2018 Ford F-150 XL vs XLT

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The XL and the XLT are the bottom trims of the F-150 line, the workhorses of the F-150 line. These trims are bare bones, but with some impressive towing capacity nonetheless. The XL is the most utilitarian of the trims, perfect for fleet purposes, while the XLT offers a few more tech and power features.

2018 Ford F-150 XL vs XLT

The Bottom Line:

The fleet-focused XL gives you just what you need to get to work, while the XLT adds a bit more stylish flair (including chrome!) and some additional features.

Power and Performance

XL	XLT
20/25 mpg	20/25 mpg
3.3L Ti-VCT V6 290 horsepower 265 lb.-ft. torque 7,700 lbs. max towing	3.3L Ti-VCT V6 290 horsepower 265 lb.-ft. torque 7,700 lbs. max towing
Six-speed transmission with tow-haul and sport modes	Six-speed transmission with tow-haul and sport modes
Optional: 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, 10-speed transmission with tow-haul, snow-wet, EcoSelect, and sport modes, Auto Start-Stop Engine Technology	Optional: 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, 10-speed transmission with tow-haul, snow-wet, EcoSelect, and sport modes, Auto Start-Stop Engine Technology

Comfort & Tech Features

XL	XLT
Cloth front bench seat, 60/40-split rear cloth bench seat	Cloth front bench seat, 60/40-split rear cloth bench seat
AM/FM stereo	AM/FM with single CD, SYNC voice controls, SYNC with AppLink
Manual door locks	Power door locks with integrated key transmitter, MyKey
OPTIONAL: Vinyl front bench seat, cloth front bucket seats with center console, AM/FM with single CD, SiriusXM satellite radio, SYNC voice controls, SYNC 3, SYNC with AppLink, power door locks with integrated key transmitter, MyKey, rear parking sensors, 110-volt/400-watt Power Inverter in front and back (SuperCab and SuperCrew), Pro Trailer Backup Assist	OPTIONAL: Cloth front bucket seats with center console, heated front seats, power front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, SYNC 3, SYNC Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation with Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link, power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, 110-volt/400-watt Power Inverter in front and back (SuperCab and SuperCrew), Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Safety & Security

XL	XLT
Rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist	Rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist
Curve Control	Curve Control
Front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain airbags	Front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain airbags
SOS Post-Crash Alert System Optional: Remote keyless entry	SOS Post-Crash Alert System Optional: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable safety belts in second row (SuperCrew)

Style

XL	XLT
Black two-bar grille with Black Nostrils	Chrome two-bar grille with Chrome Nostrils, Black Surround and Black Background Mesh
Manual adjustable side mirrors	Power-adjustable side mirrors
Optional: Box side steps, 4×4 skid plates, Tonneau pickup box cover (hard or soft)	Optional: Box side steps, 4×4 skid plates, twin-panel moonroof (SuperCrew), Tonneau pickup box cover (hard or soft)

Choosing between these two stylish trucks - the 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch and the F-150 Platinum - can feel a bit like choosing apples over oranges, or vice versa. When it comes down to it, they've got a lot in common. Both swaddle you in leather, dish out the smartphone integration features, and tow and haul major weight with astonishing ease.

The Takeaway:

The major differences between these two come down to style. The King Ranch embraces a western ranch style, with King Ranch badging and a distinctly outdoor-adventure vibe. The Platinum has an uptown flair, with more chrome and a few extras as well.