What’s the Difference Between The Ford F150 XLT And The Lariat?

What hits your mind when you hear the mention of Ford Motors? The Ford trucks? Yes, Ford motors have been the leader in the design and manufacture of top-of-the-line trucks. 

The lineup of Ford trucks is unique because they are designed to be stylish with a luxurious interior.

Ford F-150 is offered in six trim levels, namely XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. 

While all the trim levels exude power and elegance, the most outstanding are the Ford F150 XLT and the F150 Lariat. 

These are excellent Ford F150 trims, and here is how they compare.

These two trim levels have many similarities, but also have a noticeable difference that justifies the significant price difference. 

What is the Difference Between The Ford F150 XLT And The Lariat? 

The base engine is the major difference between the F150 XLT and the Lariat trim levels. The XLT comes with a lively 3.3-liter V6 engine that provides 290-hp, while on other hand, the Lariat features a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that provides a whopping 325-hp. 

Additionally, both the XLT and Lariat trim come with an option for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that offers 375-hp and 470 lb-ft torque. 

While all the Ford truck models are designed with a high level of precision and attention to detail, the Ford F150 stands out from its peers as an excellent performer and workhorse. The Ford F-150 is one of the world’s best-selling pickup trucks that comes in different trim levels. 

If you are looking for more power and some extra high-performance, there is an option for a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine.

This engine comes packed with eight cylinders that produce up to 400-hp. 

Both trims are mated with an electronic transmission with 10 gears. 

The two trims have several other features that distinguish them from each other. 

The new variants of the XLT and Lariat come with settings that have been added to the class-leading transmission. 

When driving the F-150 on a slick road using the Snow/Wet Mode, traction is improved. 

This makes the F150 a vehicle of choice for drivers living in challenging off-road terrains. 

Also, the F-150 truck comes with the EcoSelect mode that works well if you make many starts and stops when driving. 

This mode saves fuel when driving in the busy streets in the city. 

The truck’s 10-speed transmission comes equipped with the Tow/Haul mode for efficient towing. 

But you may be wondering what exactly the XLT and Lariat trims are? Other differences between the two trims are as follows. 

Styling and Amenities

Whereas the differences between the XLT and the Lariat don’t stop under the hood, there are many other distinguishing features. 

The styling and amenities that come standard with these trim levels are another significant difference that justifies the bucks. 

The rear door of the Ford F-150 XLT and the Lariat SuperCab features a 170-degrees swing. 

A spray-in bed liner is available for both versions, and both come with box side steps. 

Bed accessories can be secured using BoxLink. 

There is a brilliant light that illuminates every part of the bed, including the rails and corners, thanks to the LED lights. 

For easier climbing or coming out of the truck, they are fitted with running boards and tubular steps. 

Halogen lights, integrated into fog lamps and headlamps, produce an intense solid glow that makes the two trim levels stand out from their peers. 

The XLT and the Lariat trims come fitted with power-adjustable side mirrors. 

They also feature front two hooks and loading ramps that can be stowed away. 

Technology and Infotainment

The technology and infotainment features that come installed in the Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat trim are another significant difference between the two. 

If you are looking for an F150 truck trim with most of the premium features, you should go for the Lariat trim level. 

Although this means you will have to spend a tad more bucks on the Lariat than the XLT trim level. 

Ford F150 XLT and Lariat are equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which has an LCD touchscreen.

The multimedia platform GPS navigation system features colored maps and live traffic and travel link feeds from SiriusXM traffic and Travel-Link. 

This truck also comes packed with extra connectivity features like the Wi-Fi hotspot built into the improved SYNC platform, which delivers next-generation apps. 

XLT and Lariat passengers can easily link their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the high-speed network.

In addition to the SYNC suite, FordPass and AppLink are both compatible with it. 

A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen Play sound is also available in the Ford F150 Lariat trim. 

Standard Features and Cost

Another unique difference between the Ford 150 XLT and the Ford F150 Lariat trim level is the standard features. 

While the XLT comes standard with Chrome Front and rear bumpers with a 4.2-inch productivity screen, the Lariat, on the other hand, features intelligent access with push-button start and is also lined with leather-trimmed seats. 

Because of the extra premium features that the Ford F150 Lariat comes standard with, the F150 Lariat costs more than the F150 XLT. 

Depending on where you buy your Ford vehicle, the difference between these two trims is significant to warrant choosing one over the other. 

F150 XLT costs some bucks less than its Lariat counterpart, and it’s an ideal truck for buyers who are on a budget but still want to enjoy the standard features that the F150 truck model has to offer. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What is a Ford F150 Lariat? 

The Ford F150 Lariat is a trim level of the Ford F150 pickup truck. 

The Lariat comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with leather seats inside. 

This trim is unique and costs more than the XLT trim level because it has power-adjustable pedals with memory.

For extra comfort inside the Lariat, it has front heated and ventilated seats.

This trim level comes with all the premium features at an additional cost. 

 How long is a Ford F150 XLT? 

The overall length of the Ford F150 XLT regular cab style is 209.1 inches for the 6.5ft style. 

While for the 8.0-ft styleside, it measures 227.7 inches. 

Also, the cab height for the XLT ranges between 75.5 – 77-inches. 

For the SuperCab, the overall length is 231.7 inches for the 6.5-ft pickup box styleside. While that of the 8.0-ft. styleside is 250.3-inches. 

How long is a Ford F150 Lariat? 

The overall length of the Regular Cab Lariat of 6.5ft styleside is 209.1 inches, while that of an 8.0-ft pickup box styleside is 227.7 inches long. 

While for the Super Cab style, the overall length is 231.7 inches for the 6.5-ft styleside while that of the 8.0-ft styleside measures 250.3 inches. 

How much can a Ford F150 XLT tow? 

The Ford 150 XLT has a towing capacity of up to 13,000 lbs. with a maximum payload capacity of 3,270. 

This makes the XLT an excellent truck for doing any kind of towing or hauling job. 

How much can a Ford F150 Lariat tow? 

The Ford 150 Lariat has a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,100 lbs., with a maximum payload of 2,480 lbs., making it one of the best trucks for both your local commute in the city and handling the heavy workload. 

The F150 Lariat will pull and carry a great deal of load easily and will traverse the most challenging terrains with ease. 

What does XLT mean in a Ford F150

The XLT is a new naming structure for the Ford F150 trim levels. The XLT is an acronym for Extra Luxurious Truck (XLT). 

The naming structure dates back to the ‘70s when the highest trim levels for the Ford Ranger models of the 70s were called XLT. 

It is challenging to keep track of the many trim levels that manufacturers come up with every year. 

Because of this, the acronym helps in distinguishing among the different packages under the same model. 

 Conclusion

When shopping for a Ford F150 Pickup truck, it is important to know the differences between the many available trim levels. 

Of course, buying an F150 Lariat will set you back a few bucks more than buying a lower trim level like the Ford F150 XLT, but this will offer you value for your money since the Lariat comes standard with more premium features compared to the XLT and even the XL trim levels. 

Therefore, if you are in the market for a Ford F150, it is recommended that you go for the higher Lariat trim level so that you don’t miss the extra performance and styling features that it has to offer. 

Outside, the two trim levels have a lot in common, from the aggressive looks to the interior upholstery. 

But they both have some subtle features that justify the extra bucks you have to pay for the Lariat trim level.