The 2017 Ford F-150 XLT represents a significant chapter in the best-selling truck's history, blending capability with accessible comfort. This specific trim level was designed to attract buyers who prioritize utility and durability without the premium price tag of higher trims. Inside, the cabin serves as a functional workspace, whether you are navigating tight job site turns or hauling materials across town. Understanding the specific features and nuances of the 2017 F-150 XLT interior helps potential owners appreciate the thoughtful engineering aimed at daily workhorses.
Design Philosophy and First Impressions
Walking up to the 2017 F-150 XLT, the design language is immediately familiar yet refined. The interior moves away from the purely rugged aesthetic of work trucks, incorporating softer materials and cleaner lines. Ford focused on improving the driver's environment, ensuring that the controls are intuitive and within easy reach. The XLT trim strikes a balance between the base XL and the more luxurious higher trims, offering a cabin that feels substantial without being overly fancy.
Materials, Comfort, and Build Quality
Material quality is a defining characteristic of the 2017 XLT interior. Ford utilized a mix of soft-touch plastics and premium faux leather seating surfaces, a noticeable upgrade over previous years. The seats feature enhanced padding compared to the base models, providing better support during long shifts behind the wheel. The build quality is solid, with panels fitting tightly and producing minimal squeaks or rattles over rough roads, contributing to a more refined experience.
Seating and Space
Seating for five is standard, with the front bench offering a comfortable cushion and ample thigh support. The rear bench is surprisingly roomy, allowing adults to ride comfortably for extended periods. Driver adjustments are straightforward, with easy-to-reach levers for seat position and steering wheel reach. The cabin width is generous, providing ample shoulder room for occupants, although headroom in the rear is average due to the roofline design.
Technology and Infotainment Features
The centerpiece of the 2017 F-150 XLT dashboard is the SYNC 3 infotainment system, a major upgrade in terms of speed and usability. The system features a responsive touch screen that reacts quickly to inputs, reducing driver frustration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are included, allowing seamless connection to smartphones for navigation and music. Physical knobs for climate control remain, offering a tactile experience that is often faster than navigating touchscreens while driving.
Connectivity and Convenience
Beyond the main screen, the XLT includes practical connectivity options. Multiple USB ports are located throughout the cabin, ensuring that both the driver and passengers can charge devices without conflict. The available 115-volt power outlet provides enough juice for small tools or laptops during job site visits. Ford’s BlueCruise adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were becoming more prevalent on this trim, enhancing highway driving comfort.
Practicality and Daily Functionality
The 2017 F-150 XLT interior excels in practicality, designed to endure the rigors of daily work life. The steering wheel is multifunctional, allowing drivers to control audio, cruise control, and phone calls without taking their hands off the wheel. Cup holders are deep and numerous, securely holding large travel mugs. Storage cubbies are thoughtfully placed, keeping small items like pens and gloves organized and easily accessible.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is robust in the 2017 F-150 XLT, featuring a comprehensive suite of standard and available systems. The truck includes Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control with trailer sway control, which is vital when hauling loads. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert helps mitigate lane change dangers in busy work zones. These features integrate seamlessly into the interior, providing alerts to the driver without being overly intrusive.
