Ford F-150 Lightning 2023 review

Until Ford confirms the Lightning is coming to Australia it’s a mute point, but we can take a look at the US line-up to have an understanding of what we could get if Ford gives it the green light.

In its domestic market there are four variants to choose from - Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum. The range begins at US$39,974 for the Pro, which converts to approximately $60,000 - although, to be clear, a direct currency conversion is not a definitive price but does give an approximate idea of a starting point.

Next up is the XLT for US$52,974 (approx. $80,000), the Lariat from $67,474 (approx. $100,000) and the range is topped by the Platinum, which is priced from US$90,874 (approx. $135,000).

The Lightning is available in four variants - Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum.

What those prices don’t factor in is the cost of producing right-hand drive models. Presumably it would have to be a local conversion given that’s the case with the petrol-powered F-150. Using the F-150’s locally-available rivals - the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 - as a guide, both of these models start well above six-figures (before on-road costs) - $121,000 for the Chevrolet, and $111,950 for the newer Ram.

That could mean the entry-level Lightning could be as much as $150,000 and run above $180,000 for the fully-loaded Platinum.

The Pro is, as the name suggests, targeted at tradies and comes equipped with the standard-range battery, while some of the equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, carbon black grille plus a strong suite of safety features and a 12.0-inch multimedia screen running Ford’s 'SYNC 4' system.

The touchscreen size ranges from 12.0-15.5-inches.

But we spent our time driving the XLT and Platinum, so we’ll focus on those two models.

Stepping up from the Pro to the XLT brings unique 18-inch wheels, leather trim, power adjustable seats and other creature comforts as well as the option to upgrade to the 'Extended Range' battery.

The Platinum feels on another level, though, particularly in terms of its cabin presentation and technology, with a huge 15.5-inch touchscreen that makes it look and feel a lot more hi-tech thanks to its newer SYNC 4A media set-up.

Ford hasn't confimred the F-150 Lightning for Australia... yet.

Other upgrades for the Platinum include unique 22-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and the Extended Range battery and helpful features, such as an on-board smart scale in the tray and tailgate step that pops out (which we’ll detail later).

Obviously, it’s much too early to make a judgement on whether a six-figure electric ute would be good value in Australia given Ford hasn’t even confirmed it for local sale. But what we can say is that all the elements are there for Ford to create a compelling range for the local market. Because, for reasons we’ll explain as we go, the F-150 Lightning has the potential to blur the line between a ute and a luxury lifestyle vehicle.

Obviously, the F-150 is a big ute, a size up from the Ranger we’re accustomed to, so the cabin in the Lightning is very spacious. In fact, ‘spacious’ may be an understatement.

The front seats are hugely generous, with vast amounts of head, shoulder and knee room. It’s not just big, too, it’s well laid out with plenty of storage spaces. This includes a huge centre console between the front seats, with a lidded box, cupholders and another small shelf.

The front seats are hugely generous.

But wait, that’s not all. One really nice touch, which we found on the Platinum but not the XLT, is the gearshifter can be stowed flush into the centre console with the press of a button and the lid of the console box folds out to create a ‘desk’ so you can work in the car.

The XLT features the same touchscreen as the ‘regular’ F-150, which is nice and large and easy to use with the SYNC 4 media system and a number of physical buttons. The Platinum takes it to the next level with its 15.5-inch display and more advanced SYNC 4A system, which looks more modern and has excellent functionality. It does away with most of the switchgear, with the exception of a dial at the bottom that is integrated into the screen.

The 15.5-inch touchscreen makes the cabin look and feel more hi-tech.

The second row space is just as generous as the front, with enough room for three adults across the bench. Underneath the rear seats is another clever practical design feature, with a huge storage area that can hold longer items out of the way.

While the cabin may have the size and, at least in the case of the Platinum, the comfort of a luxury SUV, the Lightning is still a ute and that means the tray is a very important aspect.

In terms of dimensions, the tray measures 1704mm long by 1285mm wide between the wheelarches, with a total volume measuring just under 1500 litres - which is in addition to the 400-litre frunk. This is the same across XLT and Platinum.

The tray measures in at 1704mm long and 1285mm wide.

While the size is the same, payload and towing capabilities differ between the two battery packs available. With the Standard Range battery the Lightning can manage a payload of 1013kg with a maximum towing capability of 2267kg.

For the Platinum and other models fitted with the Extended Range battery the payload drops to just 885kg but the towing capacity increases to around 3500kg. This is roughly on par with what the new Ranger can manage, which is slightly disappointing given the size of the F-150. 

The good news is, there is a 'Max Trailer' towing package, which is fitted to selected Extended Range battery equipped models and can lift the towing capacity to 4500kg.

All F-150 Lightnings are powered by dual electric motors, one on each axle, with a single-speed automatic transmission. 

For models equipped with the Standard Range battery the motors are tuned to make 337kW of power and 1050Nm of torque, while the Extended Range battery pushes those figures to 433kW/1050Nm.

The Standard Range battery has 98kWh of usable energy which gives the Lightning a 370km driving range, which is probably best described as adequate range without being exceptional. The Extended Range battery, as the name says, takes the driving range between charges to 480km thanks to its 131kWh of usable energy.

In top spec, the electric motors produce 433kW/1050Nm.

Ford doesn’t provide a figure on energy use but does give a guide to charging times. Using a 150kW DC charger the Standard Range battery will go from 15 per cent charge to 80 per cent in 44 minutes, while the Extended Range takes just 41 minutes. Using a 50kW DC charger the same amount of energy will take 91 minutes and 122 minutes, respectively.

The Lightning is able to charge other electric cars.

But the Lightning doesn't just use its battery's energy, it has a bi-directional energy system that allows owners to draw electricity from the ute. In the US Ford has claimed owners have been able to power their houses for several days during blackouts. But the system can also be used for camping or to power tools, thanks to the multiple on-board power outlets.

Obviously we’ll have to wait for confirmation it’s officially coming to local Ford showrooms, but we can probably make some assumptions based on the Lightning's overseas warranty.

In the US Ford covers the Lightning with its standard three-year/36,000 miles (approx. 60,000km) warranty but extends the coverage to ‘Electric Unique Components' (i.e. the battery) to eight-years/100,000 miles (approx. 160,000km). 

In America, the Lightning is covered by a three-year/36,000 miles warranty.

Given Ford Australia has a range-wide five-year/unlimited km warranty for all of its local models, it’s likely that would extend to the Mach-E, too, with the battery covered separately; as is becoming the industry norm.

Worth noting Ford in the US also connects its EV owners to multi-year complimentary access to its 'Blue Oval Charge Network' which links a range of providers including Shell Recharge, Electrify America and several others. So a similar alignment could ultimately be offered here.