I Owned All Kinds of EV Trucks Ranging From Rivian to a GMC Sierra EV, But It Was the Ford F-150 Lightning I Ended Up Coming Back To Because of Its Ride Quality

When it comes to electric pickup trucks, no one can deny that this segment is finally beginning to mature. Between the tech-heavy Rivian R1T, the luxury-focused GMC Sierra Denali EV, and the practical Ford F-150 Lightning, buyers now have real choices depending on what they want in a truck. And yet, the conversation is far from settled. That nuance came to life earlier today while I was browsing through the “GMC Sierra EV Group” on Facebook. A post by Cyle Hendricks jumped out at me as he was someone who has not only driven all three major EV trucks, but also has taken them across the country. His reflections offered more than just firsthand insight because they highlight how the most celebrated truck on paper doesn’t always win when it comes to real-world use.

In Cyle’s own words: "Didn't think I would end up going back to my Lightning but I think I will be. With EV trucks, I started with the R1T (wish I kept it), then the Denali EV & full circle back to this. I love all these trucks, so, for those who are on the fence on which to get this should help you decide as I have driven all three across the country.

Why I am sticking with Ford: Ride quality, even compared to the Denali EV is night and day. So much more quiet (less wind noise, no sound of the motors, much more comfortable suspension). I've only ever had one or two rattles in this thing, both are infrequent, otherwise, this thing is seemingly much better put together. I love that the back seats go up and are able to have a completely flat floor. I've noticed that the AC is better, I don't have to bump it up as high to stay comfortable. The sound system is definitely better. I didn't realize this before.

The biggest drawback is range and charging. The GM Ultium platform in their trucks are amazing, as in those speeds and the range achievement in something that big and heavy. Love the rear wheel steering and I wish more vehicles would implement the rear key camera mirror more. My drive that I do frequently, after my initial charge I only have to charge once on the 400+ mile drive. On the Lightning, I have to do a quick 5-10 minute splash and dash, then charge at the same SC as I did in the Denali, then another charge at a 62kW Chargepoint along the final 200 mile stretch.

It can be more of a hassle depending on your charging options on long drives. If you splash and dash to each charger, take advantage of the 10 minute boost in the Lightning then go to the next one, you won't spend as much time charging. More stops, but less time charging. I often see people complain how long it takes on long drives in something like this but when you spend 30-45 min each charge, that'll happen.

But this thing is just more comfortable, built better, technically more accessories available at this time, my insurance is $110/mo cheaper, and I have an extended warranty and gap coverage on this thing whereas on the Denali I don't have those two.

And lastly, the FordPass app is better, cleaner, and more responsive. I am not a fan of the laggy, subpar Ford Sync software, Apple and Android Auto make things better, and with the upcoming Android Auto update, it'll be even nicer."

The EV Truck Community Responds

Cyle’s post sparked a wave of commentary, and what followed revealed just how complex EV truck ownership really is.

Adrian Evans responded with an interesting take from someone who owns both: "Good points. I own both the Lariat ER and GMC Denali Edition 1. The plan was to keep them both but ever since I got the Denali, the Lightning just sits. I agree, the ride is better on the Lariat but other than that, the GMC is better at everything else. I tow the same trailer and the GMC tows it better. Plus I can go 100 more miles! The Lightning was hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned until I got the Denali. I can't wait till the next generation Lightning comes out because I might switch back."

His perspective adds balance to Cyle’s, reminding us that the Denali isn’t just about premium looks. Its towing performance and range are are better in a lot of circumstances In fact, in a real-world towing test with the GMC Sierra EV, this owner claimed it outperformed traditional gas trucks in both power delivery and confidence. For some owners, that matters more than ride softness or AC settings.

Dean M. Boivin chimed in with a hopeful angle: "Thanks for the review on the 3. I'm on my second EV (Equinox). My friend has the new Silverado and the range/charge time is so impressive. I'm hoping the Scout line up is as good as the hype. Having had a Scout as a kid, I'm leaning towards that with the extender set up."

His comment shifts the conversation toward what’s coming next. Many early EV truck adopters are watching brands like Scout and Ram to see if they can improve on where current trucks fall short. Whether it’s range, charging, or price, there’s still a lot of room for evolution.

Zach Lewis rounded it out with a full-circle review of all contenders: "I'm surprised there is that much of an insurance difference. My wife's R1S and my Sierra EV are both 98/mo to insure. I drove the Lightning, and while it's crazy fast, I can't deal with the ~40% less range. I also found the seats in the Lightning uncomfortable compared to the Sierra EV. I've driven every EV pickup I can get my hands on. The CT wins for software and self driving, the Sierra wins for comfort and range, and the Lightning wins for the fun factor. The R1 wins for cool/off road factor. It's such a personal choice, so I can see why everyone has their own opinions!"

Zach’s view really drives home the idea that there’s no clear winner in the EV truck race, at least not yet. Every model is trading something for something else. And based on how the F-150 Lightning performed after 33,000 miles, it’s still one of the few trucks truly pulling double duty as both a tech showpiece and a practical tool.

When we previously covered how one owner towed a Tesla Model Y using their GMC Sierra EV, the conversation leaned more into Ultium powertrain durability and acceleration under load. But that’s exactly what makes Cyle’s return to the Lightning so interesting. Even knowing how capable the Denali is in those scenarios, he still went with what feels more usable to him day-to-day.

The Lightning Isn’t Perfect, But It Works for Many

Now there are Lightning owners who’ve experienced growing pains. We’ve reported on one driver whose F-150 Lightning died just two miles from home, and another who switched from a Model Y to a Lightning only to find its winter range was far lower than expected. EV trucks still face tradeoffs, especially in cold weather, charging availability, and insurance nuances that many buyers don’t realize until after delivery.

Still, the Lightning continues to win over a unique type of buyer: the one who doesn’t necessarily need the longest range or the most luxurious interior, but someone who wants a truck that works hard, charges reasonably well, and integrates with their life more smoothly than most alternatives.

So I think what Cyle’s journey highlights is that EV trucks are no longer just experiments. These are diverse machines each with their own philosophy. The Rivian R1T comes across as a rugged adventure tool designed with a tech-savvy mindset. The Denali EV is an executive cruiser with torque to match. And the Lightning? It’s the working-class EV that somehow manages to stay fun. I’ve seen people obsess over specs but forget how different it feels to live with each of these vehicle’s day to day. Until we reach a point where one truck checks every single box, which could honestly never happen as this is such a personal decision, this balancing act is where the real decisions will continue to take place.

Key Takeaways

• No EV truck is perfect across the board: Whether it’s range, comfort, software, or build quality, every electric truck comes with its own mix of strengths and compromises.
• Small daily-use details matter more than specs: Real-world ownership has shown that things like seat comfort, AC performance, and app responsiveness can make or break the long-term experience.
• Charging strategy impacts usability just as much as speed: A truck with multiple short, efficient charging stops can be more practical than one with fewer but longer stops depending on how it fits your travel habits.
• Software and mobile integration are now part of the equation: Owners increasingly value responsive apps, clean interfaces, and how well the vehicle plays with Apple or Android systems, especially over laggy native infotainment.
• The next wave of trucks could shake things up: With Scout, Ram REV, and others entering the scene, today’s best choice might be tomorrow’s second best. This segment is still growing fast.

Your Turn to Share

Have you test-driven or owned any of these electric trucks? Which one actually felt like it belonged in your life?

And what are the real deal-breakers for you when it comes to EV trucks? Is it charging, comfort, towing, or something else entirely?

I'd love to hear what you have to say in our comments below. Your experience could help the next buyer make the right call.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “GMC Sierra EV Group” public Facebook group and GMC’s Gallery, respectively.