F-150 Lightning vs Sierra
If you’re shopping for a car in the full-size pickup class, the F-150 Lightning and the Sierra are likely both on your shortlist. There is a favorite. The F-150 Lightning beats the Sierra in 2 of 3 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage. It also matters that $11,480 separates their launch prices, with the F-150 Lightning at the top.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance F-150 Lightning wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech F-150 Lightning wins
- Price Sierra wins
- Engine & Performance7.0
- Engine & Performance1.4
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 142 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 452 hp against 310 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the F-150 Lightning. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The F-150 Lightning has 345 lb-ft more torque
The Sierra gives up a lot on torque: 430 lb-ft, compared with 775 lb-ft on the F-150 Lightning. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The F-150 Lightning has a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen
The F-150 Lightning is slightly stronger on largest touchscreen. The gap, 15.5 in versus 13.4 in, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The F-150 Lightning’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 231.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
F-150 Lightning leads
The F-150 Lightning wins the engine & performance section decisively. The F-150 Lightning delivers 142 hp more power. The F-150 Lightning’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the F-150 Lightning comes out ahead.
Total system output
F-150 Lightning: 452 hp Sierra: 310 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
F-150 Lightning: 775 lb-ft Sierra: 430 lb-ft The F-150 Lightning’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
F-150 Lightning leads
The F-150 Lightning has the slight upper hand on safety & tech. On its side, the F-150 Lightning has a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. Anyone shopping mainly on safety & tech should start with the F-150 Lightning.
Largest touchscreen
F-150 Lightning: 15.5 in Sierra: 13.4 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual-motor electric (Standard Range battery) | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) |
| Total system output | 452 hp (winner) | 310 hp |
| Torque | 775 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (dual motor) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Electric range | 240 mi Shortest electric range | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 10,000 lb Lowest towing capacity | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15.5 in (winner) | 13.4 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | GMC Pro Safety |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 231.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | F-150 Lightning | Sierra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,780 | $38,300 (winner) |
“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
You pay $11,480 extra for the F-150 Lightning at launch prices, a difference of 30%. What does the F-150 Lightning’s extra $11,480 actually get you? Mainly 142 hp more power and 345 lb-ft more torque.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the F-150 Lightning if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (452 hp vs 310 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (775 lb-ft vs 430 lb-ft of torque)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (15.5 in vs 13.4 in)
Choose the Sierra if…
- you’d rather keep $11,480 in your pocket
- you’re comfortable with how GMC does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the F-150 Lightning or the Sierra?
For most people, the F-150 Lightning is the stronger choice, unless every dollar counts and $11,480 is a real sum for you.
Is the F-150 Lightning cheaper than the Sierra?
The Sierra is the cheaper option, launching at $11,480 less than the F-150 Lightning (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the F-150 Lightning from Ford and the Sierra from GMC. Here’s what matters most to me: the F-150 Lightning offers 142 hp more power. There’s more, too: the F-150 Lightning offers a bigger 15.5 in touchscreen.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the F-150 Lightning, and those who prioritize price with the Sierra.
My pick: the F-150 Lightning. I’d only go for the Sierra if you’d rather keep $11,480 for something else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.