Are the STX seats that much better?

[Subduction]

Is the STX upgrade from a standard XL model worth it for the seats? I mean, for additional comfort and durability.

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[Floyd]

Is the STX upgrade from a standard XL model worth it for the seats? I mean, for additional comfort and durability.

Go check them out! I think that the XL seats may well be the best of the lot.
They are made of durable fabric which looks like a 1969 Mustang.
I have an STX for several reasons...
1] When I ordered my truck I had not seen the XL seats and thought the upgrade would be nice.
2] I wanted the other features which came with the STX package, Wheels, driving lights etc.
3] Historically the base seats in Fords have been inferior to higher trims, that simply is not so with the Ranger.

As far as objective quality the XL seats are great, but you should see each of them for yourself to satisfy your subjective opinion.
The STX seats are the same upholstery as the XLT but with only manual controls like the XL.
Both XL and STX have manually adjustable lumbar.
My STX advertised manual lumbar on both seats but it came with it on the driver's side only.

Bottom line... the STX or XLT trim levels have lots of nice features... but honestly neither upgrade is worth it if its just to get the upholstery.

Bear in mind also... you must buy the 101A package to order the STX package, and you must order the STX package to get the premium upholstery in an XL.

 

[Subduction]

Thanks for the reply, Floyd. I'm looking online at a 2019 4x4 XL with vinyl seats. I've also been building a 4x2 (with locking differential) at Ford.com. The STX package does seem fairly priced. I don't like the thought of vinyl seats because of breathability but a cotton-poly seat cover might help. My current truck has vinyl seats but I have a leather pad with lumbar support and it works OK (the previous owner(s) must have been heavy because the cushions are partially collapsed).

 

[Floyd]

Thanks for the reply, Floyd. I'm looking online at a 2019 4x4 XL with vinyl seats. I've also been building a 4x2 (with locking differential) at Ford.com. The STX package does seem fairly priced. I don't like the thought of vinyl seats because of breathability but a cotton-poly seat cover might help. My current truck has vinyl seats but I have a leather pad with lumbar support and it works OK (the previous owner(s) must have been heavy because the cushions are partially collapsed).

The Vinyl upholstery is an option on the XL, The standard XL cloth upholstery was what I was referring to in my first reply. I tend to agree with your assessment of the vinyl, but it is not standard on the XL.

 

[Subduction]

One thing holding me back from any XL is the small screen when backing up. Although if I ordered one, I would include the 101A package and then I could get the sensor package for another $625.

 

[BreadMan]

Is the STX upgrade from a standard XL model worth it for the seats? I mean, for additional comfort and durability.

My wife drives fleet for a Ford dealer and she says the STX seats are better than the base. That said, I agree that the rest of the STX package is worthwhile

 

[HenryMac]

One thing holding me back from any XL is the small screen when backing up. Although if I ordered one, I would include the 101A package and then I could get the sensor package for another $625.

I've got the small screen in our XL - STX - FX4. I like it. I have yet to read anybody complain about it. But I have read, on this site, folks complaining about how bright the larger screen is and that there is no way to dim it.

We love the seats... very comfortable.

We drove an STX 4x4 that was not a FX-4. One thing I would like to point out is on the XL, unless you get the FX-4 package, you'll get the dot matrix looking 1980's throwback info screen in the dash between the tach and speedo.

With the FX-4 package they upgrade the info screen.

Food for thought.

Upgraded Information Screen ^^
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Standard XL Information Screen ^^

 

[Floyd]

One thing holding me back from any XL is the small screen when backing up. Although if I ordered one, I would include the 101A package and then I could get the sensor package for another $625.

Of course the center dash screen magnifies for trailer hook up. The screen is smaller than my TC, but having 9000 miles on the truck, I have no problem with the screen size, In fact I like the fact that it is not a touch screen. Also I like the sound of that extra $5000 rattling around in my pocket.

I was promised the complete Co-Pilot 360 suite when I ordered my truck and was disappointed at first when they reneged, but as it turns out I am well satisfied to be without it.
Same is true of the small productivity screen in the instrument panel.. As it turns out, it does everything it should and is perfectly legible.

Ford did a remarkable job of offering packages and options which gave good value to every desirable feature at every trim level.
I paid the price of a Lariat and received both my Ranger STX and my loaded XLT Transit Connect.

 

[Floyd]

I've got the small screen in our XL - STX - FX4. I like it. I have yet to read anybody complain about it. But I have read on, this site, folks complaining about how bright the larger screen is and that there is no way to dim it.

We love the seats... very comfortable.

One thing I would like to point out is on the XL, unless you get the FX-4 package, you'll get the dot matrix looking info screen in the dash between the tach and speedo.

With the FX-4 package they upgrade the info screen.

Food for thought.

Upgraded Information Screen ^^
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standard XL Information Screen ^^

You would also get the upgraded productivity screen on an STX 2WD if you buy the Co-Pilot 360 suite. Its just a matter of the screen accommodating all the features on the truck.

 

[ch47dmechanic]

One thing holding me back from any XL is the small screen when backing up. Although if I ordered one, I would include the 101A package and then I could get the sensor package for another $625.

Do you really need that screen to backup, though? It's not that big of a truck and the sensors are far more helpful that the camera is. I have the SYNC3 system and I still don't look at it when backing up. The mirrors and sensors in the bumper are seriously all you need.

 

[Floyd]

Do you really need that screen to backup, though? It's not that big of a truck and the sensors are far more helpful that the camera is. I have the SYNC3 system and I still don't look at it when backing up. The mirrors and sensors in the bumper are seriously all you need.

It does work great for accurately placing the ball under the trailer coupler.
The screen size is adequate for that purpose.
Got mirrors and windows, no sensor alarms.
Sorry for my part of the thread drift.

 

[ch47dmechanic]

It does work great for accurately placing the ball under the trailer coupler.
The screen size is adequate for that purpose.
Got mirrors and windows, no sensor alarms.
Sorry for my part of the thread drift.

I forgot to mention that, but yeah...to me that's all the camera is good for.

 

[Subduction]

I started the thread drift, so . . . I have a chronic back injury that makes twisting around difficult. My eyes are getting blurry (but still able to get my license without using lenses). I don't plan to do very much towing but would like a hitch for accessories.
I've never had a vehicle with a camera so I dunno--but not being able to dim the 8" screen would truly annoy me, I think.

 

[Langwilliams]

I have the large screen an it's ok. I do like that I can control the heat/ac without using the touch screen. I've been backing a mail truck up without any back windows, using just mirrors for 25 years so I don't use the camera except when I'm parked between 2 large vehicles since it gives a wide view. I had the small screen in my fusion an was fine with it. Seems like that rear camera lens is a dirt magnet. If it's been raining or the roads are wet the view is crap anyway.

I have the XLT an the seats are fine. Mine are manual though. I have the bad habit of eating while driving to work an those black seats look dirty fast so I picked up a cheap cover.

 

[HenryMac]

I started the thread drift, so . . . I have a chronic back injury that makes twisting around difficult. My eyes are getting blurry (but still able to get my license without using lenses). I don't plan to do very much towing but would like a hitch for accessories.
I've never had a vehicle with a camera so I dunno--but not being able to dim the 8" screen would truly annoy me, I think.

I never owned a vehicle with a back up camera until this one. You'll be fine with the smaller screen.

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