Walk onto any Ford lot and you’ll see it: an F-150 with a blacked-out grille, body-color bumpers and gloss black wheels, priced just under the chrome-trimmed XLT parked next to it. That’s the F-150 STX, and it’s one of the most misunderstood names in the Ford lineup.
Part of the confusion is history. STX has been a trim, then an appearance package, and now it’s a trim again. Depending on the year, an “F-150 STX” can mean three different things.
Quick answer: The Ford F-150 STX is a sport-styled trim that sits between the base XL and the XLT. The 2026 STX starts at $44,855 MSRP and comes standard with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft), 18-inch gloss black wheels, a black grille, body-color bumpers, sport cloth seats and a 12-inch touchscreen. For 2027, Ford replaces the 2.7L with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6. From 2015 to 2023, STX was an appearance package on the XL, not a trim.
Below you’ll find what STX means, exactly what you get for the money, how the STX has changed year by year, an honest STX vs XL vs XLT comparison with real sticker prices, and what to check before buying a used one. If you’re still exploring the lineup, our Ford F-150 guides cover every trim and engine.
What Does STX Mean on a Ford?
Ford has never published an official meaning for the letters. Truck fans have their own guesses, but Ford treats STX as a name, not an acronym. What the badge has always signaled is the same idea: a sportier-looking truck with a few extra features, priced close to the bottom of the range.
That’s why you’ll see STX on more than one Ford. It has appeared on the F-150, the Ranger and the Super Duty F-250 and F-350, and the way Ford uses it differs by truck.
A short history of the F-150 STX
| Years | What “STX” meant on the F-150 | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s to 2014 | A trim level | Value-focused sport trim; Carfax lists F-150 STX trucks from 2004 through 2014 |
| 2015–2023 | STX Appearance Package on the XL trim | The truck is technically an XL; used listings often show it as XL, not STX |
| 2024–2026 | Standalone trim between XL and XLT | Arrived with the 2024 refresh; 2.7L EcoBoost standard |
| 2026 | Lobo Package added | Street-truck package with 22-inch wheels and the 5.0L V8 |
| 2027 | Trim continues with a new base engine | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 replaces the 2.7L; STX FX4 becomes an add-on package |
In other words, the STX has come full circle. It began as a trim, became a style package for the XL, and in 2024 Ford turned it back into its own trim. Today the F-150 is the only Ford pickup that offers STX as a trim. On the Ranger and Super Duty, it’s still an option package for the XL.
Want the bigger picture? Our Ford F-Series generation guide covers how the F-150 itself has evolved since 1948.
Ford F-150 STX Price (2026)
The 2026 F-150 STX comes in four configurations. There’s no Regular Cab STX; you choose a SuperCab with a 6.5-ft bed or a SuperCrew with a 5.5-ft bed.
| 2026 F-150 STX configuration | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| STX 4×2 SuperCab, 6.5-ft box | $44,855 |
| STX 4×2 SuperCrew, 5.5-ft box | $47,190 |
| STX 4×4 SuperCab, 6.5-ft box | $48,655 |
| STX 4×4 SuperCrew, 5.5-ft box | $51,070 |
Most STX trucks on dealer lots carry options, so window stickers around $47,000 to $52,000 are common. Actual selling prices can be far lower. In late 2026, one large Florida dealer group was listing new STX SuperCrews with $49,985–$52,085 stickers at just under $40,000 after discounts and rebates. Shop around before you sign.
Ford F-150 STX Features and Specs
Engines
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Availability on STX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (2024–2026) | 325 hp | 400 lb-ft | Standard |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (2027) | 325 hp (Ford’s listed figure) | 400 lb-ft | Standard for 2027, replaces the 2.7L |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 400 hp | 500 lb-ft | Available |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 430 hp | 570 lb-ft | Available |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 400 hp | 410 lb-ft | 2027: only with the Lobo Package |
Every STX uses a 10-speed automatic, and you can choose 4×2 or 4×4. A 2026 STX 4×2 SuperCab with the 2.7L is rated at 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. You can compare any configuration’s official numbers on the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
The 2027 engine swap is the biggest STX change in years. Ford’s own 2027 STX page lists the new 3.0L at the same 325 hp and 400 lb-ft as the old 2.7L, but Ford Authority reports that its peak torque arrives at 2,250 rpm instead of 3,500 rpm, which should make it feel stronger when pulling away loaded. Wait for final EPA ratings before assuming any mpg change.
If you want the best fuel economy in an STX, the hybrid is worth a look. Our F-150 PowerBoost hybrid guide explains how it works and what it really costs.
Standard exterior features
- 18-inch gloss black-painted aluminum wheels (all-terrain tires on 4×4 models)
- Black and dark gray coast-to-coast grille
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- LED reflector headlamps and automatic high beams
- Black door handles and black mirror caps
- Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors
- Factory Class IV trailer hitch
Standard interior and tech features
- Unique sport cloth seats with power lumbar for driver and passenger
- 12-inch capacitive touchscreen with SYNC 4
- 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (1-year connectivity included)
- Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0: Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage
- Reverse sensing system and rearview camera
- Single-zone manual air conditioning
- 36-gallon fuel tank on SuperCab and SuperCrew models
Popular STX packages and options
- FX4 Off-Road Package (4×4 only): electronic locking rear differential, skid plates for the fuel tank, transfer case and front differential, off-road tires and Trail drive mode. For 2027, Ford dropped the separate STX FX4 equipment group and made FX4 an add-on package.
- F-150 Lobo Package (new for 2026): 22-inch gloss black wheels, gloss black grille, unique ground effects and a lowered rear stance, paired with the 5.0L V8. This is the street-truck STX.
- Mobile Office Package: console work surface and 400-watt outlets.
- Pro Power Onboard (2.4 kW): turns the bed into a jobsite generator.
- Tow/Haul Package and integrated trailer brake controller: worth adding if you’ll tow regularly.
- Optional 20-inch dark gray machined wheels, LED fog lamps and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
F-150 STX towing and payload
Ford doesn’t publish one towing number for the STX because it depends on engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio and the tow package. For 2025 models, Heartland Ford quotes up to 13,500 lbs with the 3.5L EcoBoost, 13,000 lbs with the 5.0L V8 and up to 2,455 lbs of payload. With the standard 2.7L, expect a lower rating. Always check the exact number for your truck in Ford’s towing guide or on the door-jamb label.
The F-150 STX Appearance Package (2015–2023)
If you’re shopping used, this is the STX you’ll see most. For these years, STX was a package added to an F-150 XL, so the truck is legally and mechanically an XL. The package dressed it up and added a few comfort features.
Depending on the year, the STX Appearance Package typically included:
- 20-inch machined or dark gray aluminum wheels
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- Black mesh grille insert
- STX box-side decals
- Cloth bucket or sport cloth seats
- An 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on later trucks
- Fog lamps, a rear defroster and privacy glass on some packages
How to spot a real STX package truck when buying used
Because these trucks were built as XLs, many listing sites file them under “XL.” Carfax, for example, shows F-150 STX listings for 2004–2014 and 2024–2026, but none for 2015–2023. If you want one of those years, search for “STX package” in the listing description instead of filtering by trim.
To confirm it’s genuine, check for the STX badging and wheels, then ask the seller for the window sticker or run the VIN through a Ford dealer to pull the original build sheet. Aftermarket wheels and a black grille don’t make an XL into an STX, and that shouldn’t add to the price.
F-150 STX vs XL vs XLT: What’s the Difference?
The short version: the XL is the work truck, the STX is the XL dressed for the weekend, and the XLT is the comfortable all-rounder. Here’s how they compare for 2026.
| F-150 XL | F-150 STX | F-150 XLT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personality | Work truck, fleet favorite | Sporty look on a budget | Best all-rounder |
| Cabs offered | Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew | SuperCab, SuperCrew | SuperCab, SuperCrew |
| Standard engine (2026) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 |
| Standard engine (2027) | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
| Standard wheels | 17-inch painted steel | 18-inch gloss black aluminum | Aluminum, with chrome or black packages available |
| Exterior look | Basic black grille | Black/dark gray grille, body-color bumpers | Chrome grille and bumpers |
| Seats | Work-focused interior | Unique sport cloth, power lumbar | Upgraded cloth, more comfort options in higher packages |
| Signature packages | Fleet and work packages | FX4, Lobo, Mobile Office | Mid and high equipment groups, Black and Chrome Appearance, FX4 |
| Price, 4×2 SuperCrew 5.5 ft | $43,935 | $47,190 | $48,055 |
| Price, 4×4 SuperCrew 5.5 ft | $47,820 | $51,070 | $51,915 |
The price gap most buyers don’t notice
At sticker price, the STX costs about $3,250 more than an XL but only about $850 less than an XLT in every matching configuration. That’s a small gap for the extra trim level, chrome, comfort and package choices the XLT brings.
So why do so many people buy the STX? Two reasons. First, they prefer the look; body-color bumpers and black wheels are exactly what many owners would add anyway. Second, dealers often discount STX trucks heavily, which can make the real-world gap to the XLT much larger than $850. Compare out-the-door prices, not MSRP.
STX vs XLT: which should you buy?
Choose the STX if:
- You want a sporty, blacked-out look without paying for an appearance package
- You want the Lobo Package and its 5.0L V8 street-truck setup
- You can get a better discount on an STX than an XLT
- You don’t need power seats or the XLT’s higher equipment groups
Choose the XLT if:
- The out-the-door difference is under about $1,500
- You want the widest choice of comfort features and packages
- You prefer chrome, or want the XLT Black Appearance Package
- You plan to keep the truck a long time; the XLT is the more mainstream trim and is easy to resell
Choose the XL if: you need a Regular Cab, an 8-ft bed or the lowest possible price for a work truck.
Buying a Used Ford F-150 STX
Used STX trucks are easy to find. In November 2026, Carfax listed more than 2,200 used F-150 STX trucks, and owners rate them 4.6 out of 5 across more than 570 reviews.
As a rough guide from current listings:
- 2024–2025 STX: mostly $33,000–$45,000, depending on engine, 4×4 and mileage. Many 5.0L V8 4×4 trucks sit near the top of that range.
- 2015–2023 STX package trucks: priced like an XL of the same year, sometimes with a small premium for the package.
- 2004–2014 STX trim: budget territory. A 2014 STX SuperCab with about 120,000 miles was listed at around $12,000.
Used STX checklist
- Confirm what you’re buying. A 2024+ STX is a trim; a 2015–2023 STX is an XL with a package. Check the window sticker or build sheet.
- Check for open recalls. Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup before you pay a deposit. It’s free and takes seconds.
- Look at the engine, not just the badge. A 2.7L, 3.5L, 5.0L or hybrid STX drive and tow very differently. Match the engine to how you’ll use the truck.
- Ask for service records. EcoBoost engines are happiest with on-time oil changes; a stack of receipts is a good sign.
- Check towing equipment. A Class IV hitch is standard on current STX trucks, but the integrated trailer brake controller and Tow/Haul package are options.
- Inspect older trucks for rust. On 2004–2014 STX trucks, look closely at the frame, rocker panels and wheel wells, especially in snow-belt states.
Working on an older F-150 STX yourself?
If you own a 2004–2008 F-150, from STX to Lariat, factory repair procedures, torque specs and wiring diagrams make DIY jobs far less of a guessing game.
STX on Other Fords: Super Duty and Ranger
The STX name isn’t only on the F-150, but on other trucks it works differently.
Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 STX
On the Super Duty, STX is an appearance package for the XL trim, and it requires a 4×4 single-rear-wheel F-250 or F-350. It’s one of the most popular Super Duty packages because it adds real safety tech, not just looks:
- 18-inch ebony black aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires
- Body-color bumpers and a painted grille
- STX fender vent badge
- 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage and Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking
- Cloth 40/20/40 bench, full carpet and LED box lighting
Our Ford Super Duty guides cover the F-250 and F-350 in more detail.
Ford Ranger STX
On the current Ranger, the STX Appearance Package is offered on the XL trim, adding 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, LED reflector headlamps, halogen fog lamps and an STX fender badge. Older Rangers also wore STX badges, and those classic trucks are a different story worth their own guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford F-150 STX?
The F-150 STX is a sport-styled trim between the XL and XLT. It adds 18-inch gloss black wheels, a black and dark gray grille, body-color bumpers and sport cloth seats to the F-150’s core hardware. The 2026 STX starts at $44,855.
What does STX stand for on a Ford?
Ford has never given STX an official meaning. It’s used as a name for a sportier, value-focused version of a truck, rather than as an acronym.
What is the Ford STX package?
On 2015–2023 F-150s, and on today’s Ranger and Super Duty, STX is an appearance package for the XL trim. It adds styled wheels, body-color bumpers, a unique grille and STX badges, plus some comfort or tech features depending on the truck.
What’s the difference between the F-150 STX and XLT?
The STX focuses on sporty looks, while the XLT adds chrome trim and far more comfort and package options. At 2026 sticker prices, the XLT costs only about $850 more than a comparable STX.
Is the F-150 STX better than the XL?
For most personal buyers, yes. For about $3,250 more, the STX adds aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers, sport seats and a more finished look. The XL still makes sense for work trucks, Regular Cab buyers and fleets.
What engine does the F-150 STX have?
The 2024–2026 STX comes standard with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft). The 2027 STX switches to a 3.0L EcoBoost V6. The 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid and 5.0L V8 are also available, with the 2027 V8 tied to the Lobo Package.
Does the F-150 STX come in 4×4?
Yes. Every STX configuration is offered in 4×2 or 4×4, and 4×4 models can add the FX4 Off-Road Package.
Is there an F-250 STX?
Yes, but it’s a package, not a trim. The Super Duty STX Appearance Package is available on F-250 and F-350 XL 4×4 single-rear-wheel trucks.
What is the F-150 Lobo Package?
New for 2026, the Lobo Package turns the STX into a street truck with 22-inch gloss black wheels, unique ground effects, a gloss black grille, a lowered rear stance and the 5.0L V8.
The Bottom Line
The Ford F-150 STX is the trim for buyers who want an F-150 that looks finished without paying for chrome they don’t want. The 2026 STX gives you the 2.7L EcoBoost, black wheels, body-color bumpers and a 12-inch screen from $44,855, and the 2027 model brings a new 3.0L EcoBoost.
Just remember the math: the XLT is only about $850 more at sticker, so compare real out-the-door prices. If the dealer discount on the STX is bigger, or you simply love the look, the STX is a smart buy. If not, the XLT gives you more truck for very little extra.
