The Ford F-150 and the Ford F-150 Lightning are two Ford trucks with a lot to offer. The F-150 needs no introduction as the best-selling truck in America for decades, but the F-150 Lightning is quite new, having only been introduced in 2022. By comparing the two, we can answer the question of whether it’s worth paying more for the EV model of the F-150.
Cargo and Passenger Space
Before we get started comparing the capability of these two Ford trucks, it’s worth noting that F-150 starts at $34,445 and the Lightning starts at $55,974. That’s roughly a $20,000 difference, and even with federal rebates for EV models, you’ll definitely want to carefully consider if Lightning’s capability matches up with its price for your needs.
Next up, how capable are these two Ford trucks in hauling passengers? Both have plenty of standard features and amenities. However, the F-150 has more available cab styles than the Lightning, which means you can haul more passengers with the F-150.
Let’s consider cargo space. Again, the F-150 is available in several configurations for both cab size and bed length. You can get up to an 8-foot bed on the F-150, but the Lightning only comes with a 5.5-foot bed. However, the Lightning does have an interesting advantage in that it has 14.1 cubic feet of covered storage beneath the hood.
Tech and Performance
As you might expect, the F-150 Lightning has a bit more capability in the tech department than the F-150. The standard touchscreen in the F-150 is an eight-inch screen, while the Lightning gets a standard 12-inch screen. You also have the option for a 15.5-inch upgrade in the Lightning.
If you want a truck that provides the quick and powerful acceleration, you’ll definitely elget that with the Lightning. With the upgraded model, the Lightning can go from zero to 60 MPH in less than four seconds. Only the 700-horsepower Raptor R version of the F-150 can match this.
Obviously, the Lightning was always going to win in the fuel economy category. The most efficient versions of the F-150 are the hybrid and the base model with the 2.7-liter V6. The best you can expect is 25 MPG in the city. The Extended Range configuration of the Lightning is rated for 78 MPGe in the city.
Handling and Towing
Both Ford trucks deliver a comfortable ride and composed handling. But many truck buyers want to know how well the Lightning stacks up to the F-150 in towing. Let’s face it, a lot of buyers looking at the F-150 are looking for towing ability. If you get the Extended Range Lightning, you may have a shot at being fairly efficient in short towing excursions at city speeds.
However, there’s no doubt that if you need to tow a travel trailer or a boat for longer distances, then the F-150 is really your only option between the two. Depending on the equipment, the Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds and it obviously won’t run out of range, you’ll just need to refuel.
Ultimately, the Ford F-150’s lower starting price and a much wider range of configurations make it hard to beat. Unless you’re determined to have an EV truck, it’s clear that the regular F-150 is more capable in more areas than the Lightning.
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