People shopping for a new truck often spend a lot of time looking at different makes and models—as they should—but sometimes they neglect to check out exactly what comes with each trim level of those models. That’s a mistake, because the packages associated with different trim levels can significantly change the truck’s feature set. Different manufacturers often use different trim designations to identify different feature sets. Some designations are fairly common across multiple brands. However, there are other, more unique designations where the companies that make them don’t always give the best explanation of what these acronyms stand for or what they actually mean.

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A good example of this is Ford’s XLT trim. You won’t find this designation on any other manufacturer, but it’s present on several Ford truck models, including the popular F-150. Ford’s website doesn’t say much about what XLT stands for or what exactly the XLT model offers that justifies the $11,000 premium over the XL edition. To save you guessing, here’s what XLT is and what’s included in Ford trucks when you buy it.

While the official Ford website doesn’t provide a clear explanation of what XLT stands for or what it includes, there are a handful of dealer websites that go into a little more detail about this particular trim package. Indianapolis-based dealer Tom Woodford Ford states that XLT stands for “Extra Luxurious Truck.” This, along with the higher price, implies that the XLT model is designed as a mid-range trim that offers more comfort-oriented features and capabilities than the base XT model, but is still more affordable than the premium packages. The website also states that this typically includes “features such as 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, power windows, door locks and Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 technology.”

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When we compare the trim levels of each model, we can also see some other unique features. The 2024 Ford F-150 XLT additionally comes with Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist features, which provide drivers with smart controls to help them align large trailers and back into difficult gaps, making the F-150 one of the best trailers for towing. It also comes with BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving—a smart feature that Ford says allows drivers to let go of the steering wheel and let the truck navigate highways on its own (though it’s worth noting that this feature ultimately requires a subscription to maintain the service).

The XLT name suggests that the differences are mostly focused on luxury, but when we compare the specs of the base models, we see that the differences go beyond comfort. The XLT package also tends to offer a little more power.

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The 2024 Ford F-150 XL runs on a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. The EcoBoost line is among the most reliable engines Ford has ever built, and the 2.7L engine makes a respectable 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. However, it is not the most powerful option. The XLT version is based on a 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine that can reach up to 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque – a significant increase that largely justifies the price difference. This is also true for some other models. The 2024 Ford Super Duty 250 XL has a 6.8L 2-valve DEVCT PFI gas V8, while the XLT has a 7.3L OHV PFI V8. The 350 XL and XLT models also use these two engines.

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However, there are several models where the XL and XLT use the same engine. Both the 2024 Ford Super Duty 450 XL and XLT come with the same 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel engine, and both versions of the 2024 Ford Maverick come with the same 2.0L EcoBoost engine. So you can’t assume that an XLT will have more horsepower or torque. It’s definitely worth taking the time to check out each spec.