Comparing the Ford F 150 Lariat vs XLT is something that you should do when you decide to purchase the famous Ford F 150 pickup truck. When getting a new truck, there are usually different options to choose from among the trims.
If you’re curious about the Ford F-150 trim levels, you should consider which one is best suited for you. In our guide below, we have covered all you need to know about the trim options and the ones that you should purchase.
| Features | Ford F 150 Lariat | Ford F 150 XLT |
| Engine Power | 2.7L Eco Boost V6 | 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 |
| Standard Bed Length | One-bed length | Two-bed lengths |
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper model |
| Towing Capacity | 8,600 lbs | 7,600 lbs |
| Interior Features | More luxury features | Less features |
Contents
What Is the Difference Between Ford F 150 Lariat and XLT?
The main differences between the Ford F-150 Lariat and XLT are their engine power and bed length, as the Lariat comes with a 2.7L Eco Boost V6 engine and one-bed length while the XLT features a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine with a two-bed length.
The Ford F-150 Lariat offers more luxury interior features and good performance, especially with features like dual-zone climate control, a capable Eco Boost engine, and premium sound systems. It is also the more expensive option to choose.
On the other hand, the Ford F-150 XLT comes with different interior and exterior upgrades, with features like heated front bucket seats, rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot monitoring, and safety upgrades. Let’s take a closer look at their differences in the key features between the two trims:
– Engine Power and Performance
A significant difference between the Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat is the engine. On the Lariat model, you get a robust engine which is a 2.7L Eco Boost V6 engine. It comes with 325 horsepower while the torque is 400 pound-feet.
On the other hand, you get the XLT model, which carries a lot of power with a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6. The engine comes with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. On both options, you have the opportunity to upgrade to a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with 375 horsepower or even a 5.0L Ti-VCT engine with 10 gear-speed automatic electronic transmission and 400 horsepower.
– Bed Length and Towing Capacity
Another important difference between them is their bed length and towing options. On the Lariat, you are only offered the 8-foot bed, but you can choose between a 6.5-foot and an 8-foot bed on the XLT.
Also, the XLT can tow up to 7,600 pounds, but you get a much better option with the Lariat, which is up to 8,600 pounds. The differences in their engines will give you a wide variety in the towing capacity.
– Exterior Key Features
The exterior design of both trims is a difference, so you can spot a XLT or Lariat if you know how they differ. On both cars, you will notice LED lighting illuminating the truck bed an a 170-degree swing to the rear door. The truck bed is different since the standard length on the XLT is shorter than that of the Lariat.
Also, you will notice that the Lariat is fitted with 18-inch machined aluminum wheels featuring an LED reflector headlamp and tail lamp and magnetic painted pockets. This is much better looking than the 17-inch aluminum wheels coated with silver paint on the XLT.
– Interior Key Features
Another difference that you can notice between both trim levels is their interior, especially since the Lariat is higher priced and comes with different luxurious features. If you want a luxury interior with features like a Push-Button start, memory function, adjustable driver seat and heating features, go for the Lariat.
The XLT is better described as a workhorse that is ideal for those that are busy with their lifestyle. Both cars come with cross-traffic alerts and cruise control, but the Lariat features a wrapped steering wheel and leather seating, which you don’t get from the XLT.
– Technology and Infotainment
You should also consider the infotainment features when looking at the differences between both cars. The two trims come with SYNC 3 infotainment systems, featuring GPS navigation and live traffic, LCD screen, connectivity through Wi-Fi hotspots and SYNC suite, and travel link feeds from SiriusXM.
You also get the Ford Pass application on both trims, which allows you to access your vehicle features from your smartphone. But, the Lariat is an upgrade as it comes with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen Play sound system, ambient lighting, trailer tow coverage, enhanced voice recognition, and BLIS cross-traffic alert.
The one you choose between both trims depends on what you plan to use your car for, but the Lariat is a better choice if you want better infotainment features.
– Price
The Lariat is more expensive than the XLT, which is evident since it has more expensive features and a luxury interior. The MSRP of the Lariat trim level is $42,750, which is a far cry from the $34,760 that the XLT goes for. If you add any packages or add-ons to your car, you will increase the base price.
XLT means Extra Luxurious Trucks and is used to indicate the lineup comes with better trims. You will notice an XLT trim on other Ford models too. The trims available under the Ford F-150 model include XL, XLT, Rattler, Heritage Edition, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. They cost between $35,680 and $85,775.
– Package Options
You can upgrade your car’s key features to different packages if you can afford them. There are different options for upgrades on the XLT, which include 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Payload Package, Heavy-Duty Payload Package, Tow Technology Package, Max Trailer Tow Package, Trailer Tow Package, XLT Sport Appearance Package, Class IV Trailer Hitch, and more.
If you want to upgrade your Lariat model instead, you can choose between different packages. They include FX4 Off-Road Package, Lariat Sport Appearance Package, Lariat Chrome Appearance Package, Tow Technology Package, Max Trailer Tow Package, Trailer Tow Package, Snow Plow Prep, and others.
– Safety Features
An important feature in any car is the safety feature, especially if you want to use it daily. On both trims, you get key features like rearview cameras as standard, with optional features like AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control, Four-Wheel anti-lock brakes, airbags on all sides, including the side curtains, and safety belts.
But, on the Lariat, you also get the BlueCruise hands-free driving on the prequalified sections of highways in North America. It is the first trim model alongside other Ford F-150 trims like Platinum and King Ranch.
– Overall Comparison
Between the Ford F 150 Lariat vs XLT, the one that is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. The XLT is a sporty car with an affordable price, advanced safety features, and several interior and exterior upgrades. It is an ideal choice for those who want a rugged and balanced car.
If you’d prefer to have luxury features on your car instead, you should go for the Lariat model. The Lariat is better equipped with interior features, a push-button start, and a more powerful engine. The car model also comes with a higher towing capacity.
Benefits and Specifications of Ford F 150 Lariat
The Ford F-150 Lariat is the fifth trim level in the series and is known to offer the best value for money. It is a step up from the other work trucks but also comes with additional luxuries. It also costs almost $10,000 more than the XLT, but it offers a balance of features and affordability.
– Specifications
Here are some of the performance specs to expect from using the Ford F-150 Lariat:
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Engine power: 2.7L Twin Turbo Regular Unleaded V-6
- Fuel System: Port/Direct injection
- Maximum Horsepower: 325
- Maximum Torque: 400
- Transmission speed: 10
- Fuel economy: 21 mpg combined, 18 mpg city, 25 mg highway
- Fuel capacity: 26
- Cargo area dimensions: 66 inches at length, 65.2 inches in the width
- Steering type: Rack-Pinion
- Brake type: 4-Wheel Disc
- Towing capacity: 8,600 pounds
– Pros
The Ford F-150 Lariat comes with different advantages and is a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish and luxurious truck. The truck comes with a powerful engine and lots of towing power and is an ideal choice for hauling heavy loads.
Despite this, it also comes with a luxurious, spacious and comfortable interior design and a lot of infotainment features to keep you entertained. If you like going on long drives, this is the ideal truck for you.
– Cons
The main downside of the Lariat is the price, as it is pretty expensive. The car is over $10,000 more expensive than the XLT, so it is not a suitable choice for those that are working with a tight budget.
Car owners have also complained about the fact that it is hard to downshift the truck, especially when in traffic. You might notice this in the test drive as well.
Benefits and Specifications of Ford F 150 XLT
The Ford F-150 XLT is the second trim level of the Ford F-150 and is a step up from the basic work truck. If you want to spend less but still want a great all-around truck, you should consider going for the XLT model instead. It features standard interior features and enhanced exterior aesthetics.
– Specifications
Here are some of the specs to look at in the trim comparison:
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Engine power: 3.3L Regular Unleaded V-6
- Fuel System: Port/Direct Injection
- Maximum Horsepower: 290
- Maximum Torque: 265
- Transmission speed: 10
- Fuel economy: 20 mpg combined, 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
- Fuel capacity: 23
- Cargo area dimensions: 78 inches in length, 65.2 inches in the width
- Steering type: Rack-Pinion
- Brake type: 4-Wheel Disc
- Towing capacity: 7,600 pounds
– Pros
The main advantage of the Ford F-150 XLT is the value for money, as it is one step ahead of the base trim level but comes with advanced features. The XLT comes with a much better engine than the Lariat and a higher towing capacity, despite being more affordable.
Another benefit of the XLT is its amazing off-road capabilities, as the car is a great choice for driving off-road. It has a very rugged design that makes it a good choice for going on long trips and hauling heavy loads. The car also comes with great handling and steering dynamics.
– Cons
One downside of the XLT is the fact that it doesn’t have as many luxury features as the Lariat, despite having a stronger engine. Also, the XLT has a worse fuel economy than the Lariat, and you will have to spend more to get the advanced features that you want.
Conclusion
With our detailed guide, you can choose between the Ford F-150 Lariat vs XLT, as both cars come with quality features.
Here’s a summary of what we covered on both cars:
- Ford F-150 Lariat is the fifth trim level in the series, with an engine power of 2.7L EcoBoost V6, an 8-foot bed length, and a towing capacity of 8,600 pounds.
- Ford F-150 XLT is the second trim level in the series, with an engine power of 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, 6.5-foot bed length as standard and a towing capacity of 7,600 pounds.
- The Lariat is best for luxury interior features, while the XLT is a rough truck for off-roading.
When you’re about to purchase a new pickup truck, you can’t really go wrong when choosing between the Lariat and XLT models. Both cars offer quality features with good value for their money, which you will notice from a test drive.
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