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

When considering the fact that the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was a groundbreaking vehicle debut, it could be astonishing to realize just how typical it looked. The F-150 Lightning featured some unique exterior styling cues but largely resembled other F-150s commonly seen on American roads. The Lightning was available in four trim levels: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum, with a single cab style and bed length—a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed.

Identifying an F-150 Lightning could be done by spotting some key differences from the gas-engine F-150s. Most noticeably, a large LED headlight bar stretched across the front, and a plastic façade replaced the traditional grille. The sides of the faux grille displayed stacks of three lights, and the rear badges prominently displayed the Lightning name. The Pro and XLT trims featured a blue oval emblem at the tailgate center with the F-150 stamp below, while the Lariat and Platinum trims included a taillight bar spanning the rear width and moved the blue oval to the left corner.

Inside, the F-150 Lightning was not just a work truck but also served as a family vehicle, boasting a maximum of 43.9 inches of front-seat legroom and 43.6 inches of rear-seat legroom, offering more space than most two-row crossovers. The interior materials, especially in the Lariat trim, included a mix of functional plastics with surprisingly pleasant touchpoints. Ergonomics were nearly perfect, a testament to Ford’s longstanding experience with the F-Series.

The Lariat trim also featured a panoramic sunroof, convenient under-seat storage in the rear, numerous power outlets—including in the frunk and bed—and strong air conditioning. Notably, the F-150 Lightning included Ford’s interior work surface feature for folding down the shift lever to create a workspace, which was surprisingly practical.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, displayed a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, exuding a commanding presence. Inside, despite being presentable and functional, the Sierra HD's interior fell short in material quality compared to its Ram and Ford competitors. Additionally, the cabin, though not cramped, wasn’t as spacious as those rivals.

The Sierra 2500HD was offered in five trim levels with distinct characteristics, available in regular, extended, and crew cab body styles, with two bed lengths. The Pro trim suited fleet operators seeking capability without frills, while the SLE and SLT added creature comforts. The AT4 appealed to off-road enthusiasts, and the Denali targeted luxury truck seekers, with AT4 and Denali exclusively available in crew cab form.

The AT4 trim of the Sierra 2500HD test model included features like black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, a hood air-induction system, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, it boasted Jet Black with Kalahari upholstery, heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium floor liners.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning excelled in power and functionality beneath its surface. It was equipped with dual electric motors, providing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and a significant 563 horsepower with the extended range battery, while maintaining an astonishing 775 pound-feet of torque in both configurations. All models benefited from all-wheel-drive (AWD) due to the dual motors and standard locking differential. This configuration allowed the Lightning to potentially conquer various terrains, although the test truck's tires weren’t suitable for off-roading.

The standard range battery promised an EPA-estimated 230 miles on a full charge, while the extended range battery offered an impressive 320 miles, along with a significant power boost. The low center of gravity provided by the batteries enhanced stability, although the truck’s weight and independent rear suspension limited its cornering agility compared to traditional pickups.

Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, with fast-charging capabilities allowing the battery to charge from 15 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes at a 150 kW DC station.

Conversely, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD showcased robust power figures, with its optional 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 generating 445 horsepower and a remarkable 910 pound-feet of torque. Despite its strong performance, it trailed behind competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 Heavy Duty in maximum towing capacities, with the Sierra 2500HD maxing out at 18,500 pounds and a payload of 3,597 pounds.

The test model’s Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered abundant power. The truck exhibited impressive acceleration for its weight class, although the ride quality remained jittery unladen and improved with added weight in the bed or towing a trailer.

Off-roading capabilities of the Sierra 2500HD, particularly the AT4 trim, were commendable. Equipped with an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, heavy-duty shocks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, it handled varied terrains with ease. However, an occasional vibration from the steering column was noted during off-road excursions.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was designed for functionality and capability, featuring a 5.5-foot bed with ample tie-down points. One of its unique features was the "Mega Power Frunk," a powered front trunk offering 14.1 cubic feet of space, complete with an underfloor storage bin suitable for storing ice.

The Lightning’s power supply capability was highlighted as a major advantage, allowing it to function as a backup generator capable of powering a typical household for three days or running power tools on a job site, thanks to its 9.6-kilowatt onboard system. In terms of towing and hauling, the Lightning could tow up to 10,000 pounds and had a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, with onboard scales to help manage the load and driving range.

On the other hand, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD’s form and function were enhanced by various cab configurations, pickup bed lengths, 4WD options, and assorted convenience features. It could accommodate up to six passengers with abundant space in both the front and rear seats. Accessing the Sierra 2500HD, especially with the AT4 package’s lift, required some effort, but assist handles and rugged side steps facilitated entry.

The Sierra 2500HD’s interior featured a spacious center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage compartments in the rear seats, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The test vehicle included a 120-volt household-style power outlet, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad, enhancing its practicality.

The truck’s bed featured a corner-step rear bumper and the MultiPro tailgate with six configurations, aiding in loading, unloading, and accessing cargo. The payload and towing capacities, while substantial, found the Sierra reasonably suited for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning boasted impressive and visually appealing technology, with at least a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 across all trims. The base Pro and XLT trims featured a landscape-oriented screen, while the Lariat and Platinum trims upgraded to a 15-inch portrait-oriented display. Although the larger screen was visually stunning, it was found to be less user-friendly compared to the 12-inch variant.

The Lariat trim came with an 8-speaker B&O stereo system, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique to the Lightning, the infotainment system included games that offered entertainment while waiting for the vehicle to charge.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered varying infotainment systems based on trim levels, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above trims, optional on SLE, and not available on the base Pro trim. Higher trims offered a navigation system and various connectivity features, including a WiFi hotspot and OnStar services.

The test vehicle’s Bose premium audio system provided rich sound quality, and the voice-recognition system, despite occasional quirks, contributed to the overall user experience. The Sierra’s range of 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view and a rear camera mirror, were standout features that facilitated easier trailer hookup and enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was equipped with numerous safety features, including the Co-Pilot 360 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features comprised automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features on the Pro trim included a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Trailer Reverse Guidance. The XLT trim made the surround-view camera standard and added options like adaptive cruise control and intersection assist.

The Lariat trim introduced Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system that required the driver’s attention and worked on designated roads, ensuring safety through outward-facing cameras and sensors.

Similarly, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD included advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The standard HD Surround Vision, rear-seat reminder, driver Safety Alert Seat, and Teen Driver system enhanced safety. The weight of the Sierra, while offering protection within the vehicle, posed potential hazards to smaller vehicles and pedestrians, making the availability of extensive camera views crucial for safe operation.