You don't have to reinvent the wheel to define a genre, and the F-150 continues to redefine what a full-size, light-duty pickup is capable of without breaking the bank or breaking from tradition. The 2023 Ford F-150 XL represents an affordable and feature-rich version of the F-150 that also happens to be one of the most popular trims available for the truck. It makes sense because the XL offers just enough variety and distinction without being too costly for those looking to either jump into owning the F-150 for the first time or add yet another F-150 to the stable.
The 2023 model year updates for the F-150 XL were kept modest, themed around the evolution of the color options more than anything else. The new colors for the year include Area 51 Blue, Avalanche, Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat, and Hot Pepper Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. However, despite the limited updates, the XL is still jam-packed with a lot of great content, from its powertrain and infotainment to its driver-assist features and multiple package options.
You can get the XL with a number of different segment-altering options, such as the Bed Utility Package, Max Trailer Tow Package, Snow-Plow Prep Package, or Heavy-Duty Payload Package for when you need the XL to function as a highly dependable work truck. There is also the FX4 Off-Road Package for drivers who want the XL to behave more like an off-road light-duty pickup with some visual enhancements and performance panache. For shoppers who are more into altering the way the 2023 F-150 XL looks, there is the XL Chrome Appearance Package, the STX Appearance Package, and STX Black Appearance Package.
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The 2023 Ford F-150 XL comes standard with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 featuring an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission and SelectShift technology for smooth, progressive shifting. The powertrain includes twin independent variable cam timing to improve power output and make the most efficient use of fuel thanks to the auto start-stop technology. The 3.3-liter V6 manages an impressive baseline of 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. As an entry-level powertrain, it affords you an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
However, the beauty of the F-150 XL is that you can have it configured with multiple powertrains in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. All of the other powertrains also come paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission and power steering. You'll get the most out of the F-150's performance on the road and maximize its acceleration and handling potential, whether you're doing daily errands or hauling cargo.
If you want to eke more performance out of the F-150 XL, you have the option of pairing it with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8, or the 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid V6. The XL comes standard with rear two-stage variable rate leaf springs, independent front suspension, and selectable drive modes that include Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail. You get the additional Deep Snow/Sand and Mud/Rut drive modes if you have the XL configured with four-wheel drive. You can also opt to have the axles upgraded and matched with an electronic-locking rear differential, which is extremely useful if you plan on taking your truck off-road.
Part of what makes the F-150 so distinct is that it is not only a great-looking truck with a lot of different powertrains, but it's a very capable truck. Thanks to the inclusion of features like an integrated brake controller, hill start assist, and hill descent control, you have a lot of tools to help manage the truck’s handling when it's fully loaded. The 2023 F-150 XL also has trailer sway control, so when you want to hitch a trailer to the back of your truck, you have lots of tech and built-in utility features to keep the trailer as stable and smooth as possible.
In terms of max towing capacity, the F-150 XL is capable of trailering up to 14,000 lbs worth of cargo. This means you can potentially haul several small vehicles or even a large heavy-duty vehicle using the F-150. That goes to show just how scalable its capabilities are, especially when you consider that it has a max payload capacity of 3,315 lbs. You can haul a ton and a half in the XL, making it more than capable as a work truck.
In addition to the towing and hauling features, the 2023 F-150 XL also comes with many other great conveniences, such as a power-locking tailgate, two front tow hooks, and cargo box tie-down clamps. The truck is also equipped with Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch technology, so you know exactly how close to the truck's maximum payload and tongue weight you are. Another neat feature that Ford has made available for the F-150 XL is the optional tailgate step and tailgate work surface, adding even more functionality to the bed.
LED box lighting and LED mirror-mounted spotlights are available for the XL, but automatic headlamps come standard. If you are interested in using the F-150's bed for hauling a lot of cargo, you can make use of the available BoxLink modular pickup box interface. This feature works with rails, ramps, dividers, and clamps so you can utilize the bed exactly the way you want. There is also an available 400-watt outlet, and you can upgrade to the Pro Power Onboard system with up to 7.2 kW of usable power, which is perfect for using the F-150 XL as a mobile power generator.
The Ford F-150 XL is available in three different cab sizes, including the Regular Cab, the Double Cab, and the SuperCrew. You can seat up to six people in the F-150 XL across two rows thanks to the available split-bench configuration. When it comes to comfort and convenience, you have durable black vinyl floor covers and a black urethane steering wheel that come standard.
You also have the option of taking advantage of an eight-way power driver seat, as well as a front passenger seat with lumbar support. Keyless entry, power locks, fade-to-off interior lights, and grab handles all come standard. Manual air conditioning and a manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel are also included. There's a complete suite of driver-assist features as well, including Post-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Coverage.
The 2023 F-150 XL also comes with a SecuriLock anti-theft system and a perimeter anti-theft alarm. AM/FM stereo comes standard as part of the infotainment suite powered by Ford's SYNC 4. The infotainment suite features an eight-inch HD touchscreen with voice recognition and cloud-based connectivity and is accompanied by a four-inch digital driver display. SiriusXM with 360L is also available, with three months of ad-free content spread across more than 200 different channels. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you have a complete cabin experience that enables all sorts of media access and app accessibility, making the 2023 Ford F-150 XL a great truck across the board regarding performance, safety, capabilities, and tech.