What Does XLT Mean on a Ford Truck? - People and Their Cars

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Whether you’re getting a used or a new Ford truck model, understanding the specs, terms, and descriptions that differentiate each model is very important. This way, you’ll manage to land a truck that suits your exact needs and demands. Now, speaking of the terms, most people have been asking what does XLT mean on a Ford truck.

In fact, most people in automotive forums and threads have been asking this specific question. So, if you’re just getting started, then asking this question will be pretty obvious. Now, to those people that make smart guesses, it’s easy to think that XLT stands for ‘extra-long truck’. Although it’s a smart guess, what makes your answer wrong is the presence of shorter bed trucks that bear the same suffix.

So, what exactly does XLT mean? That’s exactly what this post will discuss. But, other than explaining the meaning, this post will dive deeper into the world of Ford trucks to see the kind of features you’ll expect to enjoy with this package. We’ll also try to differentiate the XLT package from the XL to understand what’s new.

What Does XLT Stand for Ford Truck & Things You Get with It?

Now, in definition, XLT stands for ‘extra luxurious truck’. The reason for this suffix is to show buyers that this specific trim package is lined up with higher specifications that are newer and better than the latter package, which in this case is the XL or ‘luxurious truck’ package.

If we can get back to history, the XLT suffix was first introduced in the 1970s when it was offered to F-series light trucks. In this same duration, the newest trim level in the name of the Ford Ranger was offered the XLT suffix. From 1973 to date, the XLT suffix has become a trim distinction to separate Ford truck models from the basic XL package.

Now, what does trim or rather a trim level mean as far as the auto industry is concerned? Now, when it comes to automotive, trim refers to a collection of features that are specifically offered to a vehicle. These features consist of the car’s performance specs as well as the interior and exterior specifications. So, when enquiring about a specific vehicle, what you’re offered is a trim to represent all the features of that vehicle.

Now, What Does the XLT Package Offer to Ford Models?

Now that you’re aware of what XLT means, the next area you’ll be super attempted to explore is what exactly the XLT package offers. Remember, XLT has nothing to do with the bed size. So, when exploring the package, don’t expect to get an extra-long truck simply because it’s XLT.

In fact, you’ll be surprised to find both short and long-bed trucks sharing a similar XLT package. Some of the popular models you’ll find include the F-450, F-350, F-250, and F-150. So, with that said, let’s explore some of the unique specs you’re likely to find with the XLT package.

Interior

Starting with the interior, the XLT package offers you a standard 2.3-inch productivity screen that’s quite similar to the XL package. The only difference here is the Lariat package which has a large 8-inch productivity screen.

Both the XL and XLT have FM/AM radios with the XLT including the SYNC 3 entertainment system.

The XLT has a single-zone manual air-conditioning system, a MyKey feature, and fabric seats. The rear window of the XLT consists of a privacy-tinted fixed glass while that of the XL is fixed with a solar tint.

Both the XL and the XLT have fade-to-off lighting, FordPass Connect with WIFI connectivity, and black urethane steering wheels.

They also have similar telescoping steering wheels and rearview cameras that assist the driver when reversing the car.

Lastly, the XLT is equipped with color-coordinated and decorated floor mats while the XL features standard black vinyl floor mats.

Exterior

Now to the exterior, the first thing you’ll notice the moment you see the XLT is the wheels. First, the XL and the XLT share a similar wheel size of 17 inches. The difference however comes in the material used where the XL uses silver steel while the XLT uses silver-painted aluminum wheels.

With the XLT, you get chrome front and rear bumpers while in the XL, you’re welcomed with black bumpers in the front and rear.

With the XL package, you’re offered a key lock tailgate while the XLT welcomes you with an exclusive power lock tailgate.

Both the XL and the XLT have automatic rain-activated headlights that automatically turn on/off whenever it begins to rain.

Performance

Another department that differentiates the XL from the XLT is performance. Now, both of these packages are equipped with a 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine under the hood. However, the XLT goes ahead to offer customers a 3.0L Powerstroke Turbo-Diesel V6 engine as an optional engine. This advantage is not offered by the XL package.

When it comes to engine performance, the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine offers a decent 290 horsepower with a 265lb-ft of torque. About the wheel choices, the XL offers you 4 additional choices while the XLT offers up to 6 choices.

Final Thought

So, that’s pretty much like it. In case you’ve been struggling to know what the suffix XLT stands for, then this post has offered the best explanation. But, other than explaining the meaning, we’ve gone deeper to discuss the top-notch amenities that are offered by the XLT package. We’ve also discussed the performance, luxury, and technology that’s behind the success of this 4×4 wheeler.

So, whether you choose to go with the 2021 Ford F-150 XL or the F-150 XLT version, we believe you have all the information that’s needed.

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