What Does XLT Mean On A Ford Truck?

Ford pickup trucks have long been known for their reliability and durability, delivering top-notch performance year after year. However, with the ever-increasing number of trim levels available, it’s understandable that many consumers can feel overwhelmed and confused. For example, what in the world does the XLT badge mean?

Ford offers the XLT, or Extra Luxury Truck, trim level on several of its pickup truck models, including the best-selling F-150. The XLT is meant to be a middle ground between entry-level and high-end models. Customers get a nice mix of convenience, luxury, and price.

For the remainder of this guide, we’re going to discuss what features are found in Ford XLT trim models, how it compares to the XL trim and the supposed benefits of splurging on an XLT model.

Ford XLT Pickups

If you visit the official Ford website and navigate to the Trucks section, you’ll be bombarded with a wide selection of Ford pickups. In reality, there are only 5 distinct pickup models to choose from, but each of them is available in a wide range of trims and specs options to suit every driver.

Here are the Ford pickup trucks that are available in the XLT version:

• Maverick
• Ranger
• F-150
• F-250
• F-350
• F-450

Features of Ford XLT Pickups

The features found in Ford XLT pickups vary from model to model. In addition, there are a plethora of optional features available only for the XLT trim. Let’s take a look at some of these key features:

17-inch Carbonized Aluminum Wheels

Aluminum wheels reinforced with carbon fiber, a.k.a. carbonized aluminum wheels, offer several benefits, including but not limited to being lightweight, more durable, and enhancing performance at higher speeds.

Unique cloth seats

Specific XLT models, such as the Maverick XLT, come with uniquely colored interior trim and seat packages. In addition, the front seats can be adjusted in 6 ways, while the passenger seats have 4-way manual adjustability.

Flexbed System

In order to provide a safe and stable load surface for a cargo of varying sizes and shapes, Ford designed the Flexbed (PDF), which consists of an adjustable bed liner. The Flexbed’s material is strong yet lightweight, with excellent resistance to both impacts and the elements. It’s simple to take off and put back on, so you can get in and out of the truck bed whenever you need to. In order to keep your cargo from shifting around while in transit, the Flexbed has built-in tie-down points.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology

Ford’s driver assist, known as Co-Pilot360 Technology, gives drivers additional confidence while driving. It comes with a wide range of features, including emergency braking and lane assist, to increase road safety.

You can find additional technology perks that come standard in XLT models. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Parking Sensors, a Navigation System, Pre-Collision Assist, and Blind Spot Information System. The specific Co-Pilot360 features vary between models.

FX4 Off-Road Package

The FX4 package will help you take on any terrain you encounter. This sturdy chassis features skid plates, an off-road-tuned suspension, and an electronic locking rear differential. An off-road cluster screen combines information from the Terrain Management System and Ford Trail Control into an easy-to-read format.

FordPass

Your Ford XLT can serve as a Wi-Fi or 5G hotspot, thanks to FordPass. It supports up to 10 devices at once and has a maximum transmitting range of 50 feet outside the car.

XLT vs. XL

You will find tons of differences between trim models, and comparing Ford XLT and XL pickup trucks is no exception. To give you an idea of how much they differ, let’s take a look at the F-150 XLT and F-150 XL. As a side note, most, if not all, of the features found in the XL are available in the XLT.

1. Co-Pilot360 Technology

2. Advanced Tech

3. Wheels

Benefits of Ford XLT Trucks

Again, the benefits are unique to each Ford pickup model. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll focus only on the F-150 for now.

Many people find the Ford F-150 XLT to be the best pickup truck for their needs. This model’s spacious interior and excellent gas mileage make it ideal for daily use. It’s a great option for people who need a truck for work or play thanks to its maximum trailer weight of up to 10,000 pounds and its maximum payload capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

In addition, there are a great deal of benefits that come along with owning a Ford XLT. The XLT is an improvement over the standard model in several key ways that make it more enjoyable to drive than the standard model. When it comes time to part ways, the additional features that come standard on the XLT can help the truck fetch a higher price on the used market.

Long-distance drivers and commuters who travel across the country frequently should consider purchasing the XLT trim level. Because of the recent upgrades made to its comfort and convenience features, longer trips can now be appreciated to the fullest possible extent. Because of its capacity for towing and hauling, the XLT is also a good choice for people who frequently move large items because it is a convenient option for them.

The Ford F-150 XLT, which comes in last but certainly not least, is a slick pickup truck that features a number of appealing exterior features as standard equipment. Because of this, in addition to the outstanding performance it offers and the helpful features it possesses, it is an excellent choice for buyers in the market for a pickup truck that not only has a good appearance but also can be relied upon to accomplish any job.

Is a Ford XLT Worth It?

First and foremost, only you can decide whether the MSRP of $41,800 for the Ford F-150 XLT is worth the cost. In comparison, the XL trim starts (the base version) at $33,695. What we will say is that there is an overlap between the XL’s available features and the standard features of the XLT, but there are specific features you won’t find available for the XL trim.