As a matter of fact if my brain isn't failing me, you used to be able to get the STX with manual windows and locks I believe, up to 2022, power equipment group was a separate package on XLs. But STX got you cruise control! So you could look like you got a Lariat but still got to exercise your arm with the window

 

Do they even offer any trucks at all with hand-crank windows?
I could imagine that they’ve reached the point where everything related to hand-crank parts & installation has surpassed the cost of power-windows?

 

This is how I feel. the previous generation STX package added a lot of value for the price. Now it's almost like another trim level. After looking It's back down to a somewhat reasonable price level to get black appearance and LED lighting for $3100. Couple years ago I thought it was up to like $4500 but included more technology stuff.

I don't like the fact that you can't look at a particular trim level XL, XLT, Lariat, etc. and know right away what features it has. They are all a mix match of things anymore depending on how they were optioned.

 

Yet, those same designers/engineers produced the worst vehicles ever made. BMW has put out some true JUNK throughout my 47 years on this earth. We've had the misfortune of having BMW and MINI (owned by BMW) cars over the years, actually still have one today, and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy. I could write a book on the idiotic engineering decisions a guy will find when he has to try and work on that junk at home.

The ONLY 4x4 that I was aware of with hand-crank windows in recent years was the Jeep Wrangler, and when they did the 2024 mid-cycle refresh they took those away. Now even the base Sport model comes standard with power windows and locks.

I'm fine with it though. I had a 2011 Wrangler 4-door with crank windows and it was horrible. My son was young then and so anytime he wanted his window down a little for air I had to stop the vehicle and get out and roll it down for him. Anytime I needed to get into the rear cargo area I had to use the key. It just got really annoying. I ditched it after just 12 months solely for that reason.

These days I do love my heated seats, heated steering wheel, power mirrors, etc. I do not like all the safety nannies, but there are a few options I've grown to WANT on my trucks.

 

For those times when I want to remember what it was like to drive a basic vehicle; no A/C, no power windows or locks......doesn't even have a radio - and I love it! LOL

Dave

 

The STX package is great. Basically your truck on the outside is identical to a Lariat Sport. Same lighting front and rear, thanks to Ford cheaping out on rear LED taillights except on the Platinum trims. And those LED headlights are very bright and nice. I don’t care about power seats but I wish they were heated. Some people are praising Ford for removing the required driver assist features for 2026, but in reality you are getting less value than before. Nowhere could you get blind spot monitoring, 360 cameras, auto high beam, collision warning and braking, and rear sensors for $2000. Not to mention the camera and BLIS features automatically bumped you to the LED reverse lights and the cameras bumped you to the LED 3rd brake lamp and cargo box lights.

Mine is a 2025 with the diesel. I’ve actually retrofitted the OEM 12” infotainment screen which includes factory navigation and makes the cameras higher resolution and looks beautiful. However, I will say the stock 8” infotainment works very well, especially the wireless CarPlay and android auto.

I’ve had a number of high end trucks including a 2016 King Ranch 6.7L and a 2017 Lariat Ultimate 6.7L with every possible option, as well as some high end RAM trucks. But in reality those high trims are mostly lipstick on the pig. STX is a great trim / option to pick.

 

I generally agree except base XLT trucks have a hideous grille and halogen lights. That’s why the STX is such a good deal.

 

I moved from my 2013 F150 stx package truck to my 2025 F350 stx package truck, it has most things I wanted in the truck and few that I did not. Making the move to a superduty as well as getting old I wanted the 360 cameras so I could identify what I just ran over better. Only about 300 miles on the truck I have not used even the back up camera yet as I am old school and reflexively use the mirrors.

I still put the lights on manual mode any my only regret light-wise is my high beam switch is not on the floor where it belongs. Pleny of us Luddites out there who like things simple for my tastes the stx is luxury. My 2013 stx in 175,000 miles needed to replace 1 tail light bulb , 1 cab brake light bulb and 1 halogen healight bulb . ost for all replacement bulbs would be under $100. I will hope the leds last as the cost will be a bit more than that.

 

Wonder if someone will swap in a Hurricane I6? RHO level power would make for some fun wheeling. Never mind I see they have already talked about doing it lol. You couldn’t kill the 4.0 though.

On the STX I think it’s great, they omit certain things I think to just get people to jump up trim levels and make it more profitable. If we could spec the truck like they did back in the 60s where everything was ala carte it would make for some pretty cool variations.

 

Pass on the Hurricane. It doesn't even have an oil dip stick in an effort to keep up with European trends. It's bad enough that the new SDs haven't had a transmission dip stick for some time now, engine having to rely on the computer to tell me the oil level is one bridge I am reluctant to cross.

 

If the STX offered factory heated seats it would be perfect.

 

I bought mine Labor Day 2025. I like all the technology that is on the truck except the "High Idle when starting 1500" does anybody have a clue as to why? I mean if I shift it to neutral it drops to 900 rpm. I have heard a lot of reasons why it does it but they are not conclusive. I do not have a warning screen that its to high and dealers will tell you "Oh that's normal operating range. If its normal then why does shifting to neutral drop the rpms?

 

Not uncommon for vehicles to have a computer controlled high idle, most will have an idle above normals others are barely above normal. As to why neutral drops the rpms I am sure it is a safety so when you put it in drive you do not take off, probably any position other than park will drop the high idle just know the lower rpms are not where ford wanted the truck warming up. It can be surprising at first but the higher idle will not hurt anything and should give you an idea when it is ready to drive off .

 

Fords have had high idle for a long time now. My sedan made in 2006 has a high idle of about 1300-1400 on start, then drop to 800 after about 30 seconds or so, it's been like that since day one.

 

The diesels do it during cold weather. During very cold weather (single digits or less) the idle will immediately be very high and you will hear a roar caused by the exhaust brake engaging. All things to try to generate heat. Without those measures, you would have wet stacking in the cylinders and rapidly plugging DPF’s.