2026 Ford F-150 STX vs RAM 1500 Big Horn

Aug 11, 2026

2026 Ford F-150 STX vs Ram 1500 Big Horn

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew delivers an exceptional balance of full-size capability, modern cabin connectivity, and long-term operating value, securing its spot as the a strong alternative to the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn. With a starting base MSRP of $47,190, a standard 12-inch digital touchscreen display, and an EPA-estimated 21 combined MPG, the F-150 STX provides higher efficiency and more standard equipment while offering a lower starting MSRP than its competitor.

White Ford F-150 pickup truck parked on the shoulder of a rural paved road in a vast grassland. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Which Truck Offers the Best Value for Junction City and Fort Riley Drivers in 2026?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box provides superior overall value compared to the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4, with a lower starting MSRP with a starting base MSRP of $47,190 versus the Ram 1500 Big Horn’s MSRP of $51,753.

This $4,563 MSRP difference allows truck buyers to access a fully equipped, modern crew-cab pickup without overextending their vehicle budget. Value in the full-size truck segment extends beyond the initial sticker price to encompass standard equipment, fuel economy, and long-term ownership costs. Ford equips the F-150 STX with features that often require costly add-on packages on competing trucks. For example, Equipment Group 200A (STX Mid) includes 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, cornering illumination, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster TFT screen—all integrated seamlessly into the base configuration.

For local buyers evaluating their monthly expenses, the financial advantage of the F-150 STX becomes even clearer when factoring in daily driving. Service members commuting between residential neighborhoods and base duty stations at Fort Riley benefit directly from the F-150’s lower entry price and efficient powertrain. Before committing to a purchase, smart shoppers often begin by evaluating their current trade-in value online to see how much equity they can roll into a new truck. While some drivers briefly consider adventure SUVs while exploring our new Ford Bronco inventory, those needing a dedicated bed for hauling heavy gear consistently find that the F-150 STX provides the ideal ratio of utility and price.

When comparing standard features dollar for dollar, the Ram 1500 Big Horn demands a significant premium while offering lower standard highway fuel efficiency. The F-150 STX delivers an aggressive street stance, robust cargo space, and intuitive cabin technology at an accessible price point, establishing itself as the premier value proposition in the half-ton pickup market.

Pricing

Comparison of starting MSRPs for trim configurations.

2026 Ford F-150 STX Trim	MSRP	2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57′ Box Trim	MSRP
STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box	$47,190	Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 5’7″ Box	$51,753

Trade In Evaluation

Pricing and Trim Comparison for the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57' Box

A black Ford F-150 pickup truck parked on a gravel pull-off along a rural country road in summer fields. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

A direct trim comparison reveals that the 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box comes equipped with high-end exterior styling and tech hardware that cost extra on the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 5’7″ Box.

Starting at $47,190 base MSRP with a $2,795 destination charge ( $49,985 MSRP including delivery), the F-150 STX sits in a strategic sweet spot within the broader F-150 lineup, which spans from the work-ready XL up through the XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum, and high-performance Raptor models. The Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 carrying an MSRP of $51,753 represents a higher entry point into Ram’s mid-level lineup without automatically offering equivalent technology or wheel upgrades.

The STX trim was specifically designed by Ford to offer a factory-customized, athletic aesthetic directly from the assembly line at the Dearborn Truck Plant. Standard exterior elements include body-color front and rear painted bumpers, black grille accents, and 20-inch alloy wheels that give the truck an assertive road presence. Inside, the F-150 STX features Black Sport Cloth 40/Console/40 front bucket seats with a full floor console, providing an ergonomic layout for work files and personal gear.

Shoppers conducting thorough market research can dive into our in-depth 2026 Ford F-150 research guide to examine how the STX compares across every available cab and bed configuration. For drivers cross-shopping different vehicle classes or duty capabilities, consulting our 2026 Ford Explorer model overview or reviewing heavy-duty 2026 Ford F-250 specs helps clarify whether a half-ton pickup or a larger commercial platform best fits their lifestyle. Ultimately, the F-150 STX trim delivers an strong balance of sport-truck styling and everyday functional capability without forcing buyers into luxury-tier pricing.

Dimensions & Capacity

Interior capacity, vehicle weight, towing, and payload ratings.

Specification	2026 Ford F-150 STX	2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57′ Box
Seating Capacity	5	5
Cargo Volume	52.8 cu ft	—
Curb Weight	4,687 lbs	4,858 lbs
Towing Capacity	7,600 lbs	8,130 lbs
Payload Capacity	1,685 lbs	2,360 lbs

Cargo Capacity and Passenger Comfort Tailored for Military Families and Farmers

In terms of interior space and bed utility, the 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew provides superior rear passenger legroom and a larger bed volume of about 53 cu ft, outpacing the cabin flexibility and cargo volume of the Ram 1500 Big Horn.

The F-150 STX SuperCrew cab is engineered to accommodate five adults in comfort, making it equally suited for crew transportation or active family road trips. Front passengers enjoy 43.9 in of legroom and 40.8 in of headroom, while rear passengers benefit from an expansive 43.6 in of rear legroom and 40.4 in of rear headroom. Front and rear shoulder room measure 66.7 in and 66.0 in respectively, with hip room spanning 62.5 in in the front row and 62.6 in in the second row. These generous proportions mean adult passengers never feel cramped, even during long highway drives across state lines.

Measurement Dimension	Ford F-150 STX	Ram 1500 Big Horn
Cargo Bed Volume	52.8 cu ft	Contact dealer
Front Legroom	43.9 in	Contact dealer
Rear Legroom	43.6 in	Contact dealer
Front Headroom	40.8 in	Contact dealer
Rear Headroom	40.4 in	Contact dealer
Seating Capacity	5 passengers	5 passengers

Cargo handling is another area where the F-150 STX excels. The 5-1/2-foot box features cargo bed dimensions of 67.1 in in length, 50.6 in of width between the wheelhouses, and a bed height of 21.4 in, establishing a total cargo volume of about 53 cu ft. The loading floor height sits at 32.9 in, allowing for easy loading of heavy tools, agricultural supplies, or recreational gear. Standard tie-down hooks and optional bed accessories—such as a drop-in plastic bedliner, spray-in bedliner, or hard folding tonneau covers—allow owners to customize the bed for secure transport.

For buyers considering pre-owned alternatives or cross-shopping model years, browsing our verified pre-owned truck inventory provides excellent context on how Ford pickup cabs retain their spaciousness and functional layout over time. Whether loading fishing equipment for a morning on the water near Junction City or carrying work tools to a job site, the F-150 STX interior and cargo box deliver maximum daily practicality.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain and performance specifications.

Specification	2026 Ford F-150 STX	2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57′ Box
Engine	2.7L	3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
Horsepower	325 hp	305 hp
Torque	400 lb-ft	269 lb-ft
Transmission	SelectShift®	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive	4×4

Performance and Driving Experience on Kansas Plains Terrain

The twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 engine in the 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers exceptional low-end responsiveness and efficient highway cruising, generating 325 hp at 5,000 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

This advanced powertrain features dual overhead cams, twin turbochargers, port/direct injection, and variable valve timing, delivering quick acceleration and steady power delivery across the entire rev range. Power is managed by a SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, optimizing gear ratios for smooth highway cruising or heavy towing demands.

Edmunds notes in their press coverage that the F-150 features direct and quick steering, making the truck feel smaller and more nimble in tight spaces while remaining remarkably stable on the highway.

Powertrain Specification	Ford F-150 STX	Ram 1500 Big Horn
Engine Configuration	2.7L EcoBoost® V6	5.7L HEMI V8
Horsepower	325 hp	395 hp
Peak Torque	400 lb-ft	Contact dealer
Transmission Speeds	10-speed	8-speed
Maximum Towing Capacity	7,600 lbs	Contact dealer
Maximum Payload Capacity	1,685 lbs	Contact dealer
Published Curb Weight	4,687 lbs	Contact dealer

In terms of working capability, the rear-wheel drive F-150 STX SuperCrew boasts a maximum braked towing capacity of 7,600 lbs( 1,500 lbs unbraked) and a maximum payload allowance of 1,685 lbs. With a published curb weight of 4,687 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 6,426 lbs, the truck maintains a lightweight chassis design that enhances agility without sacrificing structural strength. The front suspension utilizes an independent double-wishbone design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear features a solid beam axle with leaf springs engineered to support heavy bed loads.

Car and Driver highlights that the F-150 excels in both daily usability and towing, providing a confident feel when pulling trailers.

Buyers looking to secure structured monthly payment options can easily apply online for financing information before visiting the showroom for a test drive.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy ratings.

Specification	2026 Ford F-150 STX	2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57′ Box
Fuel Type	Regular unleaded	Regular unleaded
City Fuel Economy	19 MPG	19 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy	25 MPG	24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy	21 MPG	21 MPG

Fuel Efficiency and Range for Daily Commutes and Weekend Outdoor Adventures

Dark gray Ford F-150 pickup truck driving on a rural asphalt road during golden hour sunset. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX compares favorably to the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn in fuel efficiency, earning EPA ratings of 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG compared to the Ram’s 16 city / 20 hwy MPG.

Fuel Economy & Range Spec	Ford F-150 STX	Ram 1500 Big Horn
City Fuel Economy	19 MPG	16 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy	25 MPG	20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy	21 MPG	Contact dealer
Fuel Tank Capacity	36 gal	Contact dealer
Calculated Total Range	756 mi	Contact dealer

This 5 MPG highway advantage translates directly into substantial fuel savings over thousands of annual driving miles. Equipped with a standard 36 gal extended-range main fuel tank, the F-150 STX boasts a calculated total driving range of 756 mi on a single fill-up of 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline. This extended driving range minimizes refueling stops during long-distance road trips or extended work schedules.

To keep your truck performing at peak efficiency throughout its lifespan, our dealership parts department makes ordering genuine Ford accessories and replacement parts simple and convenient. The combination of EcoBoost® turbocharger technology, auto start-stop, and an efficient 10-speed transmission allows the F-150 STX to deliver true full-size truck work capability while maintaining the fuel economy footprint of a much smaller vehicle.

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Technology Features That Keep Drivers Connected and Safe

In-cabin technology in the 2026 Ford F-150 STX is anchored by a standard 12-inch center dashboard touchscreen running SYNC® 4 and a matching 12-inch fully digital TFT instrument cluster screen.

This dual-screen setup gives the driver clear visibility of navigation data, vehicle diagnostics, and media settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integration come standard, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity without messy charging cables. The cabin is equipped with 4 front USB charging ports, 2 rear USB charging ports, a 12V front power outlet, and a 12V rear power outlet to keep all occupant devices charged.

Connectivity is further enhanced by an embedded 5G Wi-Fi hotspot network capability, complete with an embedded SIM card and 12 months of included data subscription (supporting up to 999 GB per month). Over-the-air (OTA) software update functionality ensures that the vehicle’s infotainment and engine control systems remain continuously updated without requiring dealership visits.

Driver's hands on a steering wheel while traveling down an open rural highway with digital dashboard navigation visible. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

MotorTrend emphasizes in their review that the STX trim strikes an ideal balance for buyers wanting athletic design and modern connectivity without climbing high up the trim ladder.

Standard convenience tech also includes cruise control, a dusk-sensing automatic headlight system with auto high beams, keyless remote entry, an anti-theft security alarm, and the 911 Assist® telematics emergency system. Owners can also add factory or dealer-installed options such as the Mobile Office Package (code 50M) with a main power supply, or a 3-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription (code 76E).

Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Options for Long-Term Ownership

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes backed by comprehensive OEM warranty coverage, including a 3-year/36,000-mile whole vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Warranty Coverage Type	Ford Coverage	Ram Coverage
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty	3 yr / 36,000 mi	Contact dealer
Powertrain Warranty	5 yr / 60,000 mi	Contact dealer
Roadside Assistance Coverage	5 yr / 60,000 mi	Contact dealer
Corrosion Protection Warranty	5 yr / unlimited	Contact dealer
Paint Warranty	3 yr / 36,000 mi	Contact dealer

Additionally, Ford provides 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance coverage. In the event of a flat tire, battery discharge, or emergency towing requirement, drivers can access manufacturer-backed service quality by calling Ford Roadside Assistance at (800) 241-3673 for immediate support.

Safety is central to the F-150 engineering design. The 2026 F-150 STX achieves a 5-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA, including 5 stars in frontal crash protection, 5 stars in side impact protection, and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. Standard active safety equipment includes Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection (featuring automatic emergency braking and visual/acoustic collision warnings active from 5 mph), BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), a Lane-Keeping System with steering activation, a Reverse Sensing System rear camera with guidance display, and multi-collision braking.

Maintaining this level of safety and mechanical reliability is straightforward when relying on factory-trained technicians. Drivers can protect their investment by easily scheduling their Ford maintenance appointment through our online service portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Between the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 57' Box

Q: Is the 2026 Ford F-150 STX more affordable than the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn?

Yes, the 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box is available at a lower starting MSRP, with a starting base MSRP of $47,190( $49,985 including delivery). In comparison, the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4 carries a higher MSRP of $51,753, giving the F-150 STX a price advantage of $4,563 while including premium standard technology like a 12-inch touchscreen and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Q: Which truck gets better real-world fuel economy?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX delivers superior fuel economy compared to the Ram 1500 Big Horn. The F-150 STX achieves an EPA-estimated 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG. The Ram 1500 Big Horn achieves 16 city / 20 hwy MPG. With its standard 36 gal fuel tank, the F-150 STX offers a calculated driving range of 756 mi on a single tank.

Q: What are the towing and payload capabilities of the 2026 Ford F-150 STX?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box features a maximum braked towing capacity of 7,600 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 lbs. Its twin-turbo 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 engine generates 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of pulling power for utility trailers, boats, or recreational equipment.

Q: What technology screen sizes come standard on the F-150 STX?

The 2026 Ford F-150 STX comes standard with a 12-inch center dashboard touchscreen featuring SYNC® 4 software and a 12-inch digital TFT instrument cluster screen. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot with an embedded SIM card, and 6 USB charging ports throughout the cabin.

Q: Where can I test drive the 2026 Ford F-150 STX?

You can experience and test drive the 2026 Ford F-150 STX at Valor Ford. Our showroom is located at 1825 Goldenbelt Blvd, Junction City, KS 66441. To speak directly with a sales specialist or schedule a personalized test drive, give our team a quick call at (785) 238-5114 today.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

When comparing the 2026 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 5-1/2’ Box directly against the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4×4, the Ford F-150 STX emerges as the strong overall option. It combines lower acquisition costs, superior EPA-estimated fuel economy ( 21 combined MPG), a larger cargo box volume ( about 53 cu ft), and high-end standard connectivity hardware that requires expensive options on rival trucks.

Whether you are seeking a dependable daily commuter, a spacious five-passenger family vehicle, or a rugged workhorse capable of towing 7,600 lbs, the F-150 STX delivers strong performance across key metrics.

Our team at Valor Ford is ready to assist you through every step of your truck-buying journey. Visit our dealership today to explore our complete inventory of new Ford F-150 models, take a test drive, and discover why the F-150 continues to offer a compelling option in the full-size pickup segment.

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Tags: 2026 Ford F-150 STX, Crew Cab Trucks, EcoBoost V6 engine, Ford F-150 Interior, Ford F-150 vs RAM 1500, Fuel Efficiency Trucks, full-size pickup trucks, New Ford Trucks 2026, Pickup Truck Comparison, RAM 1500 Big Horn, Towing Capacity Trucks, Truck Technology Features
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