2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Video, Review And Pricing

By: Krish Persaud
May 21, 2023

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is a groundbreaking truck that brings electric power to the full-size pickup truck market. The Lightning Lariat is an all-electric vehicle that boasts a plethora of features, from its powerful electric motor to its advanced driver assistance technologies. Thank you to our friends at Meadowvale Ford for providing this 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat for us to conduct our comprehensive test.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat - Driveman.ca

The exterior design of the Lightning Lariat is modern and striking, leaving Ford purists happy with a truck that doesn’t look like it’s from the future. The bold front grille and LED lighting have no issues illuminating the road ahead. The SuperCrew cab configuration provides ample space for passengers, and the 5.5-foot bed is perfect for hauling cargo. The Lightning Lariat comes with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, and buyers can choose from a variety of exterior colours, including Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Azure Grey Metallic, and Iced Blue Silver, which was found on our test unit.

The real magic of the Lightning Lariat lies under the hood. This extended range Lightning Lariat is powered by dual electric motors that deliver a combined output of 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque on demand. This powertrain is mated to a single-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless acceleration and a smooth ride. The buckets of torque make it easy to climb any terrain you throw at it, and if your heart desires to drag race this bad boy, you can expect to get a 0-100 km/h time in approximately 4.5 seconds—trust us, it’s true. The Lightning Lariat is capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds, which is huge for an all-electric vehicle.

The Lightning Lariat has a battery pack that can store up to 131 kWh of electricity, giving the truck an estimated range of 483 km on a full charge. However, the actual range you get can vary depending on several factors, such as the weather, the weight of the cargo you’re hauling, and how fast you drive. That being said, the Lightning Lariat allows you to travel long distances without worrying about recharging, as long as everything aligns perfectly. You can recharge the truck using a Level 1 charger, which is quite slow at about 100 km every 12 hours, or a Level 2 charger, which can fully recharge the battery in around 8 hours in optimal conditions. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a DC fast charger, which can provide a 15%–80% charge in about 41 minutes in optimal conditions. Don’t worry about depleting the battery, as you can charge it at any point. To ensure that the truck is always ready to go with a full range, most people choose to install a level 2 charger at home.

The interior of the Lightning Lariat is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seats and a modern dashboard. The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it provides access to a variety of features, including navigation, music, and climate control. The truck comes with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which delivers crisp and clear audio similar to what you could expect in a symphony hall. Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The interior also includes a plethora of storage options, such as a lockable under-seat storage compartment, a large centre console with storage trays and cup holders, and a spacious glove compartment. The Lightning Lariat also has advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, which make driving more comfortable and safer for passengers and drivers alike.

The Lightning Lariat is also packed with advanced driver assistance technologies. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The truck also comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. The Lightning Lariat is also equipped with Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on pre-qualified sections of the highway. BlueCruise uses a combination of advanced cameras, radar sensors, and GPS mapping to provide a more relaxed and stress-free driving experience. It also comes with a driver-facing camera to monitor driver attentiveness and ensure they are ready to take over the vehicle if necessary.

In terms of handling, the independent front and rear suspension of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat provides a smooth ride on any terrain, while selectable drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Off-road, make driving and towing effortless. Additionally, the rear eLocking Axle and trailer sway control offer superior control and handling, while the One Pedal Driving Mode maximizes energy efficiency and enables seamless regenerative braking. Although the suspension may struggle to absorb larger bumps, the ride quality is great, with minimal bumps overall.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning offers incredible value for its premium price point, with the Lightning Base XLT configuration starting at $79,000 and a top-trimmed Platinum starting at $121,000. However, the price is worth it for buyers who want a powerful electric powertrain, advanced driver assistance technologies, and a comfortable interior that make the F-150 Lightning one of the most advanced and capable pickups on the market.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is an impressive all-electric truck that stands out from its competitors. Its advanced electric powertrain, modern design, and abundant features make it a standout in the full-size pickup truck market. While there are other electric trucks on the market, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T, the Lightning Lariat offers a more traditional and familiar design, along with a larger dealer network and an established reputation. With its impressive towing capacity, spacious interior, and advanced driver assistance technologies, the Lightning Lariat is sure to give its competitors a run for their money.