2015 to 2017 : Some questions
 

I traded my white 2015 XLT 301a for a Bronze Fire 2017 XLT 302a. My main motivation was to go from 4x2 to 4x4, and the best deal I could get was one a vehicle that had a few more features.

As well as getting 4x4, the new one has Chrome Package (which I didn't really want, but have grown to like), and a few other nice to haves like trailer brake controller.

Obviusly the 301a to 302a gets me the bigger screen, and Apple Play etc, but I was blown away how much better the audio quality is in my new truck. The 2015 really lacked any base. The new truck has noticably more base and volume.

Is this simply the upgrade from 301a to 302a, or did ford do some improvements from 2015 to 2017?

Secondly, the truck sounds better. Not sure if

• I am being fooled by a noise maker,
• if having the opening back window contributes,
• if they made exhaust changes,
• or I am imagining it.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance, I am an avid reader of the forum, but wasn't able to dig this specific info out of the archives.

Scoop

There’s an option for a subwoofer that fits behind the back seat. You may have had that option on the new truck and not the old one. Which engine did you get?

If I read the info correctly the '17s have a different resonator that gives the exhaust some extra growl.

I was convinced there may be one there, but I checked last weekend and there is not! I was shocked how much better the volume and sound is on the newer truck. It is definitely not my imagination.

Both engines are the 2.7l.

It definitely has more growl, this would make sense if true.

on the 302a with 8" sync3 you get 7 speakers vs 6 on the smaller screen in the 301a.

My 301a (small screen) has the center speaker, pretty sure that’s the 7th speaker.

does it have the 2 tweeters on the a-pillars?

Yup.

I liked the sound of my 2015 XLT Ford stereo better than 2017 with the Sony premium stereo. I find the Sony stereo to be a little shrill or lacking treble. I can't seem to find a sweet spot. The 2015 F150, while not an awesome stereo never annoyed me. It just had a good warm sound.

I don't know how anyone over 40 can tell a difference. :)

My Sony system sounds amazing to me. I can tell there's a sub, and it's perfect -- and all I need to listen to Skynyrd like a real man.