XLT Meaning on a Ford Truck: Decoding the Extra Luxury Trim
When browsing Ford trucks, you’ll notice trim names like XL, XLT, Lariat, and more. What do these abbreviations mean and how do they differ? One of the most popular Ford truck trims is XLT, which stands for “Extra Luxury Trim.” This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the XLT trim level.
We’ll cover what XLT means, what features it includes, pricing across Ford truck models, how it compares to other trims, whether it’s worth upgrading to, and answer common buyer questions. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Does XLT Stand For?
XLT is an acronym for “Extra Luxury Trim.” It indicates a step above the base model XL trim with more styling, comfort and convenience amenities.
Ford first introduced the XLT trim in the early 1970s on the F-Series pickup trucks. It slotted between the spartan XL work truck and more luxurious Ranger trims as a happy medium offering extra flair and livability.
The XLT hit Ford’s goal of making trucks that appealed to both commercial and personal buyers. It added worthwhile upgrades without going overboard on luxury or price.
Over the past 50 years, the popular XLT trim has expanded across Ford’s truck lineup. Today it’s offered on mainstays like the F-150, Ranger, Super Duty trucks, SUVs including the Expedition, and now the new Maverick compact pickup.
While the specific details vary across models, the XLT consistently delivers better equipped trucks with everyday usability, capabilities and strong value. Now let’s look closer at what you get with an XLT model.
XLT Standard Features by Truck Model
The included amenities on an XLT trim depend on which Ford truck you choose. But there are some commonalities in the upgrades over an entry XL trim:
Exterior Upgrades
- Chrome accents on bumpers, grille, door handles and mirrors
- Body-color/painted front bumper
- Optional two-tone paint schemes
Interior Upgrades
- Cloth seats vs. vinyl
- Optional leather seating surfaces
- Carpeted flooring vs. vinyl matting
- Some models add passenger-side glovebox
Convenience Upgrades
- Power windows and door locks
- Keyless entry with integrated key fob
- Cruise control
- Upgraded SYNC infotainment system
Let’s look at what you get specifically on the XLT trim for the most popular Ford truck models:
Ford F-150 XLT
The F-150 XLT builds on the base XL with:
- Chrome front/rear bumpers and grille
- 17″ silver painted aluminum wheels
- SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
- Power heated side mirrors
- Power windows and door locks
- Cruise control
- SYNC infotainment system
- Cloth 40/20/40 split bench seating
- Carpeted flooring
Ford Ranger XLT
The Ranger XLT includes:
- 17” alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Chrome front bumper, grille surround, door handles
- SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cloth bucket seating with center console
Ford Maverick XLT
Maverick XLT upgrades vs. XL include:
- 16″ silver painted aluminum wheels
- Dual-zone climate control
- Cloth heated front seats
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Sliding rear window
- LED box lighting
- Spray-in bedliner
- 110V power outlet in bed
Ford Expedition XLT
Key Expedition XLT features:
- 18” Machined aluminum wheels
- Roof rack rails
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power driver seat
- Power liftgate
- Rear view camera
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 2nd row 40/20/40 split fold-flat seats
Ford F-250 XLT
The F-250 XLT includes:
- Chrome front bumper and grille
- Halogen headlights
- SYNC infotainment system
- Cruise control
- Cloth 40/20/40 split bench seating
- Carpeted flooring
- Trailer sway control
XLT Optional Upgrades and Packages
The XLT trim by itself provides excellent value for your money with its upgrades over the XL. But Ford offers a wide range of optional add-ons to let you customize your XLT truck.
Popular upgrades include:
Technology Packages
Add cutting-edge driver assist systems like:
- Reverse sensing and rearview camera
- Blindspot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping alerts and assist
- Automatic high beams
- Stop and go cruise control
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist – makes backing up with a trailer easy
Convenience Packages
Enhance creature comforts with amenities like:
- Remote start system
- Universal garage door opener
- Power sliding rear window
- LED bed lighting
- In-bed power outlet
- Bed cargo management system
- Tailgate step
Tow Packages
Increase trailering muscle with heavy duty components:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Auxiliary transmission cooler
- Class IV trailer hitch receiver
- Upgraded front stabilizer bar
- Pro trailer backup assist
- 7-pin and 4-pin connectors
Off-Road Packages
Get off-road ready on trucks like the F-150, Ranger and Expedition with packages that include upgrades like:
- Off-road tuned shocks and suspension
- Underbody skid plates
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Off-road info display in instrument cluster
- Terrain management system
- Off-road tires
Chrome and Sport Appearance Packages
Make your XLT uniquely yours with packages that include:
- Black or chrome accented alloy wheels
- Chrome side steps
- Black or chrome mesh grille
- Unique interior trim accents
- Custom sport decals and stripes
How XLT Compares to Other Ford Trims?
With its expanded features over the base XL, the XLT hits a sweet spot between that work truck trim and the more luxurious offerings. But how does it specifically compare to other Ford truck trims?
XL
The XL trim is aimed squarely at commercial/fleet use with its no frills utility and low pricing. Going from XL to XLT adds more creature comforts, style, and technology for personal use buyers.
Lariat
The Lariat is geared more towards luxury with its premium leather seats, ambient lighting, navigation, Bang & Olufsen premium audio and more. The XLT brings you excellent value and livability, while the Lariat pampers.
King Ranch/Platinum/Limited
Ford’s top tier luxury trucks like the King Ranch, Platinum and Limited editions take high end materials, technology and craftsmanship to another level beyond the Lariat. The XLT brings you 90% of the utility at a fraction of the premium price.
Raptor
The Raptor is Ford’s halo high performance off-road truck. With its race-bred suspension, huge tires and muscular styling, the Raptor is in a class of its own versus the well-rounded XLT.
Tremor
The new F-150 Tremor slots between the XLT and Raptor with its off-road enhancements like lifted suspension, big tires and electronic locking diffs. The Tremor brings trail readiness to the XLT formula.
XLT Pricing Across Ford Trucks
Since the XLT is available on so many different Ford trucks with varying cab configurations, bed lengths, powertrain options and add-ons, there is a wide range in XLT pricing.
Here are a few examples of starting 2023 MSRP pricing for popular XLT models:
- Ford Maverick XLT SuperCrew 4×4 – $26,500
- Ford Ranger XLT SuperCrew 4×4 – $36,000
- Ford F-150 XLT Regular Cab 4×2 – $39,000
- Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 5.5’ Box 4×4 – $46,000
- Ford Expedition XLT 4×2 – $56,000
- Ford F-250 XLT Crew Cab 4×4 – $47,000
The affordable Maverick and Ranger give you XLT luxury and utility at budget-friendly pricing. Going up in size adds more capability and optional upgrades that increase the price, but excellent value remains a XLT hallmark.
Is the XLT Trim Worth Upgrading To?
So should you spend extra to upgrade from the base XL to the XLT trim? For most truck buyers, choosing the XLT is money well spent.
The XLT delivers many must-have features to enhance daily comfort and usability. You’ll appreciate the XLT’s upgrades like:
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Power driver’s seat
- Dual zone climate control
- SYNC infotainment system
- Chrome exterior accents
Without going overboard on price, the XLT provides the right blend of work capability and livability. Unless you need a super basic work truck, the XLT is the ideal balance for personal use truck owners. Families will appreciate its added amenities and styling.
For Ranger and Maverick shoppers, the XLT also opens the door to option packages not available on the XL, letting you customize with towing upgrades, off-road gear, chrome and sport styling packages and more.
If you can afford the minor price jump, the XLT brings functionality, amenities and desirability that make it the smart choice for many pickup and SUV owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About the XLT Trim
Here are answers to some common questions from truck shoppers about the XLT trim level:
What’s the difference between XLT and Lariat trims?
The Lariat features more luxury oriented amenities like premium leather seats, ambient lighting, navigation, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and unique styling cues inside and out.
Can you get leather seats on an XLT?
Yes, leather seating surfaces are available either as a standalone option or included in some option packages on XLT models. Cloth seats are standard.
Does XLT come with 4WD?
The XLT trim level is available with 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains depending on vehicle configuration. Adding 4WD costs extra over 2WD versions.
Is XLT good for off-roading?
While designed more for highway use, the XLT can be upgraded with FX4 or Tremor off-road packages on trucks like the F-150 to improve trail capability.
What engine options are available with XLT?
Most Ford trucks offer a choice of engines on XLT models ranging from lower powered V6s to V8s and diesel options. The newest Maverick XLT offers a standard hybrid powertrain.
Can the XLT tow and haul?
Absolutely. When properly equipped with towing packages, the XLT configuration of Ford’s pickups and SUVs can tow over 10,000 lbs. Plus it can carry over 1,000 lbs of payload.
Is the XLT luxurious?
While not at the same level as a Lariat or King Ranch, the XLT brings value-oriented luxury with its leather seating options, interior appointments, and technology unavailable on the base XL.
Putting It All Together
The XLT trim revved up pickup truck expectations in the 1970s by combining everyday work capability with extra style, comfort and convenience. Today, it remains the ideal balance of utility and livability.
Now you’re an expert on what the XLT designation means and how this versatile trim equips Ford’s fleet of trucks. For most buyers, the value, amenities and customization potential make the XLT a top choice.
So next time you visit the Ford dealer, you can decode trim names like XLT with confidence. Use this knowledge to select the right blend of functionality, features and affordability to match your needs.
