The F-150 has been the best-selling road vehicle in the U.S. for the last half-century, which is a fantastic demonstration of just how much people love this truck. But, to stay relevant, you have to move with the times.
So, reacting to the increased demand for electric vehicles, Ford has produced an all-electric version of its most popular pickup truck, but is it anywhere near as good as its illustrious ICE-powered progenitor?
Let's find out!
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Trim Levels
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four trims, the PRO, XLT, LARIAT, and PLATINUM. To help you decide which one of these trims is right for you, we'll be breaking down exactly what each one of them offers.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning PRO
The basic model of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, the PRO time comes with a standard battery pack (giving you an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles before recharge) and has the option to upgrade this to an extended-range battery pack.
Other features include a massive 14.1 cubic feet of Mega Power Frunk (which is a front trunk for those not in the know), 12-inch touchscreens for the driver and front passengers, a SYNC 4 infotainment system that combines nicely with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, and durable vinyl seating.
Overall, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning PRO keeps the rugged, aggressively workmanlike form and function of the traditional F150 and simply replaces its engine with a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option.
What we love:
● The option for an extended range battery - If the EPA-estimated range of 240 miles isn't working for you and you don't want to shell out for the PLATINUM trim, then having the extended range battery as an optional extra is ideal.
● The Mega Power Frunk - Additional storage space on a working truck is always useful, and adding in 14.1 cubic feet of Mega Power Frunk is a great touch.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
Building on the PRO trim, the XLT has all the PRO features and adds a lot of detailing options, such as a gray ion satin metallic grille, signature front lighting, extended running boards with enhanced zone lighting, and cloth-covered seats.
There are also some practical touches as well, as the XLT includes an interior work surface with 9.6kw pro power onboard and a 360-degree camera that makes it that much easier to park this size of truck.
Most of the XLT features are focused on improving the look and feel of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, but the added practicality does make it a viable upgrade for a working truck.
What we love:
● The added touches of luxury - Signature front lighting, extended running boards with enhanced zone lighting, and that gray ion satin metallic grille are sure to turn some heads.
● But also some added functionality - The XLT keeps all the rugged functionality of the PRO and adds in an interior work surface and a 360-degree camera.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning LARIAT
The first of the two premium trims, the LARIAT builds on the detailing extensions of the XLT with a premium geometric gray-ion satin grille, and 20-inch dark carbonized gray wheels. This extra luxury extends to the interior, with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seating.
However, it's not all about the looks, the LARIAT also includes the upgraded Ford Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 and SYNC 4A, which can be accessed through its larger 15.5-inch touchscreens.
The power tailgate also makes loading and unloading the truck that much easier. Other optional upgrades include the twin-panel moonroof and extended-range battery.
What we love:
● The premium styling - The LARIAT adds in premium geometric gray-ion satin grille and 20-inch dark carbonized gray wheel for the exterior and leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seating for the interior, really upping the overall level of luxury.
● The added tech - With larger touchscreens, SYNC 4A, and the upgraded Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, the LARIAT adds in a lot of driver-assist technology.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning PLATINUM
The top-of-the-range PLATINUM trim comes with the extended-range battery as standard, which adds about 70 more miles per charge than the standard-range battery. The included FordPass Integration means you can charge your truck at any Ford Connected Charge Station, and charging software updates are automatically installed using wireless technology.
The interior features heated and ventilated Nirvana leather seating surfaces and multi-contour front seats with Active Motion. You'll also get an upgraded B&O Unleashed Sound System, Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, and a twin-panel moonroof.
The PLATINUM isn't all tech, however, as it also adds in a Vador Black, with tinted chrome accents, front grille, 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, and ebony black painted pockets, really increasing the dynamic image of the truck.
What we love:
● The ease of charging and extra range - The combination of the 300 miles per charge extended range battery, and FordPass Integration makes it super easy to keep the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning PLATINUM fully charged.
● The upgraded seating - A combination of heated and ventilated Nirvana leather seating surfaces and multi-contour front seats with Active Motion means uncomfortable driving positions are a thing of the past.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Powertrain and Performance
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning electric powertrain features two motors, one for each axle, that produce a combined 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty for hauling heavy loads or towing up to 5,000lbs pounds.
The extended-range battery, which brings the range up to an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles, also increases the towing capacity to 8,500 lbs and brings it up to 581 hp.
Compared to the internal combustion model, the torque, acceleration, and towing capacity of the Ford F-150 Lightning, even with the extended-range battery, are all slightly lower.
The towing capacity is the most noticeable difference, with a fully tricked-out ICE F-150 pulling 14,000 lbs compared to the Lightning's 8,500 lbs.
However, that comparative lack of towing capacity is offset by the vast cost savings in terms of fuel, and 8,500 lbs of towing capacity is nothing to be sniffed at.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning interior and features
Depending on the trim level you choose, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning packs in a lot of luxury features. The interior of the truck is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
All of the trim levels have a driver and front passenger touchscreen, with the size of that touchscreen increasing as you go up through the levels. All trims come with SYNC 4A, and the PLATINUM also boasts a B&O Unleashed Sound System.
The PLATINUM also adds in heated and ventilated Nirvana leather seating surfaces and multi-contour front seats with Active Motion for top-of-the-range comfort.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Safety and Driver Assistance
All 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning trims come with either Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 or, in the case of the LARIAT and PLATINUM, the upgraded Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 offers the driver a set of standard safety and driver assistance technologies, including pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, and auto high-beam headlamps.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 adds advanced driver assistance technologies, such as a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert and Active Park Assist 2.0, to make your drive even safer.
Other features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, and evasive steering assist.
Book Your 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Test Drive with Bob Allen Ford!
Overall, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning represents a significant step forward in the design of electric working trucks.
The combination of a powerful battery, advanced driver assistance technologies, and quiet operation make the Ford F-150 Lightning one of the most capable electric vehicles on the market.
Despite the lower towing capacity, the cost savings, low emissions, and improved overall performance make the Ford F-150 Lightning an exciting option for anyone who needs a durable electric vehicle.
With the added convenience of over-the-air updates, the Ford F-150 Lightning will keep up with the times and continue to be a reliable working truck for years to come.
So, whether you're looking for a workhorse or an efficient, environmentally-friendly family truck, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is worth taking a look at, and Bob Allen Ford is the best place to take a look at one!
As the premier Ford Dealer Ottawa has to offer, Bob Allen Ford's extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff will make your search for the perfect truck painless.
Contact us today to arrange a test drive, or check out our Research Hub for more information on your new truck!