2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 Ford Maverick

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning appeared deceptively ordinary despite being a groundbreaking debut. It shared much of its exterior design with traditional F-150 models, making it blend seamlessly on North American roads. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning was distinguishable by its LED headlight bar and a faux grille. Inside, it offered ample space, with front and rear legroom surpassing many crossovers. The Lariat trim featured quality materials, ergonomic design, and optional amenities like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. The truck also boasted a 9.6-kWh Pro Power Onboard power supply, providing outlets throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick embraced a conventional pickup look, echoing larger Ford trucks with its wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged with large headlights and a grille crossbar. Smaller than the Ranger, the Maverick used a unibody platform shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport. It offered a practical interior with multicoloured plastics and clever storage solutions. The Maverick's design emphasized affordability without sacrificing style, making it a standout in its segment.

The F-150 Lightning's performance was defined by its dual electric motors, delivering 426 horsepower with the standard battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range, alongside a remarkable 775 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, and the extended-range battery offered a 515-kilometre range. Despite its weight, the Lightning accelerated swiftly, aided by an independent rear suspension. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging available at DC stations.

The Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre engine and electric motor for 191 horsepower. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine provided 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid was front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive and an FX4 off-road package. The Maverick excelled on pavement with its car-like ride quality, and the EcoBoost variant delivered robust acceleration and towing capabilities.

The F-150 Lightning featured a 5.5-foot bed with numerous tie-down points and a unique "Mega Power Frunk" offering 400 litres of storage. It could function as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. The Lightning's towing capacity reached 4,535 kilograms, with onboard scales to manage payload and range.

The Maverick, available only as a four-door crew cab, provided more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage with numerous cubbies and the innovative FITS system for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed included FlexBed features for versatile use, and its towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package.

The F-150 Lightning offered a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 15-inch screen. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The infotainment system also included games for entertainment during charging.

The Maverick used the older Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot and practical phone storage solutions. The hybrid model featured a brake-coaching system to optimize energy recovery.

The F-150 Lightning came with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included BlueCruise for hands-free driving and trailer assistance systems.

The Maverick offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.