Is the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning a Better Choice Than the 2024 GMC Sierra EV?
We live in an unprecedented time in the automotive industry. Just a little over two decades ago, all-electric vehicles began to appear, much to the delight of consumers everywhere who were continually becoming frustrated with the unpredictable nature of gas prices. However, options among the early EVs were limited to small cars such as the Honda Insight or Nissan LEAF. Thankfully, this has changed in recent years, and EV technology can now be found powering SUVs and pickup trucks.Â
No other brand has been more synonymous with the pickup truck than Ford, and when it came to unleashing the power of electricity to the vehicle class, the F-150 Lightning beat GM and RAM to the punch. Such a move as this forced the competition’s hand, and the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV have both been eager to take Ford’s thunder (or Lightning in this case.) Drivers looking at a Ford F-150 Lightning for sale and wondering whether it’s a better option than the GMC Sierra EV should continue reading. We’re examining both vehicles to determine the better choice for consumers.Â
A Matter of CostÂ
Chances are, if you’re looking for an EV of any kind, it’s because you’re keen on saving money by avoiding the pump altogether. Pickup trucks have a reputation for having powerful performance. As such, they have generally required extensive powertrains to help them facilitate tasks such as off-roading and towing. With both the Lightning and Sierra EV harnessing the power of electricity, drivers, tradespeople, and off-roaders can now do more without worrying about filling up the gas tank.Â
While you might not have to worry about gas prices anymore, the upfront cost of both vehicles will determine which is ideal for you. The Sierra EV is limited to just one trim, the Denali, which, as many truck enthusiasts know, is on the pricier side of the spectrum regarding MSRP. According to GMC, the starting MSRP for the Sierra EV is a staggering $97,500. This amounts to the Sierra EV being out of reach for many drivers.Â
While offering exceptional EV performance, the F-150 Lightning sells for less than half the price of the Sierra EV, with a starting MSRP of $62,995.[a] An added advantage is that the Lighting comes in four different trims, allowing potential buyers to determine which works best for them.  Â
Verdict: Luxury and sophistication are ideal for some drivers, but not all. Being limited to one trim and made for drivers with a disposable income, the Sierra EV doesn’t have anything that appeals to practical and pragmatic drivers. The Lightning, with multiple trims and a much lower price, is much more beneficial for a broader range of drivers.Â
Prowess & PerformanceÂ
Many who seek out performance-oriented vehicles favor pickup trucks. Tradespeople looking for a reliable workhorse that will allow for towing and trailering will undoubtedly be keen on both vehicles’ features and accessories.Â
Tradespeople are looking for an EV pickup to employ on the job site as a reliable workhorse might have a keen eye for looking at towing capacity. The Sierra EV does offer a formidable job at pulling weight, particularly with its maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs. The Lightning, however, finds a way to outmaneuver its rival from GMC, with a 10,000-lb tow rating. These numbers might look very close, but as any experienced hauler attests, 500 lbs can make a considerable difference when moving any material.Â
Besides a larger towing capacity than the Sierra EV, the Lightning has more technological attributes that make it much more adept at practical matters, such as an onboard scale system that keeps you informed about how much weight you’re carrying and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist that allows for maneuverability like never before.Â
Verdict: The Lightning is a much more capable workhorse, costing much less than the Sierra EV. Ford’s dedication to providing its clientele with items that make the workday easier illustrates that they’re the brand more drivers trust.Â
Practical Capabilities for the Working WorldÂ
So far, we’ve examined towing capability and upfront costs; both see the F-150 Lightning as a more affordable vehicle and more adept at being a comfortable ride with a capable pickup bed. One criticism that one can make regarding the Sierra EV is that its limitations as an impractical vehicle are well-established. The F-150 Lightning offers far more practical items than GMC’s electrified pickup.Â
An observation regarding pragmatism concerns the infotainment screen. Both trucks have a vertical screen that anchors the dashboard and center console. Some drivers might quickly doubt that the Sierra EV’s screen is undoubtedly larger than Ford’s, as the 16.8-inch screen outsizes the 15.5-inch version found on the F-150 Lightning. Still, Ford’s technology is much more ideal for the modern driver.Â
Ford offers SYNC 4, an intuitive software program many consider one of the industry’s most advanced. It receives over-the-air updates to ensure drivers have the latest version. The 2024 F-150 Lightning also comes with compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation. Despite having a larger screen aimed at the jet set, the Sierra EV lacks smartphone-mirroring capability, which many drivers favor.Â
The Ford F-150 Lightning also has the added advantage of having an onboard generator, which can make household power outages a non-issue. This can also facilitate other recreational activities, such as camping.Â
Verdict: Sometimes, the little things can make all the difference when choosing a vehicle. Ford’s superior software setup and access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it a far more pragmatic vehicle than its competition. Practicality is essential to many drivers from all walks of life, and the Sierra EV, while being an attractive prospect for truck drivers, also epitomizes style over substance.Â
Our Final Verdict on The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning and 2024 GMC Sierra EV
There are many different things to consider when choosing a vehicle to purchase. When it comes to the highly competitive world of the pickup truck and the ever-growing popularity of the EV, there’s much to consider before you schedule that important test drive. Here are some key takeaways we’ve learned today based on our time and effort in looking at the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Sierra EV.Â
With more trims to choose from and a lower starting MSRP, the Lightning offers more capability and EV prowess to more drivers. Not everyone is looking for the high-end sophistication associated with the Denali, and affordability is a cornerstone of the vehicle-buying experience.Â
Beyond the upfront costs of ownership, the F-150 Lightning has a much better towing capacity and accompanying technologies that facilitate the transportation of cargo and materials, making it adept at occupational obligations. Bigger is not always better, and with its state-of-the-art SYNC 4 software system, the F-150 Lightning packs a much more user-intuitive experience into its slightly smaller infotainment screen.
If you ask us, the F-150 Lightning is a better vehicle all around, embodying the work ethic associated with Ford since the brand’s earliest days. The Ford F-series is the most popular pickup in the US, and based on what we’ve seen today, it always will be.Â
[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
0 comment(s) so far on Is the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning a Better Choice Than the 2024 GMC Sierra EV?