Ford F-150 vs. Ford F-150 Lightning

The all-electric pickup truck scene is starting to heat up. While Ford isn’t the first to come out with an all-electric truck, it joins a small group of automakers to have an electric truck on hand. The all-new Ford F-150 Lightning arrives as a battery-powered version of the incredibly popular F-150.

The F-150 and F-150 lightning share the same overall design, but they’re available with different technology and, of course, powertrains. If you’re doing some research to see if the F-150 Lightning is a worthy replacement for the F-150, keep reading below as we’ll answer that question in this comparison.

What the F-150 Lightning Gets Right

The all-electric F-150 Lightning ditches gas-powered engines for an all-electric configuration. Every truck comes with two electric motors that give the truck all-wheel drive. With the Standard Range battery, the electric truck makes 426 horsepower. The Extended Range battery pack increases power to 563 hp. In both setups, torque is rated at 775 pound-feet. These figures are far better than what you’ll find with the regular F-150. The most powerful engine, which is the hybrid, comes with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor for a combined 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque.

While the F-150 Lightning and F-150 share a lot in common on the design front, the electric pickup’s interior has a few crucial differences. On the inside, the F-150 Lightning comes with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims come with a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The largest touchscreen the standard F-150 can be fitted with is a 12-inch unit, while a 12-inch digital instrument cluster is optional.

Because of the electric configuration, the F-150 Lightning has a versatile front trunk. The power-operated frunk offers up to 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space that can also be used as a drainable cooler. Ford has fitted the front trunk with power outlets that can pump out 2.4 kilowatts of power.

Read Our Overview of the Ford F-150 Lightning

What the F-150 Gets Right

When properly equipped, the F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 3,325 pounds. Despite having more powerful powertrains, the F-150 Lightning maxes out at 10,000 pounds for its towing capacity and 2,000 pounds for its payload capacity. For shoppers that want to tow large cargo, the F-150 is the obvious winner.

For consumers that enjoy having multiple powertrains to choose from, the F-150 line is available with five different engines. From a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 up to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine in between, there are so many different engines to choose from with the standard F-150. Plus, if you want something with a little extra grunt from electricity, Ford offers the regular F-150 with a hybrid powertrain that’s the most powerful engine in the lineup. It’s a good way to experience an electrified pickup without going all-in on the electric front.

In the available Raptor guise, the F-150 is one of the most capable full-size pickups on the market. With its high-performance suspension, 37-inch all-terrain tires, up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance, and updates to the truck’s chassis, the Raptor is meant for high-speed excursions over sand and dirt trails. Ford hasn’t outlined whether the F-150 Lightning will be available in an off-road model.

Finally, the biggest drawback with the F-150 Lightning is finding a charging station. If you have a home where you can install a personal charger, you’ll find that the F-150 Lightning’s range of up to 300 miles is more than enough for regular use. But if you don’t live in an urban area where chargers are located, the F-150 Lightning will be difficult to live with.

Electric vehicles aren’t as affordable as gas-powered options yet. For shoppers looking to get into the more affordable option, the F-150 is the better choice. It starts at $31,685 (with destination), while the F-150 Lightning carries a starting price tag of $41,669.

Read Our Overview of the Ford F-150

Want to Go Electric?

Choosing between the F-150 Lightning and F-150 is simple: one’s all-electric and the other runs on gas. The F-150 Lightning showcases where the truck is going in the future with high-tech features, a decent amount of range, and powerful all-electric configurations. For consumers that have access to a charging station, the F-150 Lightning jettisons the nameplate into the future with a familiar face.

Our Verdict

For the majority of people, finding an electric charger is impossible. If the U.S. had a better charging network, this comparison would swing in favor of the Ford F-150 Lightning. But, as it is, the F-150’s robust lineup of engines, stout towing capacity, lower starting price tag, and off-road-friendly models makes it the better choice for most people.

Compare Side-By-Side: Ford F-150 vs. Ford F-150 Lightning »

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!

Compare Cars