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The 2023 Ford F-150 is the latest iteration of the Blue Oval’s full-size pickup truck. The F-150 is America’s favorite pickup truck. It regularly competes with popular models like the Ram 1500. Which Ford F-150 trims should you like, get, and pass on?
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor: Wanted
Generally, fully loaded trim levels are the most desirable when comparing trims. That may not be the case with the 2023 Ford F-150. The F-150 comes in a whopping eight different trim levels, but one trim stands out more than all the other F-150 styles: the Raptor.
Both Ford and Ram offer full-size pickup trucks for the average American driver, then there’s the Raptor and TRX. The Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX are off-road pickup trucks with powerful engines. These behemoths are surprisingly street legal, even if they look like they have more in common with monster trucks than work trucks.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is the trim of choice as it uses a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. It comes with sport-tuned shock absorbers and a five-link rear suspension with Panhard rods. This truck was literally designed for rough terrain.
Car enthusiasts love the Raptor because it is the most hardcore version of the F-150 available on the market today. Ford Raptor trims are specifically designed to withstand tough off-road obstacles. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor has a high starting price of $76,775, making it out of reach for the average driver. Those who get their hands on the F-150 Raptor will enjoy performance and capability that are rare, even for America’s favorite pickup truck.
2023 Ford F-150 XLT: Get it
This may sound strange to some, but there are several reasons why the XLT is the best trim available for the average F-150 buyer.
The 2023 Ford F-150 has a large number of trim options to choose from, but six of the eight available options have starting prices that are higher than the average new vehicle price (around $46,000.) This makes the base XL and the XLT are the most reasonable options by today’s pricing standards. Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims range from $57,000 to $65,000.
Car and Driver recommends the 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat because of its affordability (compared to other trim levels) and value proposition, but the Lariat is still a bit pricey at $57,480 before taxes and surcharges.
The 2023 Ford F-150 XLT starts at $41,800, making it more affordable than the average new vehicle. It has standard 12-volt powerpoint, post-collision braking, and lane-keeping system. It also includes a remote keyless entry system, heated side mirrors, and Ford’s Dynamic Hitch Assist. As far as standard features go, the 2023 F-150 XLT provides enough value for most drivers at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pass the Ford F-150 XL and expensive upper trim levels
There may be a Ford F-150 for everyone, but many of the upper trim levels of the full-size pickup truck are designed for specific niches. If you want an F-150 as a daily driver with mild work truck capabilities, the XLT should suit you. Skip the XL because the XLT has better features for a price that’s still affordable. After the XLT, the line between affordability and value starts to blur.
Sure, many upper trim F-150 models provide great value for their prices, but those prices are too high for a large percentage of drivers, especially in our current economic climate. Many critics believe the Lariat is the best value for money, but will it be the most popular 2023 Ford F-150 trim? We’ll just have to wait.
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