2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 GMC Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon, a midsize pickup, had been around since its second-generation debut in 2015. After a six-year run, it received its first refresh, which included an enlarged grille and a revised front bumper, aligning it more closely with the full-size GMC Sierra. Despite these updates, the Canyon largely retained its original design, which was less of an issue in the midsize truck market where competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma also had older designs. The interior of the Canyon was functional, with a sensible layout for controls, though it featured hard plastics and average fit-and-finish. The truck offered various trims, including the base Elevation Standard, the off-road-inspired AT4, and the luxurious Denali, each with distinct features and equipment.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was a groundbreaking debut in the electric vehicle market, yet it maintained a familiar appearance akin to traditional F-150 models. Available in four trims—Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum—the Lightning offered a single cab style and bed length. Its most distinctive exterior feature was the LED headlight bar, while the interior boasted spaciousness with ample legroom. The Lariat trim, in particular, featured high-quality materials and ergonomic design, along with a panoramic sunroof and extensive power outlets. The Lightning's interior work surface was a practical addition, enhancing its utility for various tasks.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on the AT4 and Denali trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine was available, offering 181 horsepower and a robust 369 pound-feet of torque. The Canyon's towing capacity reached up to 7,700 pounds with the turbodiesel engine, making it a strong contender in its class. The AT4 trim, equipped with the V6 and 4WD, excelled in off-road conditions while maintaining composure on paved roads.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, powered by dual electric motors, offered 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, both delivering an impressive 775 pound-feet of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive, enhancing their capability. The standard-range battery provided an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, while the extended-range battery increased this to 320 miles. The Lightning's independent rear suspension contributed to a smoother ride, and its fast-charging capability allowed the battery to charge from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes at a DC fast-charging station.

The 2021 GMC Canyon was available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab configurations. The Extended Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors and small jump seats, while the Crew Cab offered more usable rear-seat space with four full doors. The Canyon's driving position was commanding, though seat adjustments could be awkward. Storage options included a center console and small door trays. The truck offered two bed sizes, with the Crew Cab providing a choice between a short and long box. The Canyon's CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate enhanced its practicality.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, with its 5.5-foot bed, offered ample functionality and capability. Its standout feature was the "Mega Power Frunk," a spacious front trunk with 14.1 cubic feet of storage and an underfloor bin with a drain. The Lightning's onboard power supply could serve as a backup generator, powering a household for up to three days. Its towing capacity reached 10,000 pounds, and the payload capacity was 2,000 pounds, though these figures could impact driving range. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight and adjust range estimates accordingly.

The 2021 GMC Canyon featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering crisp graphics and an intuitive menu layout. The Elevation and AT4 trims had an optional 8-inch screen, standard on the Denali, which also included navigation, HD radio, and a wireless charging pad. The Denali's 4.2-inch color driver display provided easy access to vehicle settings and driver information.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted advanced technology, with all trims featuring at least a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4. The Pro and XLT trims had a landscape-oriented display, while the Lariat and Platinum trims offered a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. The Lariat trim included a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-speaker B&O stereo, with the Platinum trim upgrading to a 15-speaker system. The infotainment system also included games, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2021 GMC Canyon came with standard safety features such as a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and front-and-side-impact airbags. The optional Driver Alert package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking alert, standard on the Denali trim. The Denali also featured an upgraded HD backup camera and Hitch Guidance for easier towing.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning included Ford's Co-Pilot 360 advanced driver assistance systems, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Pro trim offered optional features such as a 360-degree camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The XLT trim included the surround-view camera as standard and offered adaptive cruise control and intersection assist. The Lariat trim introduced Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for added safety.