The Rattler is Ford’s Entry-Level Off-Road F-150

Ever since the F-150 Raptor’s 2009 debut, Ford and its hometown rivals have continued to push the off-roading segment to its limits. And while there is no denying the impressive capability from the likes of the Ram 1500 TRX or the Raptor, those range-toppers are far out of reach for the average 4x4 enthusiast. Ford recognized this predicament, and just unveiled a rather sensible solution. Meet the all-new 2023 F-150 Rattler, the Blue Oval’s most accessible off-road F-150 yet.

Unlike the Raptor or Tremor, the new F-150 Rattler is truly entry-level. That’s not because this truck can’t handle itself on the trails, but rather because the Rattler package is exclusive to Ford’s base XL trim. While the Rattler won’t have the overt niceties of the other trucks, it will reach as many new off-road fans as possible.

“We wanted to make sure that any aspiring off-roaders had a product that they could enter into the off-road market with,” F-150 marketing manager Kelly Lewis said in an interview with R&T. “The intention of the Rattler is really to combine those ethics for off-road features with the expressive styling of an off-road vehicle that customers are looking for.”

The Rattler’s off-road features naturally start with four-wheel drive, as well as goodies from the FX4 package like skid plates, an electronic rear-locking differential, and specially-tuned shock absorbers. Larger 18-inch wheels are included as well, and come wrapped in a set of all-terrain rubber. A unique dual exhaust setup will make sure your ears can differentiate the Rattler from other road-focused XL models.