Update (October 4, 2024): The article has been updated to reflect the latest prices and details.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is available in four trims in the U.S.: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The Lariat and Platinum are quite expensive and thus come heavily loaded with premium features for comfort, convenience, and styling.
Recently, I saw the Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat and Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum on display together and had the opportunity to compare the features in detail. Here are the differences that I found between the two variants of the electric truck:
Design & Features
The Ford F-150 Lightning doesn’t disappoint in style in either of the two top-end trims. Body-colored bumpers, mirrors, and handles and a full-width signature light strip between the LED projector headlamps and LED tail lamps are common here. Both trims include Carbon Black fixed running boards, too, and in the Platinum, customers can opt for power deployable running boards. The Platinum truck I saw was equipped with the latter.
Both F-150 Lightning Lariat and F-150 Lightning Platinum feature an upper grille with a geometric pattern, but as you can in the images above, the latter gets it in a glossy finish for better road presence. The front skid plate of the latter also carries that distinguished styling. The F-150 Lightning Lariat sits on 20-inch Dark Carbonized Gray wheels, while the F-150 Platinum sports 22-inch Bright Machined wheels with Ebony Black-painted pockets. In my opinion, the latter is more attractive because, in addition to being bigger, they have a funky and aerodynamic design and a classy finish.
Interior & Features
The interiors of both the F-150 Lightning Lariat and Platinum are premium, replete with soft-touch materials, advanced electronics, ambient lighting, and a slew of comfort features. Both electric trucks feature a 10-way power driver and multi-adjustable power front passenger seats with memory (driver-only), heating, and ventilation functions, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
As a six-foot-tall driver, I find the power-adjustable pedals with a memory function, available in both variants, quite useful. The top-end model exudes the feeling of a luxury model with a standard massage function for the front seats. Enhanced by real wood accents and color-coordinated carpeted floor mats, it looks more luxurious.
A twin-panel moonroof is standard in both F-150 Lightning Lariat and F-150 Platinum. When I sat in the F-150 Lightning Platinum, I felt that this feature does help the cabin seem more roomier and more upmarket. A memory function for the steering wheel and power tilt and telescopic adjustment are also standard in both electric trucks.
The F-150 Lightning Lariat and F-150 Lightning Platinum feature a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.5-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 360-degree camera system. The former includes an 8-speaker B&O sound system, while the latter is aimed at audiophiles like me, with a 14-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system.
Specifications
The specifications of the Ford F-150 Lightning in the Lariat and Platinum grades are pretty similar. In both grades, it’s a crew cab truck with a 5.5-foot bed.
The F-150 Lightning Lariat and F-150 Lightning Platinum employ a dual-motor powertrain that produces 580 hp and 775 lb.-ft. of torque. They also share a 131 kWh (net) battery pack. However, while the Lariat trim has an EPA-est. range of 320 miles, the Platinum trim maxes out at 300 miles because of its bigger wheels and higher weight.
The Ford F-150 Lightning has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. in both Lariat and Platinum trims. However, if equipped with an available Max Trailer Tow Package, it can tow 10,000 lbs. in the Lariat grade and 8,500 lbs. in the Platinum grade.
Prices
The Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat has been priced at USD 76,995 (excl. destination/delivery fee) and is eligible for USD 7,500 in Federal Tax Credit. The Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum retails at USD 84,995 (excl. destination/delivery fee), and as its price exceeds USD 80,000, it’s ineligible for that incentive. The Ford F-150 Lightning truck competes with the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, and the Rivian R1T.
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 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
