Personally I own 302a happy, mostly. I struggled with Lariat vs XLT. I was doing 302 vs 502 and for 8k I just couldn’t do it. A lot of people swap to LED lights and making sure you are happy without LED is important, very costly after the fact. It is worth double checking to make sure you don’t change mind later. Other big ones are large tank, towing ability, and changing mirrors (power fold or toe). Mirrors very expensive, adding large tank later 3 times the $$.

Lots people have no RV or tow requirements when purchasing first trunk. Next major purchase usually boat or RV. Good thing to consider as part of your buying decision. Good luck on owning your new F150!

 

If you have the slightest doubt buy a Lariat or better. I bought a 2015 XLT new and added leather, got rid of the ugly grille (replaced with a Lariat grille) and added navigation. Still had a XLT tough. I ended up trading for a loaded KR and then a loaded Platinum.


XLTs are good trucks but they always will be entry level trucks no matter what you add. On top of that you will not get any of the added money back when you trade or sell.


Think hard, talk to your wife and don't make a mistake you'll regret throughout your ownership.

 

 

Everyone is going to have their own opinion. Here is my opinion. I didn't want either 4A or dual climate. If I had gotten 4A, I would not have used it so it would have just been wasted money for me. I have another vehicle with dual climate and don't like it. We are heating such a small space that whatever is set to the highest setting (heat or cool) bleeds over to the other side of the car so much as to make it not a dual climate system in practice. The only actual good we have ever gotten from a dual climate system was in our minivan where the rear section has its own controls. There is much more distance between the front air vents and the rear vents so that a temperature differential can be better maintained.

I also didn't want leather seats. (I abhor sitting on leather.) But that wasn't part of your question.

As far as the guy who posted the differences between 302A and 502A (thank you), the only thing that the 502A had that I would have wanted was BLIS, and I got that as an add on when I ordered my XLT. In all fairness, there are a few Lariat level things I have added to my XLT. I have added the tailgate opening dampener, Trail Ridge tow mirrors from 1AAUTO, and the Homelink/lighted mirror visors. However, those add up to a LOT less than $5k.

 

If 4A and dual climate are the main loose ends on your thoughts, then let them go!

Honestly dual climate is only good if you give Snowman a ride and there's a need for that much of a temp difference between the front seats (!)
4A used to do the belly dance on my thoughts until I get it as well... now, meh! I'll drive everyday in 2wd and turn the **** to 4H whenever traction is lost or safety reasons advise to engage 4x4.
4H when needed is more predictable and reassuring than 4A - I'm going to say safe too, and I'm not worried with those that want to throw some stones.

I owned a '13 XLT 302 package for 4 years and it was the most exciting truck I drove until today. No leather seats, always at a good temperature winter or summer and super comfortable. Never needed dual climate zone, but I thought I did (worst is, the wife has it on her long family van (3 independent climate zones) and it's disabled. The driver sets the inside temp and that's enough!

 

302A XLT is a really impressive package for the money. I was used to having auto climate control and I'd take it happily if it were an option, but after 4 months of ownership I really don't mind manual adjustments. You find your sweet spots.

 

I would stick with the 302 unless you can step right up to a 502. That was what I did. For every truck before this one was a 302 because I couldn't afford the leap to 502. And it is a huge leap in Canada.

 

At least a CAD$10K leap!!

If there's other desires on the list... it will be a long lasting toast and butter relationship

 

Here is a comparison link between the XLT and Lariat. It shows what options are available for each model.
https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/com...ls/#xlt|lariat

I think you made a good choice, you're just second guessing yourself. $5K is a lot of money if all you care about in Dual climate and 4 auto.

 

This is a really personal decision, and you don't need to justify anything to anybody but yourself. I am perfectly satisfied with the XLT 302A along with the add-ons that came with my truck (BLIS, chrome pkg, tailgate step, spray-in bedliner), but others may still consider this a low-level trim. I don't think that makes them snobs; they just want something different and are willing to pay for it. I don't, and I'm not.

Dual climate control, to me, is silly, especially since it tries to divide the cab between driver and passenger, where there is absolutely no physical separation to maintain. I don't want auto climate control at all, because there are times when I just want the blower on high or low, and times when I want the cab temperature at 90F for a few minutes. But if you like and want dual/auto climate control, who am I to say you shouldn't?

Value-wise, I think the 302A is the sweet spot. You get a lot for the package cost. But it just depends entirely upon what features you consider necessary. For me, the power sliding rear window is mandatory. I think it should be standard equipment on every trim. Everything else in the 302A is gravy to me. But like I said, that's just me. Others, I'm sure, couldn't care less about it.

If you feel good about the equipment you ordered then take delivery and enjoy the truck, and don't second guess. This is probably not your last vehicle purchase. If you find you're missing some feature, you'll have more chances in the future to make sure you have it.