An XL is basically a Platinum with a lot less fluff.

 

The STX is a base model but a better base model. It reminds me of my previous 2004 Nissan XE Titan. It was the base model.

I had to go up one model to the SE to get rid of the cheap looking body color bumpers and get chrome. But at the time, that was out of my price range and the XE had all the features I wanted. After having it, I was disappointed I didn't get the SE model so that I could get their 'big tow' package and get 9300 lbs of towing capacity instead of my 6500 lbs of tow capacity.

The Ford STX is what the Nissan XE was, a stripped monochrome truck. However I'd really consider it as a cheaper alternative to the XLT. But after you add all the features, the cost is about the same as an XLT and the XLT will be worth more.

 

Even with all that's being said, it would be better to just extend the "range" of the XLT. Make painted bumpers an option, make the super base XLT have a few less options, and there's your STX. Having both XLT and STX trims is still unnecessary. You could get rid of XLT and do the same things to the STX, either way is fine.

But at the end of the day, it doesn't cost Ford a whole lot to produce STX and XLT badges and bed stickers, so having too many trim levels doesn't really hurt anything. The core of every super crew truck costs the same to manufacture, same metal, some production plant. It's just all the fancy stuff that makes a Plat cost more than an XL.

 

You don't want painted bumpers, plastic wrapped will keep them from rusting. I had painted bumpers before and it was covered with chips that rusted.

 

My 2007 did that. My next truck that has painted bumpers will get the clear shield treatment on the bumpers.

 

I live in Texas. Barely any surface rust on my truck. I do hate how the bumpers get really bad over time though. But once it's lifted it won't be a big deal and I'm not a hue stickler with paint on trucks, just cars. But plastic wrap is one thing I absolutely can NOT stand on all vehicles, especially high end ones. Hate it, and bug deflectors

 

Or you can just get chrome and have the impact ruggedness of steel and the rust resistance of chrome. Though painted plastic wrap bumpers don't rust, they do bust up from hitting coyotes and raccoons though. Sometimes it's not worth wrecking to avoid hitting one.

 

i just tried to build the stx and it autmatically throws you a curve and says you need the 6.2l. i said yes, dropped that for the 5.0 and then changed gears and 4x4 and it changes from stx to xlt....


has ford updated the site to reflect building a stx crew cab?

 

Is it just me or does that grille look like a black Harley grille? If so, that would be sweet!

 

I reckon it'll be a good one. I've walked to a different tune all me life, but I want vinyl floors and leather seats.

 

I bought one because I don't like the chrome look.

 

I like it... Great looking truck...

 

Love the grille! It's a lot like the 2011/12 FX grilles or the one that was on the "XLT Sport Package" which unfortunately was 2wd only and I bet they didn't sell many. Also like they went to the black step bars from the chrome. Not a fan of 20" wheels though, too bad you can't get the 18" machined with that kit. 19 different wheels now used on f-150's and I still can't make a combination I like without going up to an FX4!!

 

When are those 2014's suppose to be out?

 

Still can't even get power windows on an STX in Canada. Hopefully that changes for 2014