I’m a Ford Loyalist and Have Owned an F-150 EcoBoost and an F-150 Hybrid CC, IMHO the Ford F-150 Lightning Is Superior to Both Versions Hands Down but I’m Worried Ford Might Kill It

Ford customer loyalty is legendary and the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for the last 48 consecutive years. Given this, it is no wonder that the Ford F-150 Lightning is the best selling all electric pickup truck in early 2025. Praise for the F-150 Lightning and frustration that Ford might cancel the Lightning can be seen across social media car communities. Here’s a recent comment from the F150 Lightning Forum:

“As a new F-150 Lightning owner and Ford loyalist I must say that the masses have no idea how great this truck is. I've had 2013, 2016, and 2022 F150 CC (all 3.5 EcoBoost ICE), and the 2022 I traded was a hybrid PowerBoost. IMHO the Lightning is superior to the ICE or hybrid versions. 

Now getting sales up to where they need to be to justify keeping Lightning in production is another matter. I would imagine the biggest deterrent to sales (besides price) is range, but I would think that range will be improving yearly. I anticipate a battery upgrade in a few years for all current Lightnings out there, so hopefully FORD "toughs it out" and stays the course. If not, I'm glad I jumped on the bandwagon, and believe if they discontinue these trucks they'll be CLASSICS (but I'll be long gone!)

FORD, I hope you can figure out how to make the Lightning a profitable vehicle. It is an outstanding truck!”

A highly upvoted Reddit comment mentions a possible reason for the possible Lightning cancellation:

“The dealerships wanted this truck to fail. It’s the same with the Mach-E. Because there's so little maintenance, it hurts their bottom line. It was so bad at one point, Ford went to a direct sales model on their EVs.”

The F-150’s Popularity

The Ford F-150 has long been one of the most popular vehicles in America, often outselling many smaller cars like the Honda Civic that dominate daily commuting. A Ford modernizes to electric powertrains, this sets the stage for an all-important comparison between the traditional gas F-150 models and the newest F-150 Lightning EV. 

Powertrain Differences

The comparison begins under the hood. The 2025 F-150 XLT features a five-liter Coyote V8 that produces four hundred horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It represents the traditional gas-powered truck experience with familiar sounds, shifting, and a growing horsepower figure over the past decade. The Lightning takes a very different approach with two electric motors, all-wheel drive, and up to five hundred eighty horsepower in the extended range configuration. Its instant torque gives it a quick, rocket like feel, and its driving range of roughly three hundred miles keeps it competitive among modern electric trucks.

Interior Design and Usability

The two trucks share similar basic materials, but their interiors feel very different. The gas-powered XLT offers more physical buttons, a smaller screen, and traditional climate controls that many drivers prefer for their simplicity. The Lightning relies heavily on its large center screen for nearly everything, including climate and infotainment functions, which can feel modern yet less tactile. The Lightning also costs a little more, although it offers high tech features such as BlueCruise that are not available on the XLT. This creates a tradeoff between classic usability and advanced technology.

On Road Performance

When driven back-to-back, the performance gap is obvious. The V8 powered XLT provides strong acceleration and satisfying engine sound, yet the Lightning delivers instant torque and smoother response. The gas truck requires traction management and drivetrain modes, while the Lightning’s all-wheel drive system handles power seamlessly. The electric truck feels more refined during normal driving and sprints to sixty much faster, although its higher price raises the question of how much that extra performance is worth to the buyer.

Practical Considerations for Different Owners

When it comes to real world usage, the Lightning is easier to live with for daily driving because it is smoother, quieter, and quicker, and its advanced driver assistance features make long highway drives more comfortable. The main inconvenience is charging. For owners who tow heavy loads or need long distance hauling, a gas or diesel F-150 still makes more sense. The reviewer sees the Lightning as a natural successor to the five-liter V8 for most everyday truck owners.

The Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 Lightning arrived in 2022 and quickly became the best-selling electric truck in the United States because it feels familiar while delivering a modern driving experience. Owners appreciate the smooth acceleration, quiet ride, and the ability to power tools or an entire home during an outage. The Lightning stands out from other electric pickups because it keeps the practicality of a traditional F-150, and the Lightning offers strong towing capability for everyday needs, and brings useful features like the large front trunk and easy home charging. It gives truck drivers a comfortable and familiar transition into the world of electric vehicles.

Bottom Line

This comparison highlights how dramatically the F-150 lineup has evolved. The traditional V8 powered XLT delivers a familiar and satisfying experience, while the Lightning offers a smoother, quicker, and more modern take on the full-size pickup. Each truck suits different needs, yet the Lightning stands out as the direction Ford is moving toward, especially for drivers who value comfort, technology, and performance in their everyday use.

What Do You Think?

Do you have a personal experience comparing traditional gas F-150s to the Ford F-150 Lightning in everyday driving?

How do you feel about the possibility that Ford might cancel the F-150 Lightning even though many owners say it is the best version of the F-150?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Photo credit: Ford media site