 | Positives: Looks like an F-150 but better, rocket-fast, technologically impressive, huge frunk, tons of space, easy to drive. |
 | Negatives: Huge price increase, too many controls performed through the huge and distracting touchscreen, range estimates seem bloated, not great for towing in the real world, muy expensive. |
 | Bottom Line: The F-150 Lighting looks better than a gas-powered F-150, has gobs of space, and it's a serious land rocket. Real world operation, however, leaves something to be desired. |
Driving Experience
It's hard to believe something this big is this quick. With 580 horses at the helm via dual electric motors, the takeoff is remarkable. It also handles well and feels solid on the road. In terms of pickup truck towing capacity, the Lariat Extended Range can manage 10,000 pounds, but that cuts into its range rather painfully.
Ride Quality: The F-150 Lightning's ride is on the firm side. Shock absorption is, however, excellent thanks to the multi-link front and rear suspension, upgraded from the gas counterpart's solid rear axle. It feels rock solid and not unsettling in the least.
Acceleration: This thing is like a rocket sled. It takes off immediately with gobs of torque and a 0-60 sprint of just 4 seconds. This, for a truck that weighs just shy of 7,000 pounds.
Braking: The regen brakes are powerful but lack feel, which isn't surprising. It also provides true one-pedal driving using just the accelerator, and you can adjust the levels based on your preference. We're not fans of one-pedal driving, but it does make stop-and-go much easier.
Steering: The F-150 Lighting is on the lighter side, but accuracy is good. It responds well to inputs despite the fact that it has no feedback coming through.
Handling: The Lightning good handling is aided by the low center of gravity due to the battery. The result is less body roll than its gas-powered sibling.
Technology
The Lightning's massive tech array is stunning and commensurate with a pricey EV. It looks incredible, but there are too many on-screen controls. It also feels like the screen is too large for even a truck this size. Standard features on-board Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and adjustable pedals make for a very convenient and comfortable tech and control experience.
Infotainment System: The 15" touchscreen is portrait-oriented and impossible to ignore. The screen is vivid and responsive. We had some issues losing our Bluetooth connection to our iPhone more than once, which was frustrating.
Controls: We don't like the on-screen climate controls, but at least there's a large audio volume knob in the bottom center of the screen. The large retractable shift knob works really well, as do the steering wheel controls.
Styling
To the average human, the Lightning looks like a gas-powered F-150. It's masculine, blocky, and even quite modern thanks to some stylistic touches like a solid front end, fancier front and rear lights, and aero wheels. We think it's the best-looking F-150 you can buy today, with the exception of the Raptor, that is.
Front: It's very square up front, but we like it. The textured solid faux grille looks spectacular, flanked by the vertical LED headlight setup.
Rear: The Lightning's rear fascia is made more interesting with the full-width LED taillight strip and the contoured outboard lights. The beveled portion of the tailgate is also nicely done.
Profile: It's definitely very F-150 here with the exception of the solid charging door, the dark aero wheels, and the thick LED lighting elements.
Cabin: The cabin is a lot like the gas version, and that's a good thing because it's still truck-like and very practical. The styling is clean and well-executed. It's too bad, though, that Ford didn't take some modern cues from the Maverick small hybrid pickup truck.
Comfort
There's a lot to love about the interior of the Lighting. Not only is it spacious, but the seats are comfortable. The visibility is also very good. The cabin materials are good but not commensurate with the near $80k price tag for a well-optioned extended range Lariat.
Front Seats: The front seats are large, supportive, and well-cushioned. The seatbacks are broad and accommodating, as well.
Rear Seats: The rear is cavernous with a flat floor and 43.6 inches of legroom. You can sit very tall adults behind very tall adults. The seats are on the flat side, but cushioning is good enough for road trips.
NVH (noise/vibration/harshness): The F-150 Lighting is very quiet. There's some mind road and wind noise, which tends to be a bi more noticeable due to the quiet operation of the electric truck.
Visibility: Thanks to big windows and manageable pillar size, visibility is pretty good. It's just the squared hood, upright fascia, and the truck bed that get in the way in tight spots.
Climate: There's plenty of airflow with the large vents, and the heated and ventilated seats are excellent.
Safety
The F-150 Lightning has yet to be tested by either the IIHS or the NHTSA. The good news is that, at this trim level, there are plenty of great standard safety features.
IIHS Rating: Not tested.
NHTSA Rating: Not tested.
Standard Tech: The F-150 Lightning Lariat comes with a 360-degree camera, BLIS w/ Cross Traffic Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, Forward Sensing System, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping System, Post-Collision Braking, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.
Optional Tech: Our tester came with the optional driver assist technology known as Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, which includes Ford BlueCruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature that allows for hands-free driving. It also comes with Parking Assist.
Storage/Cargo
The regular F-150 is plenty capacious for hauling and storing, but the Lighting adds a huge frunk in the front.
Storage Space: The cabin is seriously practical with tons of big storage spaces. There's a wireless charging dock in the large retractable door compartment, huge door pockets, a deep armrest compartment, and even a big open tray in the dash. We love the large open work space that folds out when the shifter is retracted.
Cargo Room: The huge bed is 7 feet and 5 inches long. The Lightning also has the largest frunk in the automotive industry at a colossal 14.1 cubic feet. That's larger than most full-sized sedans.
Fuel Economy
320 miles of all-electric range is pretty good for a truck this big. We're thankful for the extended range option with the bigger battery. We did notice, however, that the miles dropped off at a disproportionate rate compared to the distance driven, and we weren't towing anything, hauling anything, or using Sport mode.
Observed: 267 miles of range.
Distance Driven: 242 miles.
Audio
The Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker sounds system delivers excellent sound quality, big bass, and top-notch clarity. The system comes standard at the Lariat Trim level, and it's a very good system.
