2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2023 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 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, complemented by features like a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kWh Pro Power Onboard power supply.

In contrast, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 received a styling update in 2022, enhancing its already appealing design with a wider grille and updated headlights. While the exterior changes were subtle, the interior saw a significant transformation, aligning more with daily driver cars and SUVs. The new infotainment system, with a large screen and modern features, replaced the simpler layout of its predecessor. The Sierra offered a range of trims, from the base Pro to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, each with varying levels of comfort and technology. The Denali Ultimate trim, in particular, featured premium materials, massaging front seats, and a Kicker sound system integrated into the tailgate, showcasing the Sierra's blend of utility and 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, alongside a remarkable 775 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, and the extended range battery offered a Natural Resources Canada-estimated range of 515 kilometres. The Lightning's independent rear suspension and low centre of gravity contributed to its impressive on-road performance, although its substantial weight limited its agility on winding roads. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast charging stations enabling a 15 to 80 percent charge in under 45 minutes.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, including a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. Two gas V8 engines were also available, with the 6.2-litre V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms with the diesel engine, while the maximum payload capacity was 1,093 kilograms. The Sierra's 10-speed automatic transmission and well-weighted steering provided a smooth and composed driving experience, although its maneuverability was challenged in tight spaces.

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 with an underfloor bin and drain. The Lightning's Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature allowed it to serve as a backup generator, capable of powering a household for three days. Its 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 and adjust range estimates accordingly.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 provided various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab and short bed. The interior offered ample space, with large storage trays in the doors and a deep centre console. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility, functioning as a bed step, workstation, and passage for longer items. Bed steps in the rear bumper provided easy access to the cargo area, enhancing the Sierra's practicality.

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 a selection of games for entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500's base Pro trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 13.4-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated infotainment system included Google-connected apps and trailering status apps. The Denali Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, although the screen's placement affected the outlet's location.

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. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system available on the Lariat trim.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and GM's Super Cruise driver assist system, allowing for hands-free highway driving. The Denali Ultimate trim featured a surround-view camera system and rear-vision camera mirror for enhanced visibility.