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Ford’s expanding its F-150’s off-road options with an entry-level Rattler.

The Ford F-150 Raptor is possibly one of Ford’s smartest moves: take the perpetually popular F-Series pickup and equip it to handle the desert. This helped put the limelight on the rest of Ford’s off-road options for the F-150, which were kind of limited.

Ford has fleshed out its F-150 off-road packages such as the Tremor, but it's been hard to find these off-road chops in entry-level pickups. Enter Ford’s F-150 Rattler, which adds a dash of rugged styling and some real off-road hardware.

Ford says this new Rattler package is derived from the base-model F-150 XL. The package borrows some of the hardware from the F-150 FX4 package such as skid plates, off-road suspension, and an electronic rear-locking differential. The Rattler also comes with hill descent control, which helps coming down without having to manually manage your speed.

As for off-road styling, Ford’s Rattler has some of that, too. Ford designers slapped on a pair of fender vents and a special Rattler graphics package and included painted 18-inch alloy wheels. A dual exhaust system helps round out the factory-installed add-ons.

Ford doesn’t mention the price, but the package will go on sale this fall for the 2023 model year. Considering the ultimate objective is to expand the F-150 lineup with an entry-level off-roader (and the F-150 XL FX4 starting around $40,000), we’re expecting the Rattler to not stray too far from that price.

This will likely undercut sales of the more capable Ford F-150 Tremor significantly, but the Rattler won't offer the same capabilities.

Do you think an entry-level Ford off-road pickup is a good idea? Or should people stick with the more expensive options, or consider aftermarket options? Tell us your thoughts below.