Ford F-150 trim comparison
2026 Ford F-150 STX vs XLT
The F-150 STX starts at $44,855 while the XLT is $45,695. That $840 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$840 more is ~$15/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The extra $840 does not buy a measurable hardware change in our data. Treat the XLT as an appearance or packaging decision, not a core-trim upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the STX to the XLT is about $15/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $900 more by the time interest is counted.
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 want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The STX and XLT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and SuperCab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
$840 price difference.
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. 1 specification difference, 6 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | STX | XLT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,855 | $45,695 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.7L V6 Turbo | 2.7L V6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 36.0 gal | 36.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,641 lbs | 4,641 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 145.4" | 145.4" |
| Length | 232.0" | 232.0" |
| Width | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Height | 75.3" | 75.3" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | SuperCab | 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.
2026 Ford F-150 STX vs XLT 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 2026 F-150 XLT cost than the STX?
The XLT starts at $45,695 compared to $44,855 for the STX (both SuperCab RWD). That is a $840 difference, or approximately $15/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and XLT have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.7L V6 Turbo producing 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2026 F-150 STX and XLT 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 2026 F-150 STX or XLT 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 2026 Ford F-150 come with?
All 2026 Ford F-150 trims, including both the STX and XLT, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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 $840 Gets You
At $840 more, the F-150 XLT adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the STX delivers the same core F-150 experience for less.
What Both Trims Share
The F-150 STX and XLT share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $840 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
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 STX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the STX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford F-150 XLT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the XLT 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 2026 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.