Considering a new Ford F-150? This legendary pickup delivers the kind of power, reliability, and convenience that keeps it at the top of every truck shopper’s list decade after decade for over 50 years. Let's take a look at two of its most popular trims in this 2025 Ford F-150 XL vs STX truck lineup overview!
Key Takeaways
- Most of the major updates happened for the F-150 in 2024, so 2025 changes are more trim-specific.
- The XL remains unchanged from the year prior; however, the STX trim gets a few exterior tweaks.
- In 2025, the F-150's multi-engine lineup remains unchanged.
Pricing and Changes to the 2025 Ford F-150 XL vs STX
F-150 changes for 2025 are more trim-centric than in previous years. The XL (base) model remains largely the same; however, the STX trim now features gloss-black 18-inch wheels instead of 20s. Ford also removed its LED fog lights and zone lighting.
Here’s how the XL and STX break down in price for 2025:
Power and Towing Prowess in the 2025 Ford F-150
This model year sticks with the same engine options. The XL features the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 as standard, but you can step up to either the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0-liter V8 with your choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.
STX trims your engine choices down to just two: the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0-liter V8. Ford makes up for it by making rear-wheel drive standard and offering four-wheel drive as an available upgrade.
F-150 trucks continue to shine in towing and payload capacity. When properly equipped, an F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds and has a max payload of 2,455 pounds.
The XL anchors the F-150 lineup with practical equipment and plenty of standard tech. It features 17-inch steel wheels and includes LED headlights, keyless entry, and a Class IV trailer hitch. Inside, vinyl flooring keeps cleanup simple, while the 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the cabin. A digital instrument cluster gives the interior a more modern feel, making even this base trim feel far from bare-bones.
Safety and driver-assist features are pretty generous for a work-focused truck. You get lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking, all tuned to help keep the truck and trailer in check.
The STX builds on the XL’s foundation with a sharper look and a bit more comfort. It swaps the former's steel wheels for 20-inch alloys and replaces vinyl with carpeted flooring for a more refined cabin feel. It also unlocks a wider range of optional features than the XL, giving buyers more freedom to tailor the truck’s capability, comfort, and appearance to their needs.
Which Trim Should You Choose, the 2025 Ford F-150 XL vs STX?
If you’re looking for a pickup with all the basics you'll need to get the job done, the XL will certainly check all your boxes. But if you want more features, the STX is a solid (and still very affordable) step up. Ready to test drive one? Or both? Stop by Alan Jay Ford in Wauchula and see which trim feels like your next truck!