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The Ford F-150 Lightning is the Blue Oval’s first electric pickup truck model. The truck is both innovative and impactful, but it isn’t perfect. Like any other vehicle, the F-150 Lightning has its flaws. It can’t be good at everything, right? The Ford F-150 Lightning is one pickup truck that should avoid a popular American pastime.

The Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t a natural off-road pickup truck

A gray 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is driving on the road.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

Off-roading has been popular for decades, but thanks to modern technology even more Americans can enjoy the pastime. Off-roading culture has strong roots in the automotive industry and more drivers are falling in love with the challenging style of driving than ever before.

Off-roading is the act of taking a vehicle on a trail or driving on terrain that the average vehicle would not be able to. This could mean driving on a clear path through a national park, climbing rocks on a mountain, or wading through deep water in swampy terrain. Today, there are off-road vehicles that can tackle any type of terrain, whether it’s sand, deep snow, or mud.

Many new off-road enthusiasts discovered the hobby during the beginning of the global pandemic when Americans were stuck at home. The pastime relies on the bond between man and machine as both work to conquer nature long enough to escape treacherous terrain or taxing challenges.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is many things, but it isn’t an off-road pickup truck. The F-150 Lightning doesn’t have hardcore off-road chops.

The F-150 Lightning lacks the proper angles and ground clearance for off-roading


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In the video above one of the folks from the TFLoffroad YouTube channels drives the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck up a mountain. The driver acknowledges the F-150 Lightning’s potential but notes that the pickup could use better approach and departure angles for off-roading.

While Ford claims that the F-150 Lightning is capable off-road, it’s clear that the EV wasn’t designed with off-roading specifically in mind. The electric truck has 8.9 inches of ground clearance. The F-150 Lightning’s standard all-wheel drive is great for off-roading but it could use a suspension and tire upgrade for hardcore trails and challenges.

If you’re looking for an electric truck that was made for off-road thrills, look no further than the Rivian R1T. The R1T is designed to make quick work of difficult off-road challenges.

The Rivian R1T is a true off-road electric truck

A red 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition electric pickup truck is parked.
The 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition | Rivian

The Rivian R1T truly has no equal. The electric pickup truck has incredible off-roading capabilities. The Launch Edition is also the quickest truck that money can buy. Car and Driver gave the truck an Editor’s Choice award.

The R1T has up to 14.5 inches of ground clearance thanks to its adjustable air suspension. It makes between 600 to a whopping 835 horses depending on which configuration you choose. The electric truck includes Off-Road Auto, Off-Road Rock Crawl, Off-Road Rally, and Off-Road Drift driving modes.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is a great electric truck, but it can’t mess with the R1T off-road. Read more about how Rivian’s electric pickup truck compares to the F-150 Lightning in the next article below.

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