2021 Ford Ranger vs 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2021 Ford Ranger was available in two cab styles: SuperCab with a six-foot cargo bed and SuperCrew with a five-foot bed. It came in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, all powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Our test model was a SuperCrew Lariat with the Tremor Off-Road Package, priced at $46,865. The Tremor package added unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and off-road enhancements, giving the Ranger a rugged appearance. Inside, the Lariat trim combined with Tremor-specific features like simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats, creating a well-equipped cabin. The interior design was clean and contemporary, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and partial digital instrumentation.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to other F-150 models. It was offered in four trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, all featuring a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed. The Lightning's standout feature was its dual electric motors, delivering 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with 775 pound-feet of torque. The Lightning's design included a distinctive LED headlight bar and a plastic grille façade. Inside, the Lightning offered spacious seating with ample legroom, high-quality materials, and ergonomic design. The Lariat trim featured a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kilowatt-hour power supply with multiple outlets. The Lightning's interior work surface added practicality, and its strong air conditioning and ventilated seats enhanced comfort.

The 2021 Ford Ranger was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both RWD and 4WD options. The Ranger Tremor came with a Terrain Management System and Trail Control, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Tremor's off-road suspension, with revised springs and Fox shocks, provided 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a maximum payload of 1,860 pounds, though the Tremor's payload was reduced to 1,430 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 19 mpg combined, and our testing averaged 18.5 mpg. The Ranger's turbocharged engine delivered swift acceleration, and its suspension offered a comfortable ride on paved roads. Off-road, the Ranger Tremor excelled, proving as capable as a Tacoma TRD Pro.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured dual electric motors, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, along with 775 pound-feet of torque. All Lightning models had all-wheel drive (AWD) and a standard locking differential. The standard-range battery offered an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, while the extended-range battery increased it to 320 miles. The Lightning's acceleration was impressive, and its low center of gravity improved handling. However, its weight limited its cornering abilities. The Lightning used an independent rear suspension for better packaging, and its battery options included a 98-kilowatt-hour standard-range battery and a 131-kilowatt-hour extended-range battery. Fast charging could replenish the battery from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured hoop-style step bars, though their high placement limited their usefulness. The SecuriCode keyless entry pad allowed for convenient access, but the doors felt unsubstantial. Inside, the power-adjustable seats were comfortable, though the driver's seat lacked sufficient travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat space was accommodating, but rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Ranger's storage options included under-seat bins, though the design was inconvenient. The tailgate was undampened but lightweight, and the cargo bed offered ample space with four tie-down hooks.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning prioritized functionality with its 5.5-foot bed and numerous tie-down points. Its standout feature was the "Mega Power Frunk," offering 14.1 cubic feet of storage with an underfloor bin and drain. The Lightning could serve as a backup generator, powering a household for three days. Its towing capacity reached 10,000 pounds, and payload capacity was 2,000 pounds, though range decreased with heavy loads. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight and adjust driving range estimates.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. It included navigation and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was being phased out, it remained competitive in the midsize truck segment. Voice recognition was hit-or-miss, and the climate system could be controlled via voice commands.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and navigation for three years. Higher trims had a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen, though its layout was less intuitive. The Lariat trim included a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lightning's infotainment system offered games for entertainment during charging.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offered Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was standard on the Lariat trim. The Ranger received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated it well, except for "Acceptable" front-passenger protection and "Marginal" headlights.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning included Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Optional features included a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise required driver attention and worked on designated roads.