I read somewhere that the dashboard material is different. Is this true?

 

Yes, texture and look is different, in the lariat, there is fake molded in stitching, I don't think the material is leather, lariat has nicer instrument cluster also.

 

I know the price tag is definitely different! I couldn't justify the added price for a Lariat. My XLT will suit my needs just fine.

 

Lots of differences, but nothing major IMHO. Lariats get the fake V8 sound for the EcoBoost engines.

This is the first time I've ever seen where the lower trims are discounted more than the higher ones are.

 

I've never seen the inside of a Lariat. Lariat window stickers might as well be no trespassing signs.

 

When I price a Lariat with what I want and an XLT with what I want the price is only about $3000 apart.

 

What do you mean???

 

I only looked at sticker on the Lariats. The incentives on the XLT's were just too good not to take advantage of. And honestly, a lot of the "upgrades" on the Lariat were just not important to me. But to each their own. Good luck with your decision. I will say I love my XLT. This is my first truck and I'm wondering why I waited so long.

 

I've owned both types and the only thing I liked more about the Lariat was the leather and it seemed to have better sound proofing.

Test drove a new XL and it was just as quiet, wow...

I am in IT and find I want less technology in my vehicle, not more. What these trucks are rolling off the line with, tech-wise, is astounding. I'd bet there's a $10-15k mark up just to cover the whiz-bang-tech. No thanks...

Just give me a NA engine with power locks/doors/mirrors, tow package and limited slip diff in a quad cab and I'm calling it a day.

I've got my sites on an 4x2 XLT for right at $32k

 

I'm in IT too and the last thing I want is to be surrounded by it in my truck. When I was test driving the one I bought I told the salesman my dad would have shook his head at all that crap.

Ford needs an LT (Low Tech) model for us guys who just want a good reliable truck without all the bells and whistles. A digital compass? Sheesh.

 

I love bells and whistles, but I really don't like paying for them. I've always been unwilling to fork over thousands for things that have limited or no functional purpose. I'm happy to pay for a bigger cab, bigger engine, four wheel drive, and other functional items, but stuff above that generally not.

I'm sure I'd like and enjoy the frippery that comes on the higher end trims, but I've never been able to justify the added cost. Nothing against those who can though, I think all the new tech is great!

 

I hope you haven't been denied the inside, or is it just the price is scary?


As another said, the rebates on the XL and XLT make this become a bigger gap

 

Nicer or just different? I'd argue just different.

 

I have a very nice XLT that I custom ordered in 2012. I'll bet if you took a 2012 Lariat owner and put them in my truck there would be some things they wish they had.

* Column shifter with tap shift.
* The half console between front seats.
* Backup camera in the rear view mirror where eyes naturally look.
* Simplicity of my HVAC and radio controls with real buttons and *****.
* Tires with taller sidewall and 3.73 gears (not available with some high end models).
* Crew cab with 6.5' bed (again, not available on some high end models).

I'm guessing there is a similar story with the current gen truck too.

 

Fran's, I thought the biggest discounts were on the high end trucks? I thought you mentioned that several times. Is this a new discount program?