2023 Ford F-150 Rattler Adds Frugal Off-Road Goods
Pickup truck shoppers looking for a mix of off-road capability, rugged styling and value will have a new option for 2023: the Ford F-150 Rattler. The off-road package is based on the F-150 XL and adds adventure-oriented appeal to the pickup’s entry-level model.
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Not only do pickups traditionally come with higher average prices, but their off-road variants are usually reserved for higher trim levels. To remove some of the roadblocks for budget-conscious shoppers, Ford first introduced the compact Maverick pickup for 2022 and now the Rattler Package for its popular full-size F-150 pickup. The new package borrows off-road bits from the current FX4 Off-Road Package and pairs them with unique desert-themed styling elements inside and out.
Off-Road Capability
The Rattler Package adds standard four-wheel drive, skid plates, hill descent control and off-road-tuned shock absorbers. To improve traction on rough terrain, the Rattler is also equipped with a standard electronic rear locking differential and all-terrain tires.
All of these features are currently offered as part of the FX4 Off-Road Package, which is available in conjunction with the F-150 XL High equipment group; it costs an additional $2,080. A Ford spokesperson confirmed that the new Rattler Package will also be available on the base model only with the XL High option.
Rattler-Exclusive Styling
F-150 models outfitted with the new package get additional exterior and interior styling elements, some of which are specific to the Rattler, like a dual exhaust system and painted 18-inch aluminum wheels in place of the XL’s standard 17-inch wheels.
Rattler badging on the fender vents and rattlesnake-inspired graphics set the package apart visually. Eight exterior paint colors will be offered for the Rattler, including new Avalanche and Rapid Red TriCoat that join Oxford White, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Antimatter Blue, Stone Gray and Agate Black.
The Rattler’s interior is differentiated from other XL models with Onyx seats, bronze accents and stitching that matches the instrument panel. Ford claims this design highlights the pickup’s desert theme.
Under the Skin
The Rattler Package can be paired with the F-150’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, 5.0-liter V-8, 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 3.5-liter PowerBoost Hybrid. According to the Ford spokesperson, the package will not be offered with the XL’s base 3.3-liter V-6.
The 2.7-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 are both available as upgrades for the 2022 F-150 XL: The 2.7-liter gets 325 horsepower, 400 pounds-feet of torque and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (4WD models). The 5.0-liter is good for 400 hp, 410 pounds-feet of torque and 19 mpg combined. Both are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2023 F-150 Rattler will go on sale in fall of 2022; pricing will be announced closer to its arrival. Currently, the base 2022 F-150 XL with rear-wheel drive starts at $31,685 (all prices include destination fees). The FX4 Off-Road Package is priced at $1,005. In comparison, the most off-road-capable 2022 F-150 Raptor starts at $70,370.
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