Deletions - 2021 to 2025 Lariat

[kopper499b]

Yes, the actual seats!

I had a 2001 GS-R donor, the entire seats, carpet, and lower center console were retrofitted into my '92 Civic (aka: The toy car).

Can confirm. My '98 GS-R had great seats. Drove it from NY to CA and it was plenty comfortable. Honda has always been known for good seat design.

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[js312]

I think Volvos have the best seats. I had an XC70 for a while and every time I sat in it I wondered why the average automotive seat was so bad in comparison.

F-150 seats are pretty good and noticeably above average. GM truck seats are horrendous. Tundras are a little better. Haven't been in a Ram in a while so I am not sure how they compare.

 

[endzone_truck]

I think Volvos have the best seats. I had an XC70 for a while and every time I sat in it I wondered why the average automotive seat was so bad in comparison.

F-150 seats are pretty good and noticeably above average. GM truck seats are horrendous. Tundras are a little better. Haven't been in a Ram in a while so I am not sure how they compare.

This entire conversation reminds me of a 60 minutes segment from when I was a child.

 

[CaptainAmericaRob]

Here is what I noticed when I was at Courtesy Ford checking out the new Lariat '25s 502A.

- OLED temperature indicators in the climate dials are gone
- Several buttons from the top rack above the screen have been moved / deleted so there is a bunch of blanks
- Fog lamps are the cheaper bulb kind instead of LED
- Front Lights look cheaper
- 18 speaker stereo is now down to 14 speakers (headrest speakers gone)

Something about the interior feels "cheaper" / more plasticky

What did I miss?

I had a 2025 Lariat PB on order, and i decided to buy my 2021 at lease end, for just those reasons. Things added i didnt want, things goe that i wanted, and much more expensive for basically the same truck. I 'm glad i bought my 2021 !

 

[starcommtrey1]

Anyone remember when the King Ranch interiors were actually saddle leather? They felt like a worn baseball glove. Pretty sure we haven't stopped murdering millions of cows every year, so not sure why the supply of leather would dry up.

They are horrible and dont hold up

 

[Spiffy]

Yeah agreed. I had a 2021 502a Lariat Sport and now have a 2024 Lariat 502a with BAP.

Was really annoyed the headrest speakers from the 18 speaker system were deleted. Also the digital temp display on the dial missing is annoying. It’s always hard to find the temp on the screen.

Also pretty sure there are fewer accent lights in around the trays and cup holders.

Aside from those quirks, I’m actually liking the flatter finishes and less shiny interior. I also like the pro-access tailgate. I almost never lower the tailgate door anymore.

The 3.5 ecoboost has more punch but is more thirsty than the 2.7.​

I personally hate the new tailgate. There is no longer the pull out step that helps me up on the bed. I actually use my truck for construction.
I know there is a built in step when the tail door is swung open but there is no access to that step if the tail gate is dropped down.

 

[Spiffy]

And the 25s won't allow me to change my own brakes. You can't gain access to the truck for service. Everything has to be done by a dealer.

 

[Whoosh]

Can’t do your own brakes???

 

[Spiffy]

The newer rigs need a programmer to release the breaks and pull the pads back. Ford has made it where you can have access to the the normal obd port . You have to have dealer access.

 

[Kanuck]

You mean the bed light the one I can't ever find the switch in the dark and then just give up and use my phone?

A little late....but I just hit the lock or unlock on the key fob and the HMSL comes on and lights up the bed.

 

[tsigwing]

The newer rigs need a programmer to release the breaks and pull the pads back. Ford has made it where you can have access to the the normal obd port . You have to have dealer access.

Be nice to see some type of confirmation that this is indeed true. Sounds fishy.

 

[Spiffy]

## **Why 2025 Ford Vehicles Will Be Nearly Impossible to Maintain Without a Dealer**

1. **Encrypted & Authenticated CAN Bus** – Critical systems (engine, transmission, etc.) use secure messaging, blocking aftermarket tools.
2. **Locked-Down OBD-II Port** – Requires **Ford-approved software (FDRS)** and **security certificates (SFD-like system)** for diagnostics.
3. **Strict Gateway Firewall** – Blocks unauthorized CAN bus access, preventing tuning or third-party module integration.
4. **OTA Updates & Cloud Dependencies** – Many repairs/fixes require Ford’s cloud-connected systems, forcing dealer visits.
5. **Right-to-Repair Limitations** – Even with laws, Ford restricts access to key systems, making independent repairs difficult.

### **Result:**
- **Basic repairs** may still work, but **advanced diagnostics, programming, or tuning will require dealership tools.**
- **Independent shops & DIY mechanics will struggle** unless Ford provides more access (unlikely).

 

[Spiffy]

This includes not being able to do simple brake work. New vehicles require a way to pull back the calipers or bleed. Up to 2025 you could just use a simple inexpensive scanner to do that. Even diagnostics are going to be severely hindered. Get a check engine light and you won't be going into nappa store to read the code.
Even if you could you wouldn’t be able to diagnose vacuum leaks, faulty 02 sensors, clogged catalytic converters ect..
This is just like what John deer did to farmers. They couldn't do simple starter, generator or any kind of maintenance. They had to pay big bucks to get a mechanic out to the farm.
I feel this is unfair practice. I own the truck and don't remember signing a ULA agreement that gives ford the only authority over the repair of my truck.
You won't be able to have a after market sound system installed because the shop needs acces to the can buss. You won't be able to tune the engine or shift patterns.
Small shops like midas brake will have to purchase very expensive hardware and have very expensive software licenses to do any simple repair. It locked out local small town mechanics because they won't have the tools to do even a tune up.
Some European auto manufacturers are designing their cars so you need a licensed tool to do a oil change.
Stellantis got sued and they now have to allow the use of AutoAuth software that for a subscription certain independent shops can gain access to the can buss. But they have to prove they are an actual business. No more shade tree mechanics.

This is going to dramatically increase the cost to maintain vehicles after the warranty.
I'm not going to purchase any vehicle with this maintenance lock down. I do my own maintenance.

Still sound fishy?

 

[tsigwing]

This includes not being able to do simple brake work. New vehicles require a way to pull back the calipers or bleed. Up to 2025 you could just use a simple inexpensive scanner to do that. Even diagnostics are going to be severely hindered. Get a check engine light and you won't be going into nappa store to read the code.
Even if you could you wouldn’t be able to diagnose vacuum leaks, faulty 02 sensors, clogged catalytic converters ect..
This is just like what John deer did to farmers. They couldn't do simple starter, generator or any kind of maintenance. They had to pay big bucks to get a mechanic out to the farm.
I feel this is unfair practice. I own the truck and don't remember signing a ULA agreement that gives ford the only authority over the repair of my truck.
You won't be able to have a after market sound system installed because the shop needs acces to the can buss. You won't be able to tune the engine or shift patterns.
Small shops like midas brake will have to purchase very expensive hardware and have very expensive software licenses to do any simple repair. It locked out local small town mechanics because they won't have the tools to do even a tune up.
Some European auto manufacturers are designing their cars so you need a licensed tool to do a oil change.
Stellantis got sued and they now have to allow the use of AutoAuth software that for a subscription certain independent shops can gain access to the can buss. But they have to prove they are an actual business. No more shade tree mechanics.

This is going to dramatically increase the cost to maintain vehicles after the warranty.
I'm not going to purchase any vehicle with this maintenance lock down. I do my own maintenance.

Still sound fishy?

Yeah, not seeing anything saying I can't disconnect the battery, remove the brake calipers, remove pads, press the calipers back and insert new pads. Brake fluid change should work just fine as well. Nothing in what you wrote says that this cannot be done.

 

[Spiffy]

Man your missing the whole point. Your arguing with me even after I answered your request for additional info.
If you think removing the battery is going to cause the Electronic parking brake to release then go for it.

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