The F‑150 Bed & Tailgate Comparison: Which One Works for You?
If your truck is more than just a ride—if it's a mobile workbench, campsite companion, or hauling pro—your F-150’s bed and tailgate features matter. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each 2025 trim offers: dimensions, locking, lighting, power, and more—so you can choose smarter.
XL – Rugged Simplicity
It starts with the essentials: a durable steel bed, four fixed cleats for ropes or straps, and a standard tailgate. Available in 5.5’, 6.5’, and 8’ options—each with identical width (~50.6" between wheel wells) and over-bed depth (~21.4"). Tow/Haul package adds a trailer brake and stronger axle. This bed stays clean, simple, and reliable—ready for whatever material, tool, or tube you want to load.
Quick Specs:
Bed sizes: 5.5’, 6.5’, 8’
Tie-down cleats: 4
Tailgate & bed finish: Painted steel
Towing hardware: Optional brake controller
Best for: Contractors, farmers, upgraders
STX – Sport & Utility
STX gives you the same durable bed with style upgrades—body-colored tailgate and bumpers, and the Black Appearance Package adds rugged boards and 20" wheels. The same towing prep remains available, and you can still build it out with accessories.
Quick Specs:
Visual upgrades: Color-matched bed components
Appearance package: Adds wheels and running boards
Useful options: Bed-mounted work console
Best for: Aesthetic value without losing function
XLT – Smarter in the Bed
With XLT, the bed gets smarter: a Bed Utility Package adds a tailgate step, LED bed lights, two extra tie-downs (now 6 cleats), and an integrated tailgate work surface. Trailer assistance tech becomes standard, and there's an optional Pro Access Tailgate that swings open up to 100°—even with a trailer still hitched.
Quick Specs:
Optional Pro Access tailgate: 37″ middle swing door
Step & work surface: Tailgate load assist
LED lighting: Bed illumination for setups at dusk
Towing gizmos: 360° camera, Backup Assist
Best for: Delivery drivers, contractors, people who work from their tailgate
Lariat – Convenience as Standard
On Lariat, the utility setup arrives standard: tailgate step, power tailgate, swing-access inner gate, LED box lights, and the work surface. Add-on options like Pro Power Onboard (400 W/120 V outlet) mean you can plug in lights, compressors, or power tools right from the bed.
Quick Specs:
Power tailgate & swing gate: One-hand access, even with a trailer
LED lighting: Standard across entire bed
Onboard power: 400W outlet (optional onboard generator)
Hitches & cables: Backup Assist and Hitch Assist come standard
Best for: RVers, camping builders, mobile tradespeople
Tremor – Off-Road Tough, Practical Bed
Built to work hard and play rough, the Tremor adds heavy-duty bumpers and tailgate hardware designed for trail abuse — plus you can still opt for the Bed Utility package and jobsite power. The bed frame stays reinforced, so you’re ready for mud, rocks, or tailgate partying.
Quick Specs:
Heavy-duty bumpers: Survive trail wear and tear
Optional utility add-ons: Tailgate step, power gate, LED light bar
Power provision: 400W outlet available
Best for: Off-road tool users and dirt explorers
King Ranch – Premium with Practical Edge
Transitioning from bed to corporate boardroom happens seamlessly here. Every feature from Lariat is standard, but King Ranch adds the Mobile Office Package, which routes leftover bed power to console outlets for laptops and printers. Everything’s dressed up in leather and refined touches.
Quick Specs:
Office-ready: Console outlets + bed power
Premium styling: Leather-trimmed bed accents and Ramshorn wheels
Upgraded tie-downs: 6 cleats, plus options for box organization
Best for: Ranch managers, field consultants, luxury work setups
Platinum – Premium Work Truck
Platinum layers detail and convenience: power Deploy running boards, LED bed lighting, 2.4 kW Pro Power Onboard generator, and upgraded tailgate tech. It’s an executive truck that still functions at the site.
Quick Specs:
Onboard power: 2.4 kW generator for big tools and lights
PowerDeploy boards: Easier bed and cab entry on SuperCrew
Smart tailgate: LED, step, and inner swing
Best for: Field engineers, upscale contractors, mobile professionals
Raptor – Race-Ready Bed Capability
The Raptor takes the Platinum’s features, strengthens the bed, and pairs them with a hardened frame and suspension. The tailgate, bumpers, boards—all are built to take hits. 2.4 kW power is standard, and the bed can handle a party or a payload, even when you’re hopping dunes nearby.
Quick Specs:
Race-grade fitment: Reinforced box and tailgate
2.4 kW power: Worksite-ready power outlet
Bed lighting: LED zone lighting for night ops
Best for: Off-road builders, overlanders, trail-party hosts
Final Verdict—Can You Choose?
Absolutely—but it depends on your routine. If your bed is just for occasional gear, XLT or Lariat is a smart fit. Need onsite power and premium styling? Go Platinum. If you’re on the bank, worksite, or dirt trail regularly, Tremor or Raptor isn’t overkill—it’s readiness.
Need help comparing trim-to-trim? I can show them side-by-side in person or via virtual tour—so you’re sure you’re picking the right toolbox, not just the fanciest truck.
Gustavo Ramos
Sales Consultant | Planet Ford Dallas
(817) 876-3390 | Hablo Español
