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If you’ve decided on an F-150, it can be difficult to pick the truck that’s right for you with so many cabs, bed, and trim configurations available. Here we’ll break down the two most popular trims on the 2020 Ford F-150— the XLT and the Lariat so that you can have a better idea of what’s available on each of these variants.
The 2020 Ford F-150 is available in 6 trims overall: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor. The least expensive trim, the XL, has a starting MSRP of $28,745, and the Raptor on the other end of the scale starts at $53,455, so you’ve got a lot of room when it comes to where you’d like to spend on F-150 upgrades. Our article focuses on two of the most popular F-150 trim levels, the XLT and the Lariat, which offer similar features that are geared towards slightly different driver preferences. The Ford F-150 XLT starts at $34,760 and comes with a standard 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine. This engine delivers responsive performance, with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The included 6-speed automatic transmission has three selectable modes that include Normal, Tow/Haul, and Sport. This engine can tow from 5,100 pounds, all the way up to 7,600 pounds depending on which wheelbase and axle ratio you choose.
The Ford F-150 Lariat comes with a slightly more powerful engine, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. While the total displacement is lower on this EcoBoost Model, it delivers significantly improved power and overall specs. This engine delivers a solid 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque due to its port-fuel and direct-injection system. This engine can tow from 7,600 and 8,500 pounds. If you’d like this kind of power in your XLT, you can find one outfitted with the 2.7L EcoBoost option, but it’ll increase the price and you’ll have to do some extra looking. The XLT is also available with the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine, 3.0L Power Stroke® Turbo-Diesel V6 Engine, and a 10-speed transmission if you choose the accompanying powertrain. The Lariat is outfitted with a 10-speed transmission standard and has access to all the same engine upgrades that the XLT does. When it comes to power that’s available to these trim levels, you’ll find that they both support the maximum power options available— the difference is where your value is placed in order to get the power that you need. If 290 horsepower sounds like plenty, the XLT is the clear winner here. If you’re looking to tow things in the 7 or 8 thousand plus range, the XLT and its available powertrain options give a great value.
The XLT comes with a regular cab and a 6.5-foot bed as its standard configuration. It is available with the SuperCab and SuperCrew cab options if you’re expecting to have to fit passengers in the back seat regularly. For only $300, you can upgrade your bed length to 8 feet, giving you the maximum available space for payload. The Lariat has the price of the SuperCab rolled into it already, but it also offers a SuperCrew option, just like the XLT. The Lariat also has the same 8-foot bed available, so if you’re trying to maximize size in all areas, these trucks are evenly matched in general, but if you’re trying to minimize cost, you can get the same form factor upgrades for a little bit less on the XLT.
The Ford F-150 Lariat is the true first step up into premium and luxury interior features. While the XLT does have interior features like cruise control and automatic high beams, expect to see much of the baseline F-150 materials in this model. It features a urethane steering wheel, a 2.3-inch productivity screen, and grab handles on the passenger side. The Lariat has a much more luxurious interior, and this is one of the most important aspects of choosing between these trim levels, as they can offer similar technical specs. The Ford F-150 Lariat features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, power-adjustable pedals with memory, woodgrain interior accents, and front heated and ventilated seats. If you want access to premium interior features like this, the Lariat is your only option.
Insofar as both of these trim levels can sport similar Powertrain, cab, and bed options, the price will be the determining factor. If you’re looking for a work truck that hauls your trailer at the best price available, the XLT is a go-to pick. If your truck is your daily driver, and you want access to accessories like heated seats for cold winter mornings, the Lariat is a clear winner here. Overall, we’ve found the interior of the Lariat to be a perfect fit between functional and comfortable, so for us, it’s our F-150 trim level top-pick.
No matter whether you buy a New, Used, or Certified-Pre Owned Ford F-150, Five Star Ford Warner Robins will offer a Lifetime Powertrain warranty on all new cars we sell, and an exclusive limited warranty on every used car that rolls off our lot. If you want your Ford to last as long as possible, or if you want specific accessories, buying a 2020 model might be your best option.
40 Million Ford F-150’s have been sold over the past 60 years, making it America’s all-time best-selling pickup truck overall, and very often the best-selling truck on a yearly basis. There were 900,000 Ford F-150’s sold just last year.
Not yet, but Ford is planning on creating a Hybrid F-150, and then moving on to release a fully electric F-150 sometime in 2021. It’s likely that this will be one of the first fully electric pickup trucks to hit the widespread American market.
Five Star Ford Warner Robins is a family-owned and operated business that goes above and beyond to make your car shopping experience easy and comfortable. We are proud to serve Warner Robins, Macon, Dublin, for all of their Ford/Lincoln needs, and we offer the services to make sure you’re satisfied with any purchase you make with us. We offer complimentary test drives, 24-hour roadside assistance, and even free car delivery upon purchase, along with lifetime powertrain warranties on all new cars we sell, and limited warranties on new cars. Ready to start shopping? Come down to the dealership and see what we’ve got to offer for Ford F-150’s! Can’t make it to the dealership? We are offering personal vehicle delivery up to 30 miles at no charge!
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
