The F-150 is Ford’s best-selling pickup, but which trim is best suited for your needs? In today’s review of the Ford F-150, we’ll be doing an intensive comparison on two of the most popular models in the lineup, the STX and XLT trims, giving you the low down on what each model does so well in the 2025 model year.
Key Takeaways
- The F-150 STX targets budget buyers with essential features and bold styling.
- The F-150 XLT adds tech, interior upgrades, and more package options.
- Both share the same powertrain lineup and strong towing capability.
What is the F-150 STX?
The 2025 Ford F-150 STX package is a sporty appearance and technology upgrade built upon the base XL trim, designed for buyers who want modern styling and convenience features without committing to the higher price of the XLT or Lariat trims. The STX blends value and visual appeal, offering a youthful, athletic aesthetic that makes it stand out both on the street and the job site. It bridges the gap between practicality and sophistication, combining essential performance with a touch of refinement that enhances everyday driving.
The STX boasts a noticeably sportier and more dynamic exterior than the entry-level XL. It features a unique STX-specific grille, body-color bumpers, and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, giving it a bolder stance and more modern appearance. The STX box side decals emphasize its distinct identity within the F-150 lineup. These aesthetic upgrades eliminate the utilitarian look of the XL, appealing to drivers who want a clean, contemporary design without the flashiness or added chrome found on higher trims. Overall, the STX’s visual package delivers a strong, athletic presence suitable for both personal and work use.
Will the 2026 F-150 have a fully digital dashboard?
Modern Ford trucks, including the F-150 lineup, come equipped with a 12.0-inch infotainment display as standard on mid-level trims and above, running Ford’s latest Sync 4 software. This large touchscreen delivers crisp graphics and an intuitive interface that rivals competitors like the Ram 1500’s vertical display. While Ram’s 12.0-inch screen set the benchmark for full-size pickups, Ford matches it in functionality and layout. However, Chevrolet and GMC’s latest Silverado and Sierra models offer an even larger 13.4-inch horizontal screen, highlighting how competitive the segment has become in terms of in-cabin technology.
The Sync 4 system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, both now available wirelessly, along with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for on-the-go connectivity. Optional upgrades include navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, transforming the cabin into an upscale multimedia hub. Beyond entertainment, Sync 4’s architecture supports over-the-air updates, allowing Ford to deliver new features, bug fixes, and interface enhancements without requiring a dealership visit.
For drivers who depend on their trucks for work, the system’s onboard telematics and fleet management tools provide real-time data on vehicle location, maintenance status, and usage trends, especially beneficial for businesses managing multiple vehicles. The optional navigation suite also supplies live traffic and weather updates, enhancing route efficiency and travel safety. Together, these features demonstrate Ford’s push toward smart, connected trucking, offering both recreational users and commercial operators a flexible, future-ready experience.
Summary
The STX is more of a budget trim, cutting out unnecessary fluff and keeping things simple and to the point, while the XLT, build on a similar platform and setup, build on the STX with fancier tech, new interior features and a suite of package add-ons that help it stand out on its own. Regardless of what trim you select in your F-150, you’re sure to be winning. Come to our Brighton Ford showroom to test drive both.