Sure, they look similar at a glance, but the 2025 Ford F-150 XL and XLT trims serve different needs.
So which of these full-size, light-duty trucks makes the most sense for your North Shore lifestyle? Keep reading to find
out!
Key Takeaways
- While these F-150
trim models have a lot in common, the mid-level XLT adds to the base XL lineup with popular
upgrades.
- Choose from four powertrains to build the F-150 XL or XLT that can handle your daily workloads.
- The base F-150 XL delivers an impressive list of tech features, and the XLT adds more comfort and
convenience.
- The 2025 F-150 XL (from $38,810*) gives you the best possible deal, but the mid-level F-150 XLT
(starting at $45,695*) offers more for your money!
What’s the difference between the 2025 Ford F-150 XL and XLT trim models?
In the 2025 F-150 trim-model hierarchy, the XL serves as the entry-level truck, and the middling XLT
sits two levels above it. (In between, you’ll find the STX, which essentially adds sporty styling to the
base XL.) The main differences between these trucks are price (the XL offers the lowest MSRP) and equipment
(the XLT adds to the base XL lineup with modern amenities — more on this below).
Which delivers more horsepower, the 2025 Ford F-150 XL or XLT?
Since it’s available with the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Ford F-150 XLT ultimately
provides maximum horsepower, churning up 430 horses and 570 pound-feet of torque for work and play. Plus, if
you commute across Lake Pontchartrain, this engine will also help reduce your fuel budget. It earns the
F-150’s highest EPA ratings: 23 mpg combined (22 city/24 highway) — and that’s with standard four-wheel
drive (the PowerBoost hybrid is only available with 4WD). (Note: Unlike retail shoppers, fleet buyers can
equip the F-150 XL with the PowerBoost engine.)
Outside of the optional PowerBoost hybrid, the F-150 XL and XLT share three engine options.
Both trucks come standard with a 325-horsepower turbo V6, which is also pretty thrifty, earning up to 21 mpg
combined (19 city/25 highway). And if you’re looking to boost towing or hauling capabilities, you can always
opt for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 or 5.0-liter Coyote V8, both of which dish out 400 horses.
2025 Ford F-150 XL and XLT Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.7L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Optional 5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.5L turbo EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)
- Optional for XLT: 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid V6 (430 hp, 570 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Which 2025 Ford F-150 trim is better for daily driving, the XL or XLT?
Great question! Obviously, the mid-level F-150 XLT comes standard with more features. However, the
base F-150 XL isn’t exactly a bare-bones choice. For example, unlike entry-level trucks of old, the XL comes
standard with cloth seating and power accessories. Better still, it treats you to a digital gauge cluster and
smartphone-friendly infotainment.
Then again, there’s a lot more to love about the XLT. It looks snazzier, for starters, with aluminum
wheels and chrome bumpers. And if your average drive involves swampy mud or fog, you’ll appreciate the XLT’s
all-terrain tires and LED fog lamps. You can even use the exterior Zone Lighting system to help you unpack gear
before or after dark. Compared to the XL, the XLT is also available with more options — including the hands-free
BlueCruise driving system!
F-150 XL
For an entry-level truck, the XL is very handsomely equipped!
- 17-inch Silver-painted steel wheels
- Cloth upholstery
- Manual air conditioning
- Manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Power windows and door locks
- 12-inch digital gauge panel
- SYNC 4 infotainment with 12-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Four-speaker sound system
- Vinyl cabin flooring
- Power-locking tailgate
- LED reflector headlamps
- SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
- SOS post-crash alert system
- Class IV trailer hitch
- Ford Security Package (one-year subscription)
- Ford Co-Pilot360 (including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping system, and forward collision mitigation)
F-150 XLT
The mid-level XLT trim adds to the above features with quite a few upgrades.
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Carpeted cabin flooring
- Rear-window defroster
- Chrome bumpers
- Exterior Zone Lighting
- LED fog lamps
- All-terrain tires (with four-wheel drive)
- Optional BlueCruise
- Optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist
- Optional Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 (including adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and Evasive Steering
Assist)
How much are the 2025 Ford F-150 XL and XLT?
To get the absolute best price
on a brand new 2025 Ford F-150, go with the base XL truck and its $38,810* MSRP. But if you crave both more utility
features and a longer list of options, you can nab the mid-level F-150 XLT starting at $45,695*. Either way, you can
visit us at Banner Ford of
Mandeville to shop America’s bestselling truck!
*MSRP as of 12/10/25. Subject to change.