2012 Ford F-150 XLT Trim Level Overview

Touted as the best-selling trim level in an already popular lineup, the 2012 Ford F-150 XLT is loaded with just enough power, comfort, bling and utility to make it one of the country’s most value-heavy full-size pickup trucks. This 3- or 6-passenger heavy hauler can be had in Regular cab, rear-opening-back-door SuperCab or four-door SuperCrew versions, and with either the standard 6.6-foot bed in all cab configurations, the outsize 8.1-foot bed in Regular or SuperCab guise or, with the SuperCrew version, the 5.6-foot bed. All variations, meantime, boast standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), but all are available with part-time 4WD that stars electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs. Standard appearance features include 17-inch painted alloy wheels, chrome bumpers and power outside mirrors, while cabin goodies include cloth upholstery, remote power door locks, power windows, carpeted floors, floor mats, air conditioning and rear privacy glass. A single-CD player graces this well-endowed truck with 2 speakers in Regular cab trims, and 4 speakers tooting through SuperCab and SuperCrew trims.

Notable options for this hefty truck are the Ford Work Solutions Package, with on-board computer, tool-management and tool-tracking devices, as well as Bluetooth-integrated SYNC Applink hands-free audio and communications management and Smartphone integration. Then there are the available power-sliding rear window, tubular running boards, navigation system and satellite radio, as well as various trailer towing and décor packages, along with a selection of rear axle ratios.

Standard power for the 2012 F-150 XLT is a 3.7-liter Flex Fuel (FFV) V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This combo puts out 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, can tow up to 6,100 pounds of trailer when properly equipped, and gets an estimated 17 mpg city/23 highway in RWD garb, 16/21 in 4WD configuration.

But if that’s not enough oomph, the XLT is eligible for the well-wrought 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 with its 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, or the 5.0-liter FFV V8 that throws out 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines also mate with the 6-speed automatic and can tow up to 11,300 pounds and 10,000 pounds, respectively, with proper equipment. Yep, the blown V6 out-tows the V8—go figure! Mileage, meantime, is 16/22 for the turbo V6 with RWD and 15/21 in 4WD trims. The V8 drops mileage to 15/21 for RWD editions and 14/19 with 4WD.

Finally, standard safety equipment backing up the 2012 F-150 XLT’s bulk includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, and front side-mounted airbags. Additionally, front head airbags are standard in Regular cabs, with front and rear head airbags coming standard in SuperCab and SuperCrew trims. Topping off this list of noteworthy standard safety features are automatic headlights, a post-collision safety system, a remote antitheft alarm and front fog/driving lights. An available rear-view camera, as well as a trailer brake controller and turn-signal-integrated mirrors can also be built into this handsome pickup.