When Ford CEO Jim Farley tweeted a cryptic clue about the imminent reveal of the F-150 Rattler, it stirred the curiosity of myriad Blue Oval and truck fans alike. Many assumed the Rattler would be a hardcore off-roader based upon the upcoming F-150 Lightning, but we now know that isn't the case. Ford has lifted the lid on its F-150 Rattler, a value-driven, off-road biased package built off the XL series.

According to Ford, the rugged, entry-level derivative will serve "adventure-seeking customers" who require a trendy-looking truck and superb off-road ability. To that end, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sporty dual exhaust system, and rattlesnake-inspired graphics lend the Rattler a unique look, replete with Rattler badging on the fender vents.

But a poseur the F-150 Rattler is not. Using bits borrowed from the FX4, the newcomer boasts skid plates, an electronic rear-locking differential, and hill descent control. The aesthetically pleasing wheels are wrapped in robust all-terrain tires, ideal for traversing rough surfaces. What's more, the off-road shock absorbers have been tuned for improved stability over tough and arid landscapes.

The interior hasn't been forgotten, either. Equally as hard-wearing and rugged as the exterior, the cabin boasts Onyx seats with bronze accents and unique stitching, while the inlays appear to have a houndstooth pattern. A similarly colored instrument panel continues the desert-inspired theme.

The Dearborn-based automaker is yet to elaborate on additional interior choices, but the exterior is privy to several choices, including Antimatter Blue, Oxford White, Agate Black, and more. Rapid Red TriCoat is available at an extra cost.

The introduction of the Rattler is wise; at $52,235 and $68,675 respectively, the Tremor and Raptor are prohibitively expensive. Pricing for the value-led Rattler will be revealed closer to when the derivative goes on sale this fall, but we can confidently assume it will undercut the aforementioned F-150s by a considerable margin, given the XL Crew Cab on which it's based starts at $40,040. It may not be as capable, but it will undoubtedly bring even more customers to the already popular pickup truck.

"Our new F-150 Rattler offers aspiring adventurers an off-road option with expressive looks and capability in one package," said Ford's Todd Eckert, Ford's truck group marketing manager continued. "This truck builds off the F-150 off-road legacy while allowing us to introduce new customers to the right blend of styling and value in the F-150 lineup." Paired with the imminent arrival of the battery-powered Lightning, the F-150 range is set to grow from strength to strength.