XLT, Lariat, or Platinum – Which F-150 should you buy?
While Ford offers eight trim levels for the F-150, This guide will focus on three of them: The XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. Learn more about what is featured as you move from basic to fully-loaded… Including interior and exterior details, comfort and convenience, and which trim gives you the most bang for your buck.
XLT
The XLT is a higher-end version of the F-150’s base model:
- Engine options include a 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.5L PowerBoost (hybrid), and a 5.0L V8. The 2.7L and 3.5L are newer releases with improved gas mileage, while the 5.0L offers proven reliability and a stronger towing capacity.
- Three packages of the XLT are offered: the 301A, 302A, and 303A
- Each package comes with different features, including heated front seats, remote start, powered back glass and tailgate, and adaptive cruise. 303A packages include a B&O sound system, adjustable pedals, and a mobile office table built into the center console.
- All XLT packages come with Ford’s standard cloth interiors.
Pictured: 2024 Ford F-150 XLT. View aftermarket upgrades and additional photos HERE.
Lariat
The Lariat’s base package includes all the upgrades of the Highest XLT package:
- The two packages for the Lariat are the 501A and 502A. the 501A package includes all of the upgrades that are featured in the XLT 303A.
- There are only two engine options offered with the Lariat, both the EcoBoost and PowerBoost versions of the 3.5L, and the 5.0 V8 engine.
- Unlike the XLT, the Lariat comes standard with leather seats and a B&O sound system.
- Additional upgrades include a two-panel moonroof, rear heated seats, powered running boards, upgraded speakers, Heads-up display, and Ford’s FX4 off-road package.
Pictured: 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat. View aftermarket upgrades and additional photos HERE.
Platinum
The Platinum is the F-150’s Top luxury trim:
- Following the same format, the base model Platinum includes all the features of a Lariat with the 502A package. Like the XLT, three packages are offered: the 701A, 702A, and 703A.
- The 5.0L V8 engine is NOT offered with the Platinum trim, only the 3.5L with EcoBoost or PowerBoost.
- A premium-quality perforated leather interior comes standard with the F-150 Platinum. Both the front and rear seats come with heaters, with a cooling option available for just the front seats.
- Both the Platinum and Lariat come with a powered tailgate and powered start function. both trims also feature a 2.4 Kilowatt (kW) Pro Power Onboard generator, but only the Platinum offers the ability to upgrade to 7.2 kW.
Pictured: 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum. View aftermarket upgrades and additional photos HERE.
View Aftermarket upgrades and Krietz Customs F-150 Build Packages
Krietz Customs builds over 30 custom trucks every week, delivering to destinations throughout the United States. Each vehicle is double-checked by our specialized technicians, ensuring the best quality every time.
What’s the best value trim package?
An increase in the quality of trim level also means an increase in price. While a base level XLT such as the 301A package usually costs around $40,000, the 703A Platinum package costs almost double, nearing $80,000 for a fully upgraded vehicle. One of the benefits of this trim system is that a higher-level XLT package is essentially equivalent to a mid-level Lariat in terms of included features, but slightly lower in price. For drivers that are seeking luxury while also looking for the familiarity of an F-150, the Platinum offers a variety of premium features but retains a similar look to the other trim levels.
