XLT or Limited? Trying to Decide!

Dad here, looking for a new daily driver. I’ve got 5 kids under 7, and my wife already drives an Odyssey, so we’re set on the minivan front.

I’m looking for a 2020 or newer Expedition Max with the heavy-duty tow package, 4x4, and a middle-row bench.

Not finding many Limiteds with those specs, but there are plenty of XLTs. Anyone have regrets about choosing an XLT over the Limited?

These days, an XLT is basically what a Lariat was 5 years ago—just without the leather seats.

West said:
These days, an XLT is basically what a Lariat was 5 years ago—just without the leather seats.

Honestly, I’m happy in my old 2004 XLT F-150 whenever I drive it. I just need some of today’s conveniences, unfortunately.

I’m also shopping for an Expedition, and the XLT looks like it’s well-equipped.

I came here for the same info.

Iman said:
I’m also shopping for an Expedition, and the XLT looks like it’s well-equipped.

I came here for the same info.

The main complaint I’ve seen is the sound system and the lack of speakers in the rear. Hopefully, someone can chime in on that.

Not gonna lie, not having to deal with electronic running boards would be nice.

@Hayes
I know a bit about upgrading car audio, and I’m at a point where I just want a solid system from the start.

That said, the best deals seem to be on XLTs.

Iman said:
@Hayes
I know a bit about upgrading car audio, and I’m at a point where I just want a solid system from the start.

That said, the best deals seem to be on XLTs.

Yeah, if you want the upgraded sound system, you have to go up to the Limited, but you’re definitely paying for that.

@Hayes
I have a 2016 XLT, and while the rear audio isn’t anything crazy, it sounds good throughout the vehicle.

I’ve got a 2020 XLT FX4 202A. Only complaint is the 6-speaker sound system.

On the plus side, I actually prefer the fake leather (ActiveX) in the XLT over the softer leather in the Limited—it seems more durable.

@Parker
Yeah, same. With kids and pets, the ActiveX is a lifesaver.

@Parker
I’m totally fine with the ActiveX for those same reasons. If I could get vinyl floors and an interior I could pressure wash, I’d be all in. But now I feel like I’m asking for too much.

I do love the FX4. I had a Z71 Tahoe before, and it reminds me a lot of that.

We bought a 2019 XLT with the 202A package a few years ago. 4x4 and bench seat. The sound system was the only reason I considered the Limited, but for the deals we found, the XLT had everything else we needed and was significantly cheaper.

No regrets. The sound system isn’t premium, but it’s not bad either—depends on how much that matters to you.

@Jaden
I’ve got a few more years of Cocomelon and Frozen soundtracks ahead of me. I need to choose wisely. :joy:

I’ve got a 2018 XLT FX4 202A and added an amp, sub, and third-row speakers. The only thing I really miss is a 360-degree camera. Is that standard now?

Caiden said:
I’ve got a 2018 XLT FX4 202A and added an amp, sub, and third-row speakers. The only thing I really miss is a 360-degree camera. Is that standard now?

Nope, not standard, but it’s included in the trailering package.

Caiden said:
I’ve got a 2018 XLT FX4 202A and added an amp, sub, and third-row speakers. The only thing I really miss is a 360-degree camera. Is that standard now?

Did you install the speakers, sub, and amp yourself? Thinking about doing the same on my XLT but not sure where to place everything.

@Grady
I used factory locations for the speakers and sub—grabbed parts from a wrecked Platinum. Installed a Kicker amp in the cargo area storage bin and had a shop wire everything up.

Caiden said:
@Grady
I used factory locations for the speakers and sub—grabbed parts from a wrecked Platinum. Installed a Kicker amp in the cargo area storage bin and had a shop wire everything up.

Are the speaker ports already there, or did you have to cut out the panels? Or did you just swap in new ones from the Platinum?

@Hayes
I bought the Platinum panels that already had the speaker mounts. They fit weird-sized speakers (2-3/4").

You could probably cut your existing panels and use 3.5" speakers instead. Might be cheaper or more expensive depending on the route you take.

From one dad to another—5 kids, wow! We have a 2020 Max Platinum with 4 kids (13, 10, 9, and 7), and honestly, I regret not getting an XLT.

Kids break everything. If I had to do it again, I’d go simpler.