Picking the Perfect Engine and Equipment Packages for Your 2024 F-150 XLT

It’s hard to understate the F-150’s dominance in today’s market. Not only is Ford’s full-size pickup the most popular truck in America, but it’s also the best-selling vehicle of any kind, with over 750,000 units moved in 2023 alone. Part of the model’s mass appeal has to do with its wide range of trims. Ford has rolled out eight distinct F-150 trims for 2024, allowing drivers to select a setup perfectly tailored to their unique driving needs. From the economical XL trim and off-road-oriented Tremor to luxurious models like the King Ranch and Platinum, drivers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the F-150 lineup. 

One of the brand’s most compelling offerings would have to be the XLT trim. While the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT might be a bargain with a starting price below $50,000 ^[a], it also represents a noticeable upgrade over the XL and STX trims thanks to its generous assortment of comfort and convenience features. That said, the XLT’s real advantage comes down to its pure customization potential. Unlike the XL, the XLT can be optioned with three different engines and four available equipment packages that give drivers the chance to create the one-of-a-kind pickup of their dreams. Join us as we review the XLT’s wealth of engine options and equipment packages and learn why the F-150 has become such a force to be reckoned with in the modern pickup segment. 

Engines

The 2024 F-150 XLT has three intriguing engine options: a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0L V8, and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6. All three can be paired with rear or four-wheel drive and come standard with Ford’s advanced Auto Start/Stop technology. While a number of vehicles on today’s market pack an auto start/stop system to improve fuel efficiency, the feature isn’t quite as common in the pickup segment. Ford made waves in 2017 when it introduced Auto Start/Stop across the F-150’s entire EcoBoost engine lineup. The feature doesn’t detract from the pickup’s legendary performance, but it certainly makes a difference at the pump, allowing drivers to maximize fuel efficiency without ever feeling like they lack power. Although all three engines come standard with your choice of drivetrain and the Auto Start/Stop feature, they differ in some important ways. Let’s outline some of these differences as we learn more about what the XLT is packing under the hood.

2.7L V6 EcoBoost

The XLT’s 2.7L V6 EcoBoost replaces the 3.3L V6 previously serving as the truck’s entry-level engine offering. It’s a significant upgrade for the F-150, adding 35 hp right out of the gate thanks to the introduction of Ford’s EcoBoost twin-turbocharger technology. The new V6 delivers 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque while also improving on the 3.3L version’s overall fuel economy. While the previous motor maxed out at 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, its EcoBoost replacement is thriftier at high speeds at 25 MPG on the highway. Add in a surprisingly ample 8,400 lbs of maximum towing capacity and 1,785 lbs of payload capacity, and it’s easy to make a case for the F-150’s base engine. 

5.0L V8

Some drivers believe a pickup simply isn’t a pickup without a little V8 power. For those eight-cylinder diehards, Ford offers the XLT with a 5.0L V8. A study in modern automotive engineering, the V8 is designed with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and Ford’s port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system that sees each cylinder paired with two fuel injectors for unparalleled power. The approach works a treat, allowing the V8 to offer 400 hp, 410 lb-ft of torque, and tow as much as 12,900 lbs. The engine rounds out its performance resume with 2,230 lbs of payload capacity and provides drivers with an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That might not be up to the standard of the XLT’s two EcoBoost offerings, but it’s not bad for a brawny V8. In order to maximize convenience, Ford has paired the V8 with an upsized 36-gallon fuel tank that more than makes up for the V8’s thirst to allow drivers to travel over 850 miles between fill-ups.

3.5L V6 EcoBoost

If you’re looking for the best in power and efficiency, step up to the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. A twin-turbocharger allows the V6 to squeeze a considerable amount of energy out of that 3.5 liters, matching the V8 at 400 hp and eclipsing it with 500 lb-ft of torque. This translates directly into towing capacity. When equipped with the 3.5L V6, the XLT can go toe-to-toe with even the priciest F-150 trim with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 lbs. Payload capacity is also well above average at 2,445 lbs, and the 3.5L engine almost lives up to the fuel economy bar set by its smaller 2.7L EcoBoost sibling with 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

Packages

With so many customization options, the F-150 is one of the most versatile pickups on today’s market. The truck’s modest starting price means that the XLT already makes for the perfect work truck or fleet vehicle, but with a few optional add-ons, it’s easy to turn the pickup into an adventurous off-road machine, heavy-duty hauler, or a feature-packed mobile office. Let’s look at some optional equipment packages that can be added to the XLT and see how easy it is to turn the affordable F-150 into a purpose-built pickup.

Bed Utility Package

The 2024 XLT can be optioned with a 5.5- or 6.5-foot cargo box perfect for hauling building supplies, powersports equipment, camping gear, and more. If you want to create an even more functional truck bed, look no further than the available Bed Utility Package. For $635, drivers will gain an ergonomic tailgate step that makes for easier entry and egress, a tailgate work surface perfect for reviewing blueprints or laying out your tools, and LED box lighting that’ll allow you to keep working well after the sun has gone down. The package’s handiest feature might be the addition of four tie-down plates for the cargo box, which are basically reinforced mounting plates that offer drivers a few extra anchor points to secure their cargo or attach accessories.

Mobile Office Package

Long-time pickup drivers know that a truck isn’t simply a truck. It often doubles as a cafeteria, a place to catch a few minutes of sleep, or even a roving workstation. In the spirit of that last role, Ford has made the XLT available with a Mobile Office Package that adds some convenient, work-ready features for $555. The F-150 has a few advantages over the typical office, especially since most cubicles don’t come with 4WD, but it’s the package’s wireless charging pad, console work surface, and comfortable bucket seats that give the XLT an edge. These upgrades extend all the way to the cargo box, where drivers will find a lockable rear storage compartment that’s perfect for storing your equipment and other valuables, as well as 400-watt outlets for keeping all your power tools juiced up and ready to go.

Tow/Haul Package

With up to 13,500 lbs of towing capacity, the F-150 XLT is a seriously capable towing and hauling machine. From boats and fully loaded campers to RVs, ATVs, and everything in between, the F-150 has made a name for itself with a line of potent powertrains that are ready to put in some work. If you want to maximize the XLT’s considerable towing potential, the $320 Tow/Haul Package is a must-have. The package includes an integrated brake controller that automatically applies a trailer’s brakes when the truck’s brakes are activated. This simple feature can dramatically improve your chances of avoiding a costly accident, allowing F-150 drivers to keep even the bulkiest trailer in check. The Tow/Haul Package is also packed with an electronic-locking rear axle that increases the truck’s traction, making it easier to get a trailer moving when the road doesn’t want to cooperate. Finally, the on-board scales provide a real-time readout of the weight you are towing or carrying to ensure you don’t overload the truck.

FX4 Off-Road Package

Since 2002, the FX4 package has been giving F-150 drivers the opportunity to transform their trucks into mighty off-road machines. Sure, you could upgrade to the Tremor trim or invest in the scintillating supertruck that is the F-150 Raptor, but for $1,095 you can unlock the power of the FX4 Off-Road Package. The package includes a full suite of off-road equipment, from an electronic-locking rear axle and monotube rear shocks to off-road-tuned front shock absorbers, tray-style floor liners and protective skid plates for the fuel tank, transfer case, and front differential. The FX4 Off-Road decal helps to differentiate the pickup from your run-of-the-mill F-150, but one of our favorite features would have to be Hill Descent Control, which acts like a form of low-speed cruise control that comes in handy when navigating down steep grades at your local off-road trail or job site.

A Truck of All Trades 

The XLT already represents one of the best values in the F-150 lineup, but an array of powerful, efficient engines and optional equipment packages give drivers the opportunity to personalize the pickup to meet their unique requirements. Whether you’re in the market for a dedicated towing rig, a new worksite MVP, or a reliable daily driver that can double as a feature-packed family vehicle, the F-150 XLT is worth a closer look. 

While we’ve touched on some of the highlights of the 2024 model, there’s a lot more to discover when you make your way to our dealership. In addition to many of the features you’ll find on the F-150’s XL and STX models, the XLT also boasts a number of eye-catching styling elements like chrome bumpers and running boards. The budget-friendly trim puts comfort and convenience at the forefront with an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and front and rear under-seat storage, not to mention a full arsenal of advanced safety and towing tech like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. If you want to learn more about the 2024 Ford F-150 XLT or get behind the wheel for a test drive, stop by DePaula Ford today.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.