In the battle of the F-150 vs. Raptor, we see the Ford brand come to a true fork in the road.
In one direction are the traditional ways of the Raptor R – internal combustion engine, off-roading capability, direct injection system, and the ability to handle rough terrain. All-in-all, the picture of Ford trucks over the last decade.
In the other, we’re presented with the Ford F-150 Lightning – an electric version of the F series truck. This leaves Ford off roading enthusiasts torn , especially considering the surprising amount of performance yielded by the Ford F-150 lightning.
Make and Model
Ford F-150 Raptor
In 2010, the Ford Raptor nameplate was used to designate the highest trim level for the F-150, the Ranger, and the Bronco that year. The barely street-legal Raptor was equipped with a long travel suspension system, and the most powerful engine available for the Ford lineup. The independent front suspension on the Ford F-150 Raptor, in addition to features like the skid plate, provided top-tier off road capability for rock crawling and other extreme terrains.
Currently, the 2023 Raptor R is the most recently released version, providing even more power and off-roading ability than any previous generation, and still yields a separate front and rear suspension travel system. Cool performance add-ons have given this truck its reputation – such as the onboard air compressor for the most unforgiving terrains.
The starting price for the Raptor R is just shy of $110,000.
Ford F-150 Lightning
In 2019, Ford unveiled its plans to release an all-electric Ford F-150. Bearing the name the Ford F-150 Lightning, the first versions at trade shows demonstrated next-level towing capability, garnering over 200,000 reservations and a 3-year backlog in production.
The first official Ford F-150 Lightning was delivered on the 26th of May, 2022. With a towing capacity that hits 10K, extra power, and high speeds – the efficiency of the all-electric F-150, combined with its performance is giving the Ford F-150 Raptor a run for its money, especially with a price that starts at just about $56,000 and with the range-topping variant still cheaper than the Raptor R at less than $99,000.
Winner: Ford F-150 Raptor
Simply because of the longevity of the Raptor, it gets the win in this category.
Trim Levels
Ford F-150 Raptor
For the 2023 model year, the F-150 Raptor only has the standard base version of the Raptor, in addition to the new F-150 Raptor R.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning comes in the Pro, the XLT, the Lariat, and the Platinum configurations.
Winner: F-150 Lightning
Because of the additional trim availability, the electric truck takes the win here.
Engine and Transmission
Ford F-150 Raptor
- Engine: 3.5L V6/ 5.2L V8 (R)
- HP: 450/ 700 (R)
- Torque: 510 lb-ft/640 lb-ft (R)
- Transmission: 10-Speed Auto
Ford F-150 Lightning
- Engine: Dual eMotor with Standard-Range Battery (426 HP / 775 LB-FT TQ) or Extended-Range Battery (563 HP / 775 LB-FT TQ)
- HP: 426
- Torque: 775 lb-ft
- Transmission: 1-Speed Automatic
Winner: Ford Raptor
The F-150 Lightning is impressive – especially when you consider the fact it’s all electric. However, it’s difficult to overlook the 700 horses of the Raptor R, which is largely thanks in part to the port fuel injection system. Combined with the independent suspension travel and you’ve got quite the intimidating truck.
Exterior
Ford F-150 Raptor
The 2023 Ford Raptor has plenty of ground clearance and incredible suspension. The grille still has the same performance and sport look (extended grille), giving it that aggressive look. LED headlights, and LED box lighting with 17-inch alloy wheels make up the exterior cosmetics.
- Width: 86.6 inches
- Length: 232.6 inches
- Height: 79.8 inches
- Wheelbase: 145 inches
Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning has a more futuristic front-end with a single LED lightbar stretching across the front and bending downward to form the actual headlights. The main difference initially between the two is the badge, as the Lightning still maintains the classic bow-tie Ford emblem.
- Width: 79.9 inches
- Length: 231.7 inches
- Height: 77.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 145 inches
Winner: F-150 Lightning
Despite the additions and off-roading style of the Ford Raptor, the Lightning’s futuristic style headlights look extremely sleek while maintaining the classic bowtie badge.
Interior
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford Raptor delivers a performance steering wheel, overhead console, and other interior features like contrast stitching and branded seats. The Raptor’s interior comfortably seats five people, and has a passenger volume of 136 cu-ft.
Ford F150 Lightning
The Lightning has a pretty large front-trunk cargo bay, a 5.5-foot bed, and 124 cu-ft of passenger space. It also comfortably seats five, but has a substantially larger amount of cargo room than the Ford Raptor.
Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning
Because of the additional cargo space, the Lightning takes the win in the interior dimensions category.
Technology
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor comes with plenty of technology that helps lend toward its off-roading prowess, such as onboard navigation, travel at a set speed with cruise control, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, 12-inch infotainment screen, 18-speaker sound system, and WiFi hotspot capability.
Ford F-150 Lightning
One would certainly expect The Lightning truck to come with a plethora of technology features, and it doesn’t disappoint. The same 18-speaker system comes with the Lightning, in addition to a more responsive navigation system, a tow technology package including a trailer balancing system, integrated trailer brake controls, and more.
Winner: Lightning
The advanced towing technology gets the electric truck the win in this category.
Performance
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford Raptor’s performance is a staple performance is nothing to question – with an 8,200-pound pulling capacity, incredibly performance suspension, these trucks are one of the best in class. The Ford Raptor 0-60 time, believe it or not, is only a .1 faster than the Lightning, at 4.4 seconds.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Lightning is still a powerful truck – make no mistake about it. A 10,000-pound tow capacity is nothing to shake a stick at. And the fuel economy obviously wins because there is no fuel economy on this all electric. The Ford Lightning 0-60 in an impressive 4.5 seconds, with a range of almost 300-miles.
Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning
It’s difficult not to give the win between these two trucks to the Lightning. With more towing power, and only a second behind on the 0-60 time, it’s almost a no-brainer.
Safety Features
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor comes with forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, pedestrian detection, and advanced lane switch.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Lightning comes with all of the above, plus a more advanced set of towing features for added safety.
Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning
Price Point
Ford F-150 Raptor
Going with the most advanced trim, the Raptor has a starting MSRP of almost $110,000.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The top level Platinum is still lower than the Raptor R, with an MSRP of $98,319.
Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning
And the Winner Is: Ford Lightning
The launch of the Lightning F-150 is potentially the first year an electric truck has unseated a conventionally-fueled vehicle for the performance pickup truck throne. However, it has been over a decade since the Raptor hit the scene, and with the swing toward electric technology, it could just be time for a new favorite in the top spot. On paper, the Lightning certainly has the edge on the Raptor – but the end of year sales totals will be another story.
