What is the AAA Car Guide?
FORD F-150 LIGHTNING LARIAT
Category Ranking : 1
Score : 99.83
Vehicle Type | Base Price | Price As Tested | Pickups Electric | $74,474 | $86,229 |
|---|
Overall Observations
Ford followed-and arguably one-upped-the 2021 introduction of its Mustang Mach-E EV by coming out with an electric version of America’s most popular vehicle, the F-150 full-size pickup, in 2022.
The F-150 Lightning (great name!) is remarkable in that it can fulfill the needs of a wide variety of truck owners. Its trim levels range from the work-oriented Pro trim to the high-end Platinum, which is decked out with niceties such as massaging front seats and a luxe Bang & Olufsen audio system. We tested the second-tier Lariat trim with an optional extended-range battery pack.
The Lightning’s cab provides plenty of room for passengers and lots of storage cubbies. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup (580 hp) delivers plenty of power and torque. Its ride quality is decent, and the extended-range battery is good for up to 320 miles of driving.
The Lightning also has a ton of tech and convenience features, including a power liftgate, lots of electrical outlets, and an onboard generator to power tools and electronic devices. Finally, a raft of advanced safety features are standard.
The Lightning’s biggest negative is that its range will drop off, probably significantly, in proportion to how much weight you carry in the bed or how much you tow. Other downsides include heavy steering and a plain interior with some low-rent materials.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Model year tested:
2023Number of passengers (F/R)
2/3Curb weight (lbs):
6,361Exterior L / W / H (in):
232.7/80.0/78.3Wheelbase (in):
145.5Number of airbags:
9Warranty (month/miles) :
36/36,000Tire manufacturer and model :
General Grabber HTSFront and rear tire size :
275/60 R20Max towing capacity (lbs) :
10,000Headlight type:
LEDTransmission type:
Auto 1-speedDrivetrain type:
Four wheelEngine/motor:
Dual electric motorsElectric motor horsepower:
580
FUEL INFORMATION
TEST DATA/TEST VEHICLE SCORES
(0-10 POINTS)
(0-10 POINTS)
TEST DATA/TEST VEHICLE SCORES
PROS
- Drivetrain provides good power and torque
- Lots of standard ADAS features
- Plenty of room for all passengers; lots of storage
- More than 300 miles of range with the bigger battery
CONS
- Range will likely decrease significantly if you carry or tow a heavy load
- The interior is a bit plain, with a mix of materials that includes some cheap plastics
- The steering feels too heavy
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
