I previously owned a 2016 f250 6.2 xl with not too many bells and whistles, so when I was looking for a new truck and I wanted a something in 2023-2026 XL model and price point. Being a fan of the blacked out look the 2025 f350 7.3L STX package seemed like the logical move. It is the XL package with more bells and whistles than I will ever need, but probably the perfect combination of base truck with the look I wanted and then having loads of amenities (In my opinion). I didn't build my truck I bought it as is, and many of the features I could care less that it has or never will use.

Things like the back up camera, blind spot warning, pre-collision stuff, are all things I don't need and will never use (haven't needed a back up camera, blind spot, or pre collision on a truck for 30 years). Things like LED lights inside, LED headlights, fog lights, blacked out rims, color matched bumpers, padded armrest on the door, big touch screen with android auto, and all the features on the screen in the dash are all way more than I will ever need in a vehicle. To me that is what makes the STX ideal. I would never know what to do with an XLT or more luxury trim, and have no need for it. Nothing against the other trims, they are just not for me.

 

STX's biggest asset is the headlamps. I am still not a huge fan of it being required just to get the 7.3, but for 2026 they detached the precollision and other driver aids from the STX, which was one of the gripes of previous years where you couldn't get the 7.3 without the driver assists. As a result I ordered a 26 STX.

 

These threads always remind me of those hilarious memes something along the lines of the woman saying “don’t worry honey the big ones hurt too much anyway” lol

 

I’m an STX guy also for the same reasons, I’m the target demographic who already prefers blackout and definitely feel the big ones hurt too much in my wallet & reduced payload ratings.

 

I think my stx is optioned fine. I really dont need anything else.

 

I would agree although I am concerned with the longevity of led headlamps and how much will a replacement cost. I will also be ordering a 26 STX.

 

Exactly right on the payload. I bought my F350 for towing and hauling when needed, so I wanted to get max payload and it has about 4780 lbs of it and still looks decent enough.

For shuttling the family I have a 4runner with a full suite of power stuff, driver's assist, moonroof, and it rides much nicer and easier to get in and out of for the kids and the missus. I bought the truck to do truck things, not to impress other dudes.

 

It's a risk we would just have to live with, maybe consider the ESP if you want some peace of mind. Personally since Ford has been putting LEDs on their SDs since at least 2020 and I hear even less about them failing than power tailgates, I don't anticipate putting enough miles on my 26 to wear out the lamps but if you spend a lot of time on the road, perhaps an ESP will be prudent.

 

Maybe. Its a point of view. The 1998 Lariat F350, and a axled up '83 Suburban 4x4, are the best trucks ever made. Neither of them had any of this foo foo stuff. In fact, an XL has every feature the 98 Lariat has, except for power seats.

Real sports cars dont have stereos. The new Corvette is fast, but its also a fat pig thats 1000# overweight.

Less, is more. The XL is noticeably lighter on its feet. All of those options add up weight quickly. And broken gadgets, and wrinkled and cracked leather, on a 15 year old truck, really make the truck feel junky. (The Excursion effect)

 

The kind of people who conflate the MSRP of their trucks with the size of their manhood are not the type who keep their trucks that long, driving a 15 year truck won't show their "dominance" over those who they would consider "beta" males.

 

tell us more about your weird fantasies

 

Seems like you know more about that part of the internet more than the rest of us combined. LOL.

 

"Your truck cost as much as my airplane."

Love this quote. And "The KR's are ugly boomer trucks."

 

i'm with you on the STX. i actually wish i could get less gadgets. My favorite vehicle i own is a 2007 silverado 1500 classic 5.3 RWD Reg Cab Long bed. It even has roll up windows. The only thing i need is A/C, Bluetooth, and cruise control. It has those 3 things and a very simple 4 speed tranny. Just so nice and simple to drive.

 

Reminds me of an article I read years ago on how German BMW designers/engineers couldn’t understand why their cars shipped to America needed cup holders. Their view was cars were made to be driven, which required 2 hands. How would one be able to need a cup if they were driving?