2019 Ram Bighorn vs 2023 Lariat

Snakebitten · Apr 29, 2023

If I had known that the post that prompted the shot this time was coming? I could have waited the first time. Lol

But Porsche and Mazda was a dead bullseye. What can I say? It called to me.

In all fairness, I am well aware that my posting overall can rub someone wrong who is miffed with their experiences with Ford. But if they are paying attention, I rag on Ford plenty for what represents my disappointments with the brand.

fordhouston · Apr 29, 2023

fordhouston · Apr 29, 2023

Samson16 said:
Nice. I had to go all the way up to XLT 302A to get LED headlights. Oh wait, I have one of the lowest trim levels on this forum.

in today’s world, i wouldn’t consider a 302A a low trim level XD

JExpedition07 · Apr 29, 2023

No manufacturer gives a flying crap about your vehicle when it’s out the door

Snakebitten · Apr 29, 2023

Why?
Every year for many years the XLT 302A is a package that seems to add in yesteryear's Lariat+ features.

Or put another way, a Gen14 XLT 302A is arguably as nice or nicer equipped than a Gen13 Lariat, excluding leather and that sweet 4A transfer case. (if you choose 4WD)

It's subjective in some ways, of course, but in feature for feature the 302A package is the "trickle down" package that makes the XLT a sweet spot in many ways.

MJG44 · Apr 29, 2023

I've always disliked the styling of most Dodge products, especially the Rams.
Maybe a Challenger I'd be into, but nothing about Dodge has ever drawn me.

Samson16 · Apr 29, 2023

My 302A PB is very nice. If you don't have an upper level trim right there to compare it with, the dash looks awesome, the big Sync screen rocking flow control or a big nav map, heated adjustable seats, Zone lighting, bed lighting, 360 degree cameras, work surface, tail gate step, 20" wheels, 7.2kW of power on board, huge cabin, quiet ride, and incredibly powerful. I love it.

That sweet 4A transfer case would be nice...

Samson16 · Apr 29, 2023

fordhouston said:
in today’s world, i wouldn’t consider a 302A a low trim level XD

I agree with you, but here on this forum it is. I see more Lariats, KR's, Platty's, and Limiteds than my fellow XLTers. Some may be 301A or even XL I don't know. Cool thing about the PB is we can all have the powertrain! With GM not every trim has a 6.2L option.

oncechance · Apr 29, 2023

Samson16 said:
I agree with you, but here on this forum it is. I see more Lariats, KR's, Platty's, and Limiteds than my fellow XLTers. Some may be 301A or even XL I don't know. Cool thing about the PB is we can all have the powertrain! With GM not every trim has a 6.2L option.

I'm a XLT owner and proad of it.

Snakebitten · Apr 29, 2023

Samson16 said:
My 302A PB is very nice. If you don't have an upper level trim right there to compare it with, the dash looks awesome, the big Sync screen rocking flow control or a big nav map, heated adjustable seats, Zone lighting, bed lighting, 360 degree cameras, work surface, tail gate step, 20" wheels, 7.2kW of power on board, huge cabin, quiet ride, and incredibly powerful. I love it.

That sweet 4A transfer case would be nice...

The only thing that has possibly dethroned the XLT 302A as the undisputed king of the value equation is what Covid did to the F150 (and most vehicles) market.

For years, at least down here in the south where an F150 is our Camry, (every driveway has one) any Joe off the street could walk in and get $12-14K off MSRP. It was just SO MUCH truck for the money!

The higher trims, with their dolled up MSRP's were actually discounted le$$.

But all that has changed and I don't know if it will ever return to that pricing model. It seems more a simple MSRP to MSRP value equation now, so not as weighted in favor of the XLT 302A specifically any longer.

Snakebitten · Apr 29, 2023

An XLT 302A with katskins and a ~$1100 transfer case could get away with a fender badge swap without most folks being the wizer. Except the katskins can be even nicer than the oem leather, in my opinion.