XLT vs. Lariat Debate

[Lexx]

I don't think I could agree with this more. Mine was $36k because I went with the sunroof and power slider. Still ended up costing less in 2022 dollars than my Outback in 2019 dollars when I bought that new.

I went for the FE and I had a great dealer to boot. Hit it on the nose at 35k and I believe I got a check reimbursing me about $900. I wouldn’t have it any other way as far as the conveniences and luxury, it was just better all around.

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[whitef]

Did XLT, EB, Luxury package and CP360. I live in Kansas so no need for AWD. I do need heated seats to prevent divorce. I personally find the cloth to be more comfortable than non-perforated vinyl during extreme temperatures. That's all but about 12 days a year around here.

Since I work in technology security and so some research, I do have a strong preference for "old school" keyless entry and a physical key in the ignition to start the car. It's pretty easy for a bad person to gain entry to; and possibly start, a proximity key enabled vehicle. We have five cars with proximity / push-to-start (and seven without) so always carry a faraday pouch when traveling.

All that said, I drive about 60k a year in very remote areas, so i do miss actual satellite radio, and the speakers in the XLT are the most horrid cheapies Ford could find. The sound really sucks. I'm not sure these two things are worth the extra coin given the disadvantages of the seat material and security issues for me, but everyone has their own priorities.

 

[Nw_adventure]

The volume seller is the XLT because of its great value. It's right in the sweet spot of not too pricey while at the same time having enough features to keep someone happy. However, the Lariat is what I chose because of the fact that you can get it fully-loaded (aside from the FX4 package) right at $35,000. It's such a great value for that reason. That's if you can find an honest, reputable dealer that doesn't do greedy markups. Fortunately that was not the case for me. I've always had to compromise on vehicles in the past so it's nice to finally get what I want by ordering. That's the first time I've ever done that. To answer your second question, I do not regret getting a Lariat in the slightest. I would not want to go backwards to get the XLT, even if it means paying a little more for it. The upgrades such as heated seats, B&O sound system, leather, acoustic windshield, nicer wheels and headlights are totally worthwhile.

+ Lighted bed/Inverter/Ambient interior lights/Powered Slider Window -Push button start and KeyFob (Not lame app) remote start all the time anywhere no cell signal required-

 

[NJBob]

Lariat all the way. It's really not a huge dollar increase and for the added features it comes with it's a no brainer. I was worried I wouldn't like the interior but once I finally got it I love it. Lariat with LUX has it all. Better speakers, Sync3, ACC and so on, it's worth it to me. I got everything but the sunroof and it was just a hair over $32k, you can't beat that in the market. I know 2023 will be slightly higher but so will all it's competitors.

Think you need the Lariat Lux to get acc. Need to get a top of the trim to get it. Wifes subuaru has it at a modest trim.

 

[DTF-Garage]

Honestly the main reason I chose the Lariat over the XLT was because of the Intelligent Access (my 2020 Escape had it and now I can't live without it) and for the LED Signature Lighting

 

[snowcatxx87]

I have an XLT hybrid, but you can’t get lariat hybrid in Canada. So I had to max out XLT. Would totally have Lariat

 

[Nw_adventure]

I took one look at the bronze accents on the Lariat and said “nope, down to XLT.” I’d love push start, one touch windows, fake leather, upgraded sound system but that bronze doesn’t do it for me. The orange is “hip” and if the console trays are removed it’s very little visible orange anyway.

The bronze/orange debate is 100% subjective so I’m sure this comment doesn’t help at all.

Did you see the bronze in person ?

 

[CoryDallas8123]

Did you see the bronze in person ?

Yep.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Yep.

It took us awhile to get used to Lariat- I am a huge orange freak and do miss the XLT interior but could not do cloth with this family - lol- Adding Orange bits as needed for my OCD-)

 

[Bobinmi]

I love my XLT and am very happy with it.

 

[Cward]

I don't think the Lariat is worth it. IMO what you get isn't worth the 3K+ increase. If it came standard with CP360 and ACC - it would be a much much harder choice and I think worth it.

You aren't getting actual leather seats, you aren't getting ventilated seats, upgraded sound system or sync 3/4. Virtually anything that's a real upgrade requires additional options. The lariat trim is basically giving you the privilege of paying more so you can pay more to option it out.

XLT built my way (CP360 and Hitch) = 25,605

Lariat built my way (Lux) = 32,755

Lariat with the same options as the XLT = 29,105

7,105 difference or a 3,500 difference for vinyl seats and some stuff that adds zero value for my taste.

To me the value isn't there.

You would recover that on insurance before you get the lariat paid off. You get deductions for the additional safety features that are only available on the Lariat.
Also Lariat seats are not Vinyl. They are a synthetic leather and Ford has been using this in place of leather for almost the last decade. They are nothing alike.

 

[FriarPop]

As I'm endlessly waiting for my maverick to come in. I'm debating on upgrading from the XLT to the Lariat. I keep going back and forth on it. I'm curious to what everyone's reason were for choosing their trim level. Also has anyone gotten the XLT or Lariat and wish they didn't.

Get the Lariat if you want the best and most premium Maverick, get the XLT if you cant afford it.

 

[PDM33]

Think you need the Lariat Lux to get acc. Need to get a top of the trim to get it. Wifes subuaru has it at a modest trim.

Right, that is why I said " Lariat with LUX has it all. Better speakers, Sync3, ACC "

And yes other car companies have different options at different trim levels. My daughters bike came with a bell with a unicorn on it and that was $32,000 less than my Maverick. How unfair is that!!

 

[reciprocating_ravioli]

You would recover that on insurance before you get the lariat paid off. You get deductions for the additional safety features that are only available on the Lariat.
Also Lariat seats are not Vinyl. They are a synthetic leather and Ford has been using this in place of leather for almost the last decade. They are nothing alike.

A rose by any other name...


The deductions beyond CP360 would not be substantial enough to cover the cost. You'd be waiting past the lifespan of the vehicle to get that back.

 

[reciprocating_ravioli]

Get the Lariat if you want the best and most premium Maverick, get the XLT if you cant afford it.

The best an most premium Maverick is like going home with the best looking person still at the bar at closing time.

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