I’m about to get my first F-150 and I’m super excited! It’s an XLT with a 5.0 engine and the appearance package, so it comes with a big screen, big shifter, and all those cool features. The only thing is, it doesn’t have leather seats, and the Lariat interior looks so nice. Has anyone been through this dilemma? Is the Lariat upgrade worth it for those who made the switch?
I had the same dilemma. The price difference between XLT and Lariat is pretty big. I ended up going with the Lariat for the leather, automatic side mirrors, 4A 4x4, cooled front seats, and all those little luxuries. People talk about Katskin leather, but honestly, there’s so much more that’s different. If it’s in your budget, the Lariat is totally worth it. It’s the best mix of price and features. Cheers 
@Emory
I went through the same thing. One plus of getting the Lariat is better resale value. You’ll get more money for a used Lariat than an XLT later on.
I chose the Lariat because I needed leather and cooled seats. Adding leather and the cooled seats after-market cost almost the same as just getting a Lariat. Plus, the Lariat has the 4A mode, which sealed the deal for me.
@Remy
Yeah, I like that my seat settings are saved on the Lariat, too.
If you want the 4A torque-on-demand transfer case, you’ll need to go up to the Lariat. Some people don’t realize this and end up regretting it later.
Azar said:
If you want the 4A torque-on-demand transfer case, you’ll need to go up to the Lariat. Some people don’t realize this and end up regretting it later.
Good point. If you live in a snowy area, this feature makes a huge difference.
I’ve seen a few 24 XLTs that have push-to-start and leather. They come with the 303A package and the appearance plus package.
If it’s in your budget and you prefer the Lariat, just go for it!
For previous models, I always went with the Lariat. But for the current model, I got an XLT with all the options. The Lariat trim doesn’t feel as necessary anymore since you can get a sunroof and 360 cam on the XLT now.
This might help: Katzkin can install leather all around for about $2700. I bought my XLT four years ago planning to get Katzkin leather installed, but I ended up loving the cloth seats. They’re way cooler in Florida heat. I’ll get leather installed once the cloth wears out, but that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.
@Jade
I almost went with the Lariat just for the leather, but I decided on the XLT and thought I’d add leather later. I actually love the cloth. It’s way better for all types of weather. Too bad they don’t offer cloth in the Lariat!
@Jade
I bought my XLT with Katzkin already installed. It’s really durable!
I went from XLT to King Ranch, and it’s basically the same experience. I have a 24 302A XLT and rented a 23 King Ranch for ten days. The max recline feature is something I miss in the XLT. But the XLT still has dual climate, heated seats, power seats, push-button start, and a console shifter. They’re basically the same.
Is your XLT a Sport package? If it is, I’d stick with the XLT. The Sport package has upgraded cloth seats compared to the standard XLT, and there’s a lot less chrome, which I think looks better.
mouffine said:
Is your XLT a Sport package? If it is, I’d stick with the XLT. The Sport package has upgraded cloth seats compared to the standard XLT, and there’s a lot less chrome, which I think looks better.
Yes, it is. And I totally agree about the chrome!
I totally understand your dilemma. I found a 2024 XLT with everything I wanted, including leather. I’d say hold out for exactly what you want. It’s a big investment, and you don’t want to second guess your choice.
I got a 24 XLT with the appearance package and added Katzkin leather for $1900 plus tax. It looks great, and I think it was a good option, but if I could do it over again, I might have gone with the Lariat for some of the other extras.
The exterior is almost the same except for the wheels and thicker glass for soundproofing. The interior’s upgraded, though. If you spend a lot of time in the truck, it might be worth getting the Lariat. Leather is nice but can be really hot in the summer and cold in the winter, depending on where you live. Both are reliable, so it just depends on your budget and preferences. Good luck deciding!
I have messy kids. And messier step-kids. I went with leather. I can’t even describe the pain when the kids happily pointed out that the back seats are vented too! I can’t wait to see what a three-month-old milkshake smells like coming out of a hot, leather vented seat. But honestly, I’ve driven XLTs for over ten years, and they’ve been fine. But I’ve never loved a vehicle like I love this new truck.