How Does the GMC Sierra 1500 EV Compare to the Ford F-150 Lighting?

The GMC Sierra 1500 EV and the Ford F-150 Lighting are two of the most promising electric trucks soon to be on the market, and each has impressive power and surprising capabilities. GMC is set to launch the Sierra 1500 EV in 2024, and it will be the first all-electric truck the automaker has ever produced. Now there will be a little more competition for the Ford F-150 Lightning, which has already gained fame for being the fastest F-150 ever made. Let's take a look at how the Sierra 1500 EV compares to the already-released Ford F-150 Lightning.

Power and Towing Capacity

According to GMC, the EV version of the 2024 Sierra 1500 will have a next-gen propulsion system that cranks out a whopping 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. The initial launch model will be the ultra-luxurious Denali Edition 1, and its powerful electric drivetrain will incorporate both front and rear electric motors to offer drivers all-wheel drive. Thanks to the truck's innovative drivetrain, drivers can expect fast acceleration and increased capabilities. The Sierra also has a variety of extra features designed to maximize performance, including an adaptive air suspension system that provides a more comfortable ride quality.

This puts it in direct competition with the Ford F-150 Lightning, which has two electric motors that offer drivers 462 horsepower with the standard range battery and 580 horsepower with the longer range and 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning also hasn't skimped on performance features, and drivers can currently enjoy up to 11 convenient power outlets and a stow-away shifter. Though it doesn't offer nearly as much torque as the Sierra EV promises, it still provides more than enough to get the job done. 

The Sierra comes with an innovative regenerative braking system that includes a one-pedal driving option, allowing for smoother braking. The Sierra will also have several customizable drive modes to choose from, making it easier than ever to tailor the way the vehicle drives to fit your preferences. These include a special off-road option for when the asphalt ends, a max power mode that concentrates the truck's power to provide a more thrilling ride, and a tow and haul mode that makes towing heavy loads easier than ever. 

Thanks to its power, the Sierra boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 lbs and a payload capacity of  1,300 lbs - plenty to get the job done and haul trailers, campers, heavy equipment, and an array of other items. The Lightning will still reign supreme when it comes to towing, offering a whopping maximum capacity of 10,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 2,235 lbs. 

However, GMC estimates that the truck can get up to 400 miles of range, dwarfing the Lightning's current standard range of 240 miles with the standard battery and 320 miles with the extended-range battery. This would make it one of the most capable EV pickups ever. Both trucks come with an array of advanced trailering assistance technologies to further optimize the towing and hitching process, including backup assist and hitch controllers. The Sierra goes above and beyond, offering an industry-first transparent trailer that enables drivers to see directly into the trailer from the comfort of their seat.

Features

Like its non-EV cousin, the Sierra has a top-of-the-line interior made with premium materials that offer increased durability and stain resistance while still providing plenty of comfort. It also boasts a massive 16.8-inch center touch screen, dwarfing the Lightning's already-massive available 15-inch infotainment display. In the Lightning, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, and GMC expects the Sierra to be no different. While the Lightning isn't quite as plush as the Sierra, higher-end trims still provide plenty of comfort, including signature front lighting and cloth seats.

The F-150 comes with a crew cab body and a 5.5-ft bed, offering plenty of room for storage. It also has a large storage compartment under the hood where the engine components would normally go, boasting a capacity of up to 400 lbs. The Sierra has the same feature, although it offers a slightly larger bed of nearly 6 feet. On the outside of the truck, drivers can expect an array of familiar upscale features, including GMC's signature MultiPro Midgate that expands the bed length to nearly 11 feet.

Safety Technology

The F-150 Lightning has been on the market for a little while now, and a variety of modern safety features and driver assistance technologies come standard. This includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with a hands-free feature. GMC also packed the Sierra with safety features, but it's the Sierra's CrabWalk feature that truly sets it apart. This feature provides greater vehicle maneuverability, allowing drivers to avoid both on and off-road collisions. GMC's Super Cruise system also makes it easy to change lanes without even needing to move the wheel.

Design

Both electric trucks have crew cab bodies with smart-looking styling, including an ultra-wide grille and modern wheels. The Ford Lightning has four trim levels: the Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum. The Lariat has a unique, gray-ion satin grille and rides on 20-inch dark gray wheels, while the Platinum rides on 22-inch aluminum wheels and comes with a tinted chrome grille. 

It won't be until 2025 that GMC will reveal the Sierra's full trim levels, but for now, drivers can expect a striking exterior from grille to gate that includes GMC front badging, an illuminated perimeter shield, and gloss black accents. The Sierra will ride on big 24-inch alloy wheels, and the overall size will be similar to the standard gas Sierra. Just like the Lightning, the truck's grille will attach to the front trunk lid to provide for easier loading and unloading. 

The team at Uebelhor & Sons Buick GMC Vincennes looks forward to the release of GMC's first electric-only pickup later this year. We're proud to be the premier GMC dealership in the Vincennes area, and in our new inventory, you can find a wide range of new Buicks and GMCs to suit your lifestyle and budget. We also offer a variety of specials, so you can take home your dream vehicle for significantly less. Contact us online or give us a call at 812-291-1621 to find out more.