Well, you get some more capital letters with the XLT—ha, just kidding! Pardon the joke, but it’s worth comparing both.
While the price difference might not be massive, there’s something special about the Ford Lariat—something more to it than what meets the eye.
Let me show you what I mean, Keep reading.
Difference Between F150 XLT and Lariat Explained
The difference between the 2024 Ford F150 XLT and Lariat is that the former gives you driving versatility at a lower price, while the Lariat pampers you with more high-quality comfort and convenience options.
Here’s the table
| Aspect | XLT | Lariat |
| Performance | Lots of engine options. | Fewer options. |
| Handling | Handles well, especially off-road. | Smooth ride, feels solid, but not as good off-road. |
| Exterior | Looks tough, especially with certain packages. | Sleek and classy, with chrome accents. |
| Interior And Comfort | Materials are okay. | Premium materials with seat heating and ventilation. |
| Infotainment | Okay screen, practical features. | High-tech, premium sound on top of the XLT’s offerings. |
| Driving System | Useful camera system, easy trailer reversing. | Fancy driving aids, hands-free mode. |
| Price | Starts at $47,620 | Starts at $65,195 |
Now, I’ll walk you through details about all the differences and tell you about the biggest things I noticed when setting them apart.
Engines And Handling
Winner: F150 Lariat
With the XLT, you’ve got a range of engine choices, including the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, and the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6.
It’s available in 4×2 and 4×4 setups, with features like Electronic-Locking Rear Differential and Selectable Drive Modes for different driving conditions.
On the other hand, the Lariat trim is limited to three options: the standard 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, plus the optional 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6.
Though it’s only available in 4×4, you can also get a smoother ride with the Independent Front Suspension and Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering.
There are other small features too, including some that help with off-roading. The two-speed Automatic Four-Wheel Drive System and Power-adjustable pedals can help with that.
Plus, it comes with handy towing features like the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Sway Control.
Unless you’re set on a specific engine or need rear-wheel drive, the Lariat is generally the better choice. It offers some of the best engines and makes driving more convenient overall.
Exterior Features
Winner: Tie, Depends On Preferences
The 2024 XLT boasts a striking new grille and headlight setup, catching attention with its bold design.
Enhanced by larger amber lights that double as driving lights, the XLT exudes toughness, complemented by Ford’s revamped emblem featuring a flat design and white writing for a modern touch.
Opting for packages like the Black Appearance or Avalanche further accentuates its rugged appeal.
The Lariat offers a refined aesthetic, featuring chrome accents and LED fog lights and taillights for a sophisticated look.
With its own unique grille design and clearer turn signals, the Lariat stands out with elegance.
Practical features such as automatic headlights and LED box lights add functionality, while customizable options like body-color bumpers and a power tailgate provide versatility.
The XLT’s alloy wheels are smaller at 18 inches, giving a balanced appearance, while the Lariat’s wheels are bigger at 20 inches, making a bolder statement.
Besides looks, the Lariat’s larger wheels might make the truck feel more stable and easier to handle, especially around corners or when driving faster.
Interior And Infotainment
Winner: F150 Lariat
When you look at the 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat compared to the 2023 and 2024 models, you can see things have changed the most in this regard.
Back in 2022, both the Lariat and XLT had 8-inch screens.
The Lariat had a bit more options inside, but the material quality wasn’t great.
In fact, it was so bad that someone on Reddit managed to get the same exact Lariat feel just by installing Katzkin leather.
Then in 2023, when you looked at the F-150 XLT versus Lariat, the Lariat got a big upgrade with a full 12-inch screen, making it a clear winner in the tech department.
But by 2024, both models would have the same screen size, leveling the playing field.
Still, the 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat kept its edge with fancy stuff like leather seats, power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, cool ambient lighting, and a top-notch B&O sound system, making it a more luxurious pick compared to the XLT.
To top everything off, the latter also has a nifty little folding storage box under the rear seat.
Both come with Dual-zone automatic climate control, though, so you get to set the temperature just right for both sides of the cabin, keeping everyone comfortable throughout the ride.
Drive System
Winner: F150 Lariat
Ford is known for their extra fancy driving tech – so I felt like this deserved its own spot.
The XLT comes with a 360-degree camera system, giving you eyes all around for parking and tight spots.
It also has Pro Trailer Backup Assist, making reversing with a trailer a breeze.
But if you want to take your driving experience up a notch, you’ll love the lariat.
It’s loaded with goodies like Adaptive Cruise Control, which keeps a safe distance from the car ahead, and Lane Centering System to help you stay in your lane.
And let’s not forget Ford’s new BlueCruise system, which offers hands-free driving on mapped highways. So, if you’re after the ultimate driving package, the Lariat’s the clear winner here.
| XLT | Aspect | Lariat |
| Standard Base F150 Tech | Special Driving Tech | Same As XLT Plus Rain-Sensing Wipers |
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: F150 Lariat
Though they offer the same engines, they do have some features that could change things.
Lariat’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering System could help save fuel by making driving more efficient.
Yet, the XLT’s smaller 18-inch wheels might use a little less fuel compared to the Lariat’s bigger 20-inch wheels, but this difference usually isn’t big for most drivers.
With all that considered, the Lariat comes out at the top at 16/24 City Highway MPG at 19 MPG combined, beating the XLT’s 19/25 City and Highway MPG with a combined of MPG of 21.
Even better, Lariat also offers Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) as an option.
Towing And Payload Capacity
Winner: Tie
You get the max towing capacity range of 10,400 to 13,500 lbs with both, thanks to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
You can also get a payload capacity of 1,735 to 2,445 lbs.
Do note, though, that if you get the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with the XLT, you might have a smaller towing capacity of 7,400 to 8,400 lbs.
It also has a smaller payload capacity of 1,605 lbs.
So, Is The F150 Lariat Better Than XLT?
I’d lean towards the Lariat. Sure, it might cost a tad more upfront, but the added luxury and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment.
Plus, down the road, its higher resale value could offset the initial extra cost.
So, if you’re looking for a truck that not only hands you a ton of comfort but also holds its value well, the Lariat is the way to go.
FAQs
Well, the Lariat’s clearly the winner. If you want to know how it stands against the trims higher than it, I’ll address all these questions too.
Do the Lariat and Platinum differ by much?
If you compare the F150 Lariat and Platinum side by side, you’ll see that the Platinum is twice the luxury of the already fancy Lariat. If you can’t take my word for it, just know that’s where most of the extra $8.5k towards the Plat’s price is going.
What is the Lariat and Tremor good for?
Between both, the Lariat is great for your everyday cruising, but if you’re itching for some off-road action, the Tremor trim takes the cake with its tougher design. You can read my complete guide on F150 Tremor vs Lariat for a thorough overview.
Between Lariat and King Ranch – is the latter still the king?
You bet! The King Ranch is still ruling the roost with its lavish touches and standout style, making it the top pick in the lineup. It’s far better than the Lariat in most aspects.
Final Thoughts
So, what are you going for?
Even though I suggested Lariat, you can spring for the XLT too, especially if you enjoy going camping and the sort.
In fact, with a bit of aftermarket magic, you could even make your XLT just as awesome as a Lariat.
That’s my last advice for now: good luck with your choice.
