2026 Ford F-150 Buyer’s Guide: Trims, Pricing & Towing for Beaver Dam, WI Drivers

July 11th, 2026 by

2026 ford f-150 buyers guide

The Ford F-150 has topped America’s sales charts for more than four decades, but the reasons it works in Dodge County are pretty specific: enough truck to haul feed and equipment on a farm outside Waupun, tow a boat down to one of Beaver Dam Lake’s seven public landings, or turn the Highway 151 commute to Watertown or Madison into a non-event. This guide walks through every 2026 F-150 trim and engine sold at Summit Automotive Ford, what each one costs, and which configuration actually fits how you’ll use it — plus how to check current pricing, financing, and trade-in value before you ever leave home.

You can also jump straight to current F-150 inventory at any point if you already know what you’re after.

2026 Ford F-150 Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2026 F-150 comes in eight trims — XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor — plus the V8-powered Raptor R at the very top. Each builds on the one below it, so the right starting point usually comes down to how much comfort and capability you actually need versus what you’d just be paying for.

F-150 XL — starting around $39,330

The work-grade base trim: durable vinyl or cloth seating, a Class IV hitch, and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 standard with upgrades available. It’s the trim Dodge County contractors and farm operations tend to order without much debate, because nothing on it is there just to look good.

F-150 STX — starting around $41,855

New for 2026, STX can be built with the available Lobo Package — a 2-inch lowered rear suspension, gloss-black 22-inch wheels, and the 5.0L V8 — for a street-focused look that’s new to this trim. Outside of Lobo builds, STX simply adds 18-inch gloss-black wheels and body-color trim over the XL.

F-150 XLT — starting around $44,695

The volume trim, both nationally and on our own lot. SYNC 4, power-adjustable features, and LED lighting come standard, with available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select builds — all well short of luxury-truck pricing.

F-150 Lariat — starting around $59,560

Leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and an available B&O sound system move the Lariat into daily-driver-with-a-truck-bed territory. It’s a common pick for Dodge County families who want one vehicle that commutes all week and still tows a boat on Saturday.

F-150 Tremor — starting around $64,915

Factory off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential, built standard with 4×4. It’s the trim suited to the two-track roads around Horicon Marsh and the unplowed lanes that show up every Dodge County winter.

F-150 King Ranch — starting around $65,825

Western-themed leather and real wood trim over a genuinely plush cabin, with the running gear underneath to still do truck things when you ask it to.

F-150 Platinum — starting around $68,800

The top standard trim: massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, and the most complete technology package Ford puts on a half-ton truck.

F-150 Raptor & Raptor R — starting around $79,005 / $113,000+

The Raptor runs a 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6 (450 hp / 510 lb-ft) with FOX shocks and 37-inch tires built for terrain, not towing numbers. Step up to the Raptor R and a supercharged 5.2L V8 takes output to 720 hp and 640 lb-ft.

Pricing above is approximate starting MSRP and doesn’t include destination, tax, title, license, or dealer-installed options. Rear-wheel drive is now standard on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum for 2026, with 4×4 available at extra cost. Configurations and current offers change, so confirm exact pricing on a specific truck with our sales team before you buy.

Which 2026 F-150 Fits Your Life in Dodge County?

Specs only tell half the story. Here’s how the lineup tends to sort out for buyers around Beaver Dam:

The farm or job-site truck: XL or STX

If the truck’s real job is hauling feed, tools, or a stock trailer more days than not, XL and STX cover it without paying for leather you’ll never use. Both work fine with the 2.7L EcoBoost, and either can still be built into a legitimate tow rig with the right axle and package.

The everyday driver: XLT

Most trucks that leave our lot wear an XLT badge. It’s built for a Highway 151 commute to Watertown or Columbus during the week and a trip to the Dodge County Fairgrounds on the weekend, with enough factory tech that it never feels like the “base” choice.

The family hauler: Lariat

Add kids, a longer commute, or regular trips into Madison, and the Lariat’s extra sound insulation, heated and cooled front seats, and dual-zone climate start to earn their keep fast.

The lake and camper tow rig: 3.5L EcoBoost or PowerBoost Hybrid, any trim

Towing a boat to Beaver Dam Lake or a camper up north comes down to engine and package more than trim badge. Pair the 3.5L EcoBoost with the Tow/Haul Package for the F-150’s best-in-class 13,500-lb rating, or step into the PowerBoost Hybrid for strong torque plus a 7.2kW Pro Power Onboard outlet that can run a fish finder, a camp fridge, or job-site tools.

The backroads and marsh truck: Tremor

Waterfowl season around Horicon Marsh means gear, decoys, and a truck that doesn’t mind a muddy two-track. Tremor’s factory off-road suspension is built for exactly that without giving up the F-150’s everyday manners on the drive home.

The weekend toy: Raptor or Raptor R

Some trucks exist to be fun on a Saturday, and the Raptor lineup doesn’t apologize for it. Neither is the truck to spec if maximum towing is the priority — but that buyer usually isn’t cross-shopping for it anyway.

2026 F-150 Engine Lineup and Towing Capacity

Engine Horsepower Torque Max Towing*
2.7L EcoBoost V6 325 hp 400 lb-ft 8,400 lbs
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 400 hp 410 lb-ft 12,800 lbs
3.5L EcoBoost V6 400 hp 500 lb-ft 13,500 lbs (best-in-class)
3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 420 hp 570 lb-ft 11,600 lbs
3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6 (Raptor) 450 hp 510 lb-ft off-road focused, not max-tow rated
5.2L Supercharged V8 (Raptor R) 720 hp 640 lb-ft off-road focused, not max-tow rated
*Max towing when properly equipped with the correct package and axle. Actual rating varies by cab, bed, and configuration — confirm the number for your specific build with our sales team.

Best for daily driving and light towing: the 2.7L EcoBoost handles commuting and covers boats, utility trailers, and light loads under roughly 8,000 lbs without paying for capability you won’t use.

Best for maximum towing: the 3.5L EcoBoost with the Tow/Haul Package and Max Tow axle hits the F-150’s full 13,500-lb ceiling — the pick for anyone regularly pulling a loaded livestock or equipment trailer around Dodge County.

Best for V8 character: the 5.0L V8 tows up to 12,800 lbs with the linear, naturally-aspirated power delivery buyers coming out of an older F-150 often prefer.

Best for fuel economy and job-site power: the PowerBoost Hybrid pairs the lineup’s strongest mainstream torque number with standard 7.2kW Pro Power Onboard — useful at a job site or tailgating at the fairgrounds.

Going Electric: The 2026 F-150 Lightning

For Beaver Dam drivers curious about an electric truck, the 2026 F-150 Lightning comes in five trims — Pro, STX, Flash, Lariat, and Platinum — all with dual-motor all-wheel drive standard. Lower trims produce 536 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque; Lariat and Platinum step up to 580 hp. Every 2026 Lightning now ships with the larger 123-kWh extended-range battery as standard equipment, good for an EPA-estimated range up to roughly 320 miles depending on trim and wheel size.

Standard towing sits at 7,700 lbs, and the available Max Trailer Tow Package (standard on Platinum) raises that to 10,000 lbs. The Lightning’s 14.1-cubic-foot “Mega Power Frunk” and Pro Power Onboard — up to 9.6kW on Platinum — can also run tools or back up your home during an outage, which is a genuinely useful feature during a Wisconsin storm. See current F-150 Lightning inventory for what’s on our lot now.

What’s New on the 2026 Ford F-150

This year’s truck is a refresh rather than a ground-up redesign, but a few changes are worth knowing before you shop:

  • The available STX Lobo Package brings a lowered rear suspension, gloss-black 22-inch wheels, and the 5.0L V8 to the STX trim.
  • Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is now available on Platinum, King Ranch, Lariat, Tremor, and select XLT builds.
  • A new Ford Connectivity Package adds Wi-Fi and connected services, with the first year included at activation.
  • New XLT Chrome and Satin Platinum appearance packages, plus new exterior colors, round out the changes.
  • The 2026 F-150 was named a KBB.com Best Buy of the Year among full-size trucks.

For a deeper look at everything that changed year over year, read our full 2026 Ford F-150 changes guide.

Current Offers, Financing & Trade-In at Summit Automotive Ford

Ford’s national incentives on the F-150 change monthly, and the right mix of rebate, APR, or lease offer depends on trim and credit profile — the fastest way to get a real number is to check our live new vehicle specials or run your own numbers with our payment calculator.

If you’re financing, you can apply for financing online before you ever visit the lot — including options for buyers working to rebuild credit, covered in our guide to buying a Ford with bad credit in Wisconsin.

Trading in your current vehicle? Value your trade in a few minutes to see what it’s worth toward a 2026 F-150.

Why Dodge County Drivers Choose Summit Automotive Ford

Summit Automotive Ford has been family-owned in Beaver Dam since 1997, and the reputation is more than a tagline: the store carries a 4.9-star CARFAX rating, an A- BBB profile, and four consecutive years as Dodge County’s Best New & Used Car Dealership. Every F-150 we sell is backed by a factory-trained service department stocked with genuine Ford parts, plus conveniences like Ford Mobile Service and Pickup & Delivery for buyers who’d rather not build a service visit into their day.

Meet the team, read more about Summit Automotive Ford, or see what local drivers are saying before you stop in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 2026 Ford F-150 cost at Summit Automotive Ford?

MSRP starts around $39,330 for the XL and tops out above $113,000 for the Raptor R, before tax, title, license, and options. Check current F-150 inventory and specials for real pricing on trucks actually on our lot.

What’s the difference between the F-150 XL and STX?

Both share the same base 2.7L EcoBoost engine and work-truck bones, but STX adds 18-inch gloss-black wheels, body-color trim, and — new for 2026 — an available Lobo Package with a lowered rear suspension and the 5.0L V8. Think of STX as the XL with more curb appeal for a few thousand dollars more.

How much can a 2026 F-150 tow?

Up to 13,500 lbs when equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the Tow/Haul Package, and the Max Tow axle. Towing capacity changes with cab, bed, and axle configuration, so confirm the number on the specific truck you’re considering.

Which F-150 is best for towing a boat or camper in Wisconsin?

For most boats launched at Beaver Dam Lake or a mid-size camper, the 2.7L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 has plenty of margin. If you’re regularly pulling something closer to the F-150’s max rating, spec the 3.5L EcoBoost with the Tow/Haul Package.

Does Summit Automotive Ford sell a hybrid or electric F-150?

Yes. The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid is available across most F-150 trims, and the all-electric F-150 Lightning is sold separately in five trims, Pro through Platinum. See F-150 Lightning inventory for current availability.

Can I finance an F-150 or trade in my current vehicle here?

Yes to both. You can apply for financing, including options for less-than-perfect credit, and value your trade online in a few minutes before you ever visit the dealership.

Where can I see or test drive a 2026 F-150 near Beaver Dam, WI?

Summit Automotive Ford is located at 100 Summit Drive in Beaver Dam, just off Highway 151, and serves Waupun, Horicon, Juneau, Mayville, Columbus, and the rest of Dodge County. Contact us to schedule a time, or stop by and see what’s currently on the lot.

Ready to see the 2026 F-150 in person? Browse current F-150 inventory or contact us to schedule a test drive at Summit Automotive Ford, 100 Summit Drive, Beaver Dam, WI — 920-885-3500.

 

Posted in Ford Research