Available in four trims (Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum), the ‘23 F-150 Lightning caters to diverse preferences. The Pro, XLT, and Lariat are each equipped with the potent dual eMotor powertrain, which makes 452 hp and 775 lb.-ft. of torque. They also come with the standard range battery providing 240 miles of electric travel. Meanwhile, the Platinum gets the extended range battery (available for the XLT and Lariat), which enables 300 miles of range and 580 hp. If ordered with the XLT and Lariat, this range increases by an additional 20 miles. Versatility is at the forefront of this pickup’s appeal, as it can tow up to 10,000 pounds and accommodate up to 2,235 pounds of payload.
Each ‘23 F-150 Lightning trim boasts an array of appealing amenities. The base Pro comes with automatic and wiper-activated LED headlights, two front tow hooks, four cargo box tie-down points, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight 120V power outlets and USB ports, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split flip-up bench seat. The XLT adds LED mirror-mounted spotlights, Ford’s BoxLink system (which has cleats that enable more attachment points for aftermarket accessories), heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a power-operated front trunk, a convenient interior work surface, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The upgrades to the Lariat include ventilated front seats, power-folding side mirrors, a power tailgate, a wireless phone charger, the 9.6kW Pro Power Onboard generator, leather upholstery, position memory settings (for the side mirrors, driver’s seat, and pedals), a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-sliding rear window, ambient interior lighting, and a universal garage door opener. The range-topping Platinum is the most luxurious of the bunch, gaining smartphone-based keyless entry, a twin-panel moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, improved leather upholstery, wood interior trim, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with memory, and heated rear seats.
The 2023 F-150 Lightning represents the future, and as such it’s equipped with the latest safety technologies via the Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite. This comprehensive bundle of active driving aids includes forward collision warning, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, post collision braking, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking.
A more comprehensive system, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, is offered for the XLT and Lariat. It contains intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, intersection assist, and connected navigation. The Platinum gets all of that, along with the innovative BlueCruise hands-free driving system and Active Park Assist.
Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system graces the ‘23 F-150 Lightning. The features can be managed using enhanced voice recognition or the touchscreen (12 inches in the lower trims and 15 inches in the Lariat and Platinum). The standard multimedia features it manages are a Wi-Fi hotspot, built-in navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. The Lariat and Platinum enhance the infotainment game a sophisticated conversational voice recognition system and an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
For those seeking even more amenities, Ford offers some optional packages for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. The Tow Technology Package (available for the Pro, XLT, and Lariat and standard with the Platinum) introduces advanced features like a surround-view camera, a forward sensing system, trailer backup assist, trailer hitch assist, a trailer brake controller, trailer reverse guidance, and on-board scales with smart hitch technology. Those same trims qualify for the Max Trailer Tow Package, which includes battery and electric motor cooling hardware to enable a higher towing capacity.