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2026 Ford F-150 STX vs 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT

Aug 18, 2026

2026 Ford F-150 STX vs 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX is the recommended choice overall, delivering the ideal combination of modern technology, aggressive styling, and full-size capability at a accessible starting MSRP of $47,190. While the 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT offers higher maximum towing capacity at 9,300 lbs, the STX provides superior fuel economy at 21 combined MPG, a lighter 4,687 lbs curb weight, and a compelling value proposition with significant price differences.
A grey Ford F-150 truck driving down a brick-building-lined street past the Geary County Historical Museum. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)
Explore Your F-150 Options Today
Discover modern capability and aggressive full-size truck style with financing information and trade-in support at Valor Ford.

Which Ford F-150 Model Is the Best Fit for Drivers?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers a superior balance of price, efficiency, and full-size truck utility, making it the better choice for drivers who want athletic styling and dependable performance without paying luxury-tier prices.
When comparing half-ton pickup trucks, understanding model positioning helps clarify which configuration fits your daily demands. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew with the 5-1/2-foot box serves as the dynamic, athletic trim in the lineup. It combines aggressive exterior design cues—such as available 20-inch alloy wheels in Equipment Group 200A—with four-door cabin practicality. With a starting base MSRP of $47,190, the STX targets value-conscious truck owners, daily commuters, and active families who need full-size capability alongside modern connectivity.
By comparison, the 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT 4×4 SuperCrew with the 5-1/2-foot box is positioned as a high-tier luxury trim with a base MSRP of $65,495. While the LARIAT brings standard all-wheel drive and leather-trimmed seating, it carries a significant price premium. Both trucks feature identical cabin dimensions—including seating for 5 passengers and about 53 cu ft of bed cargo volume—meaning you do not give up interior room or cargo utility by selecting the more affordable STX trim. Service members carpooling to Fort Riley will find that the STX provides all the stretch-out legroom and bed capacity needed for duty gear and weekend projects at a much more approachable price point.
If you are exploring alternative body styles or family utility vehicles, you can check out our new Ford Bronco inventory or read our detailed 2026 Ford Explorer research guide. For budget-focused shoppers seeking quality choices, exploring our pre-owned vehicle inventory is another great way to compare options across model years.
Side profile of a grey Ford F-150 STX pickup truck parked on a country road by green rolling hills. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Specification

2026 Ford F-150 STX

2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT

Seating

5

5

Cargo

52.8 cu ft

52.8 cu ft

Curb weight

4,687 lbs

5,020 lbs

Towing

7,600 lbs

9,300 lbs

Payload

1,685 lbs

2,025 lbs

Power and Handling: Comparing the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT on Kansas Roads

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX wins on daily fuel efficiency and nimble rear-wheel drive handling, achieving 25 hwy MPG while producing 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine.
Under the hood, these two trucks showcase distinct engineering philosophies. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX is powered by a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 paired with a SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission and a Rear-wheel drive system. This powertrain generates 325 hp at 5000 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Thanks to its lighter published curb weight of 4,687 lbs, the STX feels responsive off the line and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while delivering EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG.
The 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT features a naturally aspirated 5L V8 engine mated to the SelectShift® 10-speed automatic and a two-speed automatic All-wheel drive system. This engine develops 400 hp at 6000 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. The V8 powertrain and 4×4 system give the LARIAT a higher maximum towing capacity of 9,300 lbs and a payload rating of 2,025 lbs, compared to the STX trim’s 7,600 lbs towing capacity and 1,685 lbs payload capacity. However, the LARIAT model’s heavier 5,020 lbs curb weight and 4WD powertrain reduce fuel economy to 16 city / 24 hwy / 19 combined MPG.
For daily commuting along open highways and rural routes, the STX trim’s lower mass and efficient turbocharging deliver smooth acceleration and superior fuel efficiency. For full details on powertrain configurations, visit our Ford F-150 model overview, or check out our Ford F-250 research page if your work demands heavy-duty commercial capacity. To start planning your purchase, you can prequalify online for financing in just a few clicks.
Red Ford F-150 STX pickup truck parked on a gravel path with a transparent overlay showing a twin-turbo V6 engine. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Specification

2026 Ford F-150 STX

2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT

Engine

2.7L

5L

Horsepower

325 hp

400 hp

Torque

400 lb-ft

410 lb-ft

Transmission

SelectShift®

SelectShift®

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

All-wheel drive

Cabin Space and Comfort Tailored for Junction City Families and Military Carpooling

Both pickups offer identical cabin space with 40.8 in of front headroom and 43.6 in of rear legroom, but the 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers this class-leading passenger space at a far more attractive price point.
Step inside the SuperCrew cabin of either model and you will find an expansive environment engineered for long-distance comfort and heavy-duty utility. Standard interior dimensions across both the STX and LARIAT include:

  • Front Headroom: 40.8 in
  • Rear Headroom: 40.4 in
  • Front Legroom: 43.9 in
  • Rear Legroom: 43.6 in
  • Front Shoulder Room: 66.7 in
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 66 in
  • Front Hip Room: 62.5 in
  • Rear Hip Room: 62.6 in

Two-panel view of a man sitting inside the driver and passenger seats of a modern Ford F-150 truck interior. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)
While passenger volume is equal, interior appointments differ to match each trim level’s design intent. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes standard with Black Sport Cloth 40/Console/40 front bucket seats and a full floor console. The sport cloth upholstery is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it exceptionally practical for active households and outdoor gear. Rear passengers benefit from a 60/40 split-fold bench seat base that flips up to reveal a flat load floor for protected in-cab cargo storage. Local families driving through Junction City will appreciate how effortlessly the STX interior transitions from weekday commutes to weekend road trips.
The 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT upgrades to leather-trimmed bucket seats with heated and ventilated front-row functions, power seat adjustments, and ambient lighting. While these luxury features add refined comfort, the fundamental layout, seating capacity of 5, and about 53 cu ft cargo box dimensions remain identical. To customize your pickup bed or interior storage, explore genuine Ford accessories and parts available through our dealership.

Smart Tech Features That Keep Commuters Connected and Safe

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes standard with a 12-inch dashboard center touchscreen running SYNC technology, giving buyers the same primary screen size as the higher-tier LARIAT without expensive options packages.
Modern connectivity is a central strength of the F-150 lineup. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX equips drivers with an intuitive 12-inch center touchscreen display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integration. The system includes an embedded SIM card supporting a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, 911 Assist® telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities to keep navigation and entertainment features up to date.
To keep devices powered during long drives, the STX cabin includes:

  • 4 front USB charging ports
  • 2 rear USB charging ports
  • 1 front 12V power outlet
  • 1 rear 12V power outlet

The 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT also features a 12-inch center touchscreen display and adds standard voice-activated navigation and a Bang & Olufsen® 8-speaker sound system with a subwoofer. While audio enthusiasts may appreciate the upgraded speaker brand in the LARIAT, the STX includes a standard 6-speaker audio layout with AM/FM/SiriusXM capabilities and an available dealer-installed Radio Subwoofer option. Both trucks feature a 12-inch digital instrument cluster display when equipped with option packages, ensuring vital vehicle information remains clear and easy to read.

Pricing and Value: What the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and 2024 LARIAT Offer Military and Local Professionals

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers exceptional financial value, featuring a starting MSRP of $47,190 compared to the 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT base MSRP of $65,495.
Evaluating price and long-term ownership costs reveals why the STX trim is the standout selection for value-minded shoppers. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2′ Box carries a base MSRP of $47,190 with a destination charge of $2,795(total MSRP of $49,985 including delivery). For this price, buyers receive full crew-cab space, the turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost engine, 20-inch alloy wheels in Equipment Group 200A, a 12-inch touchscreen, and comprehensive active safety tech.
The 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT 4×4 SuperCrew 5-1/2′ Box carries a base MSRP of $65,495 with a destination charge of $1,995(total MSRP of $67,490 including delivery). The $18,305 price difference between base MSRPs represents a substantial investment. While the LARIAT includes standard 4×4, leather upholstery, and a 5L V8 engine, the STX delivers 21 combined MPG(compared to the LARIAT model’s 19 combined MPG), resulting in lower ongoing fuel costs over years of ownership.
For buyers who do not strictly require 9,000-plus pounds of towing capacity or leather seating, the 2026 STX offers modern full-size capability at a dramatically lower price point. You can easily value your trade-in online to see how much your current vehicle can offset your purchase.

Pricing

Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.

2026 Ford F-150 STX Trim

MSRP

2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT Trim

MSRP

STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box

$47,190

Lariat 4×4 SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box

$65,495

Safety Systems Designed for Military Families and Rural Roads

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes standard with 6 airbags, 5-star crash safety ratings, and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to protect drivers in all road conditions.
Safety is non-negotiable for highway commuters and family drivers. Both the 2026 STX and 2024 LARIAT are built on a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body mated to a fully boxed steel frame. Both models achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including 5-star ratings in frontal crash and side impact testing, as well as a 4-star rollover rating.
Standard active safety and driver-assistance features on the 2026 Ford F-150 STX include:

  • Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection (operates above 5 mph)
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with visual/acoustic warnings
  • BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
  • Lane-Keeping System with steering wheel feedback
  • Reverse Sensing System with rear view camera display
  • AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) and Trailer Sway Control
  • 6 total airbags (driver and front passenger front, front side, and curtain airbags covering front and rear rows)

The LARIAT trim adds features such as a 360-Degree Camera system and available BlueCruise 1.3 hands-free highway driving tech. However, the core protective structure, braking assistance, lane departure warnings, and collision-avoidance systems on the STX trim provide complete peace of mind on dark country roads and busy interstate corridors alike.
Grey pickup truck on a rural road featuring an X-ray cutaway view of its rear frame and bed structure. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Ford Care and Maintenance Services Accessible Nearby

Every 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes backed by a 36-month / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper factory warranty and a 60-month / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance.
When you purchase a new Ford truck, you gain the confidence of comprehensive manufacturer warranty coverage. Factory warranty terms for the 2026 Ford F-150 STX include:

  • New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain Limited Warranty: 60 months / 60,000 miles
  • Safety Restraint System Coverage: 60 months / 60,000 miles
  • Corrosion Perforation Coverage: 60 months / unlimited miles
  • Paint Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles

Emergency roadside support is included for the duration of the powertrain coverage. If you ever experience a flat tire, dead battery, or unexpected breakdown, you can rely exclusively on official manufacturer support by contacting Ford Roadside Assistance: 1-800-241-3673 for 24/7 towing and emergency service to the nearest authorized Ford service center.
To keep your truck running at peak performance, our factory-trained service technicians perform routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and multi-point checks using genuine OEM parts. You can conveniently schedule a service appointment through our online service portal.

Answers to Your Ford F-150 Towing, Fuel, and Ownership Questions in Kansas Terrain

Q: Is the 2026 Ford F-150 STX powerful enough for daily towing?

Yes. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine generating 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It provides a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,685 lbs, which is more than enough for hauling utility trailers, small boats, or camping gear. While the 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT offers a higher 9,300 lbs towing capacity with its 5L V8 engine, the STX easily manages everyday towing tasks while offering better fuel economy.

Q: How do the fuel economy ratings compare between the STX and LARIAT?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers superior fuel efficiency with EPA-estimated ratings of 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG and a calculated driving range of 756 mi on its 36 gal main fuel tank. By comparison, the 2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT 4×4 with the 5L V8 engine achieves 16 city / 24 hwy / 19 combined MPG and a calculated range of 684 mi. Over years of daily driving, the STX trim’s 25 hwy MPG rating yields noticeable fuel savings.

Q: Does the 2026 Ford F-150 STX sacrifice interior space compared to the LARIAT?

No. The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew features the exact same interior cab dimensions as the LARIAT trim. Both trucks provide 40.8 in of front headroom, 43.9 in of front legroom, 43.6 in of rear legroom, and about 53 cu ft of bed cargo volume. The STX seats 5 passengers comfortably with durable Black Sport Cloth bucket seats, full center console storage, and 6 USB ports throughout the cabin.

Q: What makes the 2026 Ford F-150 STX a better value than an older LARIAT?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX offers a starting base MSRP of $47,190, offering a lower MSRP compared to a new LARIAT while providing full factory warranty coverage, fresh exterior styling, a lighter 4,687 lbs curb weight, and standard tech like a 12-inch SYNC touchscreen. Buying the STX gets you a brand-new truck with lower ownership overhead, modern connectivity, and excellent capability without paying luxury-level prices.
To experience the performance, comfort, and outstanding value of the 2026 Ford F-150 STX, visit Valor Ford today. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal truck for your lifestyle and budget. Stop by our Junction City showroom at 1825 Goldenbelt Blvd or give our sales team a quick call at (785) 238-5114 to schedule your test drive today!

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

Specification

2026 Ford F-150 STX

2024 Ford F-150 LARIAT

MPG

19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined

16 city / 24 hwy / 19 combined

Experience the 2026 Ford F-150 STX at Valor Ford

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Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

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