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Ford Just Gave Its Best-Selling Electric Pickup Truck a Rugged Upgrade for No Extra Cost

The F-150 Lightning is getting a new trim for 2026 that’s set to replace the current XLT.

Close-up of the rear side of a blue pickup truck with a black decal featuring the words "LIGHTNING STX" in light blue outlined text, next to the red tail light and part of the truck bed.Ford
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By Gray Van Dyke

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Believe it or not, it’s already been five years since the launch of the Ford F-150 Lightning. 

In that time, Ford’s all-electric pickup has silently risen through the ranks to become the best-selling EV truck in the United States, outpacing competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck and the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Blue Ford F-150 Lightning STX electric pickup truck parked on grass with a background of dense green trees under a clear sky.
The Ford F-150 Lightning STX gains rugged upgrades and added style for the same price as the outgoing XLT.
Ford

Not content to rest on its laurels, the Blue Oval is ditching the XLT trim level next year in favor of a new STX option. Importantly, it makes for an even more capable offering — at no extra cost.

Rugged all-terrain style

Ford is keen to point out that the new F-150 Lightning STX is here by the people’s request, stating that “customers have been asking for a rugged F-150 Lightning with more range than the standard range XLT” and that “they had to turn to the aftermarket to build the truck they wanted.”

Close-up of a black Ford wheel with Goodyear Wrangler tire on a blue vehicle, parked on grass with a blurred natural background.
Tremor running boards and rugged wheels certainly help with off-road confidence.
Ford

In any case, though the XLT will be departing for 2026, the Lightning is all the better for it. The STX adds rugged upgrades, like all-terrain wheels and tires, as well as a set of off-road running boards borrowed from the F-150 Tremor.

It also dons some slick styling touches in the form of a fresh grille with a grabber blue accent, a set of STX-specific bedside and hood graphics and some matching embroidered seats inside.

Blue Ford F-150 Lightning STX pickup truck driving on a dirt road with two mountain bikes mounted in the truck bed. The background is blurred greenery, indicating motion.
Even if it’s not a hardcore off-roader, the Lightning certainly looks the part with some mountain bikes in tow.
Ford

As if that wasn’t enough, Ford will be offering a series of new color options, including Argon Blue, Marsh Gray and Ruby Red Metallic.

Improved EV performance

As cool as the new graphics options are, the STX isn’t merely an aesthetic package. In fact, as part of the trim, Ford is giving its electric pickup some added capability under the hood.  

Close-up of a blue Ford F-150 truck's fuel door with a black "F-150 STX" emblem. The paint has a metallic finish, and the background shows a partly cloudy sky.
The STX makes the optional extended-range battery a standard feature.
Ford

Like the outgoing XLT, the Lightning STX comes equipped with dual motors. However, it gains Ford’s extended-range battery as standard — it was previously offered as an optional extra. 

In practice, this means that the 2026 F-150 Lightning STX is good for an EPA-estimated 290 miles of range, 536 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. For those counting — that’s an additional 50 miles of juice and over 80 more ponies in the stable.

Add to that a now-standard rear e-locking differential, and it’s clear that Ford has no intention of slowing down in its quest for EV truck dominance. The brand’s cars might soon be some of its most interesting vehicles, but trucks are still its bread and butter.

Blue Ford Lightning STX pickup truck parked in a wooded area with two mountain bikes mounted on the open tailgate. A man wearing sunglasses, a light-colored shirt, gray pants, and hiking shoes is adjusting one of the bikes. The tailgate has a protective pad with the Ford logo.
The F-150 Lightning STX shows that Ford is listening to truck owners — it’s an improvement on the XLT in every way.
Ford

Pricing and availability

According to Ford, the F-150 Lightning STX will begin arriving at dealers early in 2026 for an MSRP of $63,345. As mentioned earlier, this means that it will carry the same asking price as the current F-150 Lightning XLT.

If you’d like to learn more about Ford’s electric pickup ahead of launch, you can check it out on the Blue Oval’s website or head down to your local dealer.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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