Whats the difference between a Ford Ranger Lariat and a Ford Ranger XLT?
The Ford Ranger is a popular midsize pickup truck that comes in several trim levels, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Two of the most common Ranger trims are the Lariat and the XLT. While they share a similar foundation, there are some key differences between these two models that buyers should consider.
Exterior and Interior Features
The Ford Ranger Lariat is the more premium trim level, featuring a more upscale exterior design with chrome accents, body-colored bumpers, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The XLT, on the other hand, has a more basic appearance with black exterior trim and 16-inch steel wheels. The Lariat also comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, while the XLT has halogen lights.
Inside the cabin, the Lariat offers a more luxurious experience with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The XLT has cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch display, and manual climate controls.
Performance and Capability
Both the Ranger Lariat and XLT come standard with the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. However, the Lariat is available with an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which boosts output to 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of capability, the Lariat and XLT have similar towing and payload ratings, with the Lariat able to tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry up to 1,860 pounds in the bed. The XLT has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds as well.
Pricing and Value
The Ford Ranger Lariat is the more expensive of the two trims, with a starting MSRP around $36,000. The XLT, on the other hand, has a starting price around $28,000, making it a more affordable option for buyers on a tighter budget. However, the Lariat's additional features and optional engine upgrade may provide better value for those who can afford the higher price tag.
In summary, the Ford Ranger Lariat offers a more premium and luxurious experience, with a more upscale exterior, a more feature-rich interior, and an available more powerful engine. The Ranger XLT, on the other hand, is a more basic and affordable option that still provides the same core capabilities as the Lariat. Buyers should consider their needs and budget to determine which Ranger trim best suits their requirements.
What is the highest trim on a Ford Ranger?
For peak luxury, Ford offers the Ranger in Lariat trimmings. This package adds countless luxurious features in addition to the standard equipment on the XLT, boosting comfort, entertainment, and connectivity. In addition to standard equipment on the XLT, the Lariat includes: Standard dual-zone climate control.
What is the top of the range Ranger?
Ford Ranger Platinum
Since then, the Blue Oval has added regular updates and has now rolled out the most expensive mainstream version yet, the Ford Ranger Platinum. Essentially, this is a V6 turbo-diesel 4x4 dual-cab with the top-end of the options list raided to justify the price.
What is the XLT package?
The XLT trim level builds upon the base model, offering additional features and comfort. It includes upgraded technology, enhanced interior materials, and exterior styling enhancements. The XLT trim is popular for those who want to balance functionality and affordability.
Is the Ford Ranger Lariat better than the XLT?
The 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 4WD starting price is $47,265, but the Lariat provides Ranger drivers with much more comfort and cool standard features for fun and adventure. The first big upgrade to the 2025 Ford Lariat trim is the beautiful 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels With Dark Pockets. That's an inch over the XLT.
What does the XLT mean on a Ford Ranger?
For the F-150, this is very easy, they're different trim levels. For the Ranger and Super Duty, Simply put, the XLT is a trim level and the STX is an options package. Upgrading to the XLT trim level gives you some of the same equipment as the STX, but it is a much more extensive list overall.
Does the Ranger XLT have heated seats?
Yes, the Ranger XLT has heated seats.
What is the most luxurious Ford Ranger?
Platinum
Essentially, the new Platinum specification is a V6 diesel 4x4 dual cab Ford Ranger with every option ticked. It's as close as the Ranger ute gets to being a luxury car. Apart from the performance-orientated Raptor, it's also the most expensive Ranger you can buy at nearly $80,000 before on-road costs.
What year is the best Ford Ranger to buy?
Before diving deep into configurations and trims, here are the overall 5 best used Ford Ranger model years to buy used.
- 2009 Ford Ranger. The 2009 Ford Ranger stands against the test of time even over a decade later.
- 2010 Ford Ranger.
- 2020 Ford Ranger.
- 2021 Ford Ranger.
- 2022 Ford Ranger.
What is the difference in the Ford Ranger models?
The front grille is the main visual difference between the PX3 and PX2, with the latest model building on the aggressive, muscular styling that the PX2 became known and loved for. New headlights and a redesigned tailgate cemented the evolution of the Ford Ranger for a new generation.
What is the difference between Ranger XLT and Lariat?
The 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 4WD starting price is $47,265, but the Lariat provides Ranger drivers with much more comfort and cool standard features for fun and adventure. The first big upgrade to the 2025 Ford Lariat trim is the beautiful 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels With Dark Pockets. That's an inch over the XLT.
