Savior Of the Universe?

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning

Yeah, yeah…we reviewed one recently. 

A 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning arrived for a long-awaited #VOTY2022 Victory Lap. We focused on the Flash model, which is a step up from the XLT adding upgraded equipment as both standard and optional. Needless to say, we appreciated the opportunity to revisit this electric pickup truck at a time when one of its rivals went into a sales freefall. 

The argument remains the same: This is a traditionally built pickup truck. It is built on a strong frame, along with a cab and bed on top of it. The only thing missing is a traditional driveline. That has been replaced by two electric motors and a battery pack installed on the frame. 

That formula has worked for Ford. They are the only one currently using this format in the EV pickup truck segment. 

With the arrival of this Rapid Red 2025 F-150 Lightning Flash, you might expect us to simply phone this review in. 

That’s not how we do things at Victory & Reseda. We do not phone anything in. 

There are a few more stories to glean from this electric pickup truck. Some we have explored before, but we also wanted to add more context to our previous experiences. 

At least, that was the plan. 

Let’s talk about what we received for this turn in the F-150 Lightning. This particular Flash tester had plenty of key features, such as Blue Cruise and the 123-kilowatt-hour extended range battery. The 15.5-inch Sync 4A infotainment touchscreen is still there, with eight B&O – Bang & Olufsen – speakers. So is wireless smartphone integration and a host of apps – include one for karaoke. 

However, I was surprised to find that this vehicle was not equipped with a wireless charging pad and the Interior Work Surface that folds the center armrest over creating a work desk. 

This Rapid Red Flash also came with another surprise. The upholstery used in this tester is called Active X. This time around, the seats felt more of a synthetic leather – almost vinyl, but softer. They look nice, though. 

The dual motor set-up in the F-150 Lightning Flash has a power unit on each axle, through a single-speed transmission and electronic four-wheel drive. This system is rated at 536 horsepower. A set of Goodyear tires ride on dark-finished 20-inch alloy wheels framing the 145-inch wheelbase. It stands tall, with an 8.4-inch ground clearance. 

Our tester was equipped with the Max Towing Package, which raises the trailering capacity from 7,700 pounds to 10.000 pounds. 

Ford continues to advertise that their extended range battery in the F-150 Lightning Flash can achieve up to 300 miles of range. On our first charge-up, we got 240 miles at a 100% state of charge. The next couple of charges yielded up to 273 miles at 100%. However, our F-150 Lightning tester yielded an efficiency rating of 2.4 miles-per-kilowatt-hour. 

We should talk about the front trunk for a moment. It has plenty of capacity – 14.1 cubic feet worth. It has also a smaller compartment underneath the frunk’s floor, as well – perfect for charging cables and the NACS adapter. You access it through a button on the dashboard, along with another button on the key fob. While is offers plenty of space for its volume, it did not fit my rollator. The floor was short to fit this item. I ended up putting it in the rear seat floorboard in an upright position. 

If there is a plus side to the F-150 Lightning, it is the use of the cab and bed that is exactly the one found on the internal combustion and hybrid models. All of the positives are there – exceptional cabin space and an easy to access bed. Practicality is superb on every F-150 I worked with – electric or not. 

Another line item to put on the plus ledger is its ride quality. It rides so smooth and solid. For one, you have a huge battery pack located within the frame keeping the center of gravity lower than other F-150s. It’s weighty, yet it helps keeping overall balance when the F-150 Lightning is on the road. 

Everything I experienced in the previous two F-150 Lightnings also ring true for this 2025 model. It drives well and fells big. Yet, it feels so familiar and in tune with the kind of pickup truck I expect from Ford. 

The F-150 Lightning may have started something a few years ago. It has also yielded its share of contenders. 

A couple of weeks ago at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, I had a chance to drive another electric pickup truck from another manufacturer – the 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali. The difference between the two were simply night and day. 

The Sierra EV is built completely different from the F-150 Lightning with an integrated body combining the bed with the cab. While sporting a host of tech, practicality, and engineering wizardry, the GMC felt much heavier and more substantial than the F-150 Lightning. It also felt less comfortable and lacked engagement compared to the Ford. 

That is the key to any vehicle. Can I engage with it? Meaning, can I have some input in what it does for me?

If I am able to engage with this pickup truck, would that be considered a huge win for the F-150 Lightning? I think so. Should I throw another two EV pickup trucks (Hint: they’re from “start-up” companies) under the frame of the Ford? Nah…

You still have five trim levels to choose from on the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning, including the commercial grade Pro model. Pricing starts at $49,780. Our Flash tester came with a sticker price of $74,685. 

Before we sum up this review, you’re probably wondering where that title came from. If you are as old as I am, then you remember the 1980 movie version of Flash Gordon. The eponymous song from the soundtrack was recorded by Queen. The title came from the chorus of said song. If you remember that tidbit of trivia, then you made it this far.

What does that have to do with the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash we just discussed here? The question is whether it is the “savior of the universe” or not? In the pickup truck world, there is a push against battery-electric pickup trucks. The bottom line is that truck customers want more range and capability from their trusted rigs. 

Let me go back to two arguments about this vehicle. One, the F-150 Lightning is very familiar in design and construction to those looking for an internal combustion or hybrid F-150. There are a few differences, but the basics are practically the same. Two, because it is a cab/bed-on-frame pickup truck, there is room for further development to make it worthy for truck customers to consider. 

This is why we awarded it #VOTY2022. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by the Ford Motor Company – our opinions of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern