Ford has given its all-electric pickup a dose of rugged attitude. For 2026, the F-150 Lightning STX arrives as the new entry-level trim in the lineup, replacing the XLT but keeping the same price. At first glance, it’s a subtle change in naming. But look closer, and you’ll see Ford is aiming the Lightning STX at drivers who want the practicality of an EV truck without giving up off-road style.
Pricing and Positioning
The STX trim officially replaces the XLT as the base Lightning for 2026. Pricing begins at about $63,345 MSRP, and with destination fees included, the truck rings up around $65,540. That’s essentially identical to the outgoing XLT. In other words, Ford isn’t charging extra for the new rugged look—it’s simply shifting what the entry-level Lightning looks like.
That makes the STX one of the most accessible ways into a dual-motor, extended-range electric pickup. While the Lightning Pro once filled that role, Ford discontinued it for retail customers. Now the STX sits at the bottom of the ladder, but it’s anything but bare-bones.
Power and Range
All STX models come with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup paired to Ford’s extended-range 123-kWh battery pack. The result is impressive output: 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough to dust the gas-powered STX F-150 with its 5.0-liter V-8, which offers “just” 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. The Lightning STX outguns it by 136 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.
Range estimates land at up to 290 miles per charge. That’s a notable step up from the standard-range XLT of previous years, which hovered closer to 240 miles. With charging speeds up to 155 kW DC fast charging, you can add roughly 54 miles of range in about 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
Exterior: Built for Rugged Appeal
The big news with the Lightning STX is how it looks and feels compared to the outgoing XLT. Ford added a host of visual upgrades to give the EV pickup a more adventurous vibe:
- 18-inch matte black wheels
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires for added grip
- Tremor running boards as standard equipment
- Unique STX graphics on the hood and bed sides
- Blue accent line across the grille, tying into Ford’s electric design language
Color options expand as well, with Argon Blue, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat joining the palette. The end result is a truck that doesn’t just look like a city commuter—it looks ready for a trailhead or a worksite.
Interior: Simple, Functional, and Blue-Accented
Inside, the Lightning STX takes inspiration from its gas-powered siblings but layers in EV-specific details. Standard seating is black cloth with Grabber Blue stitching, and the same accent color shows up in other trim details. The “STX” logo is embroidered into the seatbacks to set it apart.
Other interior highlights include:
- Heated steering wheel (standard)
- Optional vinyl flooring for easy clean-up after muddy days
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 4A
- Support for over-the-air updates
- Digital cluster display for battery range and EV-specific drive data
It’s not a luxury cabin—if you want leather and premium finishes, you’ll have to move up the ladder to trims like Lariat or Platinum. But for a base trim, the STX’s interior is well-equipped, comfortable, and tailored to the kind of customer who might actually use their Lightning for messy work or play.
Capability and Practical Use
The Lightning STX isn’t just about looks. With its dual-motor setup, it delivers sub-5-second 0-60 times (Ford hasn’t quoted exact figures yet, but expect performance close to higher trims). Towing and payload figures remain strong, with up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped and up to 2,000 pounds of payload.
The electronically locking rear axle enhances traction in loose conditions, and while the STX doesn’t have the full suspension upgrades of the Tremor or Raptor, it can handle mild off-road trails thanks to its tires, running boards, and ground clearance.
Ford also keeps the frunk (front trunk) in the STX—a feature unique to EV trucks. With about 14 cubic feet of lockable, weatherproof storage, it can hold gear, groceries, or tools you don’t want in the bed.
How It Compares
- Versus gas STX: More power, way more torque, and EV quietness—but also significantly heavier due to the battery.
- Versus outgoing XLT: Adds rugged looks and extended-range battery at the same price point.
- Versus rivals: The Lightning STX is still more expensive than a base Chevy Silverado EV WT (work truck) or Rivian R1T Explore, but it offers Ford’s brand familiarity, proven platform, and more rugged cosmetic appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same price as outgoing XLT but with more rugged style
- Extended-range battery and 290 miles of range standard
- Strong dual-motor performance with 775 lb-ft of torque
- Interior tailored for practicality (vinyl option, cloth with blue accents)
Cons:
- Doesn’t have true off-road suspension like Tremor/Raptor
- Still pricey compared to base EV truck competitors
- Interior materials are functional, not premium
Verdict
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is more than a name swap—it’s a subtle but smart repositioning of Ford’s entry-level electric truck. By keeping the same price but adding off-road visual cues, standard all-terrain tires, and the extended-range battery, Ford has made the Lightning more appealing to customers who might have dismissed the XLT as too bland.
It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but it’s not meant to be. Instead, it’s the most approachable way into a full-size electric pickup that feels as tough as it looks. For buyers who want the capability of the Lightning but also want their truck to look the part, the STX is an excellent fit.
