If you’ve spent any time looking at trucks lately, you know the sticker shock is real. It’s wild. You walk onto a lot thinking you’ll find a solid workhorse, and suddenly you’re looking at luxury-sedan pricing for something with a bed. Honestly, that’s why the ford f150 xlt 2024 is such a weirdly perfect sweet spot right now. It doesn't have the massaging seats of the Platinum, but it also doesn't feel like a plastic-filled rental car.
Ford basically overhauled the lineup for 2024. They ditched the old base engine and decided that even the "budget-friendly" trims deserved a massive screen.
What changed with the ford f150 xlt 2024?
The most obvious shift is under the hood. For years, the base engine was a naturally aspirated 3.3L V6 that was... fine. It did the job. But for 2024, Ford made the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 the standard entry point for the XLT.
That’s a big deal.
You’re starting with 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque right out of the gate. It feels punchy. When you merge onto the highway, you aren't praying for a tailwind.
The Screen Situation
Inside, things got a lot more "techy." Every single ford f150 xlt 2024 now comes with a 12-inch touchscreen and a matching 12-inch digital instrument cluster. No more tiny 4-inch screens that look like they belong in a calculator. It runs SYNC 4, which is pretty snappy, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s one of those things you don't realize you need until you have it.
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Exterior Tweaks
Ford also messed with the face of the truck. The grille is "coast-to-coast," meaning it stretches all the way across and integrates the headlights in a way that looks much wider and more aggressive. They also introduced the Pro Access Tailgate on higher configurations, though on the XLT, you’re mostly looking at the classic drop-down unless you start checking boxes for specific packages.
Performance and Real-World Capability
Let's talk numbers because that's why people buy trucks. If you stick with the standard 2.7L EcoBoost, you’re looking at a towing capacity of around 8,400 pounds. That’s plenty for a couple of jet skis or a decent-sized camper.
But say you need more.
You can still opt for the 5.0L V8 if you want that old-school rumble and better payload numbers. Or, you can go for the 3.5L EcoBoost, which bumps the towing up to a massive 13,500 pounds when properly equipped.
There's also the PowerBoost Hybrid. It’s surprisingly quick. With 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, it’s arguably the best daily driver engine in the lineup. Plus, it gives you Pro Power Onboard. This is basically a giant generator in your bed. If your house loses power, you can literally run your fridge and some lights off your truck.
The XLT Price Trap (and How to Avoid It)
The MSRP for a 2024 XLT starts somewhere around $47,000 to $50,000 depending on your cab configuration. That sounds reasonable. However, Ford is the king of the "option box."
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If you want the 302A High equipment group—which adds things like the 400W outlets, better lighting, and heated seats—you’re suddenly pushing $55,000 or more.
Here is the thing: the XLT is the most "customizable" trim. You can make it look like a Black Appearance package beast with 20-inch wheels, or you can keep it simple with 18-inch alloys and chrome bumpers.
Why people skip the Lariat
A lot of buyers are actually moving "down" to the XLT from the Lariat. Why? Because the Lariat starts in the mid-$60k range now. Unless you absolutely need leather seats and BlueCruise (Ford's hands-free driving tech) as standard, a well-optioned ford f150 xlt 2024 does 90% of the same stuff for $10,000 less.
Safety and Daily Driving
Ford didn't skimp on the safety tech for this model year. The Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite is standard.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): It even covers your trailer.
- Lane-Keeping System: Keeps you from drifting when you’re tired.
- Pre-Collision Assist: It’ll slam the brakes if someone cuts you off.
- Reverse Brake Assist: Saves your bumper from that rogue shopping cart.
One thing that’s really cool for people who hate backing up trailers is the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. It’s a little knob on the dash. You turn the knob in the direction you want the trailer to go, and the truck handles the steering wheel. It makes you look like a pro even if it's your first time at the boat ramp.
The Verdict on the ford f150 xlt 2024
Is it perfect? No.
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The interior still has a lot of hard plastics compared to a Ram 1500. Some people find the 10-speed automatic transmission a bit "gear-hunty" in lower speeds.
But as a tool? It’s hard to beat.
It’s the truck for the person who actually uses their bed but also wants to be comfortable on a four-hour road trip. It’s the "sensible" choice in a market that has gone a little crazy with $100,000 pickups.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to buy, check the "build date" on the door sticker. Early 2024 models had some software hiccups that have mostly been patched, but it's always good to ensure your dealer has performed all the latest OTA (Over-The-Air) updates for the SYNC 4 system.
Also, test drive both the 2.7L and the 5.0L. The V8 sounds better, but the 2.7L actually feels faster in city traffic because the turbos kick in so early. You might save yourself $2,000 just by realizing you don't actually need the bigger engine.