Ford F-150 XLT Lightning Pickup

2022 Ford F-150 XLT Lightning 4×4 SuperCrew
“Not the First Rodeo for Ford’s Lightning Truck”

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

It’s been said that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. The Blue Oval team has put that notion to rest. Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team) introduced the first Lightning – a high performance gasoline powered pickup truck in 1993 which was produced until 1995. It was initially available only in either Red or Black and later in White.

Now there’s a more proper “Lightning” pickup that runs exclusively on electricity provided by a choice of two levels of battery packs in an otherwise normally appearing F-150 hauler package., aside from the fact that there’s no grille opening and no exhaust outlets.

JUICE LEVELS:

The standard source of power for all of these new FordF-150 haulers is two electric motors as well as all-wheel drive. The base or standard range battery set up (98.0-kWh) generates 452 horsepower from the two motors, but with the extended range battery pack ( 131.0-kWh)horsepower is rating boosted to 580. Peak torque for both battery levels is a hefty 775 pound feet. The new Lightning is capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds.

The transmission is a Single speed. with driver selectable modes.
The standard battery delivers up to 230 miles per charge, while the extended range battery allows for up to 320 miles.

The Lightning is not the first electric truck to go on sale, but it is considerably more affordable than the competition. 0-60 mph clicks off in 4 seconds. Charging may be done via either 110V or 210-volt ourtlets. DC fast charging outlets are also an option which can charge from 15 to 80 percent of battery capacity in only 44 minutes. The Lightning is also engineered to do duty as a backup generator and when fully charged is capable of providing up to three days of electricity for an average household during a power outage. The EPA rating with Extended range is up to 78 MPGe city and 63 MPGe highway. The standard battery range is 2 MPGe less in both cases.

TRIM LEVELS:

GThe Ford F-150 Lightning is available in four levels of trim – Pro, XLT and Lariat. The XLT and Lariat trims are available with either battery pack. A Platinum model comes with only extended range battery pack. Pricing ranges from $41,769 to $92,669. The Extended battery pack bumps the price by $10,000 and should you opt for that in the XLT model, another $9,500 312A High package is required, which comes with a lengthy list of worthwhile goodies including adaptive cruise control, Ford’s Pro Popwer onboard generator, heated steering wheel and front seats, a power tailgate, in-dash navigation and much more.

INTERIOR ACCOMMODATIONS:

The F-150 Lightning comes only in a Crew Cab configuration with a 5.5 foot bed. The door cabin is quite roomy and comfortable and features an extra large infotainment display. Up front is a huge cargo bay or front trunk where conventional F-150s place an engine. Space for up to 400 pounds of cargo is allowed for.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:

Ford’s latest Sync 3 software is syandard with a 12.0 touchscreen for Pro and XLT models while Lariat and Platinum come with a larger 15.0 inch display. Android Auto , Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot and in dash navigation are all providede as standard fare. There Are two different premium optional stereo systems to choose from – onw featuring 8 speakers and the other with 18 speakers.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY:

A plethora of features exist to enhance assisting the dirver and to ensure occupant safety, with Ford’s new BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving mode optionally available. Included in the suite of safety features are: standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane keeping assist and available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.

AS TESTED:

My test Ford F-150 Lightning came in XLT trim with the extended battery pack. The exterior was finished in Atlas Blue metallic while the interior was executed in Dark Slate cloth and Charcoal IP console tones. The base price was set at $52,974. Select options amounted to $21,145 with a destination and delivery fee of $1,695 for a total of $75,814. It rolled on 20-spoke Graphite painted alloy wheels shod with General Grabber HTS 50 – 275/60 R20 116T M&S tires mounted on 6-spoke Graphite painted alloy wheels.

PERFORMANCE:

Driving the Lightning F-150 might be thought of as piloting a really large sports car with a bed. It scoots with authority, handles with agility and rides smoothly. What more could one ask for in a pickup truck? It’s fun and practical at the sale time, and it’s mpore of a Lightning than the first iteration. ‘Nuff said.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Supercrew

Model: F-150 XLT 4×4 Supercrew pickup

Base Price: $52,974.
Select Options: $21,145.
Destination and Delivery: $1,695.
MSRP: $75,814.

Engine: Dual electric motors with extended Range Batteries.

Horsepower: 426
Torque: 775
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds – Top speed electronically limited to 130 mph.

EPA: 70 MPGe City=78 / Hwy=63- 48 kW hours per 100 miles. Range/ standard Battery Paeryck=230 miles per charge – Extended Range Batt Pack= up to 320

Transmission: Single speed. with full time all wheel drive and driver selectable modes.

Wheels: 20-spoke silver alloys.
Tires: General Grabber HTS 50 – 275/60R20 116T M&S mounted on 6-spoke Graphite painted alloy wheels

Brakes: Power-assisted vented four-wheel discs with four-wheel ABS, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake.

Exterior Color: Atlas Blue metallic
Interior Color: Dark Slate Cloth
Wheelbase: 145 inches
Length: 231.7 inches
Width: 79.9 inches w/o exterior mirrors.
Height: 77.2 inches
Curb Weight: 6,015 pounds

# # #