So, I was considering getting a 2005 F150 FX4, but then started to wonder what the difference was between an FX4 and say a Lariat 4x4 or even say a XLT 4x4? Can anyone educate me?

--Mark

 

fords site will have all the basics. basically from what i noticed
lariats the luxury edition, has nicer leather seats, captains in front, might have more standard stuff im not sure anymore since they have really been cutting back. it has an onboard computer with mpg, miles till empty etc. thats about it. the fx4 is the only one with the 4wd included. it is the sport with skidplates and better suspension, might have some mods to the transfercase or differential im not sure on that either. i think its tires are a little taller than the lariats' or maybe wider i dont know i just know its not the same size. it has a nice instrument cluster but the seats arent as nice as the lariats imo. the xlt is the basic you can get them with the 5.4 but no leather and less standard stuff. probably your best bet unless you like all the bells and whistles and leather seats, otherwise you can get almost everything the 2 higher up models have. im not sure about the reverse sensor though. check out fords site, everything you need is there.

 

Both can be outfitted similarly, but not quite the same. I chose the Lariet because I wanted heated seats and the trip computer, which can't be had on the FX4. However, I essentially have all the FX4 options because I added them to the Lariet (limited slip, skid plates, etc.)

The look is a little different too. The Lariat has chrome bumpers and the FX 4 is body colored. The available exterior colors are also different.

 

the xlt has more options than any other trim...
engine-4.2,4.6-5.4L
any axle upgrade
only 17" wheels
8',6.5',5.5' boxs
etc,etc,etc
fx4 & lariat
engine only 5.4l 4 speed auto
lariat has differnt grill and instrument cluster w/white faces and only 18" wheels fx4 is standard 17" 18" is optional. fx4 & lariat aint avable w/ 8" boxs.
about the only thing the the xlt cant get is heated seats or 18" wheels.

 

I just ordered a FX4 loaded (all options except sunroof). The Lariet has just a few more extras that you can't get on FX4. It has a fancier message center (average MPG, distance to empty, etc). It has optional heated seats. It has climate control heat and A/C, FX4 has only manual controls. The radio and heat A/C system can be adjusted from steering wheel on Lariat. The visor mirrors have a light on Lariat. Also the Lariat only comes with the "beige" interior while FX4 leather captain seats come in black or flint (gray). All FX4 carpet is black, all Lariat is beige. Instrument cluster and dash are distinctively different. Also FX4 comes only with lower 2 tone slate gray paint. Lariat comes standard with tan lower 2 tone paint. Optional 18" wheels on FX4 are slightly different that Lariat's. Lariat has optional running boards, FX4 only has black or chrome nerf bars. Also Lariat is not available with flare side in supercab (main reason I chose FX4).

I hope I covered all the stuff I found out when trying to spec them out while deciding what to buy.

 

Welcome to FTE Corky158 and fx4fssc.

Corky, check this out for a good comparison of each model http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f...section=MODELS Each successive model builds on the package before it. Note that the FX4 has a revised suspension system, so it will ride stiffer than an XLT or Lariat (reason why I bought my FX4).

Fx4, you should have opted for the moonroof! It is a great add-on. What color did you choose? Check out my gallery. The only thing missing on that ruck is power pedals and rear back up sensors. I got it at the very end of last year as a "leftover" Who would have left that truck??

 

I have ridden in a friends Screw with a moon roof. With my almost bald top head and the wind blowing by to cool it off, I got a sunburn before I realized I was even getting hot. Also I like the idea of the top rack (place for extra CDs and stuff) - which you have to do without with a moon roof. Also at ~$900 extra its about the most expensive option.

I ordered it in black - with the slate gray lower 2 tone, Ford don't offer to many colors in FX4 that will match it (blue, white, silver, black, red I think are the only colors). I really liked the chestnut Ford offered in 2001 S'crews for a while until the King Ranch came out and had exclusive rights to chestnut - instead I had to order my 01 Screw in dark blue - I had wanted black, but all my pals who had black said I would be sorry. This time I ignored them and ordered the black on the 05 FX4.

I ordered the backup sensor system, but I have 2nd thoughts. My wife's 04 Eddie Bauer Expedition has had problems with this from the start (intermittent - stays on all the time with nothing behind you until you take it to dealer and it behaves perfectly). I finally got dealer to order a new set of sensors and when they come in he will replace. No trouble codes showed up on his diagnostic computer.

Also I forgot to mention in the note a couple more differences in Lariat and FX4. Lariat has 2 driver memory sets that remembers seat, mirror, & power pedal position for 2 different drivers. FX4 - not available. Also Lariat has a built in 3 button garage door opener in driver's visor - not available on FX4. I know this because this is standard on the Eddie Bauer Expedition and Fords Build It page has this as standard equip. on Lariat. FX4 has option 37 gal gas tank - NA on Lariat.

 

I think the XLT gives you the most bang for the buck. I have almost all of the available options for the XLT. The only option I wish I could have gotten was the automatic temp. control (I think available and standard on the Lariet & King Ranch).