Over the last decade, the high-performance off-road pickup segment has absolutely exploded in popularity, and while this has led to a range of increasingly capable Baja-inspired turnkey trucks, these rigs have also come with increasingly exorbitant price tags, with some models extending well into six-figure territory. Ford is looking to buck this trend, however, with a new addition to its existing pantheon of off-road-focused pickups that offers decent off-roading abilities in an affordable entry-level price.
Based on the XL variant of America’s most popular pickup — Ford’s $30K base model F-150 — the new F-150 Rattler is a desert-themed factory-upgraded pickup that aims to offer solid performance prowess in an affordable package by equipping the truck with the bare essentials needed for off-grid adventure. Outfitted with numerous off-road upgrades from the Blue Oval’s existing FX4 package, the Rattler package includes a skid plate, hill descent control, a specially tuned, lifted suspension setup with off-road shocks, an electronic rear locking differential, painted 18” aluminum off-road-specific wheels, fender vents, and a dual exhaust system.
Aesthetically, this entry-level off-roader also sports several modifications including a blacked-out grille and bumper setup, special Rattler badges, and a rattlesnake-inspired graphics package. The interior of this new F-150 variant also features a number of unique elements such as Onyx seats decorated via burnished bronze accents and stitching, an instrument panel with matching bronze trim, and a handful of Rattler-specific accents — all furthering the model’s desert theme.
Offered in a plethora of paint options including Oxford White, Avalanche, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Antimatter Blue, Stone Gray, Agate Black, and Rapid Red TriCoat, the new 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler is slated to go on sale starting this Fall. Full specs and pricing have yet to be revealed, however, we anticipate the F-150 Rattler to sell for around the $40,000 mark (give or take a few grand), placing it right between the $29,990 base model XL and the $52,235 F-150 Tremor.
