Ford XL vs XLT: Which Ford Truck is Better? (Pros and Cons)

Are you thinking about investing in the latest Ford model but are stuck between the XL and XLT models? If so, then we totally get you! 

With all of the exciting features both of these vehicles offer, it is not your fault that you are confused. To get you out of this pinch, we have a detailed comparison between the features and specifications that XL and XLT offer. 

Moreover, we will provide you with every detail about why both are alike and how they are different. So, read the article till the end to make a well-informed decision to buy one of the most popular trucks!

What Are The Differences Between Ford XL and XLT?

Both of these cars have almost the same basic specs, but the major difference is price and extras. If you want an affordable 2021 Ford F-150, then you can choose the XL model, which comes at around $29,000. But you can get some extra features in the XLT model that sits above $35,000, including the applicable tax.

Comparison of Ford XL and XLT By Year

Each year, Ford makes improvements in its 2021 Ford F-150. Some of them are minor adjustments. However, some of them are quite significant. The drivers report increasing quality performance every year. 

Here’s a quick XL and XLT comparison between these two vehicles on different factors. But, we have mentioned the actual price of each year without the applicable tax.

Ford XL 6.5’ Box

Ford XLT 8’ Box

Ford XL

Ford’s XL is popular among budget users who want something powerful but affordable. It has various competitive features over the others and makes your ride easier. The base model is a two-wheel drive, but you can also have a four-wheel drive with a little extra money. Here are some of the specifications and highlighted XL features.

Parked Ford XL Credit Source: WikiMedia

Specifications

• 3.3-liter V-6 Engine
• 7,700 pounds max towing capacity
• Regular Cab Pickup – Standard Bed
• Transmission modes: Normal, sport, slippery, tow/haul, eco, and trail
• 62.3 cubic feet cargo box
• Est. mileage City – 20
• Est. mileage Highway – 24
• 41.2 feet turning diameter
• Daytime Running Lights
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• Rear View Camera

See Also: Did Ford Change Their Engine Firing Order 

Exterior Features

This full-size truck has 17-inch steel wheel rims resistant to most damage. The body has a standard bed, but you can also buy a more extended bed edition with a few more bucks. The headlight has daytime running lamps. Also, there are frontal towing hooks. You can also get trailer sway cruise control with the XL.

There is solar-tinted rear glass to reduce incoming sunlight inside, and you will even get halogen lamps for brighter lights. The front has a black two-bar grille with two nostrils, allowing more air inside. Finally, there are black front rear bumpers.

Interior Features

Inside you will get a black vinyl floor covering. The dashboard contains a 4.2-inch center-stacked screen to view different functions. You get a tire pressure indicator here to know when their air is low. 

There are cloth front bench seats with 40/20/40 trimming and rear split seats with 60/40 trimming. It also has fade-to-off interior lighting for aesthetic effects.

Power and Handling

The Ford XL has a 3.3 Liter Ti-VCT V6 Engine. Hence, it packs 290 horsepower with a torque of 265 lb.-ft. With this power, you will get up to 1,990 lb. payload capacity and up to 7,700 lb. towing capacity.

Check out XL’s Top Speed Here:

But you will get manual adjustable side mirrors. You have a six-speed transmission with two haul modes and an optional sport mode. For XL, the EPA fuel economy is 20 mpg for the city and 25 mpg for highways. Also, it gives curve control for proper handling.

Safety Features

You get the rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist in the Ford XL. So you can reverse easily and don’t need to get out to check if the trailer is attached? Then you got surrounded by airbags for supreme protection. They are in the front, side curtain, and front-seat-mounted side airbags.

Additional safety includes the Ford CoPilot 360™ technology that has various services. It not only controls automatic headlights and high auto beams, but you also get collision protection since it detects and saves you with pre-collision emergency braking. Moreover, you get an SOS post-crash alert system.

Ford XLT

The enhanced edition of XL is Ford F-150 XLT provides the same features with a few extras. This model comes with some luxurious benefits at a small additional cost. Here are some most asked questions about XLT.

What Is The Best F-150 Engine?

The 2021 Ford F-150 comes in different models: XL vs XLT and LARIAT, King Ranch, Premium, and Limited. So, every model offers a range of choices in the engine. You can have 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, 2.7L, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 5.0L Ti-VCT V8. 

But, in the end, the best option is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine among all of these choices. Xl and XLT don’t come pre-installed with it, but it is available for upgrade. 

What Is The Most Reliable F-150 Engine?

For reliability in the 2021 Ford F-150, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the answer in current models. But if you want to know which is the most reliable engine of all time, it is the 4.6L V8 engine. 

Ford has recently discontinued it due to reporting spark plug issues. But it was available to the uncrowned king from the mid-1990s to 2010. If you are looking for an older pickup Ford instead of the 2021 Ford F-150, search for one with the 4.6L V8.

Specifications

Ford XLT models offer the same features as the XL with some additionals.

• 3.3-liter V-6 Engine
• 7,700 pounds max towing capacity
• Regular Cab Pickup – Long Bed
• 10 Speed Transmissions with selectable drive modes
• 77.4 cubic feet cargo box
• Est. mileage City – 20
• Est. mileage Highway – 24
• Power Adjustable Side View mirrors
• 46.4 feet turning diameter
• Power Door Lock and Tailgate
• Halogen Fog Lamps
• Power adjustable pedals

See Also: Ford Build Sheet By VIN

Exterior Features

The XLT variant has 17 in. silver-tinted aluminum wheel rims. It comes with a longer bed, but you can save a few bucks and get a standard bed too. You will also get the halogen fog lamps, so any unclear weather won’t be a problem. Then there is Easy Fuel® Capless fuel filler.

The model has privacy-tinted rear glass so that the traffic won’t peek inside. After that, you have a chrome two-bar grille with chrome nostrils for a stylish effect. There, a black background surrounds them. Lastly, there are chrome bumpers for a refined finish.

Interior Features

Ford F150 XLT has color-coordinated carpet floor mats that look premium. It also has an eight in. touchscreen display for infotainment. The FordPass™ Connect is also available with WiFi. It also has color-coordinated cloth front bench and rear seats with the same trimmings.

Power and Handling

Ford F150 XLT also has the same 3.3L ti-VCT engine with upgradeable options. So, most horsepower, torque, and towing capacity features are the same. Plus, you will have the same mileage output but 10-speed transmission. 

Safety Features

Safety is the department where the Ford F-150 XLT improves its superiority. In addition to the rearview camera, you’ll have a reverse sensing system and brake assist that’ll keep you from hitting anything when going backward. Due to Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0, you will also have a cross-traffic alert and post-collision braking.

It has the exact airbag locations, but with the MyKey®, you will have remote keyless entry. And lastly, you will also get the power door locks with perimeter anti-theft alarms. So, no one can break into your vehicle.

What Is The FX4 Off-Roading Package?

Although the XL vs XLT standard variants come as 2WD, you can buy the 4×4 models. They are more costly but have the same features with more power options. You can also upgrade your standard variant and make it compatible with the off-road.

The FX4 package makes your car face rugged terrains with ease. The package includes the Hill Descent Control, skid plates, off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differentials, and a 360-degree camera with a split-view display. So, show off these features with an “FX4 Off-Road” decal. It costs about $1,000.

Is The FX4 Package Worth It?

If you plan to go in the wild or get ready for an adventure, then the FX4 is worth it. You will get additional assistance with the package, and it will make your vehicle able to withstand the difficulties of any rough terrain.

What Is Special About The FX4 Package?

The skid plates protect the cage, transfer case, differential, and fuel tank. You have off-road-tuned shocks and all-terrain tires with aluminum wheels.

Is FX4 Better Than 4×4?

A 4×4 drive and an FX4 Ford share the same standard features, but some factors make the FX4 a better choice. This package has improved suspension and stronger Ranchero shocks than a standard 4×4, and it also has a higher ground clearance with skid plates. So, overall, FX4 is better than 4×4.

Does FX4 Sit Higher?

Unfortunately, FX4 doesn’t sit higher. Although it has skid plates and four average shocks, they don’t increase the ride height. To increase the ride height, you will need to install the HD suspension or the snowplow package in addition to it. But a camper package will also work.

FAQs

Final Considerations

At the end of the debate between the 2021 Ford F-150 models, we would say that both have their values. 

Buy Ford XL if:

• You need a pickup cab for your essential operation
• You need something affordable
• You want a better value-to-money ratio

Buy Ford XLT if:

• You want some luxurious features
• You have some extra bucks to spend
• You want additional safety facilities

You can get any of them according to your needs with the help of our comparison guide. So, go on a test drive on both vehicles and get the F-150 that suits you.