New Ford F-150 Lightning: Update for Off-Roading
Spy photographers have taken pictures of the updated Ford F-150 Lightning, which looks a bit more prepared for driving off the asphalt. The model has received a unique grille, side steps, and 18-inch wheels shod in all-terrain off-road tires. This seems like an attempt to compete with the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss, albeit not a very convincing one.
Context of the Off-Road Pickup Market
Off-road pickups remain popular, and Ford offers a range of specialized models, such as the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Raptor, as well as the FX4 package for improved off-road capability. However, despite the demand, the electric F-150 Lightning has so far lacked a similar off-road variant. This is surprising, considering that General Motors already has the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss, GMC Sierra EV AT4, and GMC Hummer EV Pickup in its portfolio.
Update Details
Ford is preparing to fill this gap, but enthusiasts should not expect a revolution. The company appears to be using existing components to create a more capable, but not extreme, off-road variant. The changes are minimal: black 18-inch wheels borrowed from the old F-150 Rattler, and Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, which are slightly more aggressive than the standard ones. Also noticeable are side steps, hidden emblems, and light camouflage that may mask graphics on the hood and body stickers.
Exterior and Interior
The new grille with a bright blue bar is reminiscent of the F-150 Tremor style, which uses an orange accent. Photographers also noted that the bright blue body color was not previously offered for the F-150 Lightning. The interior remains a mystery—the seats were covered, which may indicate special embroidery, but details are not yet known.
Technical Specifications
Full details will be revealed later, but the current model offers battery capacities of 98, 123, and 131 kWh, paired with dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems producing from 452 hp to 580 hp.
This updated version of the F-150 Lightning, although not radical, shows that Ford is trying to adapt to the growing competition in the electric off-road pickup market. The use of proven components could help bring the model to market faster, but whether this will be enough to surpass GM’s offerings remains a question. The electrification of off-road vehicles continues to gain momentum, and such steps indicate that manufacturers are trying to meet the needs of different customer groups without compromising core characteristics.