If you’re wondering about the difference between XL and XLT trims, our John Kennedy Ford Feasterville team is here to help. In this brief guide to XL vs. XLT trims, we explore what sets these options apart so you can choose the best truck for your financial and driving needs.
Understanding Ford’s XL and XLT Trim Levels: What They Mean Across the Lineup
The XL trim is Ford’s no-nonsense foundation, built for function, not frills. This trim is work-ready and keeps costs down, whether you’re buying a fleet or looking for a budget-friendly option. The XLT trim fits between the bare-bones utility vehicle and the luxury of higher trims. The XL works best as a work truck or a fleet vehicle, while the XLT is ideal for daily drivers. That’s why the XLT trim is so popular with truck owners who need it for a combination of work and family chores.
Ford F-150 XL vs. XLT: The Most Popular Comparison
Both F-150 options offer three engines: a 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 (325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque), the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 (400 hp and 500 lb-ft), or the 5.0L V-8 (400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque). A fourth option, the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V-6 (430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque), isn’t available on the XL. Towing capability ranges from 8,400 pounds to 13,500 pounds, while the payload tops out around 2,440 pounds.
The differences are most apparent in the cabin. The XL has basic cloth seats with manual adjustments and a 60/40 flip-up bench seat, while the XLT model upgrades the seats to include a power driver’s seat, power lumbar support, and a choice between cloth or optional vinyl upholstery for increased comfort. The XL and XLT trims come standard with 17-inch steel wheels, but you can opt for 18- or 20-inch painted aluminum wheels on the XLT.
Both have air conditioning and a 12-inch SYNC 4 touch screen, but the XLT adds an auto-dimming mirror, covered visors, and optional equipment such as power-adjustable pedals, wireless charging, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, trailer backup assistance, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. You can browse our 2025 Ford F-150 lineup inventory for more specific model information.
Ford Maverick XL vs. XLT: Compact Truck Differences
The 2025 Ford Maverick has the lowest starting price of any small pickup in America. Its standard 2.5-L hybrid engine gets 42 mpg in city driving, which is perfect if you’re a Feasterville resident commuting to Philadelphia. The optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine provides more power, but achieves roughly 23 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. The XL has a black mesh grille with a matching surround, LED headlamps, the Flexbed storage setup, cloth seats, and 17-inch steel wheels.
The XLT includes all the XL’s specifications and upgrades, and features 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, a 2K trailer hitch with a four-pin connector, and extra bed storage with 10 tie-downs. There’s an optional Luxury package for the XLT that adds LED bed lighting, a 400W power outlet, and heated seats for cold mornings in Pennsylvania.
Ford Ranger XL vs. XLT: Midsize Truck Comparison
Both Ranger trims come standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine featuring auto start-stop technology (270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque). The XLT, however, offers an optional 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 upgrade (315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque). The XL includes the STX package, which features 17-inch silver aluminum wheels, all-terrain tires, LED headlights, and Electronic-Shift-On-the-Fly. The XLT, on the other hand, comes with the XLT Sport package, which includes 17-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels and a gray-painted grille, along with matching front fascia and rear bumper.
Owners cite the Ranger as great for light-duty pickup urban use, getting 21 mpg in town and 26 mpg highway with the standard engine. Both trims can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds with the Trailer Tow Package, but the XLT trim adds integrated trailer brake controllers and backup assist. Take a look at our 2025 Ford Ranger inventory to get an idea of what’s possible.
Ford Super Duty XL vs. XLT: Heavy-Duty Truck Variations
The 2025 Ford Super Duty line delivers power. The maximum towing capacity for the Super Duty trucks is 40,000 pounds (best-in-class for diesel gooseneck towing), while the payload capability is 8,000 pounds, both of which depend on the configuration. The standard engine is a gas-powered 6.8L V-8, with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel or 7.3L gas V-8 optional. All versions have a 10-speed automatic transmission.
There aren’t many differences between the XL and XLT trims for the Super Duty trucks. The TorqShift 10-speed automatic with selectable drive modes and LED roof marker/clearance lamps are optional for the XL trim, but standard on the XLT.
XL vs. XLT: Which Trim Level Is Right for You?
Across the lineup, an XL will keep costs down, but the XLT adds value and comfort. The XLT trim sells well because it strikes a great balance between pure utility and luxury.
2025 Model Year Updates and Changes
The 2025 F-150 now includes BlueCruise 1.2 with lane change assist to make highway driving safer, precollision assist that reacts quickly, SYNC 4 on a 12-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a lane-keeping system that helps you navigate winding Pennsylvania backroads. The XL comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety package, including precollision assistance, auto high-beam headlights, and a backup camera. XLT upgrades to Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which features additional driver aids, including lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.
The 2025 Maverick comes in five trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, and Lobo. All models come with SYNC 4, featuring a 13.2-inch touch screen with wireless connections and built-in 5G for over-the-air software updates.
Making Your Final Decision: XL or XLT?
Picking between the Ford XL and XLT comes down to how you’ll use your truck and what matters most to you. XL provides a solid work partner with no-fuss reliability at the lowest cost – perfect if you’re buying for a business, need multiple vehicles, or simply want a dependable vehicle without paying for extras. The XLT features comfort enhancements that make daily driving more enjoyable.
Consider your daily routine and long-term goals. If you’re on a tight budget or need your truck primarily for work, the XL could be the right choice. However, if your truck must be comfortable for both jobsites and family outings, the XLT makes more sense. Both provide Ford’s legendary toughness — it’s just about matching what you need with what you’ll actually use.
Test-Drive a New Ford Pickup at John Kennedy Ford of Feasterville Today
You don’t have to wait to try these two trims, no matter which model you’re interested in. Schedule a test-drive, or contact us with your questions. Our team can demonstrate the options for each trim, introduce you to our resourceful finance professionals, and make the truck-buying process easy. Visit our John Kennedy Ford of Feasterville dealership to see what’s on our lot right now.
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