As a full-scale pickup, the Ford F-150 impresses drivers with a wide range of options and extraordinary capabilities. However, its trim levels bring a lot of confusion for buyers.
When comparing F-150 XLT head-to-head with the Ford F-150 XL, the differences are not very conspicuous and don’t stand out. Both XLT and XL have much more in common compared to their dissimilarities. But this article will tell you how the XL package is actually different from XLT.
The two F-150 trim levels share many interior and exterior features like driver safety technology and an 8″ center-stack touchscreen. So is it worthwhile to pay $5,000-$6000 extra for the XLT package when the XL variant also offers good value for money?
Keep reading, and you will have your own answer.
Ford XL Vs. XLT: Things you need to know before diving deeper
For the F-150 series, Ford buyers have the leeway of choosing from seven distinct trim levels, including XLT, XL, King Ranch, Lariat, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor. In this review, I will focus on two specific Ford F-150 trim levels, XL vs. XLT, discussing their similarities and differences.
What is Ford XL?
If all trim levels of the Ford F-150 were arranged hierarchically, then the XL would be the introductory or primary level. The XL features a 3.3L V-6 engine delivering 290HP and 265 lb-feet torque like the XLT. Additionally, the XL, like the XLT, has auto emergency braking, high beams, automated headlamps, auto start/stop, cruise control, and a rearview camera.
With the XL trim level, you will also get superior interior design features and services for keeping you amused during extended trips. For instance, you have an FM/AM stereo with more than 150 preloaded channels, including news, weather, comedy, and music. At the same time, you have the option of installing aftermarket entertainment systems such as a SiriusXM satellite radio or a Kicker sub.
What Does XLT Stand For Ford?
The Ford F-150 XLT pickup truck perfectly demonstrates how assigning trim levels to a specific model can confuse buyers. The vehicle manufacturer designates different trim levels for a particular vehicle model for promotional purposes. Ford aims to sell as many vehicle units as possible by pitching various trim levels to other sections of buyers.
Putting things in perspective, the ‘XLT’ in Ford F-150 means Extra (X), Luxurious (L), and truck (T). Ford used the designation XLT for the first time in 1970 for Ford Ranger’s chief trim level (1970).
With the introduction of a Ford F-100 pickup XLT model in 1973, Ford had a trim level distinct from the basic XL variant. The F-150 XLT is an upgrade over the basic XL, especially in interior and exterior design, performance, and safety.
F150 XL vs. XLT: Similarities and Notable Differences
What Are The Similarities?
Below are key things that XL and XLT packages have in common:
Performance Specs
Regarding performance, both trim levels have identical 3.3L V-6 engines beneath their hood with a 290HP and a torque of 265 lb-ft. This engine includes a direct fuel injection mechanism (with two injectors for each cylinder). Also, both XL and XLT include a 6-speed automatic transmission with three modes to select from standard, sport, and tow/haul.
Exterior
If you compare their exteriors, they have the same halogen headlamps, black bezel with black tailgate handles, and door. Both XLT and XL models carry a carrier for a spare tire in the rear of their underframe.
Interior
The two trim levels come with a 2.3″ productivity screen, black urethane steering wheel, single-zone manual air-conditioning, and fade-to-off lighting. Other advanced features they share include FordPass Connect™ with Wi-Fi ® hotspot, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, backup camera with dynamic hitch assist, etc.
What Makes The Most Significant Differences?
Many drivers have the impression that the difference between the F-150 pickup’s trim levels in terms of features doesn’t influence driving effectiveness or comfort. When comparing based on features, function, engine, style, and safety aspects, you’ll realize why one model costs more than the other.
In short, you’ll decide to buy the XL if you’re looking for a performance-oriented pickup truck with basic features. However, if you want your pickup to be technologically advanced and appear more elegant, then you’ll choose XLT.
Below are the most notable differences between the two trim levels.
Performance
Apart from the standard 3.3L V-6 engine, the XLT offers the 3.0L Power StrokeⓇ Turbo Diesel V6 as an engine option. Its counterpart, the base model, does not provide that choice! You can expect 17-in silver steel wheels on the XL model and 17-in silver-painted aluminum wheels on the XLT. Furthermore, while the XL offers four additional choices for wheels (including two all-season ones), the XLT offers two more wheel choices.
Advanced Features
The differences that stand out between these two trim levels include advanced features that are typical of XLT but optional with XL. For instance, a 12-inch touchscreen, split-screen (for better multitasking), Sync ® 4 with voice recognition, and blind-spot monitoring system are standard with XLT. The XLT also features alloy wheels, a Wi-Fi hotspot, rear cross-traffic cautions, bucket seats at the front with power and heating adjustments.
Price
Since F-150 XLT comes equipped with more features than the XL, the former carries a higher price tag. Generally, the XLT package costs at least $5000 – $6000 more compared to the XL.
COMPARISON CHART
| XL | XLT | |
| Engine | 3.3L V-6 engine | 3.3L V-6 engine (standard) 3.0L Power StrokeⓇ Turbo Diesel V6 (optional) |
| Wheels | 17-in silver steel wheels 4 additional wheel choices | 17-in silver-painted aluminum 6 additional wheel choices |
| Advanced Features | Standard, less advanced | Equipped with more advanced comfort and safety features |
| MSRP (2021 F150 models with trim level) | Starting at $31,285 | Starting at $40,820 |
Read more: F350 vs. F450: What Are The REAL Differences?
F150 XL Vs. XLT: Detailed Comparison by Model Year (2017-2021)
In the following paragraphs, we’ve closely assessed XLT and XL trim levels from the model year 2017 to 2021. We’ve elucidated and clarified five striking differences between XL and XLT under the five latest models:
- 2021: Safety systems
- 2020: Engine and extra features or embellishments
- 2019: Style and refurbished/advanced features
- 2018: Style and function
- 2017: Features that are standard on XLT while optional for XL
Based on the above information, you might be able to zero in on the model and year you’ve in mind. But if you want to know in detail about a specific model year (for making a purchase decision), then you’ll need to research intensively.
2021 Ford F-150
2021 XL and XLT Ford F-150 models feature most differences from earlier model years. For the XLT trim level, the prominent differences carried forward from 2020 include chrome detailing power locks. In the XL, these differences comprise manual or critical safety for a tailgate and black detailing. Nevertheless, the essential differences between XL and XLT that became apparent for the first time in 2020 are underlined below:
Ford F-150 XLT: XLT true to type is a step ahead of the XL model as ever. Reverse sensing technique and Ford co-pilot, the standard lane-keeping mechanism on XLT, are now available on XL. Another feature offered as an option on XL is common with XLT, which is halogen LED lights.
With XLT, you also have the choice of upgrading to LED lights from halogen. Additionally, XLT keeps you entertained in a much better manner with Sync ® 4 and safer thanks to Cruise control and MyKey®.
F-150 XL: It is always known as the base model because it came with only the basic features; XL has witnessed a few upgrades over the years. The 2021 XL has a hybrid engine with a transmission option and crucial safety features like post-collision braking, hill assist, and a rearview camera.
Features common to both 2021 XLT and XL models include a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine and a two-wheel powertrain. Talking about exterior features, both 2021 trim levels sport automated halogen headlights with high beams and a hauler for storing extra tires. The XLT and XL have some internal attributes that deserve mention.
These features comprise FordPass Connect™ with Wi-Fi® Hotspot, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, anti-lock brakes, auto start/stop, and tire pressure monitoring.
2020 Ford F-150
The 2020 F-150 XLT provided the option of a diesel engine along with six distinct choices of wheels. The XLT also had more entertainment options in Android Auto and Apple Car Play and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Ford XLT gives you the opportunity of using 3.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V6 in place of the factory-fitted 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine.
Ford F-150 XL, on the other hand, was launched with a limited number of upgrades, including four different wheel options. However, unlike XLT, XL didn’t have chrome but a black dual-bar style grille with a black surround and background mesh. Also, XL’s front and back bumpers were black in color instead of the chrome finish in XLT. MyKey® and Cruise control were available as extra features with XL.
2019 Ford F-150
For the model year 2019, Ford Motor Company upgraded the style quotient of the XLT trim level. The 2019 F-150 XLT variant had replaced the silver steel wheels, black floor, grille, and bumpers with aluminum wheels, color-matched floor carpeting, chrome grille, and bumpers. Automatic tailgate locks and power interior continued to be provided as standard features that were optional with XL.
Ford added FordPass and MyKey as exclusive features to the existing Sync on XLT absent in XL. The XLT package now costs $6,000 more than XL due to these special features. MSRP for XLT was $36,000 while it was $30,000 for XL.
2018 Ford F-150
The F-150 XLT and XL models for 2018 did not differ much when compared in terms of features and performance. The base model XL came with the usual features, including a 3.0L V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and a two-wheel drivetrain. Thanks to its chrome detailing, the XLT variant looked trendier and more kept you thoroughly amused with its CD player and Sync.
The Sync is paired with the navigation system of your smartphone via Bluetooth. Both XL and XLT sported essential technological features such as locking tailgate, power side mirrors, and windows.
2017 Ford F-150
2017 Ford XL: Standardized performance specs comprise a 3.5L V-6 engine six-speed transmission with multiple powertrain options. Other notable standard features include aux audio input port, vinyl floor coverings, and dual-note horn.
2017 XLT: As the next level in the hierarchical order of trim, XLT model year 2017 shares almost all the XL’s typical features. For instance, the options for the drivetrain are the same as that of the XL version. However, the interior of the 2017 XLT sports Sync with AppLink and Ford Sync, unavailable with XL.
The XLT cost $32,000, which is $5000 more than the sticker price of XL ($27,000) because of the former unique features:
- Power tailgate lock
- Chrome grille and bumper
- Sync system
- Fog lamps
These features were not available with the XL model. Additionally, the XLT model offered power-adjustable pedal LED lighting (for pickup bed) as optional attributes that are not accessible with XL.
F150 XL vs. XLT: Final Verdict
Before we announce the final verdict, you’d surely like to know the F-150 model year that vehicle specialists consider most versatile to date. Most auto experts think that the model launched in 1993 is the most dependable. Nevertheless, opting for a Ford F-150 pickup truck in 1993 may not be a practical decision in 2022.
Purchasing an F-150 from 2018, 2014, and 2012 would be a better option. Now to the crux of the matter, should you go for the XL or the XLT trim level? Your choice will, by and large, depend on whether you prefer to drive a performance-driven yet straightforward pickup with minimal features or something a tad extra convenient and luxurious.
Read more: What Is The Ford F150 XTR Package? [Explain and Review]