2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra presented a somewhat awkward aesthetic, a relic of its mid-2000s origins. Its massive grille contrasted with disproportionately small headlights, creating an oversized appearance that seemed out of sync with modern design trends. Despite this, the "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels lent it a more contemporary look. Inside, the cabin was a mix of dated and modern elements, with hard plastics and large monotone panels dominating the dash. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls easily accessible, making it user-friendly compared to more complex competitors like the Ram 1500. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but updates like the 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept it relevant.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, despite being a groundbreaking electric vehicle, maintained a familiar appearance akin to other F-150 models. It featured unique styling cues like a prominent LED headlight bar and a plastic façade in place of a traditional grille. The Lightning was available in three trims—XLT, Lariat, and Platinum—with a single cab style and bed length. Inside, it offered ample space, with front and rear legroom surpassing many two-row crossovers. The interior materials were of good quality, and the ergonomics were nearly perfect, reflecting Ford's extensive experience with the F-Series. The Lariat trim boasted a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kilowatt-hour Pro Power Onboard power supply, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and confident performance across various driving scenarios. The Tundra's towing capacity was 4,400 kg, and it could handle a payload of 599 kg. While its towing capacity was lower than some competitors, the Tundra excelled in comfort, absorbing bumps effortlessly and maintaining stability in corners. Its steering was vague at low speeds but settled on the highway, where it felt most at home.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, on the other hand, was a powerhouse with dual electric motors delivering 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery. Regardless of the battery, it offered an impressive 775 lb-ft of torque. The Lightning's all-wheel drive and independent rear suspension contributed to its performance, although its weight limited its agility on winding roads. The standard-range battery provided a 370 km range, while the extended-range battery increased it to 515 km. The Lightning's fast acceleration and innovative suspension made it a formidable contender in the electric truck market.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax configuration providing a spacious interior. The CrewMax's rear seats offered ample legroom, and the seats could be folded up for additional cargo space. The front seats were roomy, with a large centre console and multiple storage options, although the door trays were smaller than those in other full-size pickups.

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," a 400-litre front trunk with an underfloor storage bin and drain. The Lightning also served as a backup generator, capable of powering a household for three days. Its towing capacity was 4,535 kg, and it could handle a payload of 907 kg, although these figures could impact its driving range. The onboard scales and intelligent range estimate helped manage payloads effectively.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy operation. The Tundra also offered multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with a JBL premium audio system available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 with navigation. Higher trims featured a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen, although its layout was less intuitive. The Lariat trim included a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. The infotainment system also offered games, providing entertainment during charging sessions.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also had eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning featured Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system with a driver-facing camera for safety.