The Ford F-150 Lightning has been on the market for about three years now, and the editors at Edmunds have had the opportunity to drive one for roughly 22,000 miles. In their extensive review, they have weighed the pros and cons of this electric pickup truck and shared their insights on whether they would consider buying it again.
Being one of the first electric pickups in the United States, the Ford F-150 Lightning had to meet high standards, especially since it carried the prestigious F-150 badge. It needed to appeal to Ford truck owners who expect nothing but the best from their vehicles.
After three years of ownership and 22,000 miles on the odometer, the Edmunds team has concluded that their experience with the Ford F-150 Lightning has been a mixed bag. On the positive side, they found that the Lightning excelled in towing capabilities, exceeding expectations in this area. The ability to input the trailer’s weight into the infotainment system for a more accurate range estimate was a standout feature. The Lightning was described as super torquey and very quiet, making it an excellent tow rig.
In terms of reliability, the Ford F-150 Lightning had to undergo a couple of recall repairs, which were taken care of by the dealer at no cost to the owner. Apart from that, there were no major issues or unexpected bills, which bodes well for potential buyers looking at used models on the market.
The Lightning with the Extended Range model offered a real-world range of around 345 miles, outperforming its EPA rating by about 25 miles. The interior was praised for being a comfortable and pleasant space, especially when compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado EV.
Despite the availability of faster-charging and longer-range electric pickups from Chevrolet and GMC, the Edmunds team still preferred the Ford F-150 Lightning over these options. However, they noted that there is an even better pickup available, and surprisingly, it also comes from Ford.
In a comparison with a hybrid F-150, the editors found that the hybrid model emerged as the superior choice. The hybrid F-150 offered a quieter cabin with fewer squeaks and rattles, and it maintained a better range when towing heavy trailers on long journeys. Additionally, the hybrid model charged faster than the Lightning, making it a more practical option for everyday use.
In conclusion, while the Ford F-150 Lightning remains a compelling choice for those in the market for an electric pickup truck, the hybrid F-150 emerged as the preferred option for the Edmunds team. The Lightning’s strong towing capabilities and real-world range were commendable, but its shortcomings in terms of cabin noise, range depletion when towing, and slow charging times were notable drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision between the Lightning and the hybrid F-150 comes down to personal preferences and priorities when it comes to owning a pickup truck. When it comes to electric trucks, the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T are often the first names that come to mind. These vehicles have certainly made waves in the industry with their innovative designs and impressive performance. However, there are certain things that these trucks don’t quite nail, which is where the Ford F-150 family comes in.
The all-electric F-150 Lightning is a great addition to the F-150 lineup, offering all the benefits of an electric vehicle without compromising on performance. However, when compared to the F-150 hybrid, the Lightning falls short in some areas.
One of the key things that the F-150 hybrid does better than the Lightning is range. While the Lightning has a respectable range of around 300 miles, the F-150 hybrid can go even further on a single tank of gas. This makes it a better option for those who need to travel long distances without worrying about finding a charging station.
Another area where the F-150 hybrid outshines the Lightning is in towing capacity. The hybrid version of the F-150 can tow up to 12,700 pounds, making it a better choice for those who need to haul heavy loads on a regular basis. The Lightning, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of around 10,000 pounds, which may not be enough for some truck owners.
In terms of overall versatility, the F-150 hybrid also comes out on top. It offers the best of both worlds, with the capability to run on gas or electric power depending on the situation. This makes it a more practical option for those who need a truck that can handle a variety of tasks.
While the F-150 Lightning is certainly a step in the right direction for Ford, it still falls short of the F-150 hybrid in some key areas. For those who need a truck that can go the distance, haul heavy loads, and handle any task thrown its way, the F-150 hybrid remains the top choice in the F-150 family.