Ford delayed its next-generation electrical truck that was speculated to be on the street by subsequent yr. And we didn’t see an precise truck throughout Ford’s $30,000 truck reveal. However Ford does have an intriguing replace coming for its present electrical truck, the F-150 Lightning, in 2026. The corporate simply introduced it’s changing the XLT trim with a brand new STX trim. And it delivers what entry-level F-150 Lightning consumers are in search of: extra vary and a contact extra off-road character.
The Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Is Now The STX
Probably the most important change transferring from XLT to the STX is the battery. The F-150 Lightning XLT was provided with the 98 Kilowatt-hour Commonplace Vary battery, offering 240 miles of vary. The F-150 Lightning STX provides an Prolonged Vary battery pack – the model didn’t point out whether or not it was the 123-kWh or 131-kWh model. The XLT was the one trim nonetheless providing the Commonplace Vary battery pack. Ford says the STX’s battery delivers 290 miles of vary.
The F-150 Lightning STX packs 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with dual-motor all-wheel drive. It comes customary with an e-locking rear differential. The STX has the off-road operating boards from the F-150 Tremor. It additionally has trim-specific wheels, and it’s the primary F-150 Lightning fitted with all-terrain tires.
Distinctive look options for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX embrace a brand new grille with a blue accent line, STX graphics on the bedside and hood, and STX embroidered material seats. The F-150 Lightning STX comes customary with a heated steering wheel, and the off-road inclined can select non-compulsory and easier-to-clean vinyl flooring. The F-150 Lightning STX additionally provides three new coloration choices: Argon Blue Metallic, Marsh Grey, and Ruby Pink Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
The F-150 Lightning STX Is The Identical Value As The XLT
Regardless of growing the battery pack dimension, Ford gained’t cost extra for the F-150 Lightning STX than it did for the XLT trim. The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX begins at $63,345. The precise MSRP shall be increased than that, although, as a result of Ford provides a $2,195 vacation spot cost to the 2025 F-150 Lightning. The automaker hasn’t talked about if the vacation spot cost would be the identical or enhance for 2026. F-150 Lightning STX deliveries will start early subsequent yr.
All that stated, it is doubtless that the F-150 Lightning STX nonetheless finally ends up being successfully costlier general. At present, the Ford F-150 Lightning is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit score, and Ford is utilizing that to supply as much as $12,250 off the beginning MSRP on the truck proper now. The Trump Administration eradicated the federal tax credit score for EVs, which expires on September 30, 2025.
2026 Ford F-150 Lightning STX: Fast Specs
- Horsepower: 536 hp
- Torque: 775 lb-ft
- EPA Vary: 290 Miles
- Beginning MSRP: $63,345
F-150 Lightning Gross sales Are Down In 2025
Ford has bought 19,077 F-150 Lightnings year-to-date by means of August 2025. That represents a 9.7% year-over-year decline from 2024. Nevertheless, F-150 Lightning gross sales for the month elevated by 21.2% year-over-year. It appears possible that Ford could obtain one other enhance in September as consumers rush to buy their vans earlier than the federal tax credit score expires. Although most analysts anticipate a considerable dip in EV gross sales after that time (and producers to lower manufacturing in anticipation of it).
FAQ’s
Q1: What are the problems with the Ford F-150 Lightning?
Common issues reported include:
Battery range concerns in cold weather
Slow charging times compared to rivals
Electrical system glitches
Fit and finish issues on early models
Software updates needed to fix performance and charging bugs
Q2: What standard driver-activated F-150 Lightning feature allows the driver to control vehicle speed and deceleration in stop-and-go traffic with only the accelerator pedal?
The feature is called One-Pedal Driving. It allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal, making stop-and-go traffic easier to manage.
Q3: Why is Ford recalling nearly 12,000 F-150 Lightning BEV trucks due to steering issues?
Ford recalled these trucks because loose or missing steering gear bolts could lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of an accident.
Q4: Why is Ford slashing production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck because sales are lagging?
Sales have slowed due to higher prices, increased competition from other EV trucks, and lower demand for electric vehicles in the current market. This has caused Ford to reduce production to match demand.