I have a 2006 xlt, and it looks like the new xl with the package has the same equipment as my xlt.
What am I missing?
The price is around $5000 less for the xl

 

I've been looking at same thing...some XLs are as much as XLTs. Is it better to get a loaded XLT with no other options...price is the same....

 

If you want basic the XL is cheaper, but yes, once you start loading them up it shifts. Pretty sure rebates are the same between XL and XLT. XL has vinyl floors, which I like.

It's all designed to make us say "Eh, for X dollars more I get this, I might as well" and you go from a very capable $30k truck and end up with a $45k truck that "only cost a little bit more"

 

I am kind of digging on the XL. I haven't driven the 2.7 EB yet though.

 

The two that I drove felt remarkably similar to the 3.5L I had in my '13. I imagine the difference would become more pronounced as you hook up something heavy, but it's hardly underpowered. If I was convinced I wouldn't need to pull 8,000 lbs with mine in the future I'd have definitely picked the 2.7.

 

The 2.7 puts out better power numbers the the Triton 5.4 V8.

 

The biggest difference I've seen between the XL 101A and the basic XLT is the XLT has the has the opening console lid on the bench seat, with standard carpeting. Whereas with the XL 101A you can pay extra for the carpeting, and you cannot get opening console on the fold-down bench. that and the chrome grille are the only differences I've seen. And the XL 101A does cost significantly less. If you want the heated mirrors, it's optional on both models. Me, I'd go with the XL 101A. My 2006 has the base XL with crank windows and no frills and I like it that way. Less to break. Now that I'm married, my wife has made me promise that the next truck will have power windows and running boards. Yes dear! Lol

 

With the package discount for the 101a it's hard to justify going cheap. You get too many options that would be nice put together for too little increase in cost. Then you almost have to get the sport or chrome package, and then goodness, just go ahead and get..... It goes on and on and on

 

The couple of things I see missing on the XL I would want are a backup cam and Sirius. The vinyl floor is a bonus in my book.

 

This may sound kind of stupid but the only thing keeping me out of an XL truck is the mat black front fascia under the grill.

I had an '86 F-150 XL that had the grey grill with chrome surround, chrome front bumper and chrome body moldings, a painted rear bumper and wheel covers. Beautiful truck.

Now, the XL looks too "commercial" like and while I like a fairly stripped truck, I don't really want it to look like a stripped truck. So, I have an entry level XLT to satisfy my whim.

 

After I've had the one-touch all-up/down feature on the front windows, I understand the appeal. Also, the first step up is tough for anyone under 6'. So I vote +1 on the power windows, and +2 on the running boards.

 

I had a 97 xl supercab with chrome bumpers and crank windows, vinyl floor and seats, and stereo and a/c. Seats were too close to window crank because I am too short, moved up to power seats and windows and did not look back, even though it was an xl, did not look like a work truck!

 

I do agree. The base XL now, including my 2006 XL does look like a "stripper" work truck. I like it, but at the same time I do wish It at least had some chrome bumpers and wheels. If I were getting a new one, I would get the XL 101A with the Chrome package. That gives me the fog lights too.
I like the vinyl floor. That's one thing I specifically wanted in my 2006 when I ordered it. I like the fact that it is so easy to clean up. I give it a good scrub down in the spring after the snow and salt of the previous winter, then wipe it down with Armor All; vacuum it as necessary to keep it clean the rest of the year. That keeps it looking good and keeps it supple so it doesn't dry out and crack. The vinyl floor is available on the XLT, though.
the Sirius is available on the XL, but standard on the XLT. I'm just too cheap to pay $20/month to listen to the radio. All I'd have is 300 stations of nothin' on worth listenin' too!
I remember my 1986 Ranger was just about as base as they came in that year. The biggest option was the Supercab. IT still had chrome grille and chrome door handles, but black painted bumpers. Steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. Otherwise it was vinyl seat, vinyl floor, no AC, AM/FM radio and the 2.3 inline 4 with the 5-speed. It had the soul of an F-250 in the body of a Ranger!

 

There may be some other differences. I've owned a few Silverados, from WT to LS to LT and I noticed that the LTs had more sound insulation than the LS or WT. On my WT, the hood blanket was also missing. Probably some other minor under the skin differences.

 

The Sirius thing is NFG as far as I'm concerned. Every time you pass under a tree or anything it cuts out until there is clear sky above. I wouldn't pay $5/month for it.