New Ford F-150 Vs. Lightning

Price and Trim Levels

Both Ford trucks have a stellar amount of trim levels to choose from, but the F-150 has the lower starting price of the two.

Price & Trim Levels | 2023 Ford F-150

• XL | $35,080
• XLT | $42,685
• Rattler | $46,100
• Lariat | $58,225
• Tremor | $61,855
• King Ranch | $63,750
• Platinum | $65,440
• Raptor | $77,570
• Limited | $85,340
• Raptor R | $109,145

Price & Trim Levels | 2023 Ford Lightning

• Pro | $57,869
• XLT | $61,269
• Lariat | $76,269
• XLT Extended Range | $82,769
• Lariat Extended Range | $87,769
• Platinum Extended Range | $98,669

Exterior & Colors

The 2023 Ford F-150 measures 209-250″ L x 80-87″ W x 75-80″ H. This truck can be outfitted with 17-22" wheel designs and your choice of 15 colors. In comparison, the Ford Lightning sits at 232″ L x 80″ W x 77″ H, with a lot of similarities to the F-150 lineup. This electric truck can be equipped with 18-22" wheels and ten different paint colors. 

Interior Design & Seating

The 2023 Ford F-150 is available in several different cab options, offering two and four doors. Depending on which option you choose, there's seating for between three and six people. With the new Ford Lightning, you only get a four-door crew cab model that holds five people comfortably.

Infotainment & Features

The 2023 Ford F-150 includes an 8" touchscreen infotainment display, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio, even with the base model. With the Ford Lightning, you get a standard 12" touchscreen, along with the SYNC 4 infotainment system.

Cargo Capacity

With your 2023 Ford F-150, you can choose the 5.5', 6.5' or 8' truck bed. When equipped properly, it can haul up to 3,250 pounds. There's only one bed option with the Ford Lightning. The 5.6' bed can haul a maximum of 1,800 pounds with the Extended Range Battery or 2,000 pounds with the Standard Range Battery. 

Towing Capacity

The new F-150 has a maximum towing capability of 14,000 pounds. With the Lightning equipped with the Extended Range Battery, you can tow up to 10,000 pounds. Even the Standard Range Battery provides towing up to 7,700 pounds.

Drivetrain & Suspension

With the 2023 F-150 lineup, there's an option between rear- and four-wheel drive. In comparison, the Ford Lightning has two motors, one for each axle. This configuration creates standard all-wheel drive with each of the models.

Engine

The 2023 Ford F-150 has seven different engine options, including a hybrid configuration. The standard engines range in horsepower from 250 to 400. However, the F-150 Raptor has a 450-hp engine, and the Raptor R boasts a 700-hp powerhouse. With the F-150 Lightning, you get the option between a Standard Range (98.0-kWh battery) and the Extended Range (131-kWh battery). Between the two, you can enjoy 426 to 563 horsepower. 

Performance & MPG

The 2023 Ford F-150 receives the best fuel economy when choosing the hybrid configuration. This Ford truck is rated at 25/26 mpg. With the Ford Lightning, you get up to 230 miles of driving range with the Standard option or up to 300 miles with the Extended model.

Safety Features

Both Ford trucks include standard pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, and a rearview camera. With the Ford Lightning, you also get lane keep assist and lane departure warning without spending any more money.

Ratings & Reviews

The 2023 Ford F-150 has received the benefit of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Additionally, Car and Driver says, "From the work-spec XL to the posh Limited trim, there's an F-150 for every style and budget." While there aren't safety ratings on the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, Car and Driver says, "The F-150 Lightning is for buyers who want a full-size EV pickup truck that looks just like its gas-powered stablemates."