I can’t speak to the 6.2l but I am one of those who drive a basic XL truck myself. I have a F350 xl and it has more creature comfort’s than I would have pursued if the boss lady AKA wife had not made a list of what she wanted. So I have power windows and locks, cruise control. I love the bSic truck to be honest. It does have the side mirrors that heat so that was nice and I have the smaller display for radio but it does have the back up camera. I love having no carpet and no cloth seats. I did put some kid proof and dog proof seat covers in. The wife got my windows tinted before hay season. I guess since I farm and tow a lot and many times hooking up trailers by myself I could see having the electronic tow mirrors. But i never forget to manually pull them out or even push them back in after towing. But every time i fold them in at a parking lot I somehow forget to flip the passenger one back out . So I usually have to do a pull off to the shoulder once in a while. So being able to push a button might be nice. And I would not mind having one of the cameras for looking at the goose neck hitch. And I would not have so many mis matched gloves. I take a glove and lay it down so when tailgate is down i back over it and gooseneck is in right spot. But I often lose whatever glove that is because I either forget to pick it up. Or i lay it on the trailer and who knows where it is now. My wife would like the larger display and heated seats etc. I don’t know what all the xlt comes with that I don’t have or want or need. But that’s my preference. It hauls me the family and dog. My tools etc. easy to blow out sweep out or water hose out.

 

I have an XL with the 6.2. It has the power equipment package and STX package which makes it look almost like an XLT. It has what I need with out the frills and it's a good looking truck IMO. I also pull a 32' TT with this truck.

 

OK... adult answer... Im 66.... I rarely tow with my personal truck. But when I do Im happier with more truck than with enough truck. I ALWAYS need way more than I need...
I need a 4x4 to get to work in hurricanes and blizzards... I want a big high 4x4. I ordered a 250 Lariat in 2019 because I wanted leather heated seats. And some other lux items.
I have 6.2/4.30s and my tow rating is 15,000. Might be and issue in the Rockies but unlikely on the east coast. Biggest hill Ive been on towing is Fancy Gap on 77 pulling about 5,000# worth of trailer and the traffic was holding me up most of the way. It did drop to 4th a few times. No big deal.
That said I also have an F-350 XL at work. A 2022 with 7.3/4.30s. A real beast. with 10 spd and I put larger 285 Goodyear Dura tracs on the stock 17" wheels and it looks HD. Didnt like the bicycle look with the stock tires. Silver in color and the black bumpers and absence of chrome looks sweet.
The base XL Superduty interior is the most comfortable usefull entry level truck interior Ive ever had. 2017 and up. I have a 2017 450 mason dump too and I have plowed for over 20 hours and didnt have any issue with that interior.
That cant be said of most of the base interiors Ive had to drive before.
So I also track my mileage. But only off the fuel economy gauge. Summer time with limited highway... (because the faster you go the more it uses... no benefit of being on the highway... at least not driving Jersey style) anyway.. summertime I am in the low to mid 14's commuting and grocery getting. Last tow was a round trip NJ to Fla and return and I averaged 12.5 going south because I was more relaxed and going slower...and barely 11 on the way north because I was in a big hurry. Never saw anything below 10.
Also, in a world full of over optioned glam vehicles a base model slightly optioned up is more unique. I put a black headache rack and black saddle tool box on the 350. With the black bumpers and grill it looks mean.
Hope thats helpful.
Almost forgot... I ordered my Lariat with the vinyl flooring. Because I hate carpet in a truck. I still put floor mats. But I get in and out with mud.. snow.. salt water... horse****.. what have you on my boots... Have no use for carpet.
And as for options. I bought after market running boards. The 350came with the stock base running boards. These trucks are a bit high and youll be happy if it has running boards. The Lariat is higher and Im glad I ordered the tailgate step. It makes the tailgate a lot heavier to close but its worth it. The 350 doesnt have it. The gate is so light I cant believe it. Very easy to close. But I climb up the tire and over the side rather than try and jump my butt onto the tailgate.

 

The 6.2 6 speed combo is excellent if that is your main concern. My last truck was a 2012 6.2 6 speed XLT with a rubber floor and manual t-case, ex State of NM truck I picked up to plow with. It had 110k on it and almost 7000 hours of idle time on the clock... I plowed snow with it for three seasons, put another 80k miles on it and passed it down to our son who still uses it all the time to tow his car, dump trailers etc. Excellent trucks, bomber powertrain.

I have a low option XLT 7.3 10 speed. It is a lot nicer than the old truck and gets about 3 mpg better. A new XL trim truck is still pretty nice and the base engine/trans will last a long time. It is really no slouch with ~400 hp and the 6 speed is WAY less busy than the 10 speed.

If you found a truck you think suits you, do not let the engine hold you back, it is a solid choice. Trucks are still pretty hard to come by and I am a HD truck guy too, had lots of them. Only 150 I ever owned was a Raptor, great truck but today I am rolling an F350 and I love it. Nothing wrong with buying a SD if you just want one, most people do.

 

I owned and towed with a 2012 F250 with the 6 speed and diesel for 10 years. The 6 speed is a great tranny. In 2020 I rented and drove a 2019 F350 with a truck camper in Alaska for 2 weeks. It's 6.2 and 6 speed were perfect for McCarthy and Deadhorse, I was very happy with that combo. My one thing is I hate vinyl and leather seats. If it is still available, get the cloth seat option in the XL.

I bought a 2022 F250 7.3 with 10 speed and 4.30 axle in late 2021. It is a very good towing machine. I have not pulled the Ike yet, but the performance towing this summer has left a satisfied customer. I added a 41 gallon aux tank so I only fill up once in 500 miles. The 10 speed does seem to hunt for the right gear when traveling in town, but towing it is fine.

 

Thank you, and thank you for your service Brother.

 

I own an XL. My last truck (94) was an XL. Get the cloth seats if you can. My 350 rides better then my old 150. Folks love their 6.2's. I went 7.3 because it's old school. If you can wait, order one....if not buy the one on the lot. I think you will be happy either way.

 

I previously owned a F-250 Lariat with the 6.7 power stroke and 6 speed tranny. Last year I "NEEDED" to upgrade to to a much bigger and heavier 5th Wheel. I struggled with the same thing you are struggling with. Should I get a Lariat and above or the cheaper XL. Well let me tell you. I chose the XL, and just added what I truly liked about my Lariat. Xl/STX with a full trailering package, power package etc, and couldn't be happier. Cost me almost 20k less than a Lariat would have cost, and I have all the creature comfort I can possibly want, and don't miss any of the Lariat Features. IMO, don't waste your hard earned money on the higher trim. You can pretty much do all and any upgrades yourself much cheaper. My new Truck is a 2022 F-350 Superduty XL/STX powerstrok dually and I'm as proud of it as I was of my Lariat.

 

Really great advice. Thanks to all who have replied so far. After reading this thread and many others on here I have decided to at least wait until the 2023 order book opens to see what is offered. I am not waiting for any incentives on the 22, just a cost comparison. I really like the idea of an XL with a couple of upgrades, especially after hearing from the XL crowd here. In the mean time I will test drive a few to see about any "must haves". I know the 6.2 is not offered anymore, but if a 22 I am test driving screams for me to take it home I will know it is a worthy powerplant for my needs.

I really appreciate those who have taken the time to offer their wisdom,

Ron

 

The simpler the truck the less to go wrong. Since you plan on keeping a long time, it make will make long term repairs easier and cheaper. The one thing to consider is what is the max loads you may carry or tow and under what conditions. None of the gas engine get good mileage, driving style is the biggest thing that will help. If you want the max load and towing look for the 4.30 gears. Also a F350 single rear wheel is only slightly more money and you get more payload. The 6.2 is proven, the 7.3 has now been out for a little while and I can't say I have heard any concerning negatives. The 7.3 should be even easier and cheaper to work on since it's an OHV and not an OHC. If you wait for 2023, your question will be the new 6.8 or the 7.3. I have 2017 that I planned to keep as long as I can. Like you generally I don't have a need for it, but its a please to daily drive, feels safe and nice to have the ability to haul and tow when I occasionally need it. If I had to replace my current truck (F250, 6.2), it would be a similar equipped F350 with the 7.3 and maybe with the 3.73 gears.

 

I've never driven the 6.2 but am happy with my 7.3 with 4.30 gears. If you don't tow heavy 3.55 would be fine, the 4.30 is overkill for what I use it for but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. My truck is a 22 F250 XL/STX 4x4 with few options. Like you I plan to keep this truck for a very long time (10+ years), so wanted to go as simple as possible along with a few options, although not many.

 

I enjoyed your write up very nicely written. I agree the XL is very comfortable for a base truck. Even the wife after 8 hour trip said wow I think it road better than making a trip in the car. The extra room with kids and dog is nice as well. My last truck was a 94 F-150 XLT and I am more comfortable in this than that truck was. Especially on long road trips. But I do miss the old truck she was very good to me.

 

Even if I only needed a truck to transport 2x4's a few times a year I would still get a 250 over a 150. Price difference is negligible and you actually have a truck.

 

True story, my buddy paid more for his 1/2 than I for my 1 ton, imo...his is useless.

 

Owned F350's mostly. Purchased a 2012 F250 Diesel New! I keep updates/services every 5000 miles. Always something going on with this Truck only has 108,000 miles on it. Just Replaced the Front Disferwrencial & brakes sparks was coming from Underneath when someone flagged me down. Even the brake pedal wouldn't come back up! COST little over $4000. I've NEVER had these problems with my F350'S! Had a 1996 F350 dually with over 100,000 only water pump. Sold it in 2005 the buyer is still driving it! 2005 F250 only Water pump replacement also! I've had this F250 serviced at ONLY a DEALERSHIP regularly! I'LL NEVER PURCHASED A F250 AGAIN! JUNK!