Ford F-150 trim comparison
2024 Ford F-150 XL vs STX
The F-150 XL starts at $36,965 while the STX is $46,000. That $9,035 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 5.0L V8 flex-fuel to 2.7L V6 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the XL if the 5.0L V8 flex-fuel already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the STX only when the 2.7L V6 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the XL to the STX is about $159/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $9,540 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you tow, haul, or merge with enough load that the stronger powertrain matters.
When both feel the same
Both the XL and STX share the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,035 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,506 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | XL | STX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,965 | $46,000 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 5.0L V8 flex-fuel | 2.7L V6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 410 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 16 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 19 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 23.0 gal | 36.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,353 lbs | 4,641 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 145.4" |
| Length | 209.4" | 232.0" |
| Width | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Height | 75.4" | 75.3" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Regular Cab | SuperCab |
| Bed Length | 6.5 ft | 6.5 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Ford F-150 XL vs STX Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford F-150 lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Full-Size Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 F-150 STX cost than the XL?
The STX starts at $46,000 compared to $36,965 for the XL (both Regular Cab RWD). That is a $9,035 difference, or approximately $159/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ford F-150 XL and STX have the same engine?
No. The XL uses a 5.0L V8 flex-fuel (400 hp, 410 lb-ft), while the STX has the 2.7L V6 Turbo (325 hp, 400 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Do both the 2024 F-150 XL and STX come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
Is the 2024 F-150 XL or STX safer?
Both share the same Ford F-150 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Ford F-150 come with?
All 2024 Ford F-150 trims, including both the XL and STX, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Ford F-150 STX worth $9,035 more than the XL?
The $9,035 buys the 2.7L V6 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the XL does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Ford F-150 trim gets better fuel economy, the XL or the STX?
The STX is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 19 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $9,035 Gets You
The F-150 STX is a clear upgrade over the XL. The $9,035 price increase gets you the 2.7L V6 Turbo engine (+-75 hp) -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
XL vs. STX: Day-to-Day
The STX swaps in the 2.7L V6 Turbo, a substantial powertrain change for a truck. That means -75 more horsepower and -10 more lb-ft of torque. Noticeable when merging or hauling, less so around town.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The F-150 STX gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $211 per year or $1,055 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$9,035 more for the F-150 STX gets you 6 real differences. At $159/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford F-150 XL
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the XL best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford F-150 STX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the STX when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.