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It is no secret that new car, truck, and SUV prices have increased exponentially in the last few years. This leaves many drivers with fewer options to choose from, especially when buying new ones. There is some good news, though, as there is one Ford F-150 that’s better and cheaper. Ford offers hundreds of ways to customize the 2023 F-150, which means you can have the ideal truck at a price that doesn’t make you cry.

The Ford F-150 that’s better and cheaper is the XL trim

Ford has been building trucks that drivers seem to love in the last few years. Critics like Kelley Blue Book agree, including the 2023 Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning on its Best Buy Awards List. For 2023, there’s a Ford F-150 that’s better and cheaper. With nine different trim levels to choose from, shoppers should have no problem finding an affordable F-150. The good news is the base XL trim still has plenty to offer buyers while coming in at around $35,000.

TrimMSRP
XL$33,695
XLT$41,800
Lariat$57,480
King Ranch$63,005
Platinum$64,695
Limited$84,901
Tremor$60,970
Raptor$76,775
2023 Ford F-150 trim levels

Ford’s F-150 XL offers pretty good value and has an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It has an eight-inch touchscreen with the SYNC 4 system for added convenience. Ford included a rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist, making towing and backing up a little easier. On top of that, the XL trim gets the 3.3L TI-VCT V6 with 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

What else does the Ford F-150 XL have that makes it better?

This 2023 Ford F-150 that's actually better is the XL trim seen here
A 2023 Ford F-150 | Ford

As far as safety systems go, the 2023 F-150 XL trim still gets plenty. Some of those include AdvanceTrac With Roll Stability Control, Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes, and Ford’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). There are airbags all around the cabin, including the safety canopy side curtains.

Drivers can add a variety of packages that make towing or work easier, like the Max Trailer Tow Package and the FX4 Off-Road Package. There are a few appearance packages, and Ford offers 15 total add-ons. Since the XL is quite affordable, it leaves a bit of wiggle room for customization or adding features.

Edmunds estimates the fuel costs for the 2023 XL are only around $203 a month, far lower than the average $256 a month for the segment. The F-150 received a significant redesign in 2021, and this year the XL trim also got a Rattler off-road package option.

What engines can you add to the Ford XL?

There are still many ways to make the 2023 Ford F-150 XL an even stronger competitor. Drivers can opt for the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine ($1,285) or even the legendary 5.0L V8 ($2,335) with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. While the XL comes with 4×2, 4×4 is an available upgrade.

Just because the XL is a Ford F-150 that’s better and cheaper doesn’t mean you can’t make it the perfect truck. And since 2023 didn’t bring many changes, you might be able to find a suitable option from 2022. Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line truck for daily driving or work, and the XL is a good jumping-off point.

The 2023 F-150 remains a strong contender in the segment, regardless of which trim you go with. While the Ford F-150 that’s better and cheaper is the XL trim, all of the options have many features to make buyers safe and comfortable.

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