Automotive
Ford’s next big electric pickup is taking longer than expected, but there may be meaningful news for the truck you’ll be able to actually buy soon. The F-150 Lightning lineup is getting a reshuffle for 2026, with a brand new STX trim stepping in for the XLT. The main focus is easy. Give entry buyers more miles, a tougher look, and just a little more weekend-warrior cred without bumping the bottom price.
The headline change lives under the ground. Where the outgoing XLT used a Standard Range pack rated at 240 miles, the brand new STX moves to an Prolonged Range battery. Ford didn’t specify whether it’s the 123 kWh or 131 kWh unit, however it targets an EPA-rated 290 miles. That alone fixes the largest criticism shoppers had with the least expensive Lightning, and it does it without pushing the sticker north.
Power still comes easy. The STX uses a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup good for 536 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. An electronic locking rear differential is standard, which should assistance on loose trails or boat ramps. Ford also borrows the off-road running boards from the F-150 Tremor and suits the primary factory all-terrain tires ever offered on a Lightning. Trim-specific wheels complete the stance.
The look gets its own identity. Up front there may be a brand new grille with a blue accent strip, the bedsides and hood wear STX graphics, and the seats get STX embroidery. Inside, the STX comes with a heated steering wheel, and buyers who play in mud or snow can spec easy-clean vinyl flooring. Three fresh paint selections join the cardboard too, called Argon Blue Metallic, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
Here is the very best part for value hunters. Despite the larger battery and added gear, Ford is holding the road on pricing. The 2026 F-150 Lightning STX starts at $63,345. Destination charges applied to the 2025 model were $2,195, and Ford has not said what that fee will probably be for 2026. Deliveries begin early next 12 months.
Incentives are the wild card. The Lightning is currently eligible for a $7,500 federal clean vehicle credit, and Ford has been stacking its own offers on top, with advertised savings as much as $12,250 off the starting MSRP in recent promotions. Policy changes scheduled for late September 2025 could alter that equation, which can pull some demand forward after which cool the market after. If that happens, expect pricing and production plans to regulate.
Sales paint a mixed picture heading into the STX launch. Through August 2025, Ford moved 19,077 F-150 Lightnings, a 9.7 percent dip compared with the identical period last 12 months. August was a brilliant spot with a 21.2 percent year-over-year gain. A final pre-incentive-rules push in September could give the truck one other bump.
Why it matters for shoppers is simple. The incoming STX fixes range anxiety on the entry point, adds hardware that makes light off-road use less of an afterthought, and keeps the number on the window familiar. For buyers who were Lightning-curious but range-sensitive, this trim may be the nudge that turns interest into an order.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX quick specs
- Horsepower: 536 hp
- Torque: 775 lb-ft
- EPA range: 290 miles
- Starting MSRP: $63,345
The STX seems like a course correction that aligns the bottom Lightning with what truck owners actually want. More miles between charges, tougher shoes, a number of tasteful styling cues, and no surprise price hike. That may be a smart strategy to keep Ford’s electric pickup within the conversation while the next-generation truck finishes cooking.
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Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed on this planet of cars. Whether it’s exploring the newest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a detailed pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and fascinating for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the latest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
