2026 F-150 Lightning STX Model Introduced. Replaces the XLT

[FloridaMan655321]

I think this is a good idea to have this as the base. If it would have been available in 24 I would have gotten it instead of the Flash, though I do like the 24 Flash vs 25, so who knows.
But the reason I think this is much better of a base truck is because I think some people entering the EV truck market get the SR and realize it would have been a better option for ER. I just don't think as a main vehicle it's good for a new EV driver to have a truck that close to 200 mile range. This will be a great entry IMO.

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[Firn]

I love this truck!

Ok, not enough to trade my 23 Pro in, but I think this is a spectacular trim.

I never liked the XLT, no, I hated the XLT. It felt like all compromise and no savings, which got worse when the ER battery was dropped.

This, it looks fantastic. Maybe not so much the graphics, but overall it looks great. Great wheels, perfect fabric interior, and the blue and black combo of the press release is perfect. A black on black with the graphics my look pretty nice too.

I guess we know what that rumored "tremor" trim was we talked about earlier. And seriously @Ford Motor Company , slap the tremor front suspension on this and give us a damn tremor trim, that might just sell great, especially noe that GM has the AT4 trim

 

[rdr854]

No. To qualify for the tax credit, the truck must be placed in service this month.

There is a rumor that the IRS is only requiring a binding contract by September 30th.

 

[rdr854]

I'll be perfectly honest... I would have a hard time picking a lightning still over the silverado if I was actively looking for a new truck. The range and charging curve is just such a large benefit to the silverado.

I think it depends. I looked at a tax credit eligible Silverado EV LT yesterday. Not a bad truck, and yes the range is better as is charging speed. But, it lacks Apple car play, has a smaller frink, does not have all the tie downs, lacks a grab handle to help,you climb into the bed just to name a few. My 2022 Lariat ER with 22,200 miles is only worth about $40,000. A new truck after incentives can be had for about $62K before dealer processing, tags tax and title fees. The question is whether the Silverado is that good to take on a new 60 month note. I got 2.99% in 2022. Now I’d be lucky to get 4.49%. Of course, if you can find a 2025 model, you. Can get 0% for 60 months from GM.

My wife told me that the Lightning handles better than the SilveradoEV.

 

[VTHokies]

I'll be perfectly honest... I would have a hard time picking a lightning still over the silverado if I was actively looking for a new truck. The range and charging curve is just such a large benefit to the silverado.

same here, been peaking at the Denali Max Range, they've been listed for $88k in the Dallas area, if they just offered 0% APR on the 2025's I probably would have pulled the trigger...

 

[wighty]

I think it depends. I looked at a tax credit eligible Silverado EV LT yesterday. Not a bad truck, and yes the range is better as is charging speed. But, it lacks Apple car play, has a smaller frink, does not have all the tie downs, lacks a grab handle to help,you climb into the bed just to name a few. My 2022 Lariat ER with 22,200 miles is only worth about $40,000. A new truck after incentives can be had for about $62K before dealer processing, tags tax and title fees. The question is whether the Silverado is that good to take on a new 60 month note. I got 2.99% in 2022. Now I’d be lucky to get 4.49%. Of course, if you can find a 2025 model, you. Can get 0% for 60 months from GM.

My wife told me that the Lightning handles better than the SilveradoEV.

For what it is worth, I believe the WT still has Car Play/Android Auto? I agree that was quite an odd decision for them. I'm with you on it generally not being worth the upgrade for me as well (1.99%!), but I was thinking if I was cross shopping a new truck without already owning my Lightning, I'd probably end up with a Silverado. If the Lightnings were significantly cheaper that would probably steer back to them, but with basically the same price, I'd go with the Silverado.

 

[rdr854]

For what it is worth, I believe the WT still has Car Play/Android Auto? I agree that was quite an odd decision for them. I'm with you on it generally not being worth the upgrade for me as well (1.99%!), but I was thinking if I was cross shopping a new truck without already owning my Lightning, I'd probably end up with a Silverado. If the Lightnings were significantly cheaper that would probably steer back to them, but with basically the same price, I'd go with the Silverado.

No wireless CarPlay or Android. Conformed with my local Chevy dealer that pulled from all EVs.

 

[wighty]

No wireless CarPlay or Android. Conformed with my local Chevy dealer that pulled from all EVs.

Ah, appears yeah the 2026 doesn't have it anymore. 2025 WT probably still does (has the older infotainment system from what I can see, they upgraded the 2026 hence it doesn't have it anymore).

 

[WXman]

The problem with the Silverado EV:

- It's a GM product. The worst design, engineering, and build quality in the U.S. and it's not even close.
- It's ugly as sin.
- It's a lot more expensive.
- It lacks a lot of standard features that Lightning gets standard.

 

[sunrise089]

I like aspects of all of this.

Pushing the SR battery into a smaller percentage of the lineup makes some sense. I’m all for options and consumer choice, but if Ford can say ‘standard 290+ range’ (with an “except fleet models” caveat) that will help with marketing. I also like the slight hp and kw/h decrease versus Lariat and Plat to protect those models a bit.

What I don’t get is why this isn’t a package rather than a trim. Keep the XLT, make the battery/hp changes. Maybe cut the price by $1k. And offer the STX on the XLT, Flash, and maybe Lariat for $2k or so, like the FX4 package on non-Lightnings. That lets people who want the graphics, blue interior, and the tiny off-road upgrades get them affordably, but doesn’t confuse buyers looking for a ‘regular’ truck that now have to either get a ‘sport off-road’ model or a ‘tech’ model.

On the bright side I’m hoping those running boards will be an easy swap and people will start selling take-offs soon.

 

[ka-chow]

All of this and not ONE video on YouTube promoting it. Yup, that's how ya do it Ford!

 

[Smokewagun]

Just another play by Ford to mitigate and R&D, and get the average Joe to think they are really getting something… all with a truck they’ll discontinue as soon as the small EV truck docks in 2027. Let’s face the music, the Lightning was a diamond that failed because the range is mediocre, and it was first outta the box. EVERYONE could improve upon the first standard. Since the Lightning was released, absolutely nothing has been done to push it and drive it to the top. I’m betting it gets nixed as soon as Ford can do it. It’s only profitable now because there are no R&D costs to improve it. Stitched seats, a new grille, old ICE STX wheels, and stickers, don’t cost. This is all from a guy who has had 30+ ford trucks, and STILL believes the Lightning is the best quality truck ford has ever built. I’ll be sad to see it go, but I have absolutely no hope we’ll ever see a full-size Lightning with a 500+ mile range to compete. Bozo the Clown already said Ford is building smaller, cheaper EV’s, and of course, stupid off-road packages for everything.

 

[Firn]

Just another play by Ford to mitigate and R&D, and get the average Joe to think they are really getting something… all with a truck they’ll discontinue as soon as the small EV truck docks in 2027. Let’s face the music, the Lightning was a diamond that failed because the range is mediocre, and it was first outta the box. EVERYONE could improve upon the first standard. Since the Lightning was released, absolutely nothing has been done to push it and drive it to the top. I’m betting it gets nixed as soon as Ford can do it. It’s only profitable now because there are no R&D costs to improve it. Stitched seats, a new grille, old ICE STX wheels, and stickers, don’t cost. This is all from a guy who has had 30+ ford trucks, and STILL believes the Lightning is the best quality truck ford has ever built. I’ll be sad to see it go, but I have absolutely no hope we’ll ever see a full-size Lightning with a 500+ mile range to compete. Bozo the Clown already said Ford is building smaller, cheaper EV’s, and of course, stupid off-road packages for everything.

Not sure that being the most successful EV truck on the market counts as "failed though.

 

[Smokewagun]

I’m not sure successful is the correct term, but I agree “failed” may be harsh. As I said, I think the Lightning EV is the best truck ford has built, and I’ve had a dozen and a half of each 1/2 ton and Superduty. Ford just had so much more potential, but I don’t think the population was ready for an EV truck with the loaded and towing range it provides. Let’s face it, the Lightning has a better mi/kW rating than the competition, but the competition has larger batteries, thus range. Someone always can capitalize on the previous model, but I’m afraid Ford doesn’t see long-term reasons to keep the Lightning unless the demand is really there. With the federal rebate going away, it’s just kill the $65k truck.

 

[Firn]

I’m not sure successful is the correct term, but I agree “failed” may be harsh. As I said, I think the Lightning EV is the best truck ford has built, and I’ve had a dozen and a half of each 1/2 ton and Superduty. Ford just had so much more potential, but I don’t think the population was ready for an EV truck with the loaded and towing range it provides. Let’s face it, the Lightning has a better mi/kW rating than the competition, but the competition has larger batteries, thus range. Someone always can capitalize on the previous model, but I’m afraid Ford doesn’t see long-term reasons to keep the Lightning unless the demand is really there. With the federal rebate going away, it’s just kill the $65k truck.

I guess i would consider it successful since it has the greatest marketshare, its the best of what the market can handle. Unfortunately the market cant handle much, so we may face the issues you describe.

I really dont see much more potential to be honest. It always had to meet a price point, and I think it barely achieved that. There is little more that could be added to the truck without making it either crazy expensive or a massive loss (assuming they even break even). Now, philosophically, I think the battery thing is a dead fish. Even if doubling the battery, and doubling the charge speed, it would still suck for towing. My camper wants an hour of charging for every hour of driving, even doubling both battery and charging speed still puts it at an hour of charging for two hours of driving. Thats better, yes, it is however still absolutely terrible. I really think ford hit the sweet spot of price and range

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