The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning was announced for the U.S. a few weeks ago, and recently we got to see the model in the flesh in the XLT variant. Here’s a roundup of the changes for the latest model year, which Ford says was tailored directly from customer feedback.
1. Dark Elements
New for 2025 is the “Dark Elements” appearance package, exclusively for the Platinum series. It includes 22-inch black painted wheels, black Ford ovals, and distinctive black badging. Inside, the sleek black interior matches the exterior’s dark theme.
Ford highlights this package with the new “Space White” color option, recognizing white as the most popular choice among Lightning buyers. Over 25% have opted for it so far, with the example shown in the story finished in Oxford White.
2. Improved BlueCruise
Ford also enhances its BlueCruise hands-free driving feature. Ford says that Version 1.4 delivers smoother and more stable highway driving. Improvements include better speed adjustments on curves and increased lane stability. Customers now have more flexible BlueCruise options, including a standard one-year subscription, a one-time purchase available through dealers, or continuing with the existing 90-day complimentary trial before subscribing annually or monthly.
3. Quicker DC Fast Charging
Charging sees a minor upgrade for 2025. Maximum DC fast-charging current rises from 450 to 500 amps, slightly reducing charging times under certain conditions. Ford says that the 2025 F-150 Lightning Flash (123 kWh battery) can charge from 15-80% in about 38 minutes (DC fast charging), and from 15-100% in about 12 hours in Level 2 home charging.
Additional improvements include real-time in-vehicle charging status updates, universal charge limits instead of individual charger limits, and scheduled charging preferences for specific locations.
4. NACS Integration With CarPlay
To address long-distance charging needs, Ford integrates North American Charging Standard (NACS) fast-charging stations into Apple CarPlay’s EV routing. Lightning drivers using Apple Maps EV Routing can now plan trips that automatically include compatible Tesla Superchargers along their route. A NACS adapter allows access to these additional charge points, with no native NACS port yet.
The 2025 F-150 Lightning continues with familiar features which we experienced in the MY2024 vehicle like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the FordPass app provides remote locking, interior climate setup, battery checks, and route planning. Phone As A Key (Digital Key) allows remote control of the windows and the Mega Power Frunk, standard on Lariat and Platinum models
Under the hood, the 2025 F-150 Lightning XLT retains the 452-horsepower dual-motor setup with a single-speed transmission, delivering a maximum EPA-estimated range of 240 miles. Higher variants like Flash and Lariat offer up to 580 hp, and 320 miles of range. Towing capacity remains impressive at up to 7,700 pounds with the available Max Trailer Tow Package.
Prices (MSRP, without DPH fees) for the 2025 lineup start at $62,995 for the XLT trim and top out at $84,995 for the premium Platinum edition.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
