The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the market, offering a range of trim levels to suit different needs and preferences. Two of the most commonly compared trims are the STX and XLT. While both offer great features, there are some key differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision when choosing between the Ford F-150 STX and XLT models.
The STX (Sport Truck Extreme) is a package option available on the base XL trim, while the XLT is a standalone trim level that sits above the XL in the F-150 lineup. Both trims offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The STX focuses on sporty aesthetics and value, while the XLT provides a more premium feel with additional features and options.
| Feature | STX | XLT |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 |
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Wheel Size | 20-inch | 18-inch |
Exterior Differences
The exterior appearance is one of the most noticeable differences between the Ford F-150 STX and XLT trims. The STX package focuses on a sportier, more aggressive look, while the XLT offers a more traditional and refined appearance.
The STX features a distinctive black mesh grille with a body-color surround, giving it a bold and athletic stance. It also comes standard with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark gray painted pockets, adding to its sporty character. The bumpers on the STX are body-colored, which contributes to a more cohesive and sleek overall appearance.
In contrast, the XLT trim offers a more classic truck look. It features a chrome grille with a chrome surround, giving it a more premium and traditional appearance. The XLT comes standard with 18-inch chrome-like PVD wheels, although larger wheel options are available. The bumpers on the XLT are also chrome, which adds to its more upscale appearance.
Both trims offer LED headlights and fog lamps, enhancing visibility and adding a modern touch to their respective designs. However, the XLT may offer more options for exterior customization, including different grille designs and additional chrome accents.
The STX package includes box-side decals that further emphasize its sporty nature, while the XLT does not typically include these graphics. Additionally, the XLT offers more options for exterior colors and appearance packages, allowing for greater personalization.
Interior Features and Comfort
The interior is where the differences between the STX and XLT become more pronounced. While both trims offer comfortable and functional cabins, the XLT provides a higher level of refinement and more standard features.
The STX interior focuses on durability and functionality. It features cloth seating with a unique sport cloth for the front seats. The STX also includes a 12-inch touchscreen display as standard, which is a significant upgrade from the base XL trim. This large screen provides easy access to the SYNC 4 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The XLT, being a higher trim level, offers a more premium interior experience. It includes upgraded cloth seating with the option for leather upholstery. The XLT also features power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, providing enhanced comfort for long drives. Like the STX, it comes with a 12-inch touchscreen, but the XLT may offer more advanced features within the infotainment system.
One significant difference is the availability of heated seats and a heated steering wheel on the XLT trim, features that are not available on the STX. The XLT also offers a dual-zone automatic climate control system, allowing for individualized temperature settings for the driver and front passenger.
The XLT trim provides more interior storage options, including additional cubbies and a larger center console. It also offers a power-adjustable pedal option, which can be particularly useful for drivers of different heights sharing the vehicle.
Technology and Connectivity
Both the STX and XLT trims offer modern technology features, but the XLT generally provides more advanced options and a higher level of connectivity.
The STX comes standard with the SYNC 4 infotainment system on a 12-inch touchscreen. This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. The STX also features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling internet connectivity for multiple devices.
The XLT builds upon these features with additional technology options. It offers an available 8-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster, providing customizable information displays. The XLT may also include enhanced voice recognition capabilities and the option for a premium sound system.
Both trims offer FordPass Connect, which allows for remote vehicle monitoring and control through a smartphone app. However, the XLT may offer more advanced features within this system, such as remote start functionality.
The XLT trim also provides the option for a 360-degree camera system, which can be extremely useful for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. This feature is not available on the STX trim.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority for both the STX and XLT trims, but the XLT offers some additional advanced safety features as standard or optional equipment.
Both trims come with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies. This includes features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert.
The XLT, however, may offer more advanced safety features either as standard or optional equipment. These could include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Intersection Assist
- Active Park Assist 2.0
The XLT also offers the option for a 360-degree camera system, which enhances safety by providing a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Performance and Capability
When it comes to performance and capability, the STX and XLT trims have more similarities than differences. Both are built on the same robust F-150 platform and offer similar powertrain options.
The standard engine for both trims is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission in both trims. However, the XLT offers more engine options, including:
- 3.3-liter V6
- 5.0-liter V8
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6
- 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6
Both trims are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The towing and payload capacities can vary depending on the specific configuration and engine choice, but both trims offer robust capabilities in this regard.
The XLT may offer more advanced towing features, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance, which can make towing easier and safer.
FAQs About Ford STX And XLT Differences
- Which trim is more affordable, STX or XLT?
The STX package is generally more affordable as it’s an add-on to the base XL trim, while XLT is a higher trim level. - Does the XLT offer better fuel economy than the STX?
Fuel economy is similar with the standard engine, but XLT offers more efficient engine options like the PowerBoost Hybrid. - Are there significant differences in towing capacity?
Towing capacity can be similar, but XLT offers more engine options that can increase towing capability. - Which trim offers more advanced technology features?
The XLT generally offers more advanced technology features and options compared to the STX package. - Can I get leather seats in the STX or XLT?
Leather seats are typically not available on the STX, but they are an option on the XLT trim.