Ford F-150 trim comparison
2026 Ford F-150 XL vs STX
The F-150 XL starts at $37,290 while the STX is $44,855. That $7,565 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
$7,565 more is ~$133/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The XL is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $133/month in your budget matters. The STX earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The STX adds about $133/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $7,980 more overall with interest.
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 XL and STX are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $7,565 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,782 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. 3 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | XL | STX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,290 | $44,855 |
| 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 | 4,396 lbs | 4,641 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 141.5" | 145.4" |
| Length | 228.1" | 232.0" |
| Width | 79.9" | 79.9" |
| Height | 75.0" | 75.3" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Regular Cab | SuperCab |
| Bed Length | 8.0 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 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 2026 F-150 STX cost than the XL?
The STX starts at $44,855 compared to $37,290 for the XL (both Regular Cab RWD). That is a $7,565 difference, or approximately $133/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ford F-150 XL and STX 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 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 2026 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 2026 Ford F-150 come with?
All 2026 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.
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.
Breaking Down the $7,565 Gap
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $7,565 more. The F-150 STX adds minor equipment upgrades over the XL, but the core driving experience is identical.
What Both Trims Share
The F-150 XL and STX share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $7,565 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
The Short Version
The F-150 STX costs $7,565 more than the XL (about $133/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $3,782 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 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.