Ford Introduces New F-150 Lightning STX trim, Kills the XLT
Customers of the F-150 Lightning have been asking for a more rugged version of the truck according to Ford, and for the 2026 model the brand is responding.
Dead this year is the XLT, which will be replaced by the new STX. The STX name is not new to Ford trucks, but it is new to the all-electric F-150 Lightning. It will feature a new grille that has a grabber blue accent, as well as unique graphics for the bed and hood. Two new colors will also be made available, Argon Blue as well as Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX: All the Details
Inside, there are new cloth seats that have “STX” embroidered on them, once again in Grabber Blue. The heated steering wheel is standard and for those that use their F-150 Lightnings for truck things, there is an optional black vinyl floor.
Now on to the meat and potatoes of the new STX trim. Standard will be dual motors with the larger extended range battery. Power is listed at 536 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque. The targeted maximum range on a single charge is quoted at 290 miles. Towing capacity is set at 10,000 lbs with a payload figure just over 2,000 lbs.
More than just a visual package, the STX also receives off-road running boards from F-150 Tremor as well as wheels that are new to the F-150 Lightning model, wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Ford states the new 2026 F-150 Lightning STX should arrive at dealers in early in 2026. Pricing for the new model, before destination chargers, starts at $63,345 in the United States, or $74,995 for Canadian consumers.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Glad to hear the well-heeled need a "more rugged" version. I need a new truck too, one that's about half the price of these. No Sale!
This announcement recalls a P.T. Barnum quote.