2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to its gas-powered siblings. It was available in three trims in Canada: XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, with the Pro grade reserved for fleet customers. The Lightning featured a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed, distinguishing itself with a prominent LED headlight bar and a faux grille. Inside, the Lightning offered ample space, with front and rear legroom surpassing many two-row crossovers. The Lariat trim boasted quality materials, ergonomic design, and optional features like a panoramic sunroof 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 RAM 1500 presented a more traditional yet refined look, available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles with multiple trim levels, from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The Limited trim, equipped with a turbodiesel engine and 4WD, showcased luxury with quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a premium sound system. The RAM 1500's design was clean and contemporary, with chrome accents that complemented its overall aesthetic. Inside, the cabin exuded quality, with a busy yet luxurious design, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was powered by 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 provided a total range of 515 kilometres. The Lightning's independent rear suspension and low centre of gravity contributed to its impressive handling, although its substantial weight limited its cornering capabilities. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging stations enabling a quick recharge from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a variety of engines, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the TRX. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kilograms, while our test model managed 4,354 kilograms. Fuel consumption was efficient, averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The RAM's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the brake pedal required careful modulation.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered a 5.5-foot bed with numerous 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 three days. Towing capacity reached 4,535 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 907 kilograms, although these figures could impact driving range. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, ensuring optimal performance.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards, adjustable via the Uconnect 5 system, and a spacious interior with heated and ventilated seats. The Limited trim offered practical storage solutions, including a multi-function tailgate and optional RamBox storage bins. The tailgate supported up to 900 kilograms and could be configured for easier loading and unloading. The RAM's cabin provided ample space and comfort, with thoughtful storage options throughout.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4, with higher trims featuring a 15-inch portrait-oriented display. The Lariat trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also offered games, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard from the Sport grade, with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While Uconnect 5 offered improved performance, it presented some user experience challenges, including voice recognition issues and system reboots.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured Ford's Co-Pilot 360 advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, and trailer-specific features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added a head-up display and surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.