If the 2014 Ford F-150’s trim lineup can be faulted for anything, there are maybe too many options, with some, like the XL and Platinum, being a bit redundant. But you can’t say that they’ve left any Ford fans out in the cold. There’s truly an F-150 for every type of driver.
Key Points
- Find the 2014 Ford F-150 in nine different trim levels, including the XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor.
- The entry-level 2014 Ford F-150 XL is very basic, with manual windows and door locks. But, running two grand over the $18,000 STX, it’s not the best value of the work-truck lineup.
- The FX2/FX4 and Limited offer dedicated two or four-wheel drive performance, while the other models are rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive mode.
- Starting around $25,000, the Lariat offers the best value overall if you’re looking for a versatile daily driver at a fair price, with the pricier Platinum’s extras not quite justifying the extra five thousand bucks.
2014 Ford F-150’s Work-oriented XL, STX, and XLT Trims Range from Barebones to Basic
Nearly every trim level can be configured however you like in terms of bed, box, and engine. So here’s what you need to know about your options in the starting lineup right up front: The XL, STX, and XLT can be configured with a Regular, SuperCab, or SuperCrew cab. The XL and XLT can be equipped with a 5.5′, 6.5′, or 8′ box, while the STX only goes up to 6.5′. Standard engine options in all three include the 3.7L V6 and the 5.0L V8, and the XLT can be upgraded to a 6.2L V8.
With that out of the way, let’s start with the XL: this is your stripped-down, no-frills work truck. The air conditioning is manual, and so are the windows, unless you go with a SuperCrew cab. This one sells for around $20,000 if you can get a good deal on it.
The STX adds a handful of modern conveniences to the package, with cruise control, power windows, and an auxiliary input for the audio system. Kelley Blue Book estimates this one to start out a little cheaper than the XL, at around $18,000.
With the XLT we’re starting to get into family truck territory with features like Ford Sync voice activation, an improved audio system with a 10-inch subwoofer, and leather seat trim. It’s still a work truck at heart, but with enough tech onboard to feel like something that came out this century. Expect to find XLTs starting in the area of $20,000.
2014 Ford F-150’s Lean, Mean FX2/FX4 Offer Dedicated Two/Four Wheel Performance
The FX is basically a dedicated two or four-wheel drive F-150. Where your standard F-150 is going to be rear/four-wheel drive, the FX2 is a full-time two-wheeler, and the FX4 is full-time 4×4.
The real draw for this trim level is the dedicated wheel configuration. Interior features are basic, but decent, including the MyFord interface with a 4.2 inch LCD screen, and some style upgrades, like a black leather steering wheel.
For configurations, the FX2 and FX4 can be equipped with any bed or box besides the 8′. The 5.0L engine comes standard, or you can go with a 3.5L EcoBoost or the 6.2L V8.
The FX2 should set you back around $22,500, while the FX4 starts in the $26,000 range.
2014 F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited Offer Four Levels of Comfort for the Daily Driver
With the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels, we’re getting into more family-oriented models, ranging from the luxury-lite Lariat to the cushy Limited.
Let’s break down the configuration options real quick: The Limited is locked into a SuperCrew cab and a 5.5′ box. The other three can be upgraded to a 6.5′, and the Lariat can be equipped with a SuperCab. But Regular cabs and 8′ boxes are restricted to the work-truck trims.
The Lariat adds a number of gadgets to the truck with a pair of LCD screens, a couple of USB ports, and A/V input jacks. Add to that, wood grain accents inside, chrome outside, 10-way heated leather power seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and Ford Sync. The Lariat starts at around $24,000, and you’re definitely getting $4,000 worth of upgrades over the $20,000 XLT.
The King Ranch starts off with most of the same features you’re getting in the Lariat and adds some nice style and comfort upgrades like Chaparral leather-trimmed heated seats up front and mahogany woodgrain. The King Ranch starts out at around $29,000 in the Blue Book.
The Platinum takes the Lariat and adds heated/cooled seats, a Sony audio system, and an olive ash woodgrain interior. The Blue Book puts low-end prices for the Platinum at $30,000.
Limited models take the Lariat’s features and add a sport-tuned suspension, Marina Blue leather heated/cooled seats, some nice aluminum accents, and a power moonroof. Like the FX, the Limited is configured in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Limited will set you back about $25,000 on the cheap end.
2014 F-150 SVT Raptor is the Only Choice for the Weekend Warrior, a Truly Capable Off-road Machine
Some years, Ford markets the Raptor as its own nameplate. For 2014, the SVT Raptor was included as a trim level. Basically a street-legal version of a trophy truck, the Raptor starts out with the XLT features and then adds a whole bunch of performance-oriented extras.
The 6.2L V8 engine comes standard, you’ve got FOX racing shocks, Hill Descent Control, and hydro power-assisted steering. If you’re looking for an off-road beast, this is it.
Configuration options are somewhat limited. You can get a 5.5′ box, and your cab options are SuperCab or SuperCrew. But that’s beside the point. The Raptor’s not a daily driver, it’s not a work truck, it’s all about performance and fun. Some people buy a Charger or a Wrangler to take out on weekends, some people go with the Raptor.
Starting at $32,000 as of January 2022, the Raptor is the priciest trim level on the list, but if you’re talking bang for buck it’s still one of the most affordable ways to get behind 411 horses of off-road muscle.
2014 Ford F-150 STX, SVT Raptor, and Lariat Trims Offer Best Overall Value
Different F-150 drivers want different things, so it’s hard to pick the “best” trim level. So let’s break it down like this: The best deal you’re going to get on a work truck is the STX. The SVT Raptor is the only real choice if you want a mudding machine. And the Lariat offers the best value for a family-oriented daily driver.
But, with so many configurations available, it’s unlikely that you’re going to find exactly what you’re after based on the information above. So your best bet is simply to check out what’s available in your local market and see what you can get at a fair price.
Photos: Ford
