2020 Ford F-150 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Popularity should never confuse for functionality. The rule is meant to be broken, however, for the sake of a genuinely remarkable pickup truck. The Ford F-150 is popular, yes, but the 2020 model proves that it is much more than that.

Automobiles have a way of attracting a particular consumer. The reasons for this are many; it could be for fuel economy. Perhaps a consumer values safety features and comfort in the cabin. Maybe someone simply wants to get from one spot to another efficiently.

Not every driver is going to prefer a full-size pickup truck, but those that do have a treat in store for them. The automakers at Ford made this truck brilliant no matter what features one chooses to analyze. The package is thrilling as the truck has a powerful towing capacity, a comfortable cabin, innovative infotainment that is easy to use, powerful engine options and plenty more.

Consumers would expect several options within the trim levels of a vehicle manufactured in 2020. Along with a specialized off-road-ready Raptor variant of the Ford F-150, there are six main trim levels. The main trim levels include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited.

There are three cab styles and three different bed lengths to choose from. One great thing for consumers no matter what capable trim level they are analyzing is the available engine options. Six to be exact. Options make everyone happy. The option to find the perfect Ford F-150 is available.

The following guide is aimed at discerning the differences within the available trim levels of the 2020 Ford F-150. A pickup truck with a reputation as good the one this vehicle has makes the task less stressful for the consumer. Due diligence is always necessary for a consumer to get the most out of the pickup truck they are after.

 

Compare the 2020 Ford F-150 XL vs. XLT Trim Levels: What is the Difference?

The two lowest trim levels of the 2020 Ford F-150 are the XL and the XLT. Coincidently, they are also the only two of the seven available trim levels that allow a consumer the option to pick from all three available cab sizes and bed lengths. There's plenty to be excited about within the trims.

The engine one will find standard in both of these trim levels is a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine; the engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, something that one is going to find standard across every 2020 Ford F-150 model. The XL will remind many of a work truck without much flash.

It comes standard with a few notable features that pale compared to the XLT and the rest of the trim levels available. Notable standard features within the XL are an AM/FM radio, a handy rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, curve control and automatic emergency braking.

While compared to other trims, the XL may seem like a work truck without a lot of standard features, but the safety and other features that come standard are extremely useful. There are a couple of packages available if one wants to upgrade from the standard one found in the XL.

2.7-liter EcoBoost Payload package, CNG/Propane Engine Prep package and the Trailer Tow package are some of the available upgrade options for the XL. A consumer will also have plenty of other upgrade options that include vinyl upholstery and Ford's voice-activated SYNC infotainment system.

One always expects great changes within each trim level. Some vehicles deliver more than others. It is fair to assume that the Ford F-150 XLT builds from the features that come standard in the XL. Power windows and locks are one of the first notable upgrades one finds in the XLT.

Ford has some of the most innovative infotainment offerings in the industry with SYNC 3 being its best offering; SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all come standard in the Ford F-150 XLT. The XLT is a good place to start for consumers looking for a full-size pickup truck with a wider range of standard equipment than the XL.

While there are several different ways a consumer can package these two trims to fit his or her very needs in a pickup truck, the XLT offers a bit more at the base. Both trims have the option of switching out the base engine for the powerful 395-horsepower V8 engine or the 325-horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine. There are plenty of good options within these two trims, but the fun doesn't stop there.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-150 XLT vs. Lariat Trims: What is the Difference?

The features that come standard in the Lariat are a bit different than those in the XLT. While a consumer will find all of the standard equipment of the XLT in the Lariat, they will also get a few surprises. It starts with the base turbocharged EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 engine. The engine produces an impressive 325 horsepower and 400 pounds of torque.

One will also find the Lariat with standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and a brilliant dual-zone automatic climate control feature that is sure to please each passenger. Available engine options beyond the turbocharged base engine are the V8, a 250-horsepower turbodiesel and the 375-horsepower EcoBoost V6. The Lariat adds a dimension of comfort to the cabin compared to the XLT, but the added standard features may not seem very attractive to everybody looking for the right Ford F-150. There is no question that both of these trims offer something in terms of power. Each F-150 can be configured with a powerful engine to go along with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

There are many ways a consumer can configure the Lariat to their liking. For example, the blind-spot monitoring feature that is available is extremely practical. The weather conditions would always be favorable for driving in a perfect world.

The fact is the conditions can't be predicted, and the difficulty in merging from one lane to another can be impacted by this. The blind-spot monitoring system will notify the driver of anything blocking the lane they want to merge in. This is just one way the Ford F-150 is an attractive option.

Compare the Ford F-150 Lariat vs. King Ranch: What is the Difference?

The Lariat may seem like a chic upgrade from the Ford F-150 XLT due to its leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. That us until the consumer looks at the luxurious brilliance that starts with the King Ranch.

Pickup trucks used to mainly be work vehicles with an AM/FM radio, heater and not much else beyond the basics. The Ford F-150 King Ranch shows that a truck can still have plenty of the grit that a full-size truck represents while still delivering a soft and comfortable interior.

Start with the cabin that is filled with a wood interior trim that sets the mood from the get-go. For those drivers that face cold winter weather, the standard heated steering wheel is a great touch for warming those frosty fingertips. Luxury certainly comes out of the crisp Bang & Olufsen audio system.

While one can upgrade their Lariat to have practical safety features like the aforementioned blind-spot monitoring, the Ford F-150 King Ranch offers more standard safety features. Drive easily with rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors that make everything easier on the road. It screams luxury but has plenty of power behind it.

Standard is the V8 engine with 395-horsepower. If that isn't good enough for the consumer, other options include the turbodiesel engine and the EcoBoost V6 engine.

As with all the Ford F-150 trims, one has the option to add some notable features to the King Range. Adaptive cruise control is a nice feature that allows drivers the peace of mind knowing the cruise control will adapt to the surroundings. The optional massaging front seats are especially nice after a long road trip or a day working.

Compare the Ford F-150 King Ranch vs. Platinum Trim Levels: What is the difference?

Like the King Ranch, the Ford F-150 Platinum gets the same standard powertrain. Unlike the King Ranch, the Platinum trim does come standard with power-deployable running blades and windshield wiper blades that will sense rain.

The Platinum has similar options to the King Ranch as far as adding features to the already loaded list of standard features. Some of the noteworthy options include a parking system that has a surround-view of everything while parking.

Parking a full-size truck has never been made easier with that camera system. Ride in style while looking at the stars through the available moonroof. There isn't much difference between the two quality trims. They are both far evolved from one's basic work truck, making driver and passenger alike feel like royalty while in the cabin.

Compare the Ford F-150 Platinum vs. Limited Trims: What is the Difference?

Of all the Ford F-150 options one has in 2020, the Limited is the most upscale of the models. One will feel like they are in a very chic truck that has a lot of power and capability to it. The vehicle comes with a 450-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine that will get the driver excited to hit the roads.

Standard is a twin-panel moonroof that excites the eager senses. The look is regal, matched by features like the surround-view parking system and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum has what one would expect from an upscale trim for such a well-known model. It comes standard with most of the features available in the 2020 Ford F-150.

Compare the Ford F-150 Limited vs. Raptor: What is the Difference?

There is only one engine option with the exciting Ford F-150 Raptor; like the Limited trim, it has the powerful 450-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. Of all the trims available, the Raptor is the one that is built for off-road driving.

Four-wheel-drive and off-road racing suspension are some of the highlights for this fun truck. The choice is easy for those looking for a Ford F-150 ready for exploration on paths unknown. There are plenty of opportunities to enhance the Raptor through exquisite features like a Bang & Olufsen audio system and a heated steering wheel. With great options, it can sometimes be difficult to elect a trim.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The good news is there is a good option for everybody when it comes to the latest Ford F-150 offering. The Lariat is a good place to start for those looking for a midlevel trim with plenty of useful features that come standard. The Lariat comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360, which is a suite loaded with safety features.

There is a reason why the F-150 continues to have a good reputation. The automakers at Ford push where technology can take them while still producing a powerful vehicle worthy of consideration. The Ford F-150 continues to be a well sought after full-size truck for many great reasons.