The Ford F-150 remains the best-selling pickup truck in North America, and comparing XLT models will help you understand what’s new and improved. While these three generations share the same reliable foundation, there are meaningful differences in technology, features, and available options. Let’s explore what sets each year apart.

Engine Performance and Power

2024 Ford F-150 XLT

The F-150 XLT offered a comprehensive powertrain lineup with five distinct engine options:

2.7L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 325
• Torque: 420 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.0 L/100 km city, 8.5 L/100 km highway

3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 500 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.8 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway

5.0L V8 Engine:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 410 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid:

• Combined horsepower: 430
• Combined torque: 570 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 9.4 L/100 km combined

All models came standard with rear-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive available.

2025 Ford F-150 XLT

This model year maintained the same five powertrain options with no significant mechanical changes:

2.7L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 325
• Torque: 420 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.0 L/100 km city, 8.5 L/100 km highway

3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 500 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.8 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway

5.0L V8 Engine:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 410 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid:

• Combined horsepower: 430
• Combined torque: 570 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 9.4 L/100 km combined

Key change: BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was updated to version 1.4, providing more intuitive operation and improved lane positioning.

2026 Ford F-150 XLT

The new model year continues with the same proven powertrain lineup:

2.7L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 325
• Torque: 420 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.0 L/100 km city, 8.5 L/100 km highway

3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 500 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 11.8 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway

5.0L V8 Engine:

• Horsepower: 400
• Torque: 410 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway

3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid:

• Combined horsepower: 430
• Combined torque: 570 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Fuel economy: approximately 9.4 L/100 km combined

The new model maintains the same powerful engine options with no major mechanical changes.

Towing and Payload Capacity

All three model years offer similar towing and payload capabilities:

Maximum Towing Capacity:

• With 2.7L EcoBoost: approximately 5,216 kg (11,500 lbs)
• With 3.5L EcoBoost: approximately 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs)
• With 5.0L V8: approximately 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs)
• With PowerBoost Hybrid: approximately 5,897 kg (13,000 lbs)

Maximum Payload Capacity:

• Approximately 1,043 kg (2,300 lbs), depending on configuration

Trim Level Options

2024 F-150 XLT

• XL (base)
• STX
• XLT
• Tremor
• Lariat
• King Ranch
• Platinum
• Raptor

2025 F-150 XLT

• XL (base)
• STX
• XLT
• Tremor
• Lariat
• King Ranch
• Platinum Plus (new)
• Raptor

2026 F-150 XLT

• XL (base)
• STX
• XLT
• Tremor
• Lariat
• King Ranch
• Platinum Plus
• Raptor

This model introduced the Platinum Plus trim as a new luxury option above the standard Platinum.

Technology and Infotainment

2024 Ford F-150 XLT

• SYNC 4 infotainment system standard
• 8-inch touchscreen on base models
• 12-inch touchscreen on higher trims
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity
• BlueCruise 1.0 hands-free driving available
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite
• Native navigation system standard on most trims

2025 Ford F-150 XLT

• SYNC 4 infotainment system standard
• 8-inch touchscreen on base models
• 12-inch touchscreen on higher trims
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity
• BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving (improved version)
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite
• Native navigation system now available, starting with XLT SuperCrew with mid-equipment group package

2026 Ford F-150 XLT

• SYNC 4 infotainment system standard
• 8-inch touchscreen on base models
• 12-inch touchscreen on higher trims
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
• 5G connectivity available
• BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving (continued)
• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite
• Enhanced infotainment responsiveness

The new model brings wireless smartphone connectivity as a major upgrade, eliminating the need for cables when connecting devices.

Interior Features and Comfort

2024 Ford F-150 XLT

• Five-passenger seating in SuperCrew configuration
• Cloth seats on base models
• Available leather upholstery on higher trims
• Heated front seats on select trims
• Available ventilated front seats
• Power windows and locks standard
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Cruise control standard
• Cargo space: 1,704 litres (60.2 cubic feet) with 5.5-foot bed

2025 Ford F-150 XLT

• Five-passenger seating in SuperCrew configuration
• Cloth seats on base models
• Available leather and ActiveX synthetic upholstery
• Heated front seats on select trims
• Available ventilated front seats
• Power windows and locks standard
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Cruise control standard
• Improved soundproofing
• Cargo space: 1,704 litres (60.2 cubic feet) with 5.5-foot bed

2026 Ford F-150 XLT

• Five-passenger seating in SuperCrew configuration
• Cloth seats on base models
• Available leather and premium upholstery
• Heated front seats on select trims
• Available ventilated front seats
• Power windows and locks standard
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Cruise control standard
• Enhanced cabin refinement and noise reduction
• Cargo space: 1,704 litres (60.2 cubic feet) with 5.5-foot bed

Exterior Design and Styling

2024 Ford F-150 XLT

• Modern, angular exterior design
• LED headlights and taillights on most trims
• Available roof rails
• Power tailgate with easy open and close function
• Multiple wheel options from 17 to 20 inches
• Available panoramic sunroof on higher trims
• Standard colours include Iconic Silver, Agate Black, and Carbonized Gray

2025 Ford F-150 XLT

• Refined exterior styling
• Enhanced LED lighting elements
• New Lobo street truck package available on STX SuperCrew
• Two new exterior colours: Marsh Gray and Space White Metallic
• Discontinued colours: Darkened Bronze and Avalanche
• Updated wheel designs and options
• Improved paint quality
• Power tailgate continues

2026 Ford F-150 XLT

• Carries over refined exterior styling
• LED headlights and taillights standard
• Updated grille design on new trims
• Enhanced LED lighting systems
• New wheel designs for updated trims
• Maintains modern, sophisticated appearance
• Available panoramic sunroof on select trims

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

2024 Ford F-150 XLT

• Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite
• Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor available
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go available
• BlueCruise 1.0 hands-free driving available
• Multiple airbags (six standard)

2025 Ford F-150 XLT

• Enhanced Ford Co-Pilot360 suite
• Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor available
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go available
• BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving (improved)
• Park Distance Control standard on XLT and higher
• Multiple airbags (six standard)

2026 Ford F-150 XLT

• All safety features carried over
• Continued emphasis on collision avoidance
• Enhanced camera systems
• Standard safety package across all trims
• Available advanced driver monitoring
• Improved pedestrian detection systems

Dimensions and Cargo Space

All three model years maintain nearly identical dimensions:

Overall Dimensions (SuperCrew with 5.5-foot bed):

• Length: 5,639 mm (222 inches)
• Width: 2,007 mm (79 inches)
• Height: 1,854 mm (73 inches)
• Wheelbase: 3,595 mm (141.5 inches)

Cargo Space:

• 5.5-foot bed: 1,704 litres (60.2 cubic feet)
• 6.5-foot bed: 2,065 litres (73 cubic feet)
• 8-foot bed: 2,832 litres (100 cubic feet)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

• Standard tank: 98 litres (approximately 26 gallons)
• Optional large tank: 125 litres (approximately 33 gallons)

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

Choose the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT if:

• You want the original generation with proven features
• You prefer a well-established platform with proven reliability
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are acceptable
• Budget is a primary consideration
• You want the widest range of proven features

Choose the 2025 Ford F-150 XLT if:

• BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving improvements appeal to you
• Park Distance Control for easier parking is important
• You want the balance of proven technology and new features
• The new Platinum Plus luxury trim interests you
• You prefer the established generation with meaningful refinements

Choose the 2026 Ford F-150 XLT if:

• Wireless smartphone connectivity is a priority
• You want the latest model year with current features
• 5G connectivity availability is important to you
• You want the most refined interior and exterior styling
• You want the newest safety technology available

Ford F-150 XLT: Excellent Value and Capability

The Ford F-150 XLT continues to deliver excellent value and capability across all three model years. The first model represents a proven platform with comprehensive powertrain options and solid features. The following year brought meaningful improvements, including BlueCruise 1.4 and Park Distance Control, plus the new Platinum Plus luxury trim. The new model year refines the formula further with wireless connectivity and 5G capability.

The most notable changes are the introduction of BlueCruise 1.4, the addition of Park Distance Control, and wireless smartphone connectivity. All three years offer the same five powertrain options, so your choice depends primarily on desired technology features and model year preference. Test drive multiple years to experience the technology and comfort improvements firsthand. Your ideal choice depends on your desired features, budget, and preference for the latest technology.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.