When I bought my truck, the FX4 was less than a comparably equipped XLT. The only thing cheaper I saw anywhere were STX's with the 4.6.

 

bigger motor is standard, painted bumbers, grill, fender flares, flow through consol, black interior instead of a lighter color. just to name a few off the top of my head.....

 

X2. If you like chrome go with the XLT ir you like monchromatic paint FX4.

 

I bought a 2010 FX4 in october and for me the deal maker for me was the interior and the console. The XLT has the old fashion column shifter and not the nice center console. just seemed more luxurious inside. And i was trading in an 04 Lariat 4x4 and didnt want to downgrade, but i liked the carbon fiber trim much better than the wood grain in the lariat.

 

I second that on the wood grain trim...that's why I bought the FX4 instead of a Lariat. Painted bumpers were also a plus for me as I am not big on chrome.

 

I personally hate painted bumpers. I do like the flow through console. I have a 09 XLT 4X4 and love it. I wish U could order a 11 XLT w/ the 6.2 engine, E-locker, 6.5 ft bed and flow trough console. Add some skid plates and thought would be the ultimate F150 for me. Too bad it can't happen. Too much like a Raptor I guess.

 

This is why they make more than one style/model.

When I traded in my mono-black '04 F250 last year after driving it for five, I was tired of it and wanted some chrome. Also, I needed the multiple seating in the front with flip-console, more than I needed a full console or shifter down there.

My XLT with chrome pkg. and other options works well for me and family and looks great too, based on feedback I get from by-standers.

 

Just get the FX4 sticker for the back, only the F150 purest will know.

 

I do like the flow through center console...but I also like chrome. seems like most of the other options can be added to the XLT to bring it more in line with the FX4.

I guess in the end I'm going to have to figure out exactly what I want for options and price them both out. I know I want the 3.73's, locker, skidplates, 5.5' bed, Sync and tow package (but not max tow). I also know I dont want the tailgate step or leather seats.

As for adding FX4 stickers to a truck that is not, I see that as a 'ricer' move. I dont really have a problem with someone else doing it, just not something I would do.

 

to me its all just a matter of style. there seems to be no great thing that sets the fx4 apart from the xlt. but this is just my humble thought and thus the reason i got a xlt for like $4k less with all the bells and whistles i wanted and needed.
so lets be honest most people will never use the skid plates, and the flow Thur console looks nice but after time its just a storage place and a junk catch all.