Shopping for a Ford F-150 that saves fuel without losing its muscle? For the last few years, the big debate has been F-150 Lightning vs PowerBoost, which comes down to all-electric or full hybrid. We're breaking down how they compare for drivers from Park City to Heber City, plus one major update you'll want before you start shopping.
First, a Quick Lightning Update
Ford ended production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning in December 2025, which makes the 2025 model its most recent year. New ones are getting hard to find, so most Lightning shoppers today are looking at remaining stock or pre-owned trucks. Ford has announced a next-generation Lightning that pairs electric drive with a gas generator for an estimated 700-plus miles of total range, but there's no official launch date yet.
The PowerBoost hybrid, on the other hand, is alive and well in the 2026 F-150 lineup. That makes this comparison less about two trucks sitting side by side on the lot and more about which idea fits your life. Do you want a true EV truck, or a hybrid you never have to plug in?
How Each Truck Makes Its Power
These two trucks take very different paths to the same goal. Here's what's under the hood (or not).
Ford Lightning:
- Dual electric motors with four-wheel drive on every trim
- 452 horsepower with the standard battery and up to 580 horsepower with the extended-range battery
- 775 lb-ft of torque available the instant you touch the pedal
- No gas engine at all, which means no tailpipe and no oil changes
F-150 PowerBoost:
- A 3.5L twin-turbo V6 from the EcoBoost family, teamed with an electric motor built into the 10-speed automatic transmission
- A compact hybrid battery that recharges itself as you drive and brake
- Available in 4x2 or 4x4
Think of the PowerBoost as a strong gas truck with an electric sidekick. The electric motor fills in low-end torque when you pull away from a stoplight on Kearns Boulevard, then the V6 takes over for highway cruising.
Towing Capacity and Towing Range
This is where the gap between the two gets real. A properly equipped 2025 Lightning with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package is rated to pull up to 10,000 pounds. The catch is towing range, since a heavy trailer can cut the Lightning's range by roughly two-thirds.
The 2026 PowerBoost is rated for up to 11,600 pounds when properly equipped. Just as important, it refuels in a few minutes at any gas station between here and Moab. That peace of mind counts for a lot on long trips through remote parts of Utah.
Picture a weekend hauling a travel trailer up the Mirror Lake Highway from Kamas:
- With the Lightning, you'd want a full charge and a solid plan for your next stop, since high-country climbs drain the battery fast
- With the PowerBoost, you top off the tank in town and keep rolling
For short hauls, like dragging a boat trailer from Midway to Deer Creek, the Lightning's instant torque feels great. For longer trips with serious weight behind you, the hybrid is the easier partner.
Fuel Economy vs EV Range
The PowerBoost is the most fuel-efficient engine in the current F-150 lineup. EPA estimates land around 23 to 24 mpg combined depending on drivetrain, and the hybrid shines most in stop-and-go city traffic. Real-world fuel economy drops when you're loaded down or towing, just like any full-size truck.
The Lightning gets an EPA-estimated 240 miles with the standard battery and up to 320 miles with the extended-range battery. Charge it overnight in your garage and you wake up to a "full tank" every morning. For a daily commute from Park City to Salt Lake City and back, that EV range covers you with room to spare.
A couple of things to keep in mind with an electric truck in our climate:
- Cold temps can shrink EV range, so a January morning with snow and ice on I-80 won't match summer numbers
- Public charging stations are growing across the Wasatch Back, and the Lightning can use Tesla Superchargers with the right adapter
- Home charging is the real game changer, so factor a Level 2 charger into your plans
Pro Power Onboard: A Generator in the Bed
Both trucks can power your tools, your campsite or your tailgate party. The Lightning takes the crown here with up to 9.6 kW of Pro Power Onboard, plus outlets in the cab, the bed and its huge front trunk. That 14.1-cubic-foot frunk is also a handy spot for gear you want locked up and dry.
The PowerBoost includes Pro Power Onboard as standard, with an available 7.2 kW system. That's plenty for a framing crew on a job site in Coalville or a weekend camp setup near Jordanelle. With a properly installed transfer switch from a licensed electrician, it can even keep essential circuits running at home during an outage.
Tech, Comfort and BlueCruise
Inside, both trucks feel like a modern F-150, with big touchscreens and comfortable, quiet cabins on higher trims. Both offer BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select trims, which makes long stretches of I-80 a lot more relaxing. BlueCruise runs on a subscription plan after any included trial period.
The Lightning only came as a SuperCrew with a 5.5-foot bed. The 2026 PowerBoost is offered across several trims, including XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, so you've got more room to match features to your budget.
What About Price and MSRP?
Pricing is a moving target for both trucks. Since the Lightning is out of production, what you'll pay depends on the remaining units and their mileage. PowerBoost MSRP varies by trim and package, so our new inventory page is the best place to see current pricing.
So, Which Ford Truck Is Right for You?
The Lightning makes sense if you:
- Drive mostly short to medium distances
- Can charge at home every night
- Love a whisper-quiet ride and that big front trunk
The PowerBoost makes sense if you:
- Tow often or take long road trips
- Want a new truck you can buy today
- Don't want to plan around charging
For most drivers in Summit and Wasatch counties, we think the PowerBoost is the practical pick right now. It gives you hybrid savings, more towing muscle, and the freedom to fill up anywhere. Among today's hybrid trucks, it's tough to beat.
Come Feel the Hybrid Difference
Reading specs only tells you so much. The best way to feel that electric-assisted torque is on a real Utah grade, so schedule a test drive and take a PowerBoost up the road toward Kamas. Stop by Karl Malone Ford Park City and our team will help you find the right configuration for how you work and play.
FAQ
Is the Ford F-150 Lightning discontinued?
Yes. Ford ended production of the all-electric Lightning in December 2025. Ford has announced a next-generation Lightning with a range-extending gas generator, but no launch date has been confirmed.
Which tows more, the F-150 Lightning or the PowerBoost?
The 2026 PowerBoost is rated for up to 11,600 pounds when properly equipped, while the 2025 Lightning maxes out at 10,000 pounds. The PowerBoost also holds up better on long towing trips since it refuels quickly at any gas station.
What kind of fuel economy does the F-150 PowerBoost get?
EPA estimates put the PowerBoost at around 23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on 4x2 or 4x4. That makes it the most fuel-efficient engine in the current F-150 lineup.
Does the PowerBoost need to be plugged in?
No. The PowerBoost is a full hybrid, not a plug-in. Its hybrid battery recharges on its own as you drive and brake.
Does cold weather affect the Lightning's EV range?
Yes. Cold temperatures can reduce the range of any electric truck, so winter numbers in Park City will likely come in below the EPA estimate. Charging at home overnight and preconditioning the cabin while plugged in can help.
