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Unveiling The 2008 Ford Escape Xls Vs Xlt: Which One Rules The Road?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The XLT trim also has a few more interior features than the XLS trim, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, and power windows and locks.
  • The XLS trim has slightly better fuel economy than the XLT trim, getting an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the XLT trim.

The 2008 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a variety of features and options to meet the needs of different drivers. Two of the most popular trims are the XLS and the XLT. In this blog post, we’ll compare these two trims to help you decide which one is right for you.

Key Differences Between the XLS and XLT

The XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape have a few key differences. These include:

  • Exterior: The XLT trim comes with a few more exterior features than the XLS trim, such as fog lights, a rear spoiler, and body-colored side mirrors.
  • Interior: The XLT trim also has a few more interior features than the XLS trim, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, and power windows and locks.
  • Engine and Performance: Both the XLS and XLT trims come with the same 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but the XLT trim has a slightly higher horsepower rating (155 hp vs. 153 hp).
  • Fuel Economy: The XLS trim has slightly better fuel economy than the XLT trim, getting an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the XLT trim.
  • Price: The XLS trim is the more affordable of the two trims, with a starting price of $21,995 compared to $23,995 for the XLT trim.

Which Trim Is Right for You?

The XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape are both great choices for drivers who are looking for a compact SUV. The XLS trim is a good option for drivers who are looking for a more affordable SUV with a good range of features. The XLT trim is a good option for drivers who are looking for a more luxurious SUV with a few more features.

Ultimately, the best trim for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re not sure which trim is right for you, we recommend test driving both the XLS and XLT trims to see which one you prefer.

XLS Trim Highlights

  • Affordable: The XLS trim is the more affordable of the two trims, with a starting price of $21,995.
  • Good Range of Features: The XLS trim comes with a good range of features, including air conditioning, a CD player, and manual windows and locks.
  • Fuel Efficient: The XLS trim has slightly better fuel economy than the XLT trim, getting an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

XLT Trim Highlights

  • More Exterior Features: The XLT trim comes with a few more exterior features than the XLS trim, such as fog lights, a rear spoiler, and body-colored side mirrors.
  • More Interior Features: The XLT trim also has a few more interior features than the XLS trim, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, and power windows and locks.
  • Slightly Higher Horsepower: The XLT trim has a slightly higher horsepower rating (155 hp vs. 153 hp) than the XLS trim.

Safety Features

Both the XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape come with a variety of safety features, including:

  • Airbags: Both trims come with airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as side airbags for the front seats.
  • Anti-lock Brakes: Both trims come with anti-lock brakes, which help to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking.
  • Traction Control: Both trims come with traction control, which helps to prevent the wheels from slipping when accelerating or driving on slippery surfaces.

Technology Features

The XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape come with a variety of technology features, including:

  • CD Player: Both trims come with a CD player.
  • Auxiliary Input Jack: Both trims come with an auxiliary input jack, which allows you to connect an MP3 player or other audio device.
  • Power Windows and Locks: The XLT trim comes with power windows and locks, which allow you to open and close the windows and doors with the touch of a button.

Performance

Both the XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape come with the same 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 153 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. The XLS trim comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the XLT trim comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

The XLS trim of the 2008 Ford Escape gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The XLT trim gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

What Others Are Saying

The 2008 Ford Escape has received positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. Here are a few examples:

  • Edmunds: “The 2008 Ford Escape is a solid choice for a compact SUV. It offers a roomy interior, a comfortable ride, and good fuel economy.”
  • Car and Driver: “The 2008 Ford Escape is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money.”
  • Consumer Reports: “The 2008 Ford Escape is a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV that offers a good ride and plenty of cargo space.”

Final Note

The 2008 Ford Escape XLS and XLT trims are both great choices for drivers who are looking for a compact SUV. The XLS trim is a good option for drivers who are looking for a more affordable SUV with a good range of features. The XLT trim is a good option for drivers who are looking for a more luxurious SUV with a few more features. Ultimately, the best trim for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. What is the difference between the XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape?

The XLS trim is the more affordable of the two trims, with a starting price of $21,995. The XLT trim has a few more exterior and interior features than the XLS trim, such as fog lights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.

2. Which trim is better, the XLS or the XLT?

The best trim for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a good range of features, the XLS trim is a good option. If you’re looking for a more luxurious SUV with a few more features, the XLT trim is a good option.

3. What are the safety features of the 2008 Ford Escape?

Both the XLS and XLT trims of the 2008 Ford Escape come with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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