2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

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 cues, such as a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic façade replacing the traditional grille, but largely resembled the conventional F-150s seen on North American roads. 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, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kWh Pro Power Onboard power supply, making it both a practical work truck and a comfortable family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD presented a bold and commanding exterior design, characterized by a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille. While its interior was functional, it fell short in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD offered five trim levels, with the AT4 and Denali trims providing off-road and luxury options, respectively. Our AT4 test model featured rugged styling elements and a well-equipped interior with premium upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a Bose sound system. Despite its shortcomings in interior space compared to rivals, the Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities and robust design made it a compelling choice for those seeking a heavy-duty truck with a touch of luxury.

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, making them capable of handling various terrains, although the tires limited off-road adventures. The standard-range battery offered a range of 370 kilometres, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 kilometres. The Lightning's independent rear suspension and low centre of gravity contributed to a stable ride, though its weight affected cornering. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast-charging capabilities allowing a quick recharge from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, equipped with a 6.6-litre Duramax diesel engine and an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, it offered impressive towing and payload capacities, with the AT4 trim capable of towing up to 8,391 kilograms. The Sierra 2500HD's ride improved with added weight, though it remained jittery on uneven surfaces. The AT4 trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like an automatic-locking rear differential, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. Despite its third-place finish in towing stats, the Sierra 2500HD's off-road prowess and robust powertrain made it a formidable contender in the heavy-duty segment.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered a 5.5-foot bed with ample tie-down points, making it versatile for various hauling needs. Its standout feature was the 400-litre "Mega Power Frunk," providing additional storage space with an underfloor bin for ice storage. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, powering a typical household for up to three days. With a towing capacity of 4,535 kilograms and a payload capacity of 907 kilograms, the Lightning's onboard scales helped manage weight and range estimates, ensuring practicality for work and leisure.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD provided three cab configurations and two bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. Its spacious interior offered ample headroom, legroom, and storage options, including a wide centre console and hidden compartments in the rear seats. The AT4 trim featured a side assist step and corner-step rear bumper for easy access to the cargo box. The MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, offered six functions for improved loading and unloading. With power outlets in the cabin and bed, the Sierra 2500HD catered to both work and recreational needs, making it a highly functional heavy-duty truck.

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's infotainment system also offered games for entertainment during charging sessions, adding a playful touch to its tech-savvy interior.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment options, with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens depending on the trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on higher trims. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system occasionally delivered unexpected results. The Sierra's 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhanced towing and visibility, while the rear camera mirror offered a clear view of the surroundings, ensuring a tech-forward experience for drivers.

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, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree surround-view camera and optional features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and BlueCruise hands-free driving system enhanced safety and convenience, making the Lightning a well-equipped and secure choice for drivers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to monitor their teen's driving habits, while the truck's mass provided a sense of security in collisions. With numerous camera views and safety systems, the Sierra 2500HD prioritized safety for both drivers and pedestrians, despite its lack of official crash ratings.