Is Upgrading to the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Worth It?
There are a few different Ford F-150 Lightning trim levels to consider, and the Lariat adds a few luxury touches. But upgrading to higher models can come with a hefty price. So, let’s see what comes standard with the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat and if it’s worth it.
What is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat?
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is the third option in the lineup out of four available trims. It kicks off the transition from a work truck-based trim to a luxury one with extra features for convenience and comfort.
While the Lighting Pro, or the entry-level model, starts at $41,769, the 2022 Lightning Lariat increases the price to about $69,269. That’s a massive $27,500 jump. Plus, those are 2022 prices.
Pricing for the 2023 lightning Pro jumped up to $55,974. Costs for the 2023 Lightning Lariat have increased to $74,474. But on a positive note, your F-150 Lightning may qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
What comes with the F-150 Lightning Lariat?
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat kicks things off with 20-inch wheels, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, keyless entry, a power tailgate, the Pro Power Onboard Generator, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and evasive steering assist.
These options are available for the XLT trim in the 312A High package group. The Lariat also adds LED cargo bed lighting, power-folding side mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a wireless charging pad, and the 15.1-inch infotainment display.
Each Lightning model has a four-door crew-cab body style with a 5.5-foot bed, so the Lariat doesn’t feature extra space. Also, all-wheel drive is standard, so that’s a nice perk.
But the Lariat doesn’t have any extra power, either. It comes with the standard 98-kWh battery pack that generates 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. It gives the F-150 Lightning Lariat an EPA-estimated range of about 230 miles.
The F-150 Lightning Platinum comes with an extended-range battery pack. It has a 131-kWh battery that’s paired with two electric motors to crank out 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated range of about 320 miles.
It costs nearly $10,000 to upgrade to the extended-range battery pack. But at least it comes with more power. It can tow up to 7,700 lbs with the standard battery and up to 10,000 lbs with the extended battery.
What’s new for the 2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat?
The current Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is primarily a carryover model. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat and the 2023 model have the same equipment and features. But a new trailer hitch assist feature makes connecting trailers easier.
Currently, the Ford F-150 Lightning order books are closed. You may have to wait until 2024 to submit a new order unless you’re a reservation holder. So getting the F-150 Lightning Lariat might be difficult.
There’s always to possibility to find a new model at a local Ford dealership, but it might come with a steep markup. Upgrading to the Lariat is worth it if you want more features for comfort and convenience.
But you could save with the Pro and XLT work truck models. They have the same amount of standard power and can be equipped with the extended range battery.