Trucks are king — taking the top three sales positions — and innovation is necessary to keep sales up. Now, you can have all the ability of the truck without any of the gas.
The new Ford F-150 Lightning will quickly make you forget about the normal engine when you hit the accelerator pedal. The dual motors of my test truck move this large, heavy vehicle quickly like a sports car acceleration in large four-door truck. Like most electric vehicles, you can drive the Lightning with just one pedal most of the time. Simply lifting off the accelerator pedal will cause the strong deceleration with power regeneration.
The ride of the Lightning is pleasing with a suspension that soaks up bumps nicely. For a pickup, the handling is truck-like because this is a large and wide vehicle. However, it proves confident on two lane roads and is a comfortable highway ride.
Inside the F-150, you notice a higher grade of materials than the previous truck from just a few years ago. The spacious cabin allows you to spread out on the job site with a fold out center console great for paperwork or a laptop, all thanks to a power folding gearshift handle. Riding in the back seat is no hardship with tons of head and legroom in the SuperCrew four-door cabin.
An updated Sync 4 system improves interface usability and graphics on a huge 12-inch screen. I even tried the voice recognition and it works so much better than the previous system. With no gas engine, there is a decent amount of storage space under the hood to go along with the space in the cabin and the bed storage.
The F150 Lightning styling and design are a cautious evolution of the model. While a fresh and modern look, it was not too over the top as to not put off loyal buyers. The front end is bolder, blending the tough persona with a few modern touches. New headlight design and grill are specific to the Lightning.
Unique 20-inch wheels and some badging are cues that set this F-150 apart from its gas versions. A power lift gate opens and closes with a push of the button from the remote and is a welcome feature. Another nifty option is the Pro Power Onboard that will power a party, a job site or help keep needed items at home powered if you experience a power outage.
Cost: 52,974; as tested $75,589
MPGe: 2.3 mi/kWh in 219 miles
Options: $9,500 Equipment group 312A XLT Lightning series; $10,000 Dual EMotor extended range battery; $825 Max Trailer tow package; $595 spray-in bed liner; $1,695 destination & delivery
Safety: advanced security pack; BLIS with cross traffic alert; lane keeping assist; pre-collision assist with AEB; reverse sensing and 360 degree camera package; trailer sway control; trailer brake control; ultimate trailer camera system; active park assist 2.0; Ford Co-Pilot360 actv2.0
Things to know: The Ford F-150 is the number one seller for a reason. The Lightning is the all-electric future … today.
Pros:
- Instant electric power makes this Lightning sports-car fast.
- Plenty of storage in the cabin, under the hood or the bed
- Many configurations and options increase the appeal of the F-150 Lightning.
Cons:
- Towing or heavy weight will lessen the range.
- Price tag jumps with options and higher trim levels
- Will probably have to order, as supply is limited
