2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was known for its distinctive styling and upscale Denali trim, which was often compared to owning a luxury vehicle. The Sierra AT4 variant, priced at approximately $78,938 CAD, offered an off-road-ready experience with features like a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements. Despite its rugged capabilities, the interior was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and lack of luxury, especially given its high price point. The truck's aggressive mud-terrain tires and industrial-themed design emphasized its off-road intentions, though the black-on-black colour scheme was impractical for a vehicle meant to get dirty.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning appeared deceptively normal despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, it featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. The Lightning's unique design elements included a prominent LED headlight bar and a faux grille. Inside, it offered spacious seating with impressive legroom, high-quality materials, and ergonomic design. The Lariat trim boasted a panoramic sunroof and extensive power outlets, enhancing its utility. The Lightning's interior work surface feature was particularly appreciated for its practicality.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it provided smooth gear transitions and impressive torque delivery. The Sierra's Auto 4WD mode handled diverse weather conditions effectively, achieving a fuel economy of 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The AT4's suspension excelled in off-road conditions, though its all-terrain tires were not suited for twisty roads. The Sierra could tow up to 4,173 kg and handle a payload of 962 kg, making it a capable workhorse.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured dual electric motors, offering 426 horsepower with the standard battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, alongside a remarkable 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning's AWD and independent rear suspension contributed to its impressive handling, though its weight limited cornering capabilities. The extended range battery provided a range of 515 km, and fast charging options allowed for quick recharging. Despite its power, the Lightning's off-road potential was limited by its tires, but it excelled in on-road performance.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided comfortable seating with power adjustments and heated options. Its CarbonPro Edition package added a durable cargo bed, increasing payload capacity. The Sierra's bed offered ample cargo space and tie-downs, though interior storage was less innovative compared to competitors. The truck's design facilitated easy access to the bed and cabin, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered a 5.5-foot bed with numerous tie-down points and a unique Mega Power Frunk, providing 400 litres of additional storage. The Lightning's ability to function as a backup generator was a standout feature, capable of powering a household for days. Its towing capacity reached 4,535 kg, though heavy loads affected range. Onboard scales helped manage payloads, ensuring efficient use of its capabilities.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror. Its infotainment system offered a choice between 7-inch and 8-inch displays, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sierra's voice recognition was praised, though its Bose sound system was considered average. The truck's 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and electrical outlet proved useful during power outages.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4, while higher trims featured a 15-inch portrait-oriented display. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo and wireless charging. The Lightning's infotainment system offered games for entertainment during charging. Its technology suite was comprehensive, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were mixed, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from IIHS for certain tests. The upcoming Super Cruise technology promised to enhance its safety offerings.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. BlueCruise, available on higher trims, offered hands-free driving with a driver-facing camera for safety. The Lightning's comprehensive safety features provided confidence and security for drivers.