The 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning marks a significant “value refresh” for the world’s most famous electric truck. Rather than a total redesign (which is slated for 2027), Ford has focused on making its most popular high-end features standard across more affordable trims while simultaneously slashing prices to stay competitive.
Here are the key updates for the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning.
1. The “Standard” Range is Dead
The biggest mechanical update for 2026 is the discontinuation of the 98-kWh “Standard Range” battery.
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New Standard: The 123-kWh Extended Range battery is now the baseline for the Pro, STX, and Flash trims.
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The Benefit: This effectively raises the minimum range of a Lightning from 240 miles to 290 miles (EPA estimate).
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High-End Power: The Lariat and Platinum trims continue to use the 131-kWh battery, delivering up to 320 miles of range.
2. Meet the New STX Trim
Ford has replaced the XLT trim with the STX, positioning it as the “rugged-value” sweet spot of the lineup.
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Off-Road Lite: The STX inherits running boards from the F-150 Tremor and comes with all-terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential.
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Performance: It comes standard with the dual-motor setup producing 536 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque.
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Design: Look for the unique “Grabber Blue” accents on the grille and interior stitching.
3. Significant Price Cuts
To offset the loss of federal tax credits and compete with the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford has lowered the MSRP on several 2026 trims:
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Flash Trim: Received a price cut of roughly $4,000.
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Lariat Trim: Reduced by approximately $2,000.
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Starting Price: Despite the bigger battery, the base Pro trim starts around $56,975, with the mid-range STX starting at $63,345.
4. Technology & Aesthetics
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SYNC 5 System: Higher trims are expected to feature an upgraded infotainment interface that is faster and more intuitive than the previous generation.
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BlueCruise 2.0: Ford’s hands-free highway driving system is now more widely available as an option or standard feature on the Flash trim and above.
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New Colors: Three new metallic paints join the palette: Argon Blue, Marsh Gray, and Ruby Red.
2026 Trim Comparison at a Glance
| Trim | Battery | Range (Est.) | Starting MSRP |
| Pro | 123 kWh | 290 Miles | $56,975 |
| STX | 123 kWh | 290 Miles | $63,345 |
| Flash | 123 kWh | 320 Miles | $65,995 |
| Lariat | 131 kWh | 320 Miles | $74,995 |
| Platinum | 131 kWh | 300 Miles* | $84,995 |
| *Platinum range is slightly lower due to larger 22-inch wheels. |
Is it worth waiting for the 2026 model?
If you were looking at a base-level truck, yes. Getting the 123-kWh battery as standard on the Pro and STX trims provides a massive boost in real-world usability and towing confidence without the massive price hike previously required for the “Extended Range” battery.
Would you like me to compare the 2026 Lightning against its main rival, the Chevy Silverado EV?