New car prices are increasing, including the popular Ford F-150. The average new F-Series model costs almost $63,000, and other trucks have also seen significant price increases. Better interior quality, more standard features, and consumer demand have driven up vehicle prices. If you can avoid dealer markups, one 2023 Ford F-150 trim — the XL work truck — starts at less than $40,000. Is it a good deal, or are you better off upgrading to a higher trim level?

What do you get with the 2023 Ford F-150 XL?

The 2023 Ford F-150 XL has a standard V6 producing 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This model can be optioned with one of two Ecoboost engines or a powerful V8 harnessing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Each engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive costs extra.

If you stick with front-wheel drive, you’ll still get optimized drive modes for trails and wet roads. The XL also includes a drive mode for trailers and standard trailer sway control. Every 2023 F-150 rides on 17-inch wheels with all-season tires.

The XL comes standard with a regular cab and a 6.5-foot bed. But you can option it with an eight-foot bed. With specific enhancements, the Ford-150 XL with FWD and the base V6 can tow 8,200 pounds. It has a standard maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, according to Ford.

There’s room for three riders inside the regular cab, which comes with black cloth seats with manual adjustment levers. Along with these basic accommodations, the XL has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and smartphone integration. Standard safety features include cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and post-collision braking.

The price difference between the 2023 and 2022 XL trim

Starting at $33,695, the 2023 Ford F-150 XL is over $2,000 more than the outgoing model. The 2022 F-150 XL starts at $31,520 and comes with many of the same features. However, the 2023 model boasts more advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and has power windows instead of manual ones.

Which 2023 Ford F-150 trim offers the most value?

The 2023 Ford F-150 trim that Car and Driver testers recommend is the Lariat. It starts at $57,480 and packs a twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 generating 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Earning 20/26 mpg city/highway with FWD, this powertrain is more efficient than the standard V6.

The F-150 Lariat also has a higher towing capacity than lower trim levels — up to 10,000 pounds with the optional eight-foot cargo box. In addition, the Lariat comes with a Super Crew cab that can carry six people on upgraded leather seats. They also have automatic adjustability, ventilation, and heating.

Furthermore, the Lariat has an upgraded 12-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch gauge cluster display (the latter in the XL measures only four inches). Voice recognition, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting are also included. And Ford added lane-keeping technology and rear parking sensors to the Lariat’s safety suite. 

Even without any optional upgrades, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat is a more comfortable and capable pickup than the base-model XL. Car and Driver reviewers say if you can’t afford the Lariat, the XLT is also better than the work truck. The XLT costs about $41,800 and includes more safety features and a distinctive grille design.