Does XLT have leather seats?
Across Ford’s lineup, the XLT trim is positioned between the base XL and higher-end models, offering a balance of value and features. This article explores whether leather seating is included with XLT—and how that varies by year, package, and market.
In most recent model years, XLT ships with cloth seats as standard, and leather seats are not included unless an optional upgrade or a higher trim is chosen.
To understand this in detail, the XLT is Ford's mid-range trim that emphasizes practicality and value. Interior upholstery options can change from year to year and may differ by region, with leather seating typically reserved for higher trims or available as an optional upgrade in some configurations.
What XLT is and what it includes by default
The XLT is designed to offer more comfort and amenities than the base model without stepping up to the premium tiers. When you order an XLT, the default interior upholstery has most commonly been cloth seats, with material choices that can vary by year and market. Leather seating is not standard on XLT, and whether it’s available depends on the particular model year and the options chosen.
- Standard upholstery for most XLT configurations is cloth seats.
- Leather seating is not included by default and is not universally offered across all model years.
- When leather is available on XLT, it is typically offered as an optional upgrade or as part of a larger interior package, rather than as standard equipment.
For buyers who want a leather interior, it’s important to verify the exact year and configuration, since Ford periodically adjusts which options are bundled with XLT or moved to higher trims.
How to verify in your specific vehicle
Because upholstery options can change with model year and market, the most reliable method is to check the exact vehicle specification for the unit in question. Here are practical steps to confirm whether an XLT has leather seats.
- Review the window sticker (Monroney label) for terms like "Leather Seats" or "Leather-Trim."
- Check the vehicle’s Build Sheet or the dealer’s build history to see which interior options were included at purchase.
- Inspect the seat material directly or ask the dealer to confirm by providing the VIN and the corresponding option codes.
- Use Ford’s official configuration tool for the model year to see which interior options are available on XLT in your region.
If you’re shopping used, request the original window sticker or a detailed option list from the seller to verify whether leather seating was included.
Leather vs. other trims
In many model years, XLT is offered primarily with cloth upholstery, while higher trims shift toward leather or leather-trimmed interiors as standard or widely available options. Specifically:
- XLT: Typically cloth; leather is usually optional or available only in certain configurations or years.
- Lariat and above: Leather seating is more commonly standard or widely available, depending on year and market.
- King Ranch and Platinum: Often feature leather interiors as a standard or heavily promoted option, with premium materials and styling.
Again, exact availability depends on the year and the region, so cross-check with the current Ford specification for the vehicle you’re considering.
Summary
Bottom line: Leather seats are not a guaranteed feature of the XLT trim. They are typically not standard and may be offered only as an optional upgrade or on higher trims, depending on the model year and market. If leather inside an XLT is essential, verify the specific year’s options through the dealer, window sticker, or Ford’s official configurator for accuracy. When in doubt, consider higher trims like Lariat or higher, which more reliably include leather seating as part of the package.
In any case, always confirm the exact interior materials for the exact vehicle you’re considering, since Ford’s option sheets can change from year to year.
