I am going to purchase a new 2007 SuperCrew and am on the fence with regards to whether or not to buy the KR version. I would be buying it because of the higher quality leather than is standard in the Lariat. Does anyone know if the KR Castano leather is just the seating surface or the entire seat including back? I like the color options of the Lariat but am concerned that the leather in the Lariat is not going to hold up as long. I have a 1990 Mercedes Benz that I have kept the leather conditioned in order to keep it in show room condition after 17 years so conditioning and keeping the leather exposed to as little sun light in South Texas is not a problem. I am concerned that the Castano leather is so supple that it will start to wrinkle or gather after time due to sliding in and out of the passenger seat. I also have a 1992 Mercury Sable with leather seating area and vinal trim that has held up well but that was 15 years ago when Ford probably had a better supplier. Any comments are appreciated.

 

For the front seats,the leather covers the entire seat except for underneath. The rear, just the front and sides are covered.

 

Personally, I prefer the Lariat leather because it requires less maintenance. The KR leather seems to fade more quickly (I have seen neglected KR leather and it is nasty while the neglected Lariat leather is pretty much low maintenance).

Of course, I have nothing against King Ranches. They are my favorite trucks on the road. Make your decision based on how often you are willing to condition the leather. If you are tenacious and meticulous then go ahead and get the KR. It certainly is beautiful stuff.

 

Firstly, see the 'sticky' at the top of the page where most of your concerns are addressed.

You sound as though you know how to take good care of leather, and like me (At least part of the year) live in the heat of Texas.

I wouldn't worry too much...Over the last 5/6 years I have owned several KR's and Lariats.
I had light colored leather in the Lariat and if anything found it MORE difficult to keep clean that the Castano.....The dimpled leather of the Lariat seemed to trap dirt.
I agree with you on color options though.....I have the same dilemma now with the Expy.
The 'Up market' versions do not have the color choices I would like.

I am limited anyway because the KR version has been dropped from the Expy line up.

Though last night on a TV ad. I did see that there is now an Expy 'Texas' edition.

If anyone in Tx is able to check this out for me and tell me any options that might have been added over standard I would be grateful, as I am off to the UK today for most of the rest of the year.

 

I have also owned a Lariat and currently a King Ranch. I wanted a KR when I got the Lariat in 2003, but didn't think the KR was worth the extra ducks. I was wrong. The KR is great! The leather is not all that bad to keep up, although I take care of my vehicles. There are a lot of different ways people clean/condition the leather (with brands, method, etc). Not to say you don't (or won't), but my wife says I am "****" about it. But when you pay 35k for a truck, damn right it's gonna look good. I had the light grey leather in the Lariat and it did seem that I was always wiping/cleaning something off.

I bet you can get a KR for just a little more than a Lariat......and you'll get some back if you decide to trade!

Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

 

I have had Lariat's and the King Ranch. If you have spill prone kids, haul pets inside the cab, or like to toss your big mac in the seat then get the lariat. Otherwise go with the King Ranch.

 

When I bought my KR in December it was between the KR and a Lariat. Side by side comparison at the dealership, there was no comparison in the two interiors (my opinion). The KR is much nicer.

If you do not believe in treating the interior good you might stay away from a KR.

 

LOL! "Toss your Big Mac in the seat".......