Reg auto 4WD,since 4WD is avaialble why let computer to judge he road condition?
Why not just put the truck in 4WD when needed?

Am i missing something?

 

No, your not missing anything, it's just an added feature of the Lariat and above.

 

I probably built and configured 100 different trucks over several months. Basically I was in the same spot as you. Short answer: I got a 502A. I also plan to drive the truck for 10+ years and decided I'm going to get what I wanted. But in the time I spent building, thinking and justifying I realized that I was better of building a Lariat no matter what. We will call it a "low end" Lariat for same cost as Loaded XLT. For me, it was the small things, (intelligent access) lock unlock doors with the prox sensors, push button start, homelink etc and I did like the cloth better but I have young kids so leather it was. At the end of the day my dealer found a truck with more options that I was building for $400 more. 502A: I'm a sucker, that's fine but wanted heated steering wheel and rear seats (kids will like it when the car seats are gone) and I'm a nerd when it comes to lights. Love LEDs. Okay, I am done rambling. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

i went with the xlt 302a. could I afford the lariat..yes...did I have to have the extra options..no, I mean they would have been nice but the XLT is a super luxurious truck and I prefer cloth over the leather. I do like those headlights though lol

 

I had the automatic 4wd on my Explorer after having had the regular 4wd on previous trucks. I really liked it for those winter days when it wasn't bad enough to need 4wd, but if you happened to hit a slick spot it would kick in. Saves some wear and tear by letting you leave it in 2wd and still have it if you start slipping.


And I've been in the exact same dilemma - XLT or Lariat. Seems like the current '15 pricing has about $2k more in discounts on the XLT than the Lariat, so that would be enough for the retro-fit LED's and the truck I want would still be about $4K less than the Lariat.

 

but it's still not a lariat.

 

Auto 4WD is nice on roads that are starting to ice, but don't call for full time 4WD yet. I use it in the mountains where some roads are significantly better than others, and I don't have to worry about going in and out of 4WD.

If you're referring to back seats, I believe Lariat and above are the only ones you can get heated rear seats on.

 

Don't forget Lariat also adds powerfold mirrors, if that's important to you.