What Is the Difference Between Ford XLT & XLS?
by Charles Green
The Ford Motor Company offers a variety of trim levels across its model lines from base or standard offerings on up. The Ford Escape, its compact sport-utility vehicle, is available in XLS, XLT, Limited, Hybrid and Hybrid-Limited models.
Ford Escape
Introduced for the 2001 model year, the Ford Escape is one of the best selling vehicles in its class, according to "US News and World Report." Available in two- and all-wheel drive, the Ford Escape includes a hybrid model which gets 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway in front-wheel drive.
XLS vs. XLT
The three trim levels for the gas powered 2011 Ford Escape are XLS, XLT and Limited. Both models offer cloth seats, but the XLT makes use of polyester fibers in the fabric. Optionally, the XLT comes with leather seats. XLS comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while the XLT provides a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5-liter four cylinder engine is standard with both. The XLT offers a six-way driver's power seat upgrade and keyless entry.
Costs
As of August 2010, the 2011 Ford Escape XLS is priced from $21,060. The 2011 Ford Escape XLT is priced from $24,050. The XLT offers a number of optional packages not available in the XLS including sport appearance, trailer, cargo, moonroof package and more.
References
Writer Bio
Charles Green is a freelance writer in North Carolina who has been writing since 1992 and freelancing since 2002. His work appears in "435 South Magazine," "Wisconsin Golfer" and for various websites. Green earned a Bacheler of Science in business administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
