The F-150 Lightning is at once both futuristic and familiar. It has loads of modern technology features and yet it might be one of the most practical and job site-friendly trucks on sale today. But the Lightning's full-size truck credentials come into question when you want to tow due to modest limits and a severely restricted range.
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
Body-on-frame structure and standard all-wheel drive lend true truck credentials
Comfortable ride
Impressive range with the extended-range battery option
Battery can be used to power tools, appliances and more
Cons
Range drops off considerably under towing
Can feel overly soft and wallowy when driving over big bumps
Cost quickly becomes prohibitive in upper trim levels
What's new
Slightly more estimated max range with standard battery
Semi-automated Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature now available to help attach trailers
Part of the first Ford F-150 Lightning generation introduced for 2022
Overview
The Ford F-150 Lightning enters its second model year for 2023. Simply put, it's an electric pickup truck for people who like to drive trucks. The Lightning sticks with traditional F-150 styling, as opposed to the futuristic Rivian R1T and the far-out Tesla Cybertruck, which looks like it rolled off the set of a Blade Runner movie. But hidden underneath the Lightning's sheetmetal is some pretty impressive hardware.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Ford F-150 Lightning EV Insights
Trim:
F-150 Lightning Pro
Range
265 miles
Edmunds Tested RangeEdmunds begins with a full battery charge and drives the vehicle on a mix of city and highway roads (approximately 60% city, 40% highway) until the battery is almost entirely empty. (We target 10 miles of remaining range for safety.) The miles traveled and the indicated remaining range are added together for the Edmunds Tested Range figure.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 225 miles after 8 years.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Round-tripOne-way
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Ashburn, Virginia. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
11.9 hoursStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Total Charging Time (240V outlet)
SAE Combo
Plug Type
EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$7,625
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions:
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit.
For new vehicles placed in service on or after April 18th, 2023, the Clean Vehicle Credit provisions are subject to updated guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
To be eligible for the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit:
A vehicle must have undergone final assembly in North America (the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico).
Critical mineral and battery component requirements determine credit amount.
Maximum MSRP of $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans.
Income eligibility applies depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
Restrictions: This program is a charging agreement between Ford Motor Company and Electrify America. Customers who purchase a new F-150 Lightning will receive 250 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of complimentary DC fast charging on the Electrify America network through FordPass Rewards. Vehicle modem and Blue Oval Charge Network access must be activated within 60 days of purchase. Complimentary credit expires 2 years from warranty start date. See your participating dealer for details.
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,000 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
The Lightning has two available battery options. The standard battery has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles for 2023, which is a bit more than last year. The optional extended-range battery provides an estimated 320 miles of range on a full charge, and we've gone an impressive 345 miles with this battery in Edmunds' real-world range testing.
Of course, the Lightning is a truck and is expected to do truck things. Properly equipped, the F-150 Lightning has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. This is less than the max payload figure for a regular F-150 but still plenty useful. Just know that towing long distances with an EV can be a challenge because of the reduced range and the lack of suitable charging station infrastructure. The Lightning does compensate on the utility front with some pretty cool features, including a giant front trunk and a Pro Power Onboard feature that consists of household-style electrical plugs that you can use to power tools and other electronic devices.
We think highly of the F-150 Lightning and recommend it to anyone in need of a utility-focused EV. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for our full report on the Lightning's performance, real-world range, utility and more.
What's it like to live with?
We bought a 2022 F-150 Lightning Lariat with the optional extended-range battery as part of the Edmunds long-term test program. Over the course of a year, our editorial team will drive it and live with it in order to find out what Lightning ownership is like in the real world. Check out Edmunds' Lightning long-term report for all the details.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.4/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The F-150 Lightning is at once both futuristic and familiar. It has loads of modern technology features and yet it might be one of the most practical and job site-friendly trucks on sale today. But the Lightning's full-size truck credentials come into question when you want to tow due to modest limits and a severely restricted range.
How does the F-150 Lightning drive? Of course not every EV, especially a truck, needs to accelerate quicker than many sports cars, but the Lightning does exactly that. We took a Lightning Platinum — this trim comes with the big battery — to our test track and it ripped from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat and cleared the quarter mile in just 12.7 seconds at a tick over 106 mph. A quad-motor Rivian R1T we tested was a bit quicker than that, but suffice to say the Lightning lives up to its name. We found braking similarly impressive for something so heavy. The Lightning needed only 127 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is about the same as a standard F-150.
Handling isn't the strong suit of any pickup truck, but the Lightning proved friendly and stress-free on both twisty roads and the open highway. We also enjoyed the Lightning's one-pedal driving (a common feature on EVs that allows the driver to both accelerate and brake using only the accelerator pedal). It was both predictable and plenty strong enough that we almost never used the mechanical brakes. As you'd expect, a giant swell of power is just a twitch of your right foot away, but the Lightning never felt jumpy or overpowered and proved just as easy and intuitive to drive as any other EV or any gas-powered F-150.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the F-150 Lightning? The front seats are supportive and can be equipped with heating, ventilation, three-level lumbar adjustment and even a massaging function. The available Max Recline front seats can recline to give you a nearly flat seat to rest or take a nap, but they lack the side bolstering we expect and some of our drivers did find them a bit uncomfortable after a few hours.
The Lightning features a fully independent rear suspension, which delivers a smoother ride and is a definite upgrade from the standard leaf springs on the regular F-150. But on the downside the Lightning can feel a bit too soft and wallowy when driving over undulating pavement. This is especially true of trucks equipped with the bigger battery. Road, tire and wind noise is kept to low volumes. Most of the Lightning's electric propulsion sounds are not the least bit obnoxious or overly weird. The climate control system is effective and powerful, requiring little adjustment to maintain your desired temperature.
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How’s the interior? Much like the standard F-150, the Lightning offers a huge number of available features. Fortunately, the interior layout is intuitive, so you never have to second-guess what you're reaching for. You can adjust most of the truck's big knobs and controls even when you're wearing gloves. We especially like the newest generation of Ford's touchscreen, particularly the 15.5-inch model due to its crisp and uncluttered graphics and quick response times. It also looks great in the Lightning's cavernous interior.
A wide range of seat, steering wheel and pedal adjustments ensure a fit for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The crew cab's spaciousness means you won't be short on room either. Ample exterior visibility is afforded in part by large windows and a scalloped section in the front door that clears a view around the side mirrors. The optional surround-view camera system provides visibility all the way around too.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The Lightning uses Ford's newest in-car tech to great success. We like the big 15.5-inch center touchscreen that's supported by physical controls, such as a volume knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is present and also wireless (though you can still connect through USB cord). Ford's onboard navigation system is responsive and cleanly designed, but it's not so overly minimalistic like some competitor systems.
The Platinum trim, which is what we tested, includes an excellent 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that creates a rich sound environment. Our test truck also had a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids including Ford's BlueCruise, a more advanced form of adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot warning and 360-degree cameras. While BlueCruise isn't available to use on every road, the Lightning's regular adaptive cruise control proved smooth and steady and kept up with traffic flow at all speeds in our testing. And thanks to the Lightning's multitude of high-definition cameras, it's an easy truck to maneuver in tight spaces.
Standard equipment on the Platinum is a host of towing-related features bundled in the Tow Technology package. These features include a built-in scale to help with balancing trailer weight, trailer reversing guidance, and an integrated trailer brake controller, features common to most towing packages on gas- and diesel-powered pickups.
Towing and Storage
8.5/10
How are the towing and storage? Electrifying the venerable F-150 didn't really change how useful it is on a daily basis. Interior storage borders on cavernous, and there's room in both rows for all manner of gear and equipment. The rear seats flip up and feature lockable storage and are bolstered by the Lightning's power-operated front trunk. Boasting 14 cubic feet of storage capacity (that's larger than the trunks of many sedans), including a drain for wet storage, the Lightning might just be the most ideal vehicle for tailgating on sale today. The Rivian R1T might offer more clever storage options but the F-150's are more convenient.
Ford boasts that the Lightning has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, but our Platinum test vehicle was limited to just 8,400 pounds due to its various options. If you buy a Lightning with the standard battery, that rating drops to 7,700 pounds, which is similar to what you can pull with a midsize truck. It's also worth mentioning that the range of the Lightning drops precipitously when towing and could be as little as 100 miles depending on conditions.
All F-150 Lightnings come with a 5.5-foot bed. You don't have the option of picking a longer bed like on the regular F-150.
Range and Efficiency
7.5/10
How are the range and efficiency? The Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum (which is what we tested) has an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. The EPA also estimates the truck will use 51 kWh of electricity per 100 miles driven. On paper, these estimates make the Lightning slightly less efficient than the Rivian R1T.
In Edmunds' real-world testing, we managed to drive 332 miles of full charge, easily exceeding the EPA's estimates. During that time our test truck used slightly less electricity than estimated: 45.4 kWh per 100 miles. That bests the results we achieved with a quad-motor Rivian R1T on the same route, which traveled 317 miles and used 46.9 kWh of electricity per 100 miles.
When plugged into a 240-volt home outlet, Ford estimates the Lightning, with its extended-range battery, can be charged from 15% to 100% in 20 hours. When connected to a DC fast charger of around 150 kW, Ford says the Lightning can be charged from 15% to 80% capacity in as little as 41 minutes.
Value
8.0/10
Is the F-150 Lightning a good value? Our test truck was the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, and it rang in at more than $90,000 as-new. That's definitely a lot of money, but you can spec out a standard F-150 to nearly the same amount. And for added context, it's very easy to option up the smaller Rivian R1T to well over $100K. For all that money, you do get an F-150 Lightning with all the bells and whistles. Build quality and materials are just as good as they are on the standard F-150.
Our only real complaint is the price of the extended-range battery. For non-fleet buyers, the desirable battery pack adds nearly $10K to the price of the XLT and Lariat trims and cannot be had with the base Pro trim. That essentially caps the maximum driving range to around 230 miles and all but negates any reasonable towing range.
Ford's bumper-to-bumper warranty of three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage of five years/60,000 miles are fairly standard. The Rivian R1T offers better coverage, but both the F-150 and R1T offer the same five years/60,000 miles for roadside assistance and eight years/100,000 miles on the battery.
Wildcard
8.0/10
Excluding the earlier supercharged variant of the same name (hint: you're old if you remember that one), the F-150 Lightning is exactly what you think it is. Free of gimmicks, the Lightning is more or less a fully electrified F-150 and should appeal directly to current F-150 owners looking for a modern interpretation of their favorite truck. The interior is a smidge more modern, but other than the lack of a rumbling truck engine, the F-150 feels, drives and can be used just like any other F-150.
That is perhaps the greatest achievement of the Lightning — it's an electric truck for people who like to drive trucks. The only real trade-off is the somewhat low tow rating (when compared to a conventional F-150) and meager range when towing, but on the flip side you do get a full-size truck capable of powering your house and doing sprints to 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat.
Which F-150 Lightning does Edmunds recommend?
The XLT with the standard range battery should be a good fit for many customers. The standard battery offers good daily driving range for a pickup, and parking sensors plus a surround-view camera will protect your investment. The extended-range battery option and high trims are compelling but likely cost-prohibitive.
Ford F-150 Lightning models
The F-150 Lightning comes in one of five trim levels for 2023: Pro, XLT, XLT High, Lariat and Platinum. All Lightnings come in a crew-cab body style with a 5.5-foot bed. The Pro, XLT and Lariat all come with a 98-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors that give the truck all-wheel drive. Maximum power is 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. A larger 131-kWh battery pack is optional on the XLT and Lariat and standard on the Platinum. Horsepower rises to 580 hp with the bigger battery. Standard and optional feature highlights for each trim include:
Pro
This work-oriented trim comes standard with:
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
DC fast-charging capability (up to approximately 155 kW)
Vinyl seats
Black vinyl floors
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless entry
Heated front seats
Digital instrument cluster
12-inch infotainment screen
Integrated navigation system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (includes wireless connectivity)
Six-speaker sound system
Eight 120-volt household style electrical power outlets (four in the front trunk, two in the bed and two in the cab; max output of 2.4 kW)
Electronic-locking rear axle (can enhance traction in low-speed situations)
Class IV trailer hitch
Standard driver aids include:
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
XLT
Includes all of the Pro's features and adds:
Cloth seats and flooring
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Power-adjustable pedals
Rear-window defroster
Underseat rear storage
Front parking sensors
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Lightning and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
A 312A High optional package is available for the XLT. It bundles:
20-inch wheels
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Keyless entry
Power tailgate
Pro Power Onboard (upgrades the household-style power outlets to provide a maximum of 9.6 kW of electricity)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Lariat
The Lariat comes with all of the above and further adds:
LED cargo bed lighting
Power-folding side mirrors
Power-sliding rear window
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Eight-speaker B&O audio system
15.5-inch touchscreen display
Wireless charging pad
A 511A High package for the Lariat is available. It comes with:
Twin-panel panoramic sunroof
Ford's BlueCruise system (uses the vehicle's advanced driver aids to further provide hands-free driving capability on select divided highways)
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Rain-sensing wipers
Heated rear seats
Upgraded rear underseat storage
Tow Technology package (detailed below)
Platinum
Comes with nearly all of the bells and whistles, including the larger 131-kWh battery pack. It has everything listed above plus:
22-inch wheels
Upgraded leather upholstery
Massaging front seats
Upgraded interior trim
18-speaker B&O audio system
Max Trailer tow package (detailed below)
Home charger (Ford Charge Station Pro; installed by third-party supplier)
There are two tow-oriented packages that are either optional or standard depending on the trim level. They are:
Max Trailer Tow package
Boosts towing capacity up to a possible maximum of 10,000 pounds
Tow Technology package
Pro Trailer Backup Assist (knob-based steering system to make reversing with a trailer easier)
Trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cab)
Onboard scales (measure the weight of the truck's payload)
It’s by far the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and it far exceeds my expectations of what I thought it would be. First off, it’s ridiculously fast. That wasn’t something I expected. What I did expect was a truck that drove like a good truck. It’s far more than that. It drives buttery smooth, quiet, and zesty around turns. It’s a truck that drives like a luxury car and a sports car, if … that’s possible. Also, the interior is way better than my family’s Tesla (now sold). It’s roomy, my kids love all the features, and we love how nice and high quality everything is. The only complaint for by family was the regular long antenna, so I bought an aftermarket short one. My only complaint is the FordPass app. I think they can improve the functionality of it. Hopefully they do in the future with OTA. Besides that our truck is a 10 out of 10.
5/5 stars, Range anxiety, spacious interior & stupid quick
RealUser,
XLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD)
XLT 312A Standard Range. The truck fit and finish is great, but electricity costs are cutting into some of the expected savings over gasoline. Range seems very optimistic at 230 miles for the 98kW-hr battery when driving 75% of miles on the freeway at 67mph and only getting 2 miles/kw-hr or much worse at any higher speed, or in colder weather, or towing! Recent "distance to empty" … software update seemed to increase Ford's optimism of available range. On top of those concerns, there are too many down DCFC (direct current fast charging) stations, so long distance travel is risky and Ford does not seem to be actively trying to correct that situation. Furthermore, reported just in the F-150 Lightning forums, there have been at least 15 reports of HV (high voltage) battery failure in these first 9 months of production of 15,000 vehicles. So 1 per 1000 vehicles, a 0.1% failure rate that we know about. Is that approximately ~four week repair time acceptable for consumers? That is a lot of total days out of service, somewhat due to many dealers are not up to speed for EVs and low supplies of parts in the Ford network and delivery times.
Frunk total space is nice, but oddly shaped and pretty tight for two sets of golf clubs. Good spot in the bottom section to store all the many various 240Vac power adapters that you will need to plug in your "mobile charger" when traveling. The 5.5 foot bed is a touch short while the 2nd row seating has lots of knee space and the seats fold up for a fantastic flat floored room. The cloth seats only come in one color and I question their resistance to dirt; plus the side bolsters do not seem stiff enough. No memory driver's seat for the XLT seems cheap. No rear signature light bar for the XLT is also a miss by Ford as that would point out the Lightning as special for more customers...and the price for the XLT High (312A) is a big jump in price. I had to go for the 312A package to get the Adaptive Cruise Control Assist 2.0, as it really helps in stop and go traffic (or my glancing away) and lane keeping - it should be required safety equipment. BlueCruise seems unnecessary as it will nag you to be looking forward all the time anyway. The 9.6kW Power Onboard is sweet for powering all sorts of things; the 7.2kW, 240Vac/30A plug can be used as a generator back to the house without the fancy and costly Intelligent Power backfeed system. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid provides that as well without jumping up to the Lightning; too bad that is not a Plug-In battery for some low cost local range.
To scare you away from being a Lightning early adopter, here are some issues reported from the f150lightningforum: Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power (HV battery module problem), slight "Click" when starting off either in forward or reverse or metal ‘tink’ sound (axle fix TSB), Sync 4 error, Reduced power with no Fault code, Power reduced to 64%, Humming / Slight Vibration @ 45-48ish or Higher, FordPass App Stopped Working, Recall 22S71 - Windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, Frunk completely dead, Audio off / GPS not functioning after 4.1.1 update, Auto-fold mirrors not working, CarPlay Stereo Issue, No Preconditioning for over a week, Driver window lowering itself after being raised, Safety Issue with Cruise Control Accidentally Engaging, Modem stopped working.....then worked with a weird possible fix, Pro power onboard died on first use! (update: fixed by 12v reboot), Shutter Assembly, Lost my Speedometer screen, Auto-dimming rear/side mirror, Help Interpreting DTC for Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power Vehicle Alert, Advice on Frunk Plastic Paint Repair, BlueCruise Driver-Facing camera fault, Heater question during charging...., Where the heck did my power go?, Issues with trucks delivered recently (modem/OTA)?, Ford Service - they can see everything, Phone recognized but CarPlay won't start. I've tried everything I know..., Motor power is reduced from 100% as battery gets lower, Trailer brake module fault, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power (DTC P0AA4:BECM), This just started - tail lights flickering, FordPass Activations for MY2023 Unavailable Until February, Battery and Motor Temperature Dashboard Display Always at Midpoint, ...to give you a few...and on top of these, the Ford Battery EV customer service is getting poor marks.
What does a failure rate on an individual part need to be to perhaps only have one failure for the life of a vehicle? And Software is made up of many parts!
So, if your truck is working fine, and many must be getting good use, not sure if that is a high enough percentage of satisfied users for the "Truck of the Year" awards. I cannot complain too much about intermittent FordPass App not connecting for a day, or about the user interface software being less than friendly, in my less than 3 months of ownership (<2000 miles) [Ford: please implement the easy software display fixes suggested by many of us! Show the OBD2 data on a screen! Add HV battery % on the Instrument cluster and battery/motor digital temperatures.]. The Ford navigation (3 years free?) with Alexa help without paying for a $10/mo subscription (to get more Amazon music, etc; was free for first 30 days which was not enough to test it out) has been OK enough that I might ignore Android Auto (and Nav can expand to use the whole 12" screen if you want). However, if I decide to use Android Auto for A Better Route Planner App, Waze or Podcast Addict, or for other data heavy functions, I might pay $20/mo for the AT&T Hotspot Wi-Fi and the need to USB-C cable connect the phone to use that.
In January 2023, the 15" screen for Lariats and Platinum (as seen in the Mach-E as well) has received some improvements to employ the dial for more functions, like temperature, which makes it more user friendly. The Pro and XLT 12" center screen is liked by many as there are physical buttons and dials for climate and audio.
Overall, the cost for a truck can go through the roof if you must have the fancy additions. And the Pro and XLT can be modified to add some higher priced items at a lower cost, especially if you are a DIY'er. Try not to break the bank! Maybe a EV bicycle is all we need? Has global warming reached a tipping point and reducing CO2 (up 33% in 100 years) from fossil fuels must be a priority to save the planet? I think EV use, even with mining all the lithium, is a step in the right direction.
5/5 stars, Next Level F-150
Erich,
Lariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD)
To be truthful, I would rate it a 4.5. It's an excellent V1 e-truck. It delivers improved stability (due to weight and independent rear suspension), provides a quality trim (but not necessarily best-in-class), the build has a perfect fit & finish, it provides a convenient "Frunk" with comfortable seats, it is super quiet on roads, and a so-so Infotainment system marked by slowness and … lack of multitasking capabilities, Wireless CarPlay is nevertheless a plus. Sadly the 2022 version will not be upgradable to Google Automobile OS (a big miss on Ford's part). A standard range battery is perfect for our use case (99% local driving), and as such, 110V charging is all we need due to the low mileage. The ordering process was relatively painless but not completely frictionless. As this is an F150, accessories options and availability is plentiful, which is a plus. I would have liked: 1) better cooling front seats, an option for massaging seat (non Platinum), heated rear seats (VT winters), a reclinable back seat for more comfort, and a HUD option (once upgraded to Android Car OS). Note that faster-charging capabilities are hampered by the evolving charging network, even if the truck maxes out at < 150 Kwh. In the future, and maybe once Tesla's charging network is opened to all, batteries will need to handle the 250 & 350 Kwh charges to make this truck a fantastic vehicle and worth the Extended range battery option. By the way. I forgot to mention that the F-150 whiplash fast. In conclusion, I love it and am fortunate and proud to own one, as this is our first Ford!
5/5 stars, Solid Electric Truck!
Aaron Kalb,
Lariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD)
The reviews are spot on, it’s everything that’s great about the F-150 and it’s got all the benefits of an electric powertrain. In the month I’ve owned the truck, the ONLY downside has been towing range. I don’t do much towing so it’s not a big deal. I’ve taken it on two 300 mile road trips and they’ve been a breeze and much cheaper than normal :)
[MUSIC PLAYING] ALISTAIR WEAVER: We're here to crown Edmund's best of the best for 2023. We're honoring the car, truck, or SUV that's not just top rated in its segment, but a standout vehicle on sale today. The best of the best award debuts this year and it's given at the discretion of Edmund's award-winning editorial team, which now numbers over 40 people.
In common with all our ratings, the judging was informed by our industry leading testing process. But for this special award, we went beyond the metrics to consider the model's impact, innovation, and relevance to car shoppers. And we considered every vehicle on sale today, whether they're fueled by a plug or by a pump. So, let's start with the short list.
This year we've named Edmunds top rated winners in six categories. In SUVs, the stylish, efficient, and surprisingly affordable new Kia Sportage hybrid beat back a crowded fleet of talented rivals.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: The Sportage hybrid has more power than the non-hybrid, plus way better fuel economy. And the price is so good that we wouldn't even bother with the non-hybrid.
EMME HALL: When you're in a Kia Sportage hybrid, people know it, because it looks like nothing else on the road and nothing else in that class.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
ALISTAIR WEAVER: In cars, the versatile, affordable, and surprisingly refined Honda Civic won the day. That's two years in a row.
EMME HALL: What I also like about the Civic is that everything is so intuitive, right? The infotainment is super intuitive. There's not a lot of menus and submenus. So you can really get in the vehicle and say, OK, here's my setting. Here's my presets. I'm in gear. All right, I'm ready to go.
And there's just not a huge learning curve with the Civic.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: The Civic, in three words to me, is practical, fun, and affordable. That says it all.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
ALISTAIR WEAVER: In trucks, boasting everything from an available hybrid to an onboard generator, the powerhouse Ford F-150 pickup took home the honors. Also, a repeat top-rated performer.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: So Pro Power Onboard is an amazing feature for the F-150. It essentially turns a truck into a portable generator. And not just like a small generator that might power a mini fridge. Although, it can do that as well. What that means is it can power pretty much any power tool, any appliance that you can think to plug-in.
I think you can even plug a washer/dryer in and run it off of that. A refrigerator.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: This is the standard bearer for how a full-sized pickup should feel on the road.
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ALISTAIR WEAVER: In our electric cars category, the value-laden, spacious, and easy to drive Chevrolet Bolt EV took a surprise win, beating out established favorites like the Tesla Model 3.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: The amount of range that you get for the price is insane.
LAUREN MCCAY: The Bolt EV is a nice car. But given the price, it makes it an amazing car.
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ALISTAIR WEAVER: In America's nascent electric truck category, it was another F-150, the Lightning, that hauled away our honors thanks to its long range, excellent power, and clever tech.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: The Lightning is wild. It's an F-150, but to the max. I mean, this is the most torque you can get in any F-150. And it's not close. So on top of all that, it's got really strong payload ratings.
EMME HALL: So you'll get into it and you'll think, oh, this is just like my regular truck. Then you'll drive it and you'll go, whoa, this is way better than my regular truck.
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ALISTAIR WEAVER: And in our fast growing electric SUVs category, the winner was Hyundai's dynamic and uniquely stylish Ioniq 5.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: So, Ioniq 5 comes with an 800 volt architecture and allows you to charge super quick. And it's something that only much more expensive EVs have.
LAUREN MCCAY: It's like a "Stranger Things" vehicle. It's like in the '80s, but also sci-fi all at the same time. Ooh, I'm liking it even more as I'm talking about it.
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ALISTAIR WEAVER: As you can see, it's a hugely talented list. But which of these standout models reigns supreme? While we've been particularly impressed with Kia's Sportage hybrid and Hyundai's Ioniq 5, in the final analysis, it's the Ford F-150 Lightning that hauls away our Best of the Best Award for 2023. Ford's F-series is America's best-selling vehicle full stop. And this Lightning might just be the best version for most people.
Sure, if you tow regularly, we'd recommend the hybrid. But for almost everybody else, the Lightning is the better choice, especially if you can charge at home. Yes, an electric truck really is Edmunds Best of the Best.
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Ford F-150 Lightning: Edmunds Best of the Best | Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2023
While the F-150 Lightning is an electric work-ready truck, the Rivian R1T is more like an electric adventure vehicle. This EV has four electric motors that provide up to 835 hp, an adjustable air suspension and hidden storage cubbies galore. It's more maneuverable than the Lightning but suffers from fit and finish issues. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Rivian R1T.
There's the ambitious F-150 Lightning. And then there's the extravagant Hummer EV. This electric truck is massive, topping 9,000 pounds, with a relatively small pickup bed. It's also packing 1,000 horsepower and more than 300 miles of range, plus extreme off-road abilities like a "crab-walking" feature. Neat, but the Lightning is easily more sensible and affordable.
If the Lightning is a stretch too far, consider the conventional Ford F-150. It's our Edmunds Top Rated Truck, and there are fuel-efficient versions if you're looking to save on gas. The gasoline-electric hybrid F-150, or PowerBoost, is both economical and a capable tower. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ford F-150 Hybrid.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the all-electric version of the F-150 full-size pickup. If the name sounds familiar, it's because the truck borrows its name from the high-performance Ford F-150 SVT Lightning last seen in 2004. While the modern Lightning harkens to the past, it's all about looking forward thanks to its fully electric powertrain. It's also known for traditional-looking truck styling, as opposed to the futuristic Rivian R1T and the far-out Tesla Cybertruck, which looks like it rolled off the set of a Blade Runner movie. Not everyone is into that, so the F-150 Lightning makes a good case for pickup purists who prefer the look, and rugged body-on-frame construction, of a traditional truck.
The Lightning has two available battery options, the standard (which adds 10 miles of estimated range for 2023, for a total 240 miles) and the extended-range battery (estimated 320 miles of range). Also new this year, Ford offers its Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology as part of the Tow Technology package, which is available on lower trims but standard on some top-tier trims. But the improvements also come at a cost — Ford has increased the price of the 2023 F-150 Lightning significantly over 2022 models, in some cases by as much as $8,500. The hike brings the cost of a base-level F-150 Lightning to $48,769 (with destination fees), while trims with the extended-range battery are priced into the $80,000-$90,000 range. The good news is that Ford says it will increase its annual production of Lightning trucks to 150,000 units for the 2023 model year.
Edmunds says
We remain impressed by the combination of new-school tech and old-school muscle in the F-150 Lightning. But the price increase for 2023 leaves us less enthused since it pushes the Lightning further out of reach for a large number of truck customers. Check back soon to see how this EV fares in our industry-leading evaluations once we're able to test one.
FAQ
Is the Ford F-150 Lightning a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 F-150 Lightning both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 F-150 Lightning gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 20 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the F-150 Lightning has 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford F-150 Lightning. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning:
Slightly more estimated max range with standard battery
Semi-automated Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature now available to help attach trailers
Part of the first Ford F-150 Lightning generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Ford F-150 Lightning is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the F-150 Lightning. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the F-150 Lightning's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 F-150 Lightning and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 F-150 Lightning gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 20 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 F-150 Lightning is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning?
The least-expensive 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,995.
Other versions include:
Pro 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD) which starts at $49,995
XLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD) which starts at $54,995
Lariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD) which starts at $69,995
Platinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD) which starts at $91,995
What are the different models of Ford F-150 Lightning?
If you're interested in the Ford F-150 Lightning, the next question is, which F-150 Lightning model is right for you? F-150 Lightning variants include Pro 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD), XLT 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD), Lariat 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD), and Platinum 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (electric DD). For a full list of F-150 Lightning models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Is there an EV tax credit or rebate for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
