In the market for a new F-150 and don’t know which trim to go with? The XL and XLT are popular options due to their affordability. However, it may be hard to decipher the differences. Here’s a quick comparison of these popular F-150 trims. For more information or to take a test drive come visit us at Keystone Ford in Chambersburg, PA.
Price
If you’re aiming to keep under the $30,000 price point, the XL trim fits into that category starting at $28,745. Sitting in a slightly higher price range, the XLT starts at $34,760. Both trims come with the ability to upgrade to the SuperCab and SuperCrew® configurations.
Capability
In terms of capability, both trims have similar package options including; FX4 Off-Road Package, Heavy-Duty Payload Package, and Max Trailer Tow Package. The XL and XLT come standard with Trailer Sway Control and offer a Trailer Brake Controller for additional trailer capabilities.
The XL and XLT are both available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. The 4x4 configuration for either trim comes equipped with Electronic-Shift-On-The-Fly and Neutral Towing Capability. Both trims also offer Pro Trailer Backup Assist, trailer tow power adjusting side mirrors and skid plates on the 4x4 configuration.
The 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine with auto start/stop technology can produce 290 horsepower and 265 lb. ft. torque and is standard on both trims. This engine gets up to 19 mpg City / 23 mpg Highway and is equipped with an electronic 6-Speed transmission with Tow/Haul mode and Sport mode.
The optional 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 Engine is available for both the XL and XLT trims. This engine’s more powerful 325 horsepower and 400 lb. ft. of torque also gets up to 20 mpg City / 26 mpg Highway. Both trims also have the option to upgrade to the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine or the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine. Either trim can also be upgraded to a 10-speed transmission that includes Tow/Haul mode, Snow/Wet mode, EcoSelect mode, and Sport mode.
If those engines don’t quite offer what you're looking for, then the available 3.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V6 engine may do just that. The 3.0L Turbo Diesel can produce 250 horsepower and 440 lb. ft. torque while improving your fuel efficiency unlike any of the other engine options. With the impressive 21 mpg City / 29 mpg Highway, it offers a different take on your typical commuter vehicle capabilities. That being said, you will need to choose the XLT trim to be able to upgrade to this unique engine option.
Infotainment
Both trims come standard with a 2.3” productivity screen and offer an upgraded 4.2” screen. They also both come equipped with front and rear 12V power points.
The XL comes with the SYNC® system which includes features such as hands-free calling, music and search controls, voice recognition technology, and climate control. The XLT comes standard with the SYNC® 3 Entertainment System, offering a few more technological advancements including pinch-to-zoom tech, enhanced voice recognition and automatic updates over Wi-Fi. The upgraded SYNC® 3 system is an available feature on the XL trim; while it comes standard on the XLT.
If staying connected is a necessity, then FordPass Connect™ with Wi-Fi Hotspot, standard on the XLT trim, will fill that need. This feature doesn’t come standard on the XL trim, however can be added as an upgrade.
If you're looking to upgrade to Voice-activated Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link® then the XLT trim will be the option for you since this upgrade isn’t offered for the F-150 XL trim.
Comfort and Convenience
The XLT and XL trims come standard with an Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler and have additional optional convenience features such as heated side mirrors and integrated turn signals.
With any trim of the F-150 you choose, you are sure to find a comfortable and convenient ride for everyday commutes and weekend getaways. However, the XLT provides a few additional standard features such as power adjust side mirrors that will enhance your drives a bit more than the XL. The XLT also offers some additional upgrades not available to the XL trim. Things such as the Twin Panel Moonroof (for the SuperCrew® configuration), black leather-wrapped steering wheel, front 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, front heated seats, and front power driver and passenger lumbar support are only available for upgrade on the XLT trim.
Safety
Once again, both trims come equipped with impressive standard features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beams, Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Rear View Camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist, and AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™. There are a few safety features that are available upgrades for the XLT which are not available in the XL trim. Those include; BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage and Inflatable Second-Row Safety Belts (SuperCrew®). The XLT also comes standard with SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad on the driver's side and has an optional Remote Start System, both features of which are not available on the XL.
Conclusion
When it comes right down to it, either F-150 trim option comes ready to work and play. Both the XL and XLT trim options have many standard and available features that provide the freedom and capability you have been looking for. If you are more price conscious and aren’t looking for as many bells and whistles, the XL will suit your needs wonderfully. If the added bells and whistles are a necessity for you, then the XLT fits that bill better. Either way, the F-150 XL and XLT are sure to impress, on the highway and off the beaten path.
Keystone Ford
Chambersburg, PA
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Ford Dealership