The 2017 Ford F-150 XLT interior offers a functional blend of durable work-truck utility and modern consumer technology. It features heavy-duty cloth seating in 5- or 6-passenger layouts, an available SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three distinct equipment packages (300A, 301A, and 302A).
Architectural Overview of the 2017 F-150 XLT Cabin
The thirteenth-generation Ford F-150 (model years 2015–2020) marked a major evolution in full-size truck design due to its high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body built on a fully boxed steel frame. Within the 2017 lineup, the XLT trim occupies the sweet spot between the fleet-oriented XL base model and the mid-tier luxury Lariat.
Ford engineered the XLT cabin to serve two distinct roles: a rugged job-site office and a comfortable family hauler. The interior layout depends heavily on the chosen cab configuration:
- Regular Cab: Features a single row of seating for up to three passengers, behind which is a narrow storage space accessible by folding the seatbacks forward.
- SuperCab (Extended Cab): Offers seating for five or six passengers. It utilizes rear-hinged clamshell doors that require opening the front doors first. Rear legroom is adequate for short trips or cargo placement.
- SuperCrew (Crew Cab): Features four full-sized, independently operating doors. The SuperCrew cabin provides class-leading rear legroom and a completely flat rear floor when the 60/40 bench seat is folded up.
Seating Layouts, Upholstery, and Color Palette
Seating versatility is one of the key strengths of the 2017 F-150 XLT interior. Buyers could select between two primary front-row seating arrangements:
2017 F-150 XLT Front Seating Layouts:
- 40/20/40 Split Bench (Standard, 6-Passenger)
- Middle seat folds down into center armrest
- Cupholders integrated into armrest
- Lockable under-seat storage compartment
- Bucket Seats with Flow-Through Console (Optional, 5-Passenger)
- Dual front bucket seats with power adjustment
- Large center console with storage bin & floor shifter
- Rear air vents & dual power outlets on console back
Standard 40/20/40 Split Front Bench Seat
The standard XLT configuration accommodates six passengers. The center section functions as a middle seat with a lap belt, but it folds forward to serve as a wide armrest containing dual cupholders and a small storage tray. Lifting the bottom seat cushion reveals an under-seat storage bin suitable for securing smaller items out of view.
Optional Front Bucket Seats with Flow-Through Center Console
Selecting front bucket seats converts the truck to a five-passenger layout. This option replaces the center bench seat with a fixed console that houses a floor-mounted shifter (on select packages), two large cupholders, a deep main storage cavern capable of holding hanging file folders or full-sized laptops, and dedicated rear-seat HVAC vents mounted on the rear of the console box.
Interior Materials and Color Options
The standard upholstery across all 2017 XLT models is a high-durability, soil-resistant woven cloth. Leather seating was not offered directly from the factory on the XLT; buyers seeking factory leather had to step up to the Lariat trim.
- Medium Earth Gray: A light gray cloth option paired with dark charcoal dash panels and door trim.
- Dark Earth Gray: A darker, charcoal-toned fabric that masks dirt and heavy wear more effectively.
- XLT Sport Appearance Package: Upgrades the interior to an all-black cloth pattern with sport-mesh fabric inserts, flow-through center console, floor shifter, and satin-chrome dash accents.
- XLT Special Edition Package: Adds dark cloth seats featuring red accent stitching, unique red and black patterned cloth inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, and dark aluminum dash trim.
XLT Equipment Group Breakdown: 300A vs. 301A vs. 302A
Ford structured the 2017 F-150 XLT around three primary option packages, known as Equipment Groups. Understanding these packages is critical when evaluating a pre-owned vehicle, as they dramatically alter interior comfort, technology, and convenience features.
Equipment Group 300A (Base XLT)
The base 300A package provides essential convenience upgrades over the XL work truck while keeping the interior relatively simple:
- Manual 4-way adjustable front driver and passenger seats with manual lumbar support.
- Manual single-zone air conditioning.
- Urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescoping column.
- Power windows with front one-touch up/down.
- Power side mirrors and power door locks with remote keyless entry.
- 2.3-inch monochrome productivity screen inside the instrument cluster.
- Base SYNC system with a 4.2-inch central display screen and 4-speaker (Regular Cab) or 6-speaker (SuperCab/SuperCrew) AM/FM stereo with CD player.
Equipment Group 301A (Mid-Level)
The 301A Mid package adds several practical comfort and technology upgrades aimed at highway driving and daily utility:
- 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls.
- 4.2-inch color productivity screen set between analog gauges in the instrument cluster.
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.
- Power-adjustable foot pedals (allowing drivers of different heights to find an optimal position).
- Rear window defroster and manual-sliding rear glass.
- SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities.
- Fixed 110-volt / 400-watt AC power outlet located on the instrument panel.
Equipment Group 302A (Luxury Package)
The top-tier 302A Luxury package brings the XLT close to Lariat-level cabin convenience and represents one of the most popular configurations on the pre-owned market:
- 10-way power-adjustable front driver and passenger seats with power lumbar support.
- Heated front seats (three levels of warmth for both driver and passenger).
- 8-inch central capacitive touchscreen running the SYNC 3 infotainment system.
- Power-sliding rear window with integrated defroster controls on the overhead console.
- Remote engine start system operated via the key fob.
- Dual 110-volt / 400-watt AC power outlets (one on the front dashboard and one on the rear of the flow-through console on 5-passenger models).
- LED box lighting switch located inside the cab and bed.
Infotainment Systems and Dashboard Electronics
Technological features in the 2017 F-150 XLT depend on whether the truck carries the base SYNC system or the upgraded SYNC 3 suite.
2017 F-150 XLT Dashboard Architecture:
- Base SYNC System (Standard 300A / 301A)
- 4.2" Non-Touch Screen
- Physical Button Controls
- Voice Command / BT
- Single USB Port
- SYNC 3 System (Standard on 302A)
- 8.0" Capacitive Touch
- Apple CarPlay & Auto
- Pinch-to-Zoom Maps
- Dual Smart USB Ports
Base SYNC System (4.2-inch Display)
Standard on 300A and non-upgraded 301A trims, the base system utilizes a 4.2-inch non-touch color screen framed by physical numeric and audio navigation buttons. It supports basic Bluetooth hands-free phone calling, audio streaming, voice recognition commands, emergency 911 Assist, and a single USB port located in the lower dash cubby.
SYNC 3 Infotainment System (8-inch Touchscreen)
Standard on 302A (and available as an option on 301A), Ford's SYNC 3 system replaced the older MyFord Touch interface. The 2017 model year was especially significant because it introduced factory support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Key technical specifications and capabilities of the 8-inch SYNC 3 system include:
- Capacitive touchscreen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures.
- Native voice controls for climate, audio, and navigation (if factory navigation is equipped).
- Dual smart-charging USB ports located under the climate control center console slide door.
- Seamless interface switching when an iPhone or Android phone is connected via USB cable.
Instrument Cluster Options
The driver display behind the steering wheel comes in two configurations:
- Standard Cluster (300A): Dual analog gauges for speed and engine RPM, flanked by fuel and coolant temperature gauges, with a small 2.3-inch digital trip computer in the center.
- Productivity Display Cluster (301A/302A): Features a high-resolution 4.2-inch color screen between the main gauges. It allows drivers to view digital speed, detailed fuel economy metrics, tire pressure readings (TPMS), towing diagnostic screens, off-road pitch/roll angles, and transmission temperature.
Cabin Dimensions and Storage Solutions
The 2017 F-150 interior was designed to optimize headroom, legroom, and functional storage across all cab choices. Below are the verified interior specifications for the 2017 F-150 XLT.
2017 F-150 Interior Dimensional Specifications
| Interior Dimension | Regular Cab | SuperCab (Extended) | SuperCrew (Crew Cab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 3 Passengers | 5 or 6 Passengers | 5 or 6 Passengers |
| Front Headroom | 40.8 in (1,036 mm) | 40.8 in (1,036 mm) | 40.8 in (1,036 mm) |
| Front Legroom | 43.9 in (1,115 mm) | 43.9 in (1,115 mm) | 43.9 in (1,115 mm) |
| Front Shoulder Room | 66.7 in (1,694 mm) | 66.7 in (1,694 mm) | 66.7 in (1,694 mm) |
| Front Hip Room | 62.5 in (1,588 mm) | 62.5 in (1,588 mm) | 62.5 in (1,588 mm) |
| Rear Headroom | N/A | 40.3 in (1,024 mm) | 40.4 in (1,026 mm) |
| Rear Legroom | N/A | 33.5 in (851 mm) | 43.6 in (1,107 mm) |
| Rear Shoulder Room | N/A | 65.8 in (1,671 mm) | 65.9 in (1,674 mm) |
| Rear Hip Room | N/A | 64.7 in (1,643 mm) | 64.7 in (1,643 mm) |
Flat Rear Floor Design
In SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, Ford eliminated the traditional center hump in the floor pan. The entire rear floor area is completely flat. When the 60/40 rear seats are flipped up against the cab wall, the rear passenger section converts into a secure, weather-protected cargo deck. This area can fit large dog crates, toolboxes, or luggage without obstruction.
Practical Storage Spaces
- Dual Gloveboxes: The dash incorporates a standard bottom locking glovebox along with an open upper shelf integrated into the passenger side dash panel.
- Door Pockets: Multi-tiered door bins molded into both front and rear door panels can store 32-ounce water bottles, maps, and tools.
- Center Console Capacity (5-Passenger Layout): The flow-through center console features a deep primary bin equipped with a removable organizer tray. It provides enough volume to stow medium-sized backpacks or multiple power tools.
Upgrades, Common Wear Points, and Retrofits
Because the 2017 F-150 XLT is a popular model on the pre-owned truck market, owners frequently perform interior upgrades or fix predictable wear items.
Common Upgrades
- Katzkin Leather Retrofits: Because factory leather was not available on the XLT, many owners upgrade to aftermarket leather upholstery kits (such as Katzkin). These replace the factory cloth seat covers entirely, offering custom color stitching and factory-like fitment.
- Base 4.2-inch to 8-inch SYNC 3 Upgrades: Owners of 300A or early 301A trucks can install plug-and-play conversion kits to replace the 4.2-inch screen with an 8-inch SYNC 3 or aftermarket touchscreen to gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
- All-Weather Floor Liners: Replacing standard carpeted floor mats with custom-molded rubber liners (e.g., WeatherTech or Husky Liners) protects the lower cabin carpet, especially around the rear flat floor area.
Wear Points and Maintenance Considerations
- Driver Seat Outer Bolster: On high-mileage XLT trucks, the outer foam bolster of the driver seat can break down from repeated entry and exit, leading to wrinkled or frayed cloth fabric.
- Steering Wheel Finish: On 300A trims with the base urethane steering wheel, exposure to oil and sunlight can cause the outer texture to smooth out over time. The leather-wrapped wheel on 301A/302A models holds up better but requires periodic cleaning to prevent oils from breakdown.
- Center Console Latch: The plastic release latch on the flow-through center console lid can stick or break if closed forcefully when the bin is overfilled.
- Power Rear Sliding Window Tracks: Dust and debris can accumulate in the channel tracks of the sliding rear window, causing the small drive motor to strain. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the tracks prevent binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2017 Ford F-150 XLT have leather seats?
No, the 2017 F-150 XLT came exclusively from the factory with heavy-duty cloth seating. Leather-trimmed seats were standard on the higher-tier Lariat trim and above. However, many pre-owned XLT trucks have aftermarket leather kits (such as Katzkin) installed by previous owners or dealers.
How do I know if a 2017 F-150 XLT has SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay?
Look at the central dashboard display. If the truck features an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen rather than a small 4.2-inch screen with surrounding physical buttons, it has the SYNC 3 system. SYNC 3 on all 2017 model year F-150s natively supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when connecting a smartphone via a USB cable.
What is included in the 2017 F-150 XLT 302A package interior?
The 302A Luxury package includes an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a power-sliding rear window with defroster, remote start, a 4.2-inch color productivity display in the instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual 110V/400W AC power outlets.
Can a 2017 F-150 XLT seat six passengers?
Yes. If the truck is configured with the standard 40/20/40 split front bench seat, it can carry six passengers (three in the front, three in the rear on SuperCab and SuperCrew models). If the truck has optional front bucket seats with a flow-through center console, seating capacity is capped at five.
What interior colors were available on the 2017 F-150 XLT?
The standard interior cloth colors were Medium Earth Gray and Dark Earth Gray. Selecting the XLT Sport Appearance Package updated the cabin to an all-black interior with sport cloth seats, while the XLT Special Edition Package featured dark gray cloth seats with red accent stitching and red seat inserts.
Does the 2017 F-150 XLT have rear seat air vents?
Rear seat HVAC vents are present only on XLT models equipped with the optional front bucket seats and flow-through center console. Models with the standard 40/20/40 front bench seat do not have console-mounted rear air vents; heating and cooling airflow relies on ducts positioned under the front seats.
Final Guidance for Buyers and Owners
When shopping for or working on a 2017 Ford F-150 XLT, verifying the exact equipment group (300A, 301A, or 302A) is the most critical step in evaluating interior feature sets.
For maximum cabin technology and everyday comfort, target models equipped with the 302A Luxury Package. This trim level provides heated 10-way power seats, the full 8-inch SYNC 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and essential 110V power outlets. If you plan to haul work crews or prefer extra front-row seating versatility, prioritize models with the standard 40/20/40 split bench, which retains the 6-passenger layout while still providing folding armrest storage.
