The 2023 Ford F-150 Lighting ensures that ranking indefinitely. My tester was the super crew cab, 4×4, extended range, Platinum edition and my vocabulary is not equipped with the adjectives necessary to give this truck its due.
Lightning is the smartest, most connected F-150 ever, with unmatched strength, capability and performance. Ford is charging into the future, offering all the advantages of electrification with productive, powerful zero tailpipe emissions.
Offered in Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum trims with a super crew cab a nd 5.5-foot cargo box, the F-150 Lightning operates with dual electric motors (one on each axle), two battery choices, and a single-speed transmission. My tester seats up to five adults with cavernous leg and shoulder room.
My tester generates 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-to-60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. We’re still talking about a pickup truck. It receives a 10,000 pound maximum trailer tow capacity, and 2,235 pount maximum payload rating. With extended range batteries, the F-150 can go 300 miles between charges.
It took about 45 minutes to charge over 90% capacity at the Electrify America charging station across from Everett Mall. On a full charge, Lightning can power a home up to three days, eliminating the need for an emergency generator.
In addtion to four-wheel drive, the F-150 Lightning comes with four selectable drive modes including Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road. An electronic-locking rear differential and independent rear suspension are standard.
Making the truck even more work friendly are eight, 120-volt power outlets. Four in the front truck, two in the cab, and four in the bed make plugging in a breeze. The power rear tail gate comes with an extended ladder that provides easy access to the cargo area, even for an old guy.
The exterior leaves little doubt about Lightning’s durability and toughness. Two noteworthy design elements include a smooth, waterfall hood and grille that aid in aerodynamics, and a LED lightbar that extends across the front and emphasizes the truck’s width and stance.
Interior highlights will knock your socks off as well. My favorites included a 15.5-inch center stack touchscreen to keep the driver connected to all things technology. And a button that allows the gear shift to fold flat, allowing for a work table to deploy leaving room for a laptop session, blueprint extension, or anything else the mind can conjur.
The “frunk” measures 14.1 cubic feet and has a 400-poung weight capacity. It can handle up to eight bags of ready mix cement, or bags for a weekend getaway. There is also under-seat storage with lockable bin for owners that want to keep items secure and out-of-sight.
Other functions not expected in a truck include front and rear heated seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, B&O sound system with 18 speakers including a subwoofer, 36-degree camera, Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto, wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
Safety technology is also over-the-top. It includes Ford’s BlueCruise system that allows hands-and pedal-free driving on freeways and straight-aways. Other highlights include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic braking, blind spot system, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic alert, active park assist, evasive steering assist, reverse sensing system and more.
Base Price: $94,105
Price As Driven: $95,879
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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