Meh. Lariat doesn't do anything for me. I'd either get an FX4 or mod an XLT. I can't stand the wood on the lariat interior.

 

Lariat.

My company got me an XLT, it's a nice truck but it drives like a truck meant to work.

The lariat has all the same truck capabilities and more, but it's a much more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

 

I bought in 2011 and went with the XLT, here is why.

I love the XLT chrome package grill and hate the lariat grill.
I didnt want leather seats.
I found an XLT with backup camera, sliding rear window, bucket seats, and a full center console.
I couldnt find a lariat with a 6.5' bed in my long search.
I got the off road package, which I do not believe is available in the lariat. (Could be wrong)
Basically I could get all the features I wanted from lariat in a loaded XLT without the "old man fee" of a lariat. After all said and done I could have gotten a lariat for about the same price with a few less features. The XLT fit my needs better. I am not bashing the lariat, simply stating why I made my decision.

 

Your console in the XLT should still have a gap between the dash and the console. It should also have the column shifter instead of the floor shifter. I believe FX2 and up have floor shifters and a completely segregated passenger and driver cockpit area.

 

I have a xlt with the 402a package on it. It has chrome everything, power pedals, power seat, power slide rear window. Had to pay extra for trailer brake controller and rear camera, but worth it. I also love the lariats but i needed 6 useable seats with seatbelts for kids. Occasionally one has to sit in the front middle section. So that made it an xlt for me, but a very very nice one.

 

The off-road package is available on the Lariat. It comes with skid plates, e-locker, and 3.55 gears.

 

Whitescrew, standard equipment on a Lariat is a leather bench seat with the middle section and column shifter. Rarely if ever see them orded in for dealer stock in that configuration though. For me, it is more useful with a bench and feels very supportive while saving the $995 option for the Captains Chairs.

 

I have a Lariat with the column shifter and fold up 3rd front seat. They are rare, but its what I wanted. So they found me one.

 

Was that recent change for 2013 model year? I have never seen or heard of a lariat with anything other than captains chairs and the console.

 

No, we got some older ones (2008-ish) still hanging around the yard at work. Leather bench seat in the front.