First EV Purchase… Looking for Advice!

We’re considering replacing our 2017 F150 SuperCrew Platinum 4x4 FX4 Ecoboost with a Lightning, but we can’t swing the cost of a brand-new one. Our budget is around $55k.

We want the best range possible, so I thought the Platinum model might be the best choice. I’d also like BlueCruise, though my wife isn’t as interested. Since we get a good amount of snow, AWD is a must. The truck will stay in our garage when not in use, so I’m not sure if we’d need a heat pump.

In the summer, we’ll use it to tow our boat about 50 miles round trip. The boat and trailer together weigh about 4000-5000 lbs.

What are the key differences between the various years of the Lightning? Or is there a helpful link I’ve missed?

Platinum actually has less range than other models with the extended range battery due to the 22-inch wheels. A lot of folks are finding good deals on the Flash trim for around $55k with good financing rates. Might be worth looking into.

@Jaden
Thanks! I’ll check out the Flash trim and what it includes.

Ari said:
@Jaden
Thanks! I’ll check out the Flash trim and what it includes.

Flash doesn’t have leather, and there were some features removed in 2024, like slower L2 charging and no Phone as a Key (PaaK).

Ari said:
@Jaden
Thanks! I’ll check out the Flash trim and what it includes.

I have the Flash, and I’m really happy with it. I wanted the extended battery and BlueCruise, and Flash gave me those without extra features like a moonroof or leather, which I didn’t need.

@Lilnim
Did you get the 90-day trial for BlueCruise, or pay extra?

West said:
@Lilnim
Did you get the 90-day trial for BlueCruise, or pay extra?

Just the 90-day trial. I might buy it just for the months I’ll use it more.

Ari said:
@Jaden
Thanks! I’ll check out the Flash trim and what it includes.

The range on the Platinum is lower mainly due to the 22-inch wheels. If you like the Platinum but want better range, consider switching to 18" or 20" wheels.

@Jensen
Good tip! Thank you!

Ari said:
@Jaden
Thanks! I’ll check out the Flash trim and what it includes.

With all the right rebates, you can get a Flash for around $57k out the door.

The Lariat with the 511A package is a great option.

Ren said:
The Lariat with the 511A package is a great option.

Thanks! I’ll look into the 511A package.

Where are you located? I’m in Iowa/Illinois, and I went with the Lariat ER. I tow a 23’ Sea Ray that’s around 5000 lbs, and it uses about 55% of the battery on a 90-100 mile round trip. Winter driving is great except in extreme cold.

@Steele
One note—headwinds can be a pain, especially when towing!

@Steele
Thank you! Our boat is a bit smaller at 20’. We’re in Washington near the Idaho border, so we get a moderate amount of snow each year. This info is super helpful.

Lariat should cover everything you need without needing to go up to Platinum. Platinum has a bit less range due to larger wheels. For a 50-mile round trip in summer, towing shouldn’t be a problem.

The heat pump is only on the 2024 models. I’m in Phoenix, so I haven’t needed one myself, but it might be worth looking into if you get very cold winters.

@Peyton
Thanks, I didn’t know that about the range.

Does the Lariat have the baseball glove-style leather seats? I’ve been trying to find photos of the interiors, but it’s harder than I expected.

Ari said:
@Peyton
Thanks, I didn’t know that about the range.

Does the Lariat have the baseball glove-style leather seats? I’ve been trying to find photos of the interiors, but it’s harder than I expected.

@Peyton
That looks like the interior in our current truck—perfect!

Back when I bought it, the Lariat had leather like a baseball glove, which I wasn’t a fan of. Glad that’s changed!

Ari said:
@Peyton
That looks like the interior in our current truck—perfect!

Back when I bought it, the Lariat had leather like a baseball glove, which I wasn’t a fan of. Glad that’s changed!

I think King Ranch is the one with the saddle-style leather.