The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Has a New Entry-Level Trim to Get Dirty With
Borrowing some parts and naming conventions from the gas-powered F-150, Ford gives the Lightning an STX package for relatively cheap.
Justin BannerWriterManufacturerPhotographerSep 08, 2025
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As the Ford F-150 Lightning goes into its fifth year of production with the 2026 model year, it was time for a bit of a change. With owners asking for a more “rugged” version of the Lightning, the Blue Oval answers with a new STX trim that also serves as the new entry-level model for the all-electric F-150. It adds a bit of off-road flare and some new style, and it borrows some parts from one of its bestselling ICE pickups. The only downside is that a trim needed to be sacrificed to make the STX happen.
Indeed, to make the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX happen, the XLT trim had to go. But there is good news, as the STX doesn’t take the entry-level price any higher. It remains at the XLT’s MSRP of $65,540 despite the new content included. While the ICE version of the STX starts cheaper, you do need to add the FX4 package with the 5.0-liter V-8 to meet the equivalent of the Lightning STX, and it will only beat the EV version by $6,650. (The ICE STX FX4 MSRP is $58,890.)
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However, you’ll quickly make up for that cost difference to keep the 5.0-liter V-8 fed; according to the EPA’s fuel economy statistics, you’ll spend around $1,400 more per year on fuel versus charging the EV STX. And this is while the electric version adds 136 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque over the 400-hp, 410-lb-ft Coyote engine. You’ll also get the benefit of charging your EV STX at home, potentially lowering your charging costs and driving with a full “tank” every morning.
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But what exactly gets changed between the 2026 Lighting STX and 2025 Lightning XLT besides badging? For starters, you get a full decal package unique to the trim. On the rear bedsides and hood, “STX” graphics with blue accents help make this version of the Lighting stand out from the rest of its siblings and even the ICE STX. There will be new paint options for all 2026 Lightnings, starting with the Argon Blue used in these images. This joins two additional new body colors of Marsh Gray and Ruby Red Metallic, but all three are extra-cost options. The front grille is also distinct from those found on other Lightnings, as it features a blue accent line instead of being all black.
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Unlike the former EV XLT and standard ICE STX, a pair of Tremor running boards are standard equipment on the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX. The STX uses Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires in place of the Michelin Primacy XC tires but retains the 275/65R18 sizing on matte-black versions of the Lighting XLTs 18-inch aluminum wheels. Powering the new wheel and tire package is a standard dual-motor configuration (good for 536 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque of combined output) that adds a standard electronically locking rear axle. This e-locker is usually reserved as an option through the Max Trailer Tow package on the Lighting and is reserved as a separate axle option for the ICE STX. Juicing those motors is the standard extended-range battery pack Ford says should be good for up to 290 miles of driving range.
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Inside, the new Lightning STX features black all-cloth seating but adds Grabber Blue contrast stitching and “Lighting STX” embroidery on the front seats. The heated steering wheel comes standard—it isn’t even an option for the 2025 Lighting XLT or the ICE STX—while an optional black vinyl floor gives owners an easy-to-clean option over the carpet for mud and dirt.
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The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is available to order now and should arrive at your local Ford dealer in early 2026. If the Blue Oval’s predictions prove correct, it should be a rather popular version of the all-electric F-150.
Justin Banner
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he’s had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He’s best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
