F-150 vs F-150 Lightning
The F-150 and the F-150 Lightning share their roots, so the useful question isn’t which is “good” but where each one differs. There is a favorite. The F-150 Lightning beats the F-150 in 2 of 3 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage. The F-150 launched $12,330 lower than the F-150 Lightning, so every advantage on the pricier side has to earn its keep.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance F-150 Lightning wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech F-150 Lightning wins
- Price F-150 wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Engine & Performance7.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The F-150 Lightning has 127 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The F-150 Lightning brings 452 hp to the table; the F-150 brings 325 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The F-150 Lightning has 375 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the F-150 Lightning wins comfortably with 775 lb-ft against 400 lb-ft. The F-150 Lightning’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The F-150 Lightning has a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen
It’s a lopsided result (15.5 in for the F-150 Lightning, 12 in for the F-150) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The F-150 Lightning’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 231.7 in |
Engine & Performance
F-150 Lightning leads
The F-150 is outclassed on engine & performance; the F-150 Lightning leads by a clear margin. The F-150 Lightning scores with 127 hp more power. The F-150 Lightning’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the F-150 Lightning.
Total system output
F-150: 325 hp F-150 Lightning: 452 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
F-150: 400 lb-ft F-150 Lightning: 775 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
F-150 Lightning leads
The safety & tech numbers lean toward the F-150 Lightning, not dramatically but consistently. In its favor, the F-150 Lightning has a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. The takeaway: on safety & tech, the F-150 Lightning is the stronger car.
Largest touchscreen
F-150: 12 in F-150 Lightning: 15.5 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.7L twin-turbo V6 (EcoBoost) | Dual-motor electric (Standard Range battery) |
| Total system output | 325 hp | 452 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4x4 available) | AWD (dual motor) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg Most efficient in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg Best city economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 25 mpg Best highway economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 240 mi Shortest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 10,000 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12 in Smallest touchscreen | 15.5 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 231.7 in |
Price
| Spec | F-150 | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,450 (winner) | $49,780 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The F-150 launched at $12,330 less than the F-150 Lightning, a gap of 33%. Paying $12,330 extra for the F-150 Lightning means getting 127 hp more power and 375 lb-ft more torque.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked launch. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the F-150 Lightning if…
- you want more power (452 hp vs 325 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (775 lb-ft vs 400 lb-ft of torque)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (15.5 in vs 12 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the F-150 or the F-150 Lightning?
For most people, the F-150 Lightning is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather keep $12,330 for something else.
Is the F-150 cheaper than the F-150 Lightning?
The F-150 is the cheaper option, launching at $12,330 less than the F-150 Lightning (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
I spent more time than I’d like to admit on the spec sheets of the F-150 and the F-150 Lightning. The F-150 Lightning earns my vote first and foremost with 127 hp more power. The F-150 Lightning also scores with a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen.
Put simply, the F-150 suits people who care about price, while the F-150 Lightning suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the F-150 Lightning for most people, with the F-150 as the smarter choice if the extra $12,330 would stretch your budget.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.