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What do our experts think of the 2023 Ford Lightning? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning?
Brand-new last year, the 2023 Ford Lightning continues to lead the pack of legacy automakers that are all working on a seismic shift away from gas-powered full-size trucks and towards 100% electric power. As we previewed here, the Lightning nameplate returns after a nearly 20-year hiatus, but this time in EV form.
Ford jumped to the head of the electric pickup line by essentially retrofitting its F-150 with battery power. And why not? The F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle for decades, no need to mess with that success. The news for 2023 is big price increases across the board ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the model.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Four seconds to 60
Looks like an F-150
All the tech
So-so range for base battery
$14,000 for the big battery
Pro model is sold out
F-150 of the future
2023 Ford Specs
- 462 horsepower from base engine
- 775 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 14 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- BlueCruise hands-free system
- Huge 15.5-inch touchscreen
- Built-in payload scale
- 100,000 miles of EV component coverage
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Powertrain
Every 2023 Ford Lightning has a single-speed transmission routing power from dual electric motors to all four wheels with two flavors of output. Base models feature a 98-kWh battery pack that juices those motors to the tune of 462 horsepower. With the extended range pack, a 131-kWh setup, that figure jumps to 580 and in both cases, net torque measures a hearty 775 lb-ft.
As we note in this article, EVs are known for lightning-fast (pun intended) acceleration thanks to near-instant torque response. Such is the case with Ford’s Lightning that shoots to 60 mph in just four seconds from a standstill. Not bad for three tons of full-size pickup truck. A fully independent suspension helps control all that power and the lower center of gravity – versus a gas-powered F-150 – inherent to any EV lends a hand in reducing body roll.
Highlights include one-pedal driving capability, an electronically-locking rear axle for more grip when it’s slick, and Ford’s Curve Control tech that helps keep drivers out of the weeds whilst navigating aggressive twisties. Unlike the rest of the F-Series lineup, the Lightning is only offered in one configuration – a crew cab body with a 5.5-foot cargo bed.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Ford Lightning can tow 5,000 pounds, a number which jumps to 7,700 pounds with the extended range battery pack. Tack on the Max Towing package and its more robust cooling system for the highest rating of 10,000 pounds. As with an EV, towing a trailer will dramatically reduce available driving range, but systems like Pro Trailer Backup and Hitch Assist will make life easier while doing so.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Battery Range
Ford may have beaten Chevy to the EV pickup party, but with an expected range of 400 miles, the incoming electric Silverado will likely beat the Lightning on driving range. Base Lightnings are rated for 240 miles of range and 68 MPGe combined.
Extended range models come in at 320 miles and 70 MPGe, figures which drop slightly on Platinum models (looking at you, 22-inch wheels). Opting for the big battery brings Ford’s Pro Charging Station that can fill the pack from a 15% charge to 100% in eight hours at home.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
You might be hard-pressed to realize you’re not in a regular ol’ F-150 while inside the Lightning. The layout is similar with room for five and an ample 44 inches of rear legroom.
Perhaps the most obvious difference is under the hood. Open it up and you’ll find a gaping hole where the internal combustion engine once lived. In its place is a 14 cubic foot front trunk (frunk) with a drain plug making it the perfect tailgate partner.
Out back, the 5.5-foot cargo bed has all the normally available Ford gear like Box Link bed wall cleats, LED lighting, a power-operated tailgate, and the 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard generator. Back inside the cabin, upholstery ranges from vinyl on the Pro work-truck trim to Nirvana leather with accent stripes on the Platinum. Dual-zone automatic climate control and a fold-down shift lever are standard gear with luxury amenities like real wood inlays and massaging front seats available as you move through the trim lines.
Entertainment & Technology
Even in base form, the 2023 Lightning impresses on the tech front with dual 12-inch displays – one for the gauge cluster and one for the infotainment touchscreen. A 15.5-inch touchscreen is found on Lariat and Platinum models, but all Lightnings come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and eight 120V outlets scattered around the frunk, cabin, and cargo bed.
The Platinum Lightning comes with cutting-edge systems like Active Park Assist that will park the truck for you, Blue Cruise semi-autonomous tech that can nearly drive the truck for you, and Phone as a Key which makes your smartphone even more impossible to live without.
Safety Features
Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA has tested the 2023 Lightning, but Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety tech comes with every model and includes automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot 2.0 system adds adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition and evasive steering assist to the roster. But the most cutting-edge system, Ford’s lauded BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving tech, is standard only on the nearly six-figure Platinum model.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Trims & Pricing
Pro – $61,869
As we noted over a year ago, Lightning demand was through the roof. That remains the case as the base 2023 Pro model is sold out for the rest of the year. It’s a popular choice thanks to relatively low pricing that includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, and dual 12-inch dashboard screens. Connected navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker stereo are also part of the deal. These are the only Lightnings that cannot be fitted with the longer-range battery pack.
XLT – $66,369
XLT Lightnings gain a full-width front light bar, a keypad entry system, and the deployable Interior Work Surface. Other amenities include power-adjustable pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, and a surround-view monitor. The larger battery can be optioned but requires the 312A package that brings 20-inch rims, Co-Pilot360 2.0, the 9.6-kW generator, and a power-operated tailgate. However, it’s a pricey proposition at $14,400.
Lariat – $78,869
Along with the XLT’s 312A package content, Lariat models include LED cargo box lighting, an intelligent access system, and a power-sliding rear window. Passenger comfort is upgraded with climatized front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. Wireless charging and the big 15.5-inch touchscreen are also part of the deal.
Platinum – $99,969
The only Lightning to come standard with the extended range battery pack, Platinum trim piles on with integrated bed scales, 22-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, and the Pro Trailer suite of towing tech. A lockable rear under-seat storage bin is on hand along with massaging front seats, an 18-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen, Blue Cruise hands-free tech, and self-parking capability.
Warranties
Ford’s warranty covers the basic vehicle for a 3-year/36,000-mile period and the powertrain for a 5-year/60,000-mile term. Battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles and there are five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. There is no complimentary service included.
What we think
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Ford Lightning gets a gold star for delivering a fully electric driving experience wrapped in familiar F-150 garb. It makes sense from the perspective of giving people EV access in concert with the utility of America’s best-selling pickup truck.
Based on soaring demand, Ford would appear to be on to something with this formula. Of course, the cheapest model is already sold out for 2023, so read up on the latest incentives before hitting dealer lots. When you do, aim for an XLT to keep the price somewhat reasonable while enjoying plenty of useful tech and amenities.
