The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX marks a strategic enhancement in Ford's electric pickup lineup, offering a compelling blend of rugged design, enhanced performance, and value. As the new entry-level trim, the STX replaces the previous XLT variant, incorporating customer feedback to deliver a more capable and versatile electric full-size pickup truck. This article includes all 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX specs, from its performance and range to interior and exterior design. If you read this until the end, you will also learn how to enhance your Ford F-150 Lightning!
A Fresh Take on Entry-Level: What’s New in the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX?
Ford's 2026 F-150 Lightning STX introduces several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the 2025 Lightning XLT trim, aiming to offer a more rugged and capable electric pickup experience.
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Dual-Motor Configuration (AWD): The STX comes standard with a dual-motor setup, delivering more power.
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Extended-Range Battery: The STX comes standard with the extended-range 123 kWh battery pack, which previously was reserved for higher trims.
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Off-Road Running Boards: Borrowed from the F-150 Tremor, the STX features off-road running boards, enhancing accessibility and rugged aesthetics.
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Bridging Work and Adventure: The rugged touches (all-terrain tires, locking diff, durable floor option) mean this isn’t just a “commuter EV truck” but leans into utility.
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New Color Options: Three new exterior colors, which are extra-cost options, are Argon Blue Metallic, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
Before delving into all of the key specs of the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX, let’s look at the answers to these two questions:
When will the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX be available?
The Ford F-150 Lightning STX is already open for ordering in the U.S., and deliveries are expected to begin in early 2026.
How much is the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX?
The starting MSRP for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is listed at US $63,345 (for the vehicle before destination, taxes, etc.). What’s notable is that Ford has kept the same base price as the outgoing XLT trim while adding notable upgrades.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX gets a serious powertrain upgrade. It comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, generating about 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. Also, the STX comes with the electronic locking rear differential (e-locker), which improves traction in slippery or light off-road conditions. This feature used to be optional on higher trims.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Battery and Range
One of the most remarkable upgrades for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is its battery and driving range. With the larger 123 kWh battery as standard, the EPA-estimated range is about 290 miles on a full charge, a jump from the 240 miles offered by the previous XLT variant’s 98 kWh battery.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX MPGe
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX is expected to deliver MPGe figures closely aligned with the 2025 Lightning XLT trim, approximately 76 MPGe in city driving, 61 MPGe on the highway, and around 68 MPGe combined.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Towing Capacity
While Ford has not published towing rates for the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX yet, the extended-battery dual-motor configuration, when properly equipped, aligns with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs in the lineup.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Off-Road Features
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX adds several features to make it more off-road friendly than typical base trims. It comes with all-terrain tires, a standard rear electronic-locking differential, running boards borrowed from the “Tremor” off-road series, and other rugged styling cues.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Interior and Smart Features
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX interior balances truck utility and technology. Cloth seats embroidered with “STX” in Grabber Blue contrast stitching give a sporty touch, while an available vinyl floor option makes cleanup easier after outdoors or work sites.
Standard features include a heated steering wheel, which isn’t even an option for the 2025 Lighting XLT, Ford’s infotainment suite, and driver-assist technologies. The STX also offers an optional black vinyl floor, providing owners with an easy-to-clean option over the carpet for mud and dirt.
Ford F-150 Lightning STX Exterior Design
On the outside, the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX stands out with its rugged look and utility. It features a grille with blue accent lines, STX-specific hood and bed graphics, and new, extra-cost exterior color choices, including Argon Blue, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. Unlike the 2025 Lightning XLT trim, the 2026 STX comes with off-road running boards from the F-150 Tremor. Additionally, it features Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires mounted on matte-black 18-inch wheels, while maintaining the same sizing as the 2025 Lightning XLT trim.
Is the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX Worth Buying?
The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX offers a compelling combination of performance, range, and rugged design, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a capable electric pickup. With a starting price of $63,345, the STX provides enhanced features over its predecessor, the 2025 Lightning XLT, without a price increase.
How to Enhance Your Ford F-150 Lightning Performance with Pedal Commander®?
If you have an old model year Ford F-150 Lightning (2022+), you can get the most out of it with the ultimate accelerator controller: Pedal Commander®! With more than 15,000 positive reviews and certifications from the most reputable organizations in the automotive industry, Pedal Commander® is designed to eliminate acceleration delay from the drive-by-wire pedal, delivering instant acceleration whether tackling mountain roads, towing your boat, or cruising the highway. Let’s look at why every electric truck needs the Pedal Commander®:
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Instant Accelerator Response: Pedal Commander® offers lightning-quick acceleration by eliminating the lag from your accelerator pedal.
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Effortless Installation: Pedal Commander® boasts an effortless plug-and-play setup in minutes without needing technical expertise for immediate benefits.
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Customizable Settings: Pedal Commander® allows you to fine-tune your EV's response to match your preferred driving style with four adjustable modes: Range+, City, Dynamic, and Hyper. Each mode has nine sensitivity settings so you can find the perfect response.
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Better Off-Road and On-Road Control: Pedal Commander® enhances off-road driving with its Dynamic and Hyper modes, which give a more aggressive response when you need raw and instant power. Range+ mode, on the other hand, gives you more controlled power delivery for the situations where too much power may ruin traction.
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Potential Range Gain: With the right driving behavior, you can get up to 15% more range out of one full charge in Pedal Commander®’s Range+.
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Valet Mode: Pedal Commander®’s Range+ mode perfectly doubles as a valet mode. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing the valet won’t be able to access the full power of your EV.
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Seamless Vehicle Security: Pedal Commander® comes with a built-in Anti-Theft mode. It is free to try for the first 14 days and then requires a subscription, which costs $0.99 a month or $9.99 a year. Unlike custom solutions, the Anti-Theft feature in each unit is a perfect kill switch that requires no permanent changes or DIY work.
