XLT vs Lariat - differences

[ch57]

Hey all - New here. I posted an introductory post but was referred to this forum from another place when asking Ranger questions. So glad because theres a bunch of great info here! For the last 6 months I have been debating a new truck. A 90 Ranger was my first vehicle - sure was a great truck. Anywhoo, I am trying to better understand the true differences between XLT and Lariat. Every time I have been to a dealer (only 2 within an hours drive) they never have both available to look at side by side. Only one or the other. Not surprisingly no sales person was able to answer my 'what are the differences' question.

So below I have outlined the differences that I know of based on Ford, pics, and various reviews. These are things that are on the Lariat, and not on the XLT (both fully optioned). If there is anything else - please by all means let me know. It's only about a 5K difference between the two so having a tough time deciding which way to go....
Lariat things

• LED lights
• Darker plastics interior (not the shiny silver trim)
• Leather seats (I do not like leather, would swap for fabric in the future)
• rain sensing wipers
• B&O Sound system
• dual productivity screens in instrument cluster

All others aside - what pro/con does the lariat version instrument cluster offer?

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[Peter949]

Hey all - New here. I posted an introductory post but was referred to this forum from another place when asking Ranger questions. So glad because theres a bunch of great info here! For the last 6 months I have been debating a new truck. A 90 Ranger was my first vehicle - sure was a great truck. Anywhoo, I am trying to better understand the true differences between XLT and Lariat. Every time I have been to a dealer (only 2 within an hours drive) they never have both available to look at side by side. Only one or the other. Not surprisingly no sales person was able to answer my 'what are the differences' question.

So below I have outlined the differences that I know of based on Ford, pics, and various reviews. These are things that are on the Lariat, and not on the XLT (both fully optioned). If there is anything else - please by all means let me know. It's only about a 5K difference between the two so having a tough time deciding which way to go....
Lariat things

• LED lights
• Darker plastics interior (not the shiny silver trim)
• Leather seats (I do not like leather, would swap for fabric in the future)
• rain sensing wipers
• B&O Sound system
• dual productivity screens in instrument cluster

All others aside - what pro/con does the lariat version instrument cluster offer?

I think you are forgetting about remote start by fob, keyless entry, and start.

 

[Bob902]

I have XLT with 302 package and I have factory remote start.

 

[ch57]

t remote start b

Yes very good point. However, isn't that a 'standard' on the Lariat, but an option on the XLT? I do believe the fully optioned XLT still requires a actual key whereas the Lariat just has a push button? But I'm not confident on that....

 

[Danager]

Keep in mind, the lariat will come standard with a lot of what is optional on the XLT. The XLT is the best value unless you are looking for some of what is included with the Lariat.

I believe the LED headlights and fog lights, keyless/proximity entry + push button start, and B&O are worth it. All could be upgraded in an XLT, it’s nice to not have the hassle and have everything just work.

I don’t consider the cluster a con. I had the same one in my Edge, so I spent two years with it already.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Fob remote start is on my XLT. Push button start is not a priority for me. I have it on other vehicles and I can take it or leave it.

When I was looking, I absolutely didn't like the Lariat instrument cluster so I knew I was getting an XLT.

Another thing on the Lariat that isn't on the XLT is heated side mirrors, which is something I would like to have and there is a writeup on the site on how to add it.

Since you don't want leather, the other areas you mentioned...

LED lights - Aftermarket units are better than the factory LEDs
Darker plastics interior (not the shiny silver trim) - Personal preference
Leather seats (I do not like leather, would swap for fabric in the future) - You already mentioned
rain sensing wipers - I have these on my Jeep and they are indeed nice. Not $5k additional nice though.
B&O Sound system - You can build a better aftermarket system.
dual productivity screens in instrument cluster - This was a minus for me. There are several on here who have swapped their Lariat cluster for an XLT cluster. I don't think anyone has swapped in a Lariat cluster.

 

[ch57]

Fob remote start is on my XLT. Push button start is not a priority for me. I have it on other vehicles and I can take it or leave it.

When I was looking, I absolutely didn't like the Lariat instrument cluster so I knew I was getting an XLT.

Another thing on the Lariat that isn't on the XLT is heated side mirrors, which is something I would like to have and there is a writeup on the site on how to add it.

Since you don't want leather, the other areas you mentioned...

LED lights - Aftermarket units are better than the factory LEDs
Darker plastics interior (not the shiny silver trim) - Personal preference
Leather seats (I do not like leather, would swap for fabric in the future) - You already mentioned
rain sensing wipers - I have these on my Jeep and they are indeed nice. Not $5k additional nice though.
B&O Sound system - You can build a better aftermarket system.
dual productivity screens in instrument cluster - This was a minus for me. There are several on here who have swapped their Lariat cluster for an XLT cluster. I don't think anyone has swapped in a Lariat cluster.

Thank you for the feedback. Especially the cluster - thats the one thing I haven't been able to really explore to sort out the differences. I do like having a 'simple' and uncomplicated readout of information.

The heated mirrors would be very nice especially in my area. It's too bad they don't have a heated steering wheel. I agree with you on the led headlights, and sound system. The interior plastics can always be swapped out as well.

 

[9zero1790]

the lariat trim has too much chrome ish stuff for me. i dont feel it fits the 5g ranger very well. i prefer the sport package with the magnetic look.

 

[rang19ca]

In the end, get the Ranger with the options you want, even though some change out certain parts for their own personal touch. My XLT 4x4 Sport has everything except the block heater.

 

[D Fresh]

the lariat trim has too much chrome ish stuff for me. i dont feel it fits the 5g ranger very well. i prefer the sport package with the magnetic look.

My Lariat is the sport package w/ magnetic trim. IIRC the sport package is available on all trim levels.

I don't understand what peoples' gripe with the Lariat cluster is. My only complaint about it is that I find the right side information to be somewhat useless to me, but I guess the compass is nice.

 

[jsphlynch]

Hey all - New here. I posted an introductory post but was referred to this forum from another place when asking Ranger questions. So glad because theres a bunch of great info here! For the last 6 months I have been debating a new truck. A 90 Ranger was my first vehicle - sure was a great truck. Anywhoo, I am trying to better understand the true differences between XLT and Lariat. Every time I have been to a dealer (only 2 within an hours drive) they never have both available to look at side by side. Only one or the other. Not surprisingly no sales person was able to answer my 'what are the differences' question.

So below I have outlined the differences that I know of based on Ford, pics, and various reviews. These are things that are on the Lariat, and not on the XLT (both fully optioned). If there is anything else - please by all means let me know. It's only about a 5K difference between the two so having a tough time deciding which way to go....
Lariat things

• LED lights
• Darker plastics interior (not the shiny silver trim)
• Leather seats (I do not like leather, would swap for fabric in the future)
• rain sensing wipers
• B&O Sound system
• dual productivity screens in instrument cluster

All others aside - what pro/con does the lariat version instrument cluster offer?

I found the order guide really helpful for seeing what was optional/standard/not available at each trim level. Try Google to help you find the current one.

 

[ch57]

My Lariat is the sport package w/ magnetic trim. IIRC the sport package is available on all trim levels.

I don't understand what peoples' gripe with the Lariat cluster is. My only complaint about it is that I find the right side information to be somewhat useless to me, but I guess the compass is nice.

I do like the dual readouts. But is it fairly simple? There hasn't been one I could go look at in a while. I saw something a while back about the Lariat fuel gauge (digital) being all weird and very difficult to read. Maybe that was an early model 2019'ish?

Personally my biggest gripe would be the leather seats.

 

[Tako]

But what you want the first time

 

[Tracy Bowman]

I love everything about my Lariat. Absolutely no complaints.

 

[D Fresh]

I do like the dual readouts. But is it fairly simple? There hasn't been one I could go look at in a while. I saw something a while back about the Lariat fuel gauge (digital) being all weird and very difficult to read. Maybe that was an early model 2019'ish?

Personally my biggest gripe would be the leather seats.

Haven't had an issue with it personally.

I prefer leather, or "pleather," it cleans up better and holds up better than cloth in my experience.

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