2023 Ford Lightning Platinum Review

The Ford Lightning took the capabilities and versatility of the Ford F150 through the stratosphere when it debuted. This is because it offered everything that the F150 was known for and added an all-electric touch to it.

The Lightning offers a variety of trim levels, with the top model – the Platinum – being the most sophisticated. The following is a review of its latest version, the 2023 Ford Lightning Platinum:

Features

The Ford Lightning debuted in 2022 and its high demand caused Ford to stop taking orders for a while. Now, the 2023 model is available for sale and it offers 4 trim levels, with the Platinum being the top-of-the-line variant.

The Platinum model offers the very best of the 2023 Ford Lightning in terms of everything from the powertrain and capabilities to the interior amenities and choice of materials. Note that there have been no updates for 2023 as the truck was launched just last year.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 F150 Lightning Platinum comes with a pair of electric motors – one for each axle – plus, the extended range 131 kWh battery pack that is good for a whopping 580 hp and 775 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard, and it helps increase traction and distribute the power properly.

With all this power and all four wheels being engaged, it isn’t a surprise that the Ford Lightning Platinum is insanely quick. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, making it faster than many supercars.

With all this torque, you’d expect it to tow a lot – an attribute not really found in most electric vehicles. The 2023 Lightning Platinum – when equipped with the Max Tow Package – can pull up to 10,000 lbs. The payload capacity is 2235 lbs.

Of course, the highlight of it all is the range. You’ll be glad to know that the 2023 Lightning models with the extended range battery can deliver up to 320 miles on a full charge. It is almost 90 miles more than the standard pack can get you.

Interior and Technology

The 2023 Ford Lightning Platinum has a cabin that ticks all the boxes in luxury, ergonomics, and durability. There’s ample space for all five passengers and they’ll be surrounded by high-quality materials and fittings that enhance the vibe of sophistication and confidence.

The in-cabin storage is a blessing due to the various cubbies and cupholders and the partitioned lockable, fold-flat storage. A great feature exclusively found on the Lightning models is the front trunk or frunk, which can carry up to 400 lbs of payload.

The 2023 Lightning Platinum comes with high-end “End cut Oak” wood trimmings, multi-contour premium nirvana leather-seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You get dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Other features include ambient mood lighting, an interior work surface, power-adjustable pedals, and heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustability. The steering wheel is also heated and so are the rear seats.

For infotainment, you get a 15.5-inch touchscreen, a 12-inch instrumentation screen, a premium sound system by B&O, wireless charging for your phone, voice-activated satellite navigation, HD Radio and various power outlets and USB ports.

There’s a plethora of standard safety features offered. You get automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), forward and reverse sensing, a 360-degree camera, intersection assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist). Also included are various trailer assist systems, and handsfree autonomous driving.

2023 Ford Lightning Platinum

Exterior and Driving

The 2023 F150 is known for being a handsome truck and the Lightning models give it several ultra-modern updates which adds to its uniqueness. The truck bed is 5.5 feet long while there’s a single crew cab configuration available.

It comes with many LED lights (headlamps, bar light, box lighting, mirror-mounted spotlights, etc). You get powered and heated side mirrors with memory settings – the driver-side also gets auto-dimming. There’s a 9.6 kW generator as well, if you ever need to power something.

A twin-panel moonroof is also standard. The same can be said for a set of 22-inch bright machined alloy wheels. Power-deployed running boards are optional here. The exterior colors offered on the 2023 Lightning Platinum are:

Due to the powerful setup under its hood and a sophisticated suspension system, the 2023 Lightning Platinum should be capable of delivering both exhilarating driving moments and a serene, composed cruising experience.

There’s no body roll and the steering is quite responsive. Also, with a robust powertrain and a cutting-edge all-wheel drive system, it will be just as proficient when you take it and drive it off-tarmac. Such is the versatility of this truck.

Reliability and Warranty

Neither JD Power, nor Consumer Reports have rated the 2023 Ford Lightning Platinum for predicted reliability. However, you can check out the consumer reviews and opinions in this regard for more information – you’ll find them overwhelmingly positive.

But in case things do go south, Ford has you covered with three warranties. The first is the limited warranty of 3 years/36k miles, the second is a powertrain warranty of 5 years/60k miles, and the third is an electric components warranty for 8 years/100k miles.

Verdict

As you’d expect, the 2023 Ford F150 Lightning Platinum is the ultimate version of Ford’s full-size super truck. It offers you regular pickup things like power, towing, hauling, acceleration, and efficiency. But you also get luxury, comfort, and lots of technology.

And to top it all off, you get to have all the above and more, without having to worry about carbon emissions and excessive scheduled maintenance like you would with a regular truck.
To get the 2023 Ford F150 Lightning in Woods Cross, North Salt Lake UT, Centerville UT, and Bountiful UT, check out Performance Ford Truck Country here.