2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX Debuts: More Power, Range, Colors, Drops XLT Name

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September 8, 2025
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2 comments
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New 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX features a more powerful drive train, greater range, and new color options while dropping the XLT name.

If you’re comparing the latest Ford models or exploring new Ford cars for sale, this update makes the Lightning STX one of the standout choices. Checking out the newest inventory will help you see how the STX stacks up against Ford’s broader lineup.

Ford just released its planned 2026 changes both functional and cosmetic for its popular F-150 Lightning XLT. More than just a name change, from XLT to STX, Ford is promising this version will be something new. One thing that won’t change? The price — that’s sticking at $63,345 MSRP, just like the current XLT. Will these upgrades elevate it and help it capture more of the electric truck market? Let’s take a look at what’s on offer. 

Upgraded Powertrain

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The F-150 Lightning STX offers increased HP (Photo courtesy Ford)

The 2026 F-150 Lightning STX will offer a dual motor powertrain with 536 horsepower and 775 lbs-ft of torque. That’s a pretty significant upgrade in horsepower, from 452 on the current XLT model, but the torque is unchanged from its current rating. 

Upgraded Range

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The new F-150 Lightning STX increases range considerably (Photo courtesy Ford)

One of the most important features for electric truck drivers is the range, and Ford hasn’t neglected us in that regard. The new STX models will offer an estimated 290 miles of range, up from 240 on current models — a better than 20% increase. 

New Running Board And Tires

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The new F-150 Lightning STX offers slick running boards among its features (Photo courtesy Ford)

A handful of functional, but minor, exterior upgrades include new off-road running boards that will be familiar from Ford’s own F-150 Tremor, and new to the F-150 Lightning range wheels and all-terrain tires. 

Interior Upgrades

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The new F-150 Lightning STX interior (Photo courtesy Ford)

On the inside, the cabin will feature some slick-looking STX Lightning embroidered seats and a heated steering wheel as part of the standard package. If you need it, black vinyl flooring will be available as an option. 

New Trim For A New Look

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A look at the branding of the new F-150 Lightning STX (Photo courtesy Ford)

The new-look STX models will all feature a new grille design that features a distinctive blue accent line. The hood and bedside additionally feature eye-catching STX graphics to visually differentiate the line from its F-150 siblings. 

New Color Options

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The new F-150 Lightning STX color options are headlined by this shade, Argon Blue (Photo courtesy Ford)

2026 will bring in three fresh, new color options. These are headlined by Argon Blue, as seen in these promotional images, along with Marsh Gray and a Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat. Those options join the existing five options to give you eight choices off the lot.

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Avatar of testerdahl
testerdahl

Administrator

2,716 messages 4,601 likes

New 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX features a more powerful drive train, greater range, and new color options while dropping the XLT name. Ford just released its planned 2026 changes both functional and cosmetic for its popular F-150 Lightning XLT. More than just a name change, from XLT to STX, Ford is promising this version will be something new. One thing that won’t change? The price — that’s sticking at $63,345 MSRP, just like the current XLT. Will these upgrades elevate it and help it capture more of the electric truck market? Let’s take a look at what’s on offer. […] (read full article...)

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casciato

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3 messages 8 likes

So...anyone,m uh, impressed with this makeover? I will say I find STX easier to say and remember than XLT, which I ALWAYS want to rearrange to LTX. I guess because it's alphabetical?

Anyway, will this mild rebrand + handful of minor features convince you this is the year to buy an F-150 Lightning STX?

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Avatar of testerdahl
testerdahl

Administrator

2,716 messages 4,601 likes

So...anyone,m uh, impressed with this makeover? I will say I find STX easier to say and remember than XLT, which I ALWAYS want to rearrange to LTX. I guess because it's alphabetical?

Anyway, will this mild rebrand + handful of minor features convince you this is the year to buy an F-150 Lightning STX?

Killing the tax credit is dooming the EV market. I feel like someone assigned you that story too… hmm…

Reply 3 likes

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