2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

When considering the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, one might be taken aback by its normalcy. Despite its significance as a monumental debut in the automotive world, it appeared quite similar to the gas-engine F-150 models that dominated American roads. While it boasted some unique exterior elements, a casual glance wouldn't reveal its revolutionary electric heart.

Shoppers could choose from four trims: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum. The Lightning was limited to one cab style (crew cab) and one bed length (5.5 feet). The Pro trim, intriguingly named, formed the base model, designed mainly for fleet use and acting as a cost-effective entry point into electric pickups, starting at a price in the low $40,000 range.

Identifying a Lightning required a keen eye. Its standout feature was an LED headlight bar stretching across the front, replacing the gas-engine model’s grille with a plastic façade and three-light stacks on either side. At the rear, subtle badges and, in Lariat and Platinum trims, a taillight bar differentiated it from its gas-powered siblings.

Inside, the Lightning shattered the "work truck" stereotype. With front-seat legroom maxing at 43.9 inches and rear seats at 43.6 inches, it offered more space than many two-row crossovers. The Lariat trim surprised with high-quality materials despite plentiful plastic components. Ergonomics were near perfect, thanks to Ford’s extensive experience with the F-Series.

A standout feature in the Lariat trim was its panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a power supply providing multiple outlets, including a 240-volt outlet in the bed. The truck's air conditioning system proved efficient, essential for hot climates like Texas. We also appreciated the ventilated seats.

Moreover, the interior work surface feature was remarkable. A button folded down the shift lever, allowing the center console lid to flip forward, creating a workspace – a clever addition for various activities, from lunch breaks to writing up reviews.

Contrastingly, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, which had been a staple in North America since 1995, carried a legacy back to the 1972 Toyota Pickup and 1968 Hilux. Despite a 2020 facelift, the third-generation Tacoma introduced in 2016 began to show its age, albeit retaining a contemporary exterior with an aggressive grille and headlights.

Inside, the Tacoma’s age was apparent with abundant hard plastics and dated surfaces. Newer elements like the push-button start were nestled among older design features. Trim levels varied from SR and SR5 to the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and the top-tier TRD Pro.

Each trim brought its features, from the SR’s 16-inch steel wheels and manual seats to the TRD Pro’s leather options, unique styling, and enhanced underbody with TRD-tuned suspension. Limited trims aimed for road comfort with leather upholstery and premium audio systems.

The Lightning's prowess lay beneath its familiar exterior. Dual electric motors on each axle provided power – 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and an incredible 563 horsepower with the extended range battery. However, both configurations boasted 775 pound-feet of torque. This setup ensured all-wheel drive (AWD) across all models. While designed for versatility, our test truck's tires dissuaded us from extensive off-road trials.

With an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles on the standard-range battery, the Lightning delivered a respectable performance in its weight class. The extended-range battery boosted this to 320 miles. Our Lariat trim, equipped with the latter, showcased impressive acceleration, countered by the challenges of maneuvering a vehicle exceeding three tons.

An independent rear suspension, unique among full-size pickups, addressed the requirements of housing substantial battery packs. Charging options included 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, though a DC fast charger was most practical, achieving 15 to 80 percent charge in under 45 minutes.

In contrast, the Tacoma offered a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque as its base, but it lagged in performance. The recommended 3.5-liter V6 engine output 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, standard in higher trims and optional in the base trims. Equipped properly, the Tacoma promised a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,685 pounds.

Despite the V6’s capabilities, it struggled with timely gear shifts for confident acceleration, especially on highways. Yet, its suspension offered a blend of comfort and firmness in urban settings. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, its suspension absorbing trails effortlessly while maintaining a steady steering feel, enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

Built with versatility in mind, the F-150 Lightning provided practicality with its 5.5-foot bed, equipped with numerous tie-down points to secure loads. Its standout feature was the “Mega Power Frunk,” offering 14.1 cubic feet of storage, ideal for keeping items cool with its drainable underfloor bin. Its backup generator capability was revolutionary, potentially powering a household for three days during an outage.

In terms of towing and hauling, the Lightning’s 10,000-pound towing and 2,000-pound payload capacities were significant, though heavy loads significantly impacted its driving range. Onboard scales helped manage payloads, adjusting the driving-range estimates accordingly.

The Tacoma, available in Access Cab and Double Cab styles, offered a five-foot or a six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab seated four, primarily using rear jump seats, best suited for storage or short journeys. The Double Cab provided more space yet still limited legroom for rear passengers. Front seats had generous legroom but limited steering wheel adjustment posed a challenge for taller drivers.

Practicality came from ample cupholders, interior storage, and useful bed features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet, making it versatile for work or recreation.

The Lightning impressed with its tech offerings. All trims featured at least a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 with three years of navigation. Higher trims, Lariat and Platinum, boasted a larger 15-inch screen which, despite its stunning display, had a somewhat confusing layout. The 12-inch system might have been the better option.

Entertainment varied with trims, from AM/FM radio in the Pro to an 8-speaker B&O system in the Lariat and a 15-speaker upgrade for the Platinum. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard in higher trims. The infotainment system even featured built-in games, handy while charging.

The Tacoma stuck to practicality with a 7-inch touchscreen in the base SR and an 8-inch version in higher trims. The older, familiar Toyota interface was straightforward and easy to navigate, with simple Apple CarPlay integration. Our test vehicle’s wireless charger required manual activation, a minor inconvenience despite its otherwise functional tech setup.

Ford equipped the Lightning with comprehensive safety features, including Co-Pilot 360 ADAS as standard, covering automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Additional options like adaptive cruise control, intersection assist, and BlueCruise for hands-free driving were available, enhancing safety further.

Toyota's Tacoma featured an array of driver assistance technologies, standardizing on forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Though the 2022 model matched the 2021's high IIHS scores, its grainy backup camera image warranted caution.