There’s a reason the Ford F-Series was the best-selling truck in 2015. In 2020, it marked its 43rd straight year as America’s best-selling truck and 38th straight year as America’s best-selling vehicle.
When it comes to its F-series, Ford seems to know exactly what the consumer wants — and it’s more than happy to deliver. That’s as true today as in 2015 — and for decades before that.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between 2015 Ford F-150 trims — sometimes referred to as models.
Ford F-150 Trims Explained
XL
Depending on the engine chosen, the XL trim of the Ford F-150 offers from 282 to 385 hp. Torque ranges from 253 to 420 lb.-ft.
The XL trim comes with a 6-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive and tow/haul mode. There are a variety of tire options and 17 in. silver steel wheels are included. A steel spare wheel and full-size spare tire is stored underbody with crank down.
The XL trim is available with seating from 3 to 6, depending on the chosen cab style. Passengers and drivers alike will enjoy plenty of front headroom at 40.8 in. The vehicle width is 79.9 in. while height ranges from 74.8 to 76.9 in.
The towing capacity of the Ford F-150 ranges from 5,000 to 9,000 lbs. and towing equipment comes standard with trailer sway control and trailer wiring harness. Cargo capacity ranges from 52.8 to 77.4 cu. ft. A standard-sized box is included in the base model. Payload capacity for the XL trim ranges from 1,600 to 2,070 lbs. The wheelbase is from 122 to 163 in. and the length is 209.3 to 250.5 in., depending on the configuration.
XLT
The XLT is offered with the same drivetrain and engine, so not surprisingly, it delivers the same torque and horsepower as the XL. What you will notice are some changes in interior and exterior features.
This is the trim level where cruise control comes standard. You’ll also find the XLT adds to the chrome interior accents with a handsome metal-look instrument panel insert.
Power side mirrors are now standard, though folding them in will still need to be done manually. A chrome grill also comes standard. Truck lovers will also have the option of a chrome front bumper with the XLT. The chrome rear step bumper is standard with the XLT.
For comfort, the adjustable headrests for drivers and passengers come standard, as does the center armrest with storage. Though not standard, the XLT gives you the option of full carpet floor covering, including carpet front floor mats.
The XLT trim of the Ford F-150 delivers more storage throughout the cabin, some as standard and some as optional features.
You’ll also now have the option of a number of comfort features, including front and rear map lights.
Delayed accessory power comes standard in the XLT, as does a perimeter alarm and approach lights.
Daytime running headlamps with delay and fog lights are standard with the XLT trim.
You’ll gain the convenience of power door locks when you move up to the XLT, including tailgate or rear door lock. You’ll also have the option of power rear windows, with one-touch power windows in the front now standard.
The XLT trim level is also where remote keyless entry becomes standard, and this trim level offers deep-tinted glass as standard.
On the entertainment side, the XLT offers a single CD player option, along with four or six speakers. You’ll also notice the radio has gained a clock.
But, perhaps what really sets the XLT apart from lower trims is the tech. You get a programmable infotainment system that not only lets you control facets of the audio, it also warns you when your fuel is getting low and reminds you to buckle up.
Lariat
The next trim up is Ford’s popular Lariat trim. Depending on what features are important to you, you may consider this a lateral move more than a step up in features. The truck’s price tag reflects that compared to the XT.
So, what sets the Lariat apart? Well, leather trim, heated/cool, power seats for one, including driver’s side memory position. This trim also comes with push-button start.
You’ll find that leather touch on the steering wheel as well. And, speaking of seats, a fold-up rear seat cushion now comes standard. The Lariat trim also adds a back-up camera and curtain airbags as standard.
Ford spent a bit more time on the interior as well, adding simulated wood and metal touches throughout. Carpet replaces the rubber floor.
The instrument panel gets a slight makeover and the speedometer goes digital with the Lariat. This trim also adds a trip computer. Three 12V DC power outlets are now standard, as is the systems monitor. The auto-dimming rearview mirror is also standard, as is the rear cupholder. Power rear windows come standard.
From a comfort standpoint, the Lariat offers under-seat HVAC ducts, to help keep passengers comfortable. Climate control is now voice activated and features dual-zone air conditioning.
Adjustable headrests are now standard, along with cabin storage, something you’ll see expand with higher trim levels. The Lariat also offers a rear center armrest as standard and vanity mirrors on both driver and passenger side. Adjustable foot pedals and a rear window defroster are nice added touches.
The Lariat has a few updates in store for the exterior as well, starting with power-folding and heated side mirrors. Door handles go from basic black to body-colored, as does the wheel well trim.
The Lariat trim offers satellite radio and 7 speakers as standard for those who truly want to enjoy the ride. MyFord Touch, the voice-activated, in-vehicle connectivity service, also comes standard.
Let’s take a look at the Platinum trim.
Platinum
Right out of the gate, the Platinum model offers the option of a 5.0L V8, a choice not available with the Lariat. This trim also starts out with slightly more torque, at 387 lb.-ft., as well as more horsepower, beginning at 365 hp. That power equates to slightly worse fuel economy, with the Platinum at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With its front bucket seats, seating capacity maxes out at 5.
Towing and payload capacity are higher on the Platinum.
The real differences with the Platinum trim can be seen inside. Rather than the Lariat’s leather-trimmed seats, the Platinum trim features unique, multi-contour black leather bucket seats. They come with 4-way adjustable headrests, 10-way power seat adjustments and are heated and cooled—all standard.
The Platinum adds a heated fold-up cushion rear seat for passengers, a nice comfort touch for those in colder climates. In addition to HVAC under-seat ducts, the Platinum trim adds console ducts as well.
The platinum also comes with power tilt and telescoping steering column as standard, and the steering wheel is heated.
The Platinum also beefs things up with aluminum trim for the instrument panel and genuine wood and metal-look door panels, chrome interior accents and a leather and aluminum console insert. You’ll also find a leather and chrome shifter as standard.
This trim also beefs up the storage, with full overhead console providing additional storage as well as power outlets. You’ll also find additional storage throughout the cab.
Cargo access is available with FOB controls and the Platinum provides remote engine start. Another convenient touch? The Platinum comes with a programmable garage door transmitter built in as standard.
The Platinum trim features voice-activated navigation, as well as front and rear map lights standard.
This trim adds some nice touches to the exterior as well, beginning with 20 in. polished aluminum wheels. Its side mirrors are heated, power-folding and include turn signal indicator. The silver grille comes standard, as do chrome door handles and side window trim.
The Platinum Ford F-150 features rain-detecting variable intermittent wipers, with fully automated LED daytime running auto-high beam headlamps. The Platinum also boasts LED brake lights, power running boards, and body-colored rear step bumper.
Not surprisingly, the Platinum has also stepped up its entertainment offering, with a system featuring 10 speakers and a subwoofer. Unlike lower trims, it offers an MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack.
Now, let’s take a look at the final trim — the King Ranch.
King Ranch
The King Ranch Ford F-150 can haul or tow just about anything easily, with 10,700 lbs of towing capacity and 1,585 lbs of payload. It boasts its own luxurious style, including signature King Ranch mesa leather, massaging bucket seats, with the same controls as seen on the Platinum.
Think Mercedes-Benz, but in a pickup truck. You’ll also notice signature King Ranch interior styling throughout, from the instrument panel to the chrome accents, as well as added touches, like adaptive cruise control.
The King Ranch’s added power from the EcoBoost turbo turns up the fun meter. With the many configurations to choose from and plenty of room for five adults, this trim is a crowd-pleaser.
On the outside, the King Ranch offers a surprisingly convenient remote tailgate release. Gone are the chrome door handles, with the King Ranch opting for body-colored as standard, along with chrome grille, basic intermittent wipers and standard daytime running headlamps. The King Ranch comes with basic running boards and step bumper as standard.
As with all the trims in the Ford F-150 lineup for 2015, determining which one is for you often comes down more to style than work capacity.
Photos: Ford
