2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Lineup Gains Rugged-Looking STX Trim
For its fifth model year on the market, Ford’s F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is gaining an STX trim level that replaces the previous XLT. Like the XLT, the STX slots above the entry-level, work-oriented Pro variant and beneath the popularly equipped Flash trim; unlike the XLT, the STX comes standard with the Lightning’s extended-range battery pack and a few unique touches that give it a bolder, slightly more rugged character.
Related: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Quick Spin: Flash Forward
Bigger Battery, Rugged Look
In place of the F-150 Lightning’s standard-range 98-kilowatt-hour battery, the STX gets the 123-kWh extended-range battery as standard equipment. Horsepower and torque are rated at a total of 536 hp and 775 pounds-feet, respectively — the same as other 2025-model-year Lightnings with this battery pack. However, Ford’s targeted driving range for the STX is 290 miles, which is 10 miles below the EPA-rated range of the 2025 Lightnings with the 123-kWh battery pack; this is likely due at least in part to the all-terrain tires that the STX comes with.
The STX also gets wheels that are new to the Lightning, as well as the off-road-style running boards from the gas-powered F-150 Tremor. A rear electronic-locking differential is standard and an easy-to-clean black vinyl floor is optional, but additional off-roading features like a raised ride height or a terrain-friendly front bumper aren’t on the menu.
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Eye-Grabbing Trim Touches
In addition to its functional features, the STX gets a few unique trim touches that give it a sportier look than other F-150 Lightnings. A fresh grille sports a horizontal blue accent line; splashy STX graphics adorn the hood and bedsides; and the cloth seats get contrast stitching and embroidered “Lightning STX” logos in Grabber Blue. New paint color choices for 2026 include Argon Blue (as seen on the STX pictured here), Marsh Gray and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
Read More About the Ford F-150 Lightning:
- How Much Is the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning?
- What Are the Best MPG Pickup Trucks?
- Which Electric Pickup Truck Has the Most Useful Bed: Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevrolet Silverado EV RST?
- Ford EV Drivers Can Now Use Tesla Superchargers
- Research the Ford F-150 Lightning
Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is slated to go on sale in early 2026 with a starting price of $65,540 (price includes the $2,195 destination charge) — which at the time of writing is the same price as the 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT. Ford hasn’t yet released a full list of the STX’s standard features, but if it doesn’t lose anything significant from the XLT’s list of standard equipment, the STX strikes us as a decent deal for the extra dose of style and functionality it offers.
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