2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2023 GMC Canyon

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
$39,974MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 GMC Canyon
2023 GMC Canyon
$36,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
$39,974MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 GMC Canyon
$36,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2023 GMC Canyon scored 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning emerges as the superior choice, offering an impressive blend of advanced technology, superior payload and towing capacities, and innovative electric capabilities. The GMC Canyon, while formidable, especially in off-road scenarios, doesn’t quite match the overall excellence of the Lightning. Therefore, for those looking to combine cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with robust truck functionality, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning stands out as the better option.

Overview

MSRP

$39,974

MSRP

$36,900

Average price

$48,510

Average price

$43,913

Listings

158

Listings

460
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Impressive electric powertrain
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Extended-range models are pricey
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
  • Fewer available configurations than before

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Reviews Summary

Electric vehicles have been kicking around America for some time now. From the ill-fated General Motors EV1 to the early success of the Nissan Leaf and on to the meteoric rise of Tesla, we’ve had plenty of time to get used to EVs. But there’s never before been an EV with as much mass appeal as the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

2023 GMC Canyon Reviews Summary

2023 marks the third generation of GMC's midsize pickup truck. The first-generation Canyon arrived for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the compact GMC Sonoma, and after a short hiatus a second-generation Canyon was introduced as a 2015 model. Throughout, the Canyon has been a twin of the Chevrolet Colorado, with only a few differences to distinguish the ostensibly upscale GMC from its working-class sibling. That changes for 2023.

The new Canyon is once again based on the Colorado, sharing the Chevy's body-on-frame platform, powertrain, and tech features. This time around, though, the Canyon is further distinguished from the Colorado by skipping some of the Chevy's entry-level features. That will raise the out-the-door price of a 2023 Canyon, but it's in keeping with the truck's positioning above the Colorado.

The Canyon is once again available in the base Elevation, luxury Denali, and off-road-oriented AT4 grades familiar to owners of the outgoing model. For 2023, GMC also adds a Canyon AT4X model that dials up the off-road capability. We drove it, as well as the Elevation and AT4 models, to see if this redesign is really an improvement.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

452 hp Electric

Engine

2.7L 310 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

310 hp @ 5600 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

98 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

76

MPG City

18

MPG Highway

61

MPG Highway

23

Battery Charge Time (120V)

95 hours

Battery Charge Time (120V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

15 hours

Battery Charge Time (240V)

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
$39,974MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 GMC Canyon
2023 GMC Canyon
$36,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
$39,974MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 GMC Canyon
$36,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was 8.3 out of 10, while the 2023 GMC Canyon scored 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning emerges as the superior choice, offering an impressive blend of advanced technology, superior payload and towing capacities, and innovative electric capabilities. The GMC Canyon, while formidable, especially in off-road scenarios, doesn’t quite match the overall excellence of the Lightning. Therefore, for those looking to combine cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with robust truck functionality, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning stands out as the better option.

Overview
MSRP
$39,974
$36,900
Average price
$48,510
$43,913
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.8
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive electric powertrain
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Extended-range models are pricey
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
  • Fewer available configurations than before
Summary
Electric vehicles have been kicking around America for some time now. From the ill-fated General Motors EV1 to the early success of the Nissan Leaf and on to the meteoric rise of Tesla, we’ve had plenty of time to get used to EVs. But there’s never before been an EV with as much mass appeal as the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

2023 marks the third generation of GMC's midsize pickup truck. The first-generation Canyon arrived for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the compact GMC Sonoma, and after a short hiatus a second-generation Canyon was introduced as a 2015 model. Throughout, the Canyon has been a twin of the Chevrolet Colorado, with only a few differences to distinguish the ostensibly upscale GMC from its working-class sibling. That changes for 2023.

The new Canyon is once again based on the Colorado, sharing the Chevy's body-on-frame platform, powertrain, and tech features. This time around, though, the Canyon is further distinguished from the Colorado by skipping some of the Chevy's entry-level features. That will raise the out-the-door price of a 2023 Canyon, but it's in keeping with the truck's positioning above the Colorado.

The Canyon is once again available in the base Elevation, luxury Denali, and off-road-oriented AT4 grades familiar to owners of the outgoing model. For 2023, GMC also adds a Canyon AT4X model that dials up the off-road capability. We drove it, as well as the Elevation and AT4 models, to see if this redesign is really an improvement.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
452 hp Electric
2.7L 310 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
310 hp @ 5600 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
98 kWh
MPG City
76
18
MPG Highway
61
23
Battery Charge Time (120V)
95 hours
Battery Charge Time (240V)
15 hours
Look and feel
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
8/10
2023 GMC Canyon
8/10

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning made waves as a landmark vehicle debut, yet its unassuming exterior similarity to other F-150 variants was astonishing. The Lightning blended into the quintessential F-150 aesthetic with just a few distinctive cues, such as the prominent LED headlight bar stretching across the front and the absence of a traditional grille, replaced by a stylish plastic façade. Its tailgate sported minimalistic changes, with taillight bars on higher trims and ubiquitous Ford branding, making it blend effortlessly into the F-150 family. The interior of various trims, especially the Lariat, showcased respectable materials, practical design, and excellent ergonomics derived from Ford's extensive experience. The spacious cabin offered substantial 43.9 inches of front-seat legroom and 43.6 inches in the rear, comparable to many two-row crossovers. Innovations like the panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and the impressive 9.6-kilowatt-hour onboard power supply set the Lightning apart in terms of both comfort and practicality.

In stark contrast, the 2023 GMC Canyon had a visibly aggressive stance, exuding a rugged appearance with its squashed headlights, pronounced grille, and bulging side body lines reminiscent of tensed muscles. It embraced a more daring design ethos than its predecessor and sibling models like the Chevy Colorado. The Canyon came with a sturdy Ultra Wide Track stance and factory lift kit, ensuring it appeared ready for off-road adventures. The launch-specific AT4X Edition 1 model featured standout additions like a safari bar, light bar, and winch, while the Denali trim was plush with chrome accents and larger wheels. Inside, the Denali trim offered upsized luxury with laser-etched wood trim and leather upholstery, remaining peerless among midsize trucks. Even the base model Elevation didn't fall short, providing robust materials superior to its aging rivals.

Performance
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
10/10
2023 GMC Canyon
9/10

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning distinguished itself with electric prowess, featuring dual electric motors delivering impressive power. The standard-range battery produced 426 horsepower, while the extended-range battery upped this to 563 horsepower, both accompanied by a jaw-dropping 775 pound-feet of torque. This ensured robust acceleration and towing capabilities, akin to its gas-powered counterparts. The standard AWD, aided by locking differentials and an independent rear suspension, underpinned its impressive handling, although its over three-ton weight dictated its cornering limits. The Lightning's EPA estimated range was 230 miles with a standard battery and 320 miles with the extended battery, which, while lower than some competitors, was mitigated by the vehicle’s versatility. The absence of traditional leaf springs and adaptation for electric power revealed a sophisticated re-engineering beneath its familiar guise.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, on the other hand, made a swift move to a singular powertrain, employing a reinforced 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine sourced from larger GMC models. Providing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque across all trims, this engine meant the Canyon offered brisk acceleration and robust towing capabilities. With RWD standard only on the base Elevation, the higher trims like Denali and AT4X featured sophisticated off-road enhancements, including electronic lockers and advanced dampers.

The Canyon balanced impressive off-road capability with pleasant on-road manners, showing minimal compromise across various terrains. Models like the AT4X excelled in off-road scenarios, demonstrating agility and resilience akin to more specialized vehicles.

Form and function
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
9/10
2023 GMC Canyon
8/10

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning's 5.5-foot bed provided practicality with multiple tie-down points, although its bed length fell short for larger items. However, the "Mega Power Frunk" compensated significantly, offering 14.1 cubic feet of secure storage in the front, ideal for various uses including storage for ice with its integrated drain. The Lightning’s innovative backup generator feature underscored its utility, with capabilities to sustain a household for days during power outages.

In terms of traditional truck metrics, the Lightning could tow up to 10,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,000 pounds in the bed. However, those figures understandably dragged down the driving range, though in-bed scales and real-time range adjustment tools provided insightful management of payloads.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, redesigned for this iteration, offered a single crew-cab configuration with a 5.2-foot bed, foregoing the previous long bed and varied cab options. This reflected modern trends but constrained versatility slightly. The Canyon's bed included innovative features like the MultiStow tailgate with its integrated waterproof storage compartment, adding niche utility not found in rivals.

Payload capacity topped at 1,640 pounds for RWD models, lower than direct competitors like the Ford Ranger but respectable within its segment. Towing capacity was strong at 7,700 pounds across most trims, with the AT4X models slightly reduced due to their off-road enhancements.

Technology
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
7/10
2023 GMC Canyon
9/10

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was loaded with high-end technology, starting with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 in lower trims, and an upgraded 15-inch portrait-oriented screen in higher trims. While the 15-inch screen was visually impressive, its layout sometimes proved perplexing. The Lightning offered SiriusXM, an advanced B&O stereo system scaling with trim levels, and comprehensive connectivity including wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Unique to the Lightning were built-in games on the infotainment system, providing entertainment during charging stops—a thoughtful touch for EV users.

The 2023 GMC Canyon followed suit with an advanced infotainment suite, featuring an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-In for seamless functionality. Higher trims added an 8- or 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.3-inch head-up display. The system’s graphics stood out for their quality, particularly in illustrating drive modes and other functionalities. Special features like the Off-Road Performance Display included practical data for off-road enthusiasts, enhancing the Canyon’s appeal. The surround-view camera system with an underbody camera underscored the Canyon's tech-forward, off-road capable stance.

Safety
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
9/10
2023 GMC Canyon
6/10

Safety in the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was robust, featuring Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite. Standard safety included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, intersection assist, and the notable Ford BlueCruise, a sophisticated hands-free system for designated roadways.

The 2023 GMC Canyon, while not yet rated by IIHS or NHTSA, incorporated a comprehensive standard safety array, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping aids. Higher trims expanded the safety suite with additional features like adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and a safety alert seat.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.