2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to its gas-powered siblings. It featured unique styling elements, such as a prominent LED headlight bar and a faux grille, distinguishing it from traditional F-150s. Available in XLT, Lariat, and Platinum trims, the Lightning offered a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed, with the Pro grade reserved for fleet customers. Inside, the Lightning provided ample space, with front and rear legroom surpassing many two-row crossovers. The interior boasted quality materials and ergonomic design, with features like a panoramic sunroof and extensive power outlets enhancing its utility.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, expanding its premium and off-road offerings. The Sierra's exterior appeared larger and more aggressive, with updated grille designs and new wheel options. The Denali Ultimate featured dark-coloured "Vader bars," while the AT4X showcased a rugged off-road stance. Inside, the Sierra's cabin felt spacious, with a redesigned dash and premium materials elevating the Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims. The AT4X combined off-road capability with luxury, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced off-road suspension components.

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 a remarkable 775 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, and the extended range battery offered a range of 515 kilometres. The Lightning's independent rear suspension and low centre of gravity contributed to its impressive on-road performance, although its weight limited its agility on winding roads. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging stations enabling a quick charge from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine boasted a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms. The Sierra also featured a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2L V8 with 420 horsepower. The Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims offered smooth rides, with the AT4X excelling in off-road conditions thanks to its advanced suspension and e-locking differentials.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered a 5.5-foot bed with ample tie-down points, and its standout feature was the 400-litre "Mega Power Frunk," providing additional storage space. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, capable of powering a household for up to three days. With a towing capacity of 4,535 kilograms and a payload capacity of 907 kilograms, the Lightning was a capable workhorse, although heavy loads could impact its driving range. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, ensuring optimal performance.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in interior space and utility, with best-in-class cargo capacity even in its short bed. The cabin offered generous headroom and legroom, with numerous storage compartments for convenience. However, the low placement of screens and controls posed ergonomic challenges. The Sierra's interior featured an abundance of knobs and buttons, contrasting with the trend towards digital interfaces. The AT4X trim included off-road controls in two locations, adding complexity to its operation.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and embedded navigation on lower trims, while the Lariat and Platinum trims boasted a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lightning also offered games within the infotainment system, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system allowed for personalization and dual modes, while a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available. The Denali models featured an interactive start-up screen, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Lariat trim offered Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for added safety. The Lightning's comprehensive safety features ensured a secure driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 featured GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate trim. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving with automatic lane changes and trailering capability. The Sierra also included GMC Pro Safety, with features like forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam headlights. However, the Sierra received mixed safety ratings, with a "Marginal" grade in the front-passenger small overlap test and a "Poor" grade for headlights.