What's the difference between the XL trim and XLT trim?

[Jonathan Ashbeck]

The only differences I can think of is that between the two on Ford F Series trucks
XL trims on the F150 and Super Duties are "work based" and its standard features include manual locks, manual transmission, manual windows, door mounted speakers, etc.
The XLT trims include automatic transmissions, powered mirrors, powered windows, and powered locks for sure like we have on our '99 Super Duty diesel. It also has AM/FM stereo and keyless entry like my dad's truck has.

[North Beach Person]

Or you could look on the Ford website and compare the trim levels.

Manual transmission? Uh, no.

My brother has the King Ranch variant and the speakers are ............mounted on the door. My XL has power windows and locks, cruise, power mirrors as well as an automatic transmission. A manual transmission wasn't even an offering.

I'm assuming you're talking the last few years through the most recent iteration.

[BostonMike7]

There hasn't been a manual trans on the f150 since 2008, and it's been 5-6 years since you could get one on a super duty.

I don't even think manual Windows is a feature any more either. You can look online and see the features for both trims. The XL is pretty much your bare bones work truck, the XLT has a few more standard features and options designed for the everyday use. My dad has a 2017 XLT pretty well optioned out with technology and comfort features. Very nice truck.

[Borntoolate85]

In addition to F-Series trucks, both trims were/are found on the Ranger, Escape (with XLS instead of XL), and Explorer. Traditionally (as in the 1990s/early 2000s), XL mean rollup windows, manual door locks, black door handles, and a modest sound system, with air conditioning optional, while the XLT added the popular power features (doors/windows/mirrors), along with AC, tilt steering, cruise control, and daytime running lights. XL/XLT/premium brands are equivalent to LS/LT/LTZ on equivalent Chevy models.

XLT will always be the better value than the XL on the used market, and even more so for the high-end models (Eddie Bauer/Lariat, Limited/King Ranch).

Ford trucks once had a bare bones "work series" trim that was below XL, some featuring vinyl seats, but most of these now are just basic XL models when in use.

[slomofo]

I don't really care about Fords, but I used to enter vehicle data into a computer every day and going off the door stickers, I've noticed that the XL has a lower GVWR than the XLT, so I assume there's suspension differences as well, but I'm not certain.

[Jonathan Ashbeck]

I do know that the early Super Duties had manual transmissions. The XL trims had manual windows, manual locks, etc.

[FatBob96]

It gets even more confusing when you throw in options packages.

I have a 2017 XL series with the STX package.

Carpeted floors and Cloth seats with lumbar support (no power though)

20 inch wheels from the Lariat.

Power windows and locks, synch 3, bedliner, tail gate step, fog lights, body colored bumpers.

All said and done, it's pretty much an XLT minus the power seats, leather steering wheel and a bit of chrome.

[Qwh]

My XL 2016 has no Power windows locks or mirrors just a white regular cab with only 1 option the running board and aftermarket tint and after market spray in bedliner