91 liters.

Comfort worthy of a luxury SUV

Despite its large size, the F-150 is extremely comfortable. The merit of the independent front suspension with overlapping arms and rigid rear axle with refined setup. The package guarantees a smooth drive even with an empty bed, reminiscent of the standard of large American sedans of the past, such as the Ford Taurus and Crown Victoria.

The Ram 1500 has pneumatic adjustment with five modes — a technical difference — but Ford compensates with well-calibrated electric steering: light in maneuvers, firm and precise at high speeds. And for those who want driving modes, the Ford utility has a rich menu.

The F-150 Lariat has seven driving modes (Normal, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, Sport, Eco and Tow) and 4×4, 4×4 with reduced and 4×4 Auto. For those facing off-road, a 24.3º entry angle and 25.3º exit angle are available, with a ground clearance of 23.9 cm. Braked towing capacity is 3,492 kg, with 275/60 ​​tires mounted on 20” chrome wheels.

Ford F-150 offers a spacious cabin

The interior of the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome pickup truck is spacious, comfortable and well finished — although not as refined as that of the Ram 1500 Laramie. The list of equipment is complete: seats with electrical adjustments (10 positions for the driver, 8 for the passenger), heating and ventilation, adjustable pedals, panoramic sunroof and a 12-inch digital instrument panel.

The multimedia center is also 12″, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers delivers premium quality, and the 360° cameras make any maneuver easier. Additionally, the second row also has heated seats.

In terms of safety, the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome has eight airbags and a series of assistants: autonomous braking with pedestrian and intersection detection, frontal collision warning, electronic traction control, stability and anti-rollover control. In addition, there is the ProTrailer Towing Assistant system, with trailer sway control, automatic high beams, front/rear sensors, curve assistant, blind spot and lane centering.

Verdict

The Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome is the most affordable full-size truck in Brazil — and it leaves nothing to be desired. Imposing, comfortable, fun to drive and with a V8 that delivers a unique sound and even efficiency, it is a gateway for those who want to experience the true spirit of North American pickup trucks.

It may not have the luxury of the Ram 1500 or the cargo volume of the Chevrolet Silverado, but the Ford truck delivers balance and performance in an irresistible formula. It’s a living classic, with muscle car DNA and the stance of a modern warrior.

What do you think of the Ford F-150 Lariat Chrome? Between it, the Ram 1500 Laramie and the Chevrolet Silverado High Country, which would you choose? Share your opinion in the comments!

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