2025 Ford F-150 STX vs 2025 Ford F-150 XLT
Typically, we compare two different models to show you how Ford is far superior to any of its rivals, but this time, we’d like to show you how America’s best-selling truck’s trim levels compare. You may already know that the F-Series has been the nation’s most popular truck arsenal for 48 years and counting, offering top-notch towing capabilities, intense durability, and features designed to get the job done right. What you may not be familiar with is what the F-150’s trim levels have to offer to impact the ride, namely, some of its base trims.
Most drivers know that the upscale King Ranch and Platinum trims offer lavish extravagance to the ride, while the rugged and ready-for-anything Raptor and Tremor can conquer any terrain imaginable. What about the STX and XLT though? What do they have to offer, and how do they differ from each other? When it comes to the 2025 Ford F-150 STX vs 2025 Ford F-150 XLT, the pros at DePaula Ford want to help you decide which trim is right for you. In the areas of powertrain capabilities, performance, design, and technology, see how each of these trims offer an ideal ride, albeit in different ways.
| 2025 Ford F-150 STX | VS | 2025 Ford F-150 XLT |
|---|---|---|
| $42,015 [a] | MSRP | $45,695 [a] |
| 2 | Engine Options | 4 |
| 12,900 lbs | Towing | 13,500 lbs |
| No | BlueCruise | Yes |
Engine Capabilities
Both the 2025 Ford F-150 STX and the XLT trims come standard with the entry-level powertrain, a 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6, which makes 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque to take on plenty of challenging feats without issue. This is a perfectly good engine for hard workers across the globe who seek out a dutiful truck that can take on many tasks on most agendas.
Paired with a smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, you can expect a favorable ride quality with ample control and precision, regardless of the road condition. With the ability to tow up to 8,400 lbs and handle up to 1,775 lbs of payload, both the STX and XLT can hold their own in virtually any situation imaginable for the average everyday driver.
While both trims can be upgraded to the more powerful 5.0L V8 engine, which can tow up to 12,900 lbs, only the XLT trim offers more additional powertrains to choose from to maximize the ride. This includes the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which showcases a towing capacity of 13,500 lbs, as well as the 3.5L PowerBoost V6 hybrid, which allows you to take advantage of an ideal blend of power and efficiency. This hotshot hybrid can tow up to 11,200 lbs while also offering an EPA-estimated 24 MPG on the highway. If you want more options for powertrains, you’ll want to look into the XLT.
Performance
You can expect both the STX and XLT to handle fairly similarly on the pavement, especially if they’re both armed with the standard 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6. Of course, if you plan to upgrade your powertrain, you can expect a bit of a difference in ride quality, especially if you choose the more powerful 5.0L V8, which amps up the thrill level with 400 horses at the reins.
The hybrid powertrain is going to offer you better fuel consumption, so if you’re frequently dealing with bouts of stop and go traffic, you may want to explore this particular powertrain to save some time and money at the pump. Overall, though, these two trims are quite the same when it comes to handling and performance, offering a confident ride quality on city streets and the open highway.
Both trims are armed with some off-road features to elevate the quality of your adventures in the wilderness. From intense 4×4 capabilities to selectable drive modes and an e-locking rear differential, both the STX and the XLT can hold their own in any environment. Opting for the FX4 Off-Road package, which can be enjoyed on the XLT trim, unlocks access to even more durable elements to help you withstand more challenging adventure situations.
From skid plates to off-road tires, adding this special package to your truck can enhance your time off-road like never before. While both come with light off-roading enhancements, if you’re looking to explore more, the XLT can be armed with the features you require to get out into nature with confidence.
Design
There are slight differences when it comes to the STX and XLT’s exterior designs; however, you’ll find that both offer style-savvy elements to make a statement wherever you choose to roam. The STX comes standard with larger wheels than the XLT, 18-inchers compared to the XLT’s standard 17-inch Silver-painted aluminum wheels. Opting for an XLT 4×4 model will allow you to take advantage of 18-inch chrome-inspired options, though, but if you want bigger wheels and don’t want to overpay for them, you’ll find them on the STX.
You’ll also find a sleek black and gray grille, LED lighting elements, and body-color bumpers on the STX to enhance its sporty yet stylish appeal. The XLT shows off a black-painted grille with mesh and chrome accents, as well as standard Zone Lighting to illuminate the area around your vehicle with ease.
Both the F-150 STX and XLT can be equipped with special packages to enhance their unique personas even more. The STX Black Package offers upgraded 20-inch Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, six-inch black running boards, and black decals throughout. The XLT Black Package offers 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, a black grille, and black exterior badging to set itself apart from the crowd. Opt for the XLT Black Package Plus and be able to enjoy 20-inch wheels, a dark exhaust with black tips, and sleeker elements to add a sultry flair to this practical machine.
Inside, the STX and XLT offer many of the same comfort features, including standard cloth seating, while the XLT allows you to upgrade to ActiveX trimmed seats, as well as heated seats up front to enhance the experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy a wrapped steering wheel in the XLT for a little bit of added luxury, as well as an available eight-way power driver’s seat. If you want more comfort features inside your truck, the XLT definitely offers them; however, both trims are cozy, offering favorable legroom and creature comforts to elevate the quality of your ride.
Technology
The STX and XLT provide plenty of tech elements to remain connected on the road ahead, including a 12-inch touchscreen display and access to the intuitive SYNC 4 software system with cutting-edge voice recognition capabilities. You’ll also find a 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot in both trims; however, the XLT is the trim that offers a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a one-year trial of Connected Navigation, SiriusXM capabilities, and an available wireless charging pad.
There is also a bit more trailering tech in the XLT, in the form of backup assistance, hitch assistance, and a reverse guidance system that helps you maneuver in tricky situations with a load attached.
Not every trim can be equipped with Ford BlueCruise, the top-rated active driving assistance system in the industry; however, the XLT can. This innovative system allows you to operate your F-150 hands-free on 97% of controlled access roadways throughout the continent as your truck steers, brakes, and navigates traffic for you so that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you want to be able to travel hands-free, the XLT is going to be the trim for you. While both trims offer a nice amount of tech on their menus, you just get a little more in the XLT. If this isn’t a concern for you, the STX has plenty of tech to enhance your ride in every way.
Shop for Your F-150 at DePaula Ford
When it’s time to get more done, travel with more confidence, and enjoy the ride to the fullest, there’s no better full-size truck to have on your side than the Ford F-150. If you are curious about which trim is right for you, especially if you’re attempting to choose between the STX and XLT, we hope that we’ve provided the insight you require to make the right decision.
Both trims are outstanding, providing you with ample power to complete tough tasks, show-stopping design elements to make a statement wherever you’re heading, and the tech necessary to impact the ride in all the right ways. If you want a bit more, though, especially when it comes to powertrain selection, design enhancements, and innovative features, the XLT surely offers this. In the end, it’s up to you and what your driving needs and budget require.
Here at DePaula Ford, we can’t wait to help you get behind the wheel of the perfect F-150 model to suit you. Stop by today and take a couple of our models for a test drive to see what each trim has to offer to your ride. Then, sit down with our team and discuss financing, taking advantage of great rates, top trade-in values, and a hassle-free buying experience. We look forward to seeing you drive away in the best F-150 model for you, and in reality, any F-150 is going to wow you; we can guarantee it.
