2026 Ford F-150 Lariat SWB off-road review

Ford Australia has revamped its locally re-engineered F-150 line-up for 2026. 

The changes are largely cosmetic, but the headline addition is a new Platinum variant at the top of the range. That expands the locally re-engineered F-150 range to three variants, with the Lariat and XLT sitting below the new flagship. 

For this drive we’ve got the mid-spec Lariat, in short-wheelbase (SWB) form, priced at $143,950 plus on-road costs. All three variants are available in either long-wheelbase (LWB) or SWB configurations, and for MY26 there’s no price difference between the two.

JUMP AHEAD

• Engine and drivetrain
• What’s new for 2026?
• On- and off-road performance
• Towing capability
• Verdict
• Specs

Engine and drivetrain

All F-150 models are powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, delivering a claimed 298kW and 678Nm, backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The ‘EcoBoost’ engine shares its lineage with the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-litre V6, but with greater capacity comes more power and torque. It also outguns the V8 engines previously offered in the Hemi-powered RAM and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While it lacks the traditional V8 rumble, Ford has added a synthesised engine note that mimics that familiar soundtrack under acceleration.

The 10-speed automatic is smooth and unobtrusive, while the transfer case offers full-time 4×4 for everyday driving, along with high- and low-range locked modes for off-road use. The base XLT is the only variant to run a part-time 4×4 system with 2WD for on-road driving.

Drive modes include Sport, Eco, Tow, Slippery and Off-road, and all models are equipped with a locking rear differential. The Lariat also features Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, which is designed to make reversing a trailer easier for less experienced drivers. A dedicated towing setup and checklist screen is also integrated into the multimedia system.

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What’s new for 2026?

The MY26 F-150 range gets a mild visual refresh, with updates limited to new finishes and revised LED headlight and tail-light designs. 

The biggest exterior change is the Pro Access tailgate, fitted to Lariat and Platinum models. It can be used as a conventional drop-down tailgate or opened via a side-hinged swing-out function to the offside of the vehicle. This is intended to improve access to items in the tray, although it does come at the expense of the integrated step found in the standard tailgate. You’d need to be carrying some very specific loads to fully justify the swing-out design.

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Inside, both the multimedia screen and driver’s display have been upgraded to 12-inch units, giving the cabin a more modern feel. A 14-speaker B&O sound system is also fitted, and it delivers impressive audio quality.

The front seats are wide and comfortable, with power adjustment, heating and ventilation in the Lariat. Both the steering column and pedals have electric adjustment to provide the optimal position, and the range of the column’s reach adjustment allows it to come back far enough to give me a near perfect driving position; something I find very few vehicles can achieve.

The rear seat is similarly spacious and accommodating, but the large panoramic glass roof lowers the headlining slightly. At 185cm, I found headroom to be just adequate, and taller occupants may find it a tight fit.

On- and off-road performance

We had the Lariat for a couple of weeks, using it for day-to-day duties on road, along with a day in the hills to get a feel for its off-road chops. 

Once you’re accustomed to its size, the Effie is a pleasure to drive around town and on the highway. It’s spacious and comfortable, with plenty of performance on tap, which is exactly what you want for long stints behind the wheel.

For a vehicle that’s rated to tow 4500kg, the Lariat is softly suspended, making the ride comfortable and forgiving, while the handling is what you’d expect of a full-size American pick-up. The suspension remains comfortable on gravel roads, and a simple switch to the ‘Slippery’ drive mode helped with traction in the wet mud. This also worked well for a steep hill climb, but we switched to low range for better control on the descent.

Being long and low, these trucks aren’t great off-road vehicles in standard form, but the sky’s the limit once you jump into the range of aftermarket gear to address any off-track deficiencies. 

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Towing capability

As mentioned, the F-150 is rated to haul a 4500kg trailer, with a GCM of 7365kg and a GVM of 3315kg. 

While the big American truck can pull a heavier trailer than midsize utes legally can, they don’t do so well with payload, as the GVM restricts the Lariat SWB to just 769kg – that’s less than what most midsizers are rated to carry. Of course, there are GVM upgrades available from the aftermarket if you want to up the ante in that respect.

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Verdict

Rest assured, the F-150 Lariat is an awesome touring vehicle and one that would easily handle interstate travel with the family on board.

Add a big boat, horse float or race car trailer on the back, and it’d do a better job than any midsize diesel ute ever could. That’s what these trucks do so well, and the F-150 has been a much underrated option in this segment since returning to the market here. It’s one certainly worthy of your attention.

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Specs