Ford appears to be struggling to sell F-150 Lightning pickups from dealership inventories. Despite the impressive features of the Lightning, the company has not met its initial sales expectations, and this is reflected in its leasing prices. According to CarsDirect, in several regions across the country, Ford is providing substantial lease incentives for its electric pickup, making the cost only slightly higher than that of a base model Ford Maverick.
To provide some context, the entry-level Maverick features a 2.0-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and steel wheels, with a starting price of $26,210. Given its popularity, Ford is not offering lease incentives for the Maverick, as demand is clearly high. To lease a base model Maverick, customers need to make a $2,989 down payment and pay $368 monthly over 36 months. When accounting for the down payment, the total cost effectively becomes about $451 per month for this “affordable” Maverick.
In contrast, the leasing options available for the F-150 Lightning make it a more appealing choice compared to the smaller Maverick. In many areas, customers can lease an F-150 Lightning XLT Standard Range for $452 per month over 36 months, with no down payment required. This makes it only one dollar more than leasing the Maverick, despite the Lightning offering significantly greater advantages. The Lightning features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 452 horsepower, a 360-degree camera system, 18-inch wheels, a leather steering wheel, and an upgraded interior, all while being almost twice the size of the Maverick. It’s surprising that such an extensive package can be available for just a dollar more per month.
There is one catch: the F-150 Lightning must be a 2023 model. Therefore, buyers will need to locate any remaining 2023 models on dealer lots. However, since Ford has just introduced this offer now, midway through 2024, it is likely that several 2023 models are still available. I discovered nine similarly equipped 2023 F-150 Lightnings in my vicinity. While it may involve a bit of travel to find one, the opportunity is there for those ready to search. For around the same leasing cost over three years as a basic Maverick, truck enthusiasts should not hesitate to seize this offer.
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