Tested drove the Sierra EV Ext-Range, possible upgrading from Flash

I am a happy owner of a Lightning Flash since Christmas Eve, and love driving it everywhere but couldn't take it on my monthly 300 mile road trip because Lightning just couldn't go that far at 70 mph, winter or summer, without a charging stop that I don't have time for (have been using other cars for this trip). So here is my impression of 2025 Sierra EV Ext range as a potential upgrade.

Interior: The cabin/glass is spacious but not tall like a Lightning; it's more SUV than truck like so headroom/shoulder room not as big, and it feels more sit-in than sit-on. Sierra's vegan leather really felt cheap/foam thin (compare to Lightning's Platinum or Lariat) but wood around dash is a nice touch. Wish there is a grab bar on driver side but lower entry height (air suspension) helps. Wish all the mirrors are larger to reduce blindspots but ability to keep camera views on while moving is helpful. Road noise is much louder than Lightning I think the midgate is the culprit. Great leg room both front/back but rear passenger seat cushion is too short and thin for long roadtrips. Wish there is a sunshade for this solarium (I will take cardboard or a folding sunshield if someone makes one).

Driving: Handling is better than a Lightning; it feels like a mid-size SUV loaded with people and weight and balding tires. Turning radius and low speed maneuvering is ridiculously good with rear steering (crab walk seems more gimmicky). Braking/Regen is strong and not too intrusive once familiar but it does take longer to stop 9000 lbs. Ride comfort is where Sierra is seriously behind Lighting I think it's because of 24" low profile tires. I think a quiet tall set of 20" tires/wheels would be much better on comfort and noise. I also feel more riding on air in Lightning's even though Sierra is the one with air suspension (must be the weight).

Exterior: To me Sierra is the nicest looking EV truck right now but wish it has some Denali blings on the outside. Like the tailgate and its 2 stage foldout but wish it can power close. A powered rolling hard tonneau would be nice, so is power running board. Mid gate is good in concept but it's trying to do too much (40-60 split, etc.) and not sure how weather/sound tight it is. I think I saw daylight when it's closed so not sure how it would do at carwash.

The tech: Lightning has better trailering and comfort (massager, stereo) tech while Sierra has better driving/daily tech (Super Cruise, Active Park Assist, Air suspension, camera views staying on while car is moving, etc.). 3 year free Supercruise and 8 year free basic Onstar is nice. Physical buttons for HVAC also +.

So what are my favorite things about Sierra EV: Range (if it can truly go 350+ miles at highway speed winter or summer. This one is rated for 390 miles). Turning radius-Jaw dropping good. Active self park (no more arguing with spouse). Handling (feels like a loaded mid-size SUV on balding tires). Exterior style. Height adjustability (lower entry). Longer free SuperCruise and Onstar basic. Midgate is nice but unlikely to be used often. 19.2 KWH charging at home. Sadly Ford had some of these standard in 22-23 but took them away in '24 (3 year Blue Cruise, Park Assist, 19.2KWH charging).

What I did not like: Road noise. Big solarium in summer time. Weight/heft at slow speed. Cheap feeling leather/thin or short cushions. Less head/shoulder rooms. Smaller mirrors/bigger blindspots. Not having a trailer backup assist. No Apple Carplay.

So is it worth the money/upgrade? Not at MSRP especially with Ford's incentives and X-plan prices. But if the OTD price is comparable to a Platinum's OTD or within $3K I think I would take the extra range and better driving tech despite of noisier/lousier ride and tighter space. Since I can't charge nightly at home having a bigger battery will also help me keep it 80% or below more often (SIerra's 80% should still be > Lightning's 100% range).

Anyhow, hope my impressions is helpful to someone cross shopping or curious what you missing out on the Sierra EV.