The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 is redesigned to be the toughest, most productive F-150 ever. It features an all-new interior, best-in-class available towing and payload and a class-exclusive available Pro Power Onboard to give you the ability to use your truck like a mobile generator. Let’s take a look at the XL versus the XLT trims.
Design/Pricing – XL/XLT
What sets the Ford F-150 XL and XLT apart is its exterior design. The XL features black bumpers, door handles, and tailgate; while the XLT has chrome on the bumpers, grille, and door handles. The XL also features halogen headlamps, daytime running lamps, front tow hooks and a cloth-trimmed bench seat with two-way manual adjustment and a 60/40 split flip up rear seat.
The XLT will add a power tailgate lock and rear window with fixed privacy glass and defroster. The Regular Cab with a 6.5-foot bed is the standard configuration for the XL and XLT trims. You can also opt for the 8-foot bed for added cost or available SuperCab and SuperCrew models. The F-150 can be your home on the road, with an available upgraded interior on either trim with the Pro Power Onboard. It will give you the option to use your truck like a mobile generation. It features more premium materials and comfort throughout the cabin, along with more storage and convenience features; such as a mobile workplace. Additionally, the 10-speed automatic shift lever can be folded flat with the center console to create a large flat workspace. It also can be ordered with fold-flat front seats to provide space for sleeping. Pricing will start at $29,940 for the XL and $35,050 for the XLT.
Power XL/XLT
Both trims deliver a great performance with a 3.3L V6, 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 will also be available with a 5.0L V-8, a twin turbocharged 2.7L V-6, a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V-6 and a 3.0L diesel V-6. They are all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F-150 will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, a 35-kW electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will give you a combined effort of gas and electric to tow and carry the load and you up to 700 miles of driving range on a full tank of gas. Buyers will be able to choose between rear-and four-wheel drive with either the XL or XLT trim and they both will sit on 17-inch wheels, except the XLT’s will be fancier. The base 3.3-liter V-6 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, while models equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds.
Safety and Technology XL/XLT
Ford offers plenty of standard and available safety features, with each trim level offering more. The XL will include a rear-facing camera for monitoring a trailer while on the go, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The XLT will add standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, along with reverse sensing system, blind-spot monitoring, rain sensing-windshield wipers and intelligent cruise control. Ford features smart new tech on the XL and XLT, with an 8.0-inch infotainment display, an updated version of the Sync 4 system that will provide traffic and weather updates, and onboard telematics to help track fleet vehicle location. It will also provide over-the-air updates for future software releases. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The XLT will include available Navigation and Sirius XM radio; as well as a 12.0-inch touchscreen display and a premium stereo system from Bang & Olufsen.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with either the 2021 Ford-F-150 XL or XLT trims. It provides plenty of power and features to keep your work on the road, as well as an all-new optional hybrid powertrain and a few more conveniences and features for a workplace out in the field. The main difference is the XL is the more budget-friendly option, while the XLT has extra features that add up to a higher price point.