The 2025 Ford XLT sits in that familiar middle zone of the F-150 lineup—enough features to feel well-equipped without tipping into premium pricing. The STX sits just below it, and once you look at them side by side, the differences start to show up pretty clearly. Here’s how both trims shake out for the new model year.
Key Takeaways
- The lineup is mostly unchanged from 2025.
- The F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
- As of November 17, the 2025 Ford XLT begins at $48,290. The STX is more affordable, at $44,610.
Changes and Pricing for the 2025 F-150 XLT vs STX
Because the F-150 just went through a major refresh in 2024, Ford didn’t make big adjustments for 2025. The only real addition is the new Lobo trim joining the lineup. Otherwise, all other models return with the same overall equipment and options as before.
Pricing stays close between the two, but enough apart to matter. The STX starts at $44,610, while the XLT comes in higher at $48,290, reflecting the extra convenience and tech features that come standard on this higher trim.
2025 F-150 XLT vs STX Differences
The STX builds on the XL and shifts the truck toward something that feels more like an everyday driver. Its steel wheels get replaced by larger alloys, and the interior switches from vinyl flooring to full carpeting, which immediately gives the cabin a more finished feel. The STX also opens the door to a wider range of optional equipment than the XL, so buyers who want a more customized look or better capability packages will find them here.
The XLT steps things up even further with a longer list of standard upgrades. A manual sliding rear window, LED bed lighting, and a 120-volt household-style outlet make the truck more user-friendly for work and weekend use. Inside, you get a wireless charging pad, cloud-based navigation, and remote start. Safety tech also gets a bump with blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, and a digital rearview mirror that stays usable even if you pack the bed high.
2025 F-150 STX vs XLT Powertrain and Towing
Both trims start with the 325-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, but buyers can move up to the 400-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 or the 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available with every engine, and the hybrid version of the 3.5-liter V6 remains an option for drivers who want strong pulling power with a boost of electric torque.
Towing capability is still one of the F-150’s biggest strengths. The hybrid setup can tow up to 12,700 pounds, but the highest rating goes to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, at 13,500 pounds when properly equipped. Even the V8 stays competitive, at 13,000 pounds. Payload maxes out at 2,455 pounds.
What Is the Fuel Efficiency of the 2025 F-150?
Fuel economy varies by engine. The 2.7-liter turbo V6 reaches up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The stronger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 drops slightly to 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The hybrid lands between them, returning roughly 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway depending on drivetrain and options.
So, which trim will you consider? The STX keeps the focus on value, and the XLT adds the convenience and tech features most people end up using every day, all without jumping into premium territory. Taking both out for a spin will make the choice pretty clear. Contact Alan Jay Ford in Sebring today—we're here to help!