2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as the quintessential pickup truck, embodying the classic design elements expected of such a vehicle. Its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille gave it a rugged appearance, contrasting with the more streamlined designs of competitors like the Ford Ranger. Certain models, such as the Nightshade Edition and TRD Pro, offered unique styling features, including blacked-out trim and model-specific grilles. The Tacoma's body-on-frame construction, typical of most pickups, enhanced its towing and off-road capabilities, though it compromised ride and handling. The interior mirrored the exterior's ruggedness, with durable materials that seemed fitting for a base model but less so for the higher-priced TRD Pro, despite its off-road focus.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to other F-150 models. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. Its distinct LED headlight bar and plastic façade in place of a traditional grille set it apart from its gas-powered counterparts. The interior offered ample space, with impressive legroom and a mix of plastic and premium materials. The Lariat trim boasted a panoramic sunroof and extensive power outlets, while the Lightning's air conditioning and ventilated seats ensured comfort. The innovative interior work surface added practicality, making the Lightning a versatile choice for both work and leisure.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured a part-time 4WD drivetrain with a standard electronic rear limited-slip differential, and both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions were available. The TRD models enhanced off-road capabilities with features like upgraded suspension, locking rear differential, and Crawl Control. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality. Its maximum towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, and payload capacity was 571 kg, respectable but not class-leading.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, on the other hand, offered a dual electric motor setup, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with a remarkable 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning's AWD and independent rear suspension contributed to its impressive performance, though its weight limited its cornering abilities. The standard-range battery offered a 370-kilometre range, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 kilometres. The Lightning's towing capacity reached 4,535 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 907 kg, though these figures could impact driving range.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's interior space was limited, with the Double Cab offering the least rear headroom and legroom in its segment. The tall hood and short windshield created a bunker-like feel, and forward visibility was impaired. While the rear seats folded for additional storage, overall in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, though it lacked innovative storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning excelled in functionality, with a 5.5-foot bed equipped with numerous tie-down points. Its standout feature was the 400-litre "Mega Power Frunk," offering ample storage and an underfloor bin with a 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 and payload capacities were impressive, though they could affect range. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, ensuring efficient use of the truck's capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM available on all but the base model. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, though the Multi-Terrain Monitor was useful for off-road and parking maneuvers.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted advanced technology, with a 12-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 15-inch screen on higher trims. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured games for entertainment during charging, adding a practical touch to the EV experience.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. The Tacoma's Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, enhanced safety and convenience.