Hey there folks,

I have a 2011 XLT and love it. There is a local auction near me selling a 2018 STX. If I can get a good enough deal on it I may just pick it up and sell my 2011. I seem to recall hearing that an STX is just an XL with an appearance package. Can anyone verify if that is true or not? One of the things I really liked about my XLT is that the wiring harness is the same as the rest of the higher-tier packages so have been able to add OEM remote start, heated mirrors, etc... However I believe that the XL and possibly the STX have a very basic wiring harness that does not allow easy OEM expandability. Also is there anything else I should know about an STX? Thanks much.

 

This is not exactly an accurate comparison, I have a 2013 STX. In '13 the STX was an XL with an option package.

I was able to add heated mirrors with puddle lights the by addition of a switch in the heater control panel. I added an XLT instrument cluster with the info screen be adding the necessary steering wheel controls. Added the trailer brake controller with no issues. I've considered remote start. The wiring is there. I haven't found anything in the XLT that the STX didn't have the wiring for.

All that being said, there are a couple of things I miss in the STX. Mine doesn't have the little overhead console with the map lights. I really wish I had that. The headliner is different, so I can't just add the console. I don't know if the wire is up there. Like I said, this info doesn't directly apply to your question. Just thought I'd share my experience.

 

It's more than an appearance package. You get an upgrade to Sync 3 on the 8" touch screen out of it, which is a pretty big deal I think.

They have the consensus best looking grill, so, there's that.

 

I too have the STX that's got quite a few options on it--including the 2.7 Ecoboost. And it has anything that I would like in a truck except the driver's electric seat.

But I did save $4-5K over a comparable XLT, and I like the looks of the STX better. My other truck is a F250 diesel Lariat.

 

STX is pretty much just an XL appearance package, with blacked out interior trim and standard 8¨ infotainment screen.
you gotta wonder, what is a 2018 truck doing at an auction? is it a repo? does it have a rebuilt title?....

 

I have an '18 STX and love it. It is an XL series as you can see on the sticker but comes with the STX goodies and more; 20" wheels, running boards, heated and signal mirrors, 3.5 ecoboost, trailer assist, tailgate step, etc. I like the looks better than an XLT as well so it was win win!!

 

I swapped my manual folding non-heated mirrors for heated ones with turn signals (rear window defroster required). It was a simple plug-n-play swap. I added OEM remote start (keeping original key fobs) by adding Ford Perimeter Plus.

Good question... Why is a 2018 STX at auction? It could be a former lease vehicle or perhaps something much worse (as noted in another post). Definitely worth a title and CARFAX check before buying.

Oh... a tip on swapping for heated mirrors... There was a relocation of the outside temperature sensor mid year in 2018. They moved it from behind the grill to the underside of the right exterior mirror. Looks like a “nipple” sticking out. Just make sure any heated mirrors swap matches what you are taking off... either with or without the nipple... and you should be good to go.

 

Thanks for the info! Yeah it’s at auction because it’s a rebuilt title. I’m going to go inspect it before bidding, I’ve been around a lot of branded titles and know what to look for. Very good information though. Thanks again!

 

I would think just the year model would be a huge upgrade. I have a 14 STX and like it a lot. The only thing that is dumb about it is you can’t get the rear sliding back window. If it’s summer, my windows are down. So a slider is a big deal for me but I didn’t think about it when I bought it. Still can’t get a slider on the new ones either.

 

Looked at both. Opted for the XLT, as it had upgraded seat fabric, power seats, nicer stereo with the larger screen, and just more standard equipment. Both are nice, just felt that the XLT fit my needs better.