2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, had been around since its second-generation debut in 2015. After a six-year run, it received its first refresh, which included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the full-size GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize truck market where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma were also aging. The interior of the Canyon prioritized functionality with a sensible control layout, though it featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered various trims, including the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the luxurious Denali, each with distinct features and equipment.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was a groundbreaking debut in the electric vehicle market, yet it maintained a familiar appearance akin to traditional F-150 models. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Its unique design elements included a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic façade in place of a traditional grille. Inside, the Lightning offered spacious seating with ample legroom, high-quality materials, and ergonomic design. The Lariat trim boasted a panoramic sunroof, extensive power outlets, and ventilated seats, enhancing comfort and convenience. The Lightning's interior work surface feature added practicality, transforming the centre console into a workspace.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims like the Elevation, AT4, and Denali featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. The Canyon's V6 engine provided adequate power, though it required aggressive throttle input for lively performance. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like an automatic locking rear differential and hill-descent control. The Canyon's towing capacity reached 3,493 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 734 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning stood out with its dual electric motors, delivering 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with an impressive 775 lb-ft of torque. All Lightning models featured all-wheel drive, enhancing their capability. The standard range battery offered a range of 370 kilometres, while the extended range battery increased it to 515 kilometres. The Lightning's acceleration was rapid, and its low centre of gravity improved handling. However, its substantial weight limited its agility on winding roads. The Lightning's independent rear suspension, a departure from traditional leaf springs, was designed to accommodate the battery packs. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast-charging capabilities reducing downtime.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats, suitable for children or small items. The Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, though seat adjustment could be awkward. Storage options included a centre console, small door trays, and cupholders. The truck offered two bed sizes: a short bed (1,567 mm) and a long bed (1,880 mm). The Canyon's CornerStep rear bumper facilitated bed access, and the EZ lift-and-lower tailgate added convenience.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prioritized functionality with a 5.5-foot bed equipped with tie-down points. Its standout feature was the Mega Power Frunk, a 400-litre front trunk with an underfloor storage bin and drain. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. The truck's towing capacity reached 4,535 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 907 kilograms. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, adjusting the range estimate accordingly.

The 2021 GMC Canyon featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system offered crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout, complemented by hard buttons and dials. An optional 8-inch screen with navigation was available on higher trims, along with HD radio and a wireless charging pad on the Denali trim. The Denali also included a 4.2-inch colour driver display for easy access to vehicle settings and information.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted advanced technology, with all trims featuring at least a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 with navigation. The Pro and XLT trims had a landscape-oriented display, while the Lariat and Platinum trims offered a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. The Lariat trim included an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, with the Platinum trim upgrading to 15 speakers. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto were standard on higher trims. The Lightning's infotainment system included games, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, airbags, traction control, and the Teen Driver system. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Trailer Reverse Guidance. The Lariat trim offered Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for added safety.