2022 Ford F-150 Lightning review 

• 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning ($51,974 – $96,874) *Pricing reflects 2023 increases as the 2022 models are sold out. 
• North American Truck of the Year 
• Pros: Rapid and swift acceleration, incredibly comfortable, innovative storage solutions, impressive utility 
• Cons: Long charging times, towing drains the batteries, costly upgrades, hefty turning radius 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning proves that innovation can strike again and again. While this beast looks like the average F-150, it’s shockingly different. We made the most of our week with the Lightning to take road trips, tow, go off-roading, run errands, and tailgate to learn everything we could about this electric truck!

When you pop the hood, you find a front trunk or a frunk instead of an engine! You plug the truck in instead of pumping in fuel. It’s faster and smoother than gas-powered models. But it’s not perfect yet. 

A few aspects could use a little refinement, especially when facing rivals like the Rivan R1T and GMC Hummer EV. However, the F-150 is America’s favorite truck, and there’s a lot of promise and brand loyalty behind that blue oval. 

What’s new for the 2023 F-150 Lightning? 

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning is primarily a carryover model. It just debuted in 2022, so it’s still brand new. However, pricing has surged. The entry-level Pro model has a $12,000 increase. The fully-loaded Platinum model went up by $6,000, the XLT rice increased by $6,500, and the Lariat is up by $7,000. 

Increasing prices are attributed to ongoing supply chain constraints, inflation leading to increased material costs, and other market factors. Plus, demand dramatically outweighs the F-150 Lightning supply. 

Which Ford F-150 Lightning trim is best? 

• Ford F-150 Lightning Pro – $51,974 
• F-150 Lightning XLT – $59,474 
• F-150 Lightning Lariat – $74,474  
• F-150 Lightning Platinum – $96,874 

The Ford F-150 XLT model is well-equipped with premium upgrades before prices really start to soar. With the XLT, you get cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-window defroster, under-seat storage, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera display. 

The camera is incredibly helpful for maneuvering this massive electric beast through tight areas. It proved to be beneficial in tight city areas and narrow off-roading trails. 

However, we recommend adding the extended-range battery pack for $10,000 for the ability to travel further between charges. But doing so requires opting for the costly 312A High package for $9,500. 

The package adds 20-inch wheels, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, a power tailgate, the Pro Power Onboard generator, and more safety features. 

You get a lot of extra perks, especially with the generator to power tools, campsites, or your home. However, the price is now up by nearly $20,000 after checking these options. 

How does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning drive? 

We apologize for the puns but were still shocked by the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s performance. It provides instant acceleration with the ability to outrace sports cars. According to Edmunds, this behemoth can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds. 

Remember to tap the accelerator pedal lightly, or you could go flying! Luckily, you can adjust the brakes to provide a firm response instead of being a tad squishy for confident stops. The low center of gravity helps keep the body roll in check around sharp bends. 

The F-150 Lightning’s handling is adequate. It could be more responsive, and the steering is a little light. Sometimes you can feel the weight of the truck around turns. Also, it has a 23.9-foot turning radius, so give yourself extra space to turn in smaller parking spaces. 

While gas-powered models have a solid rear axle, the Lightning has an independent rear suspension which makes a noticeable difference. The Lightning feels more athletic and in control. 

Sometimes the suspension could feel a bit floaty, but it provides a smooth performance over most surfaces. Also, the tires feel connected to the road. You get a sense of their grip and can feel the terrain. 

There are four different driving modes: 

• Normal – Designed for comfort and convenience. The throttle response isn’t as intense, and the brakes are a little softer. 
• Sport – Enhances driving connectivity by delivering more feedback with increased torque steering wheel buildup. The power tuning optimizes performance traction. We spent most of our time in this mode, enjoying the stiffer suspension, more responsive brakes, and faster acceleration. 
• Tow/Haul – Automatically adjusts the powertrain and steering response while activating the grade braking assist to maintain speed during descents. This mode feels a little heavier. 
• Off-Road – Optimizes the accelerator response, traction, and stability control settings to enhance your off-roading experience. 

Each Lightning comes with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. The Standard Range battery cranks out 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. Our tester had the Extended-Range battery, which increases the hp to 580. 

Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning have a good range? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has an average range. The Standard-Range model can travel an EPA-estimated 230 miles. The 2023 model got a 10-mile boost for a 240-mile range. 

If you upgrade to the Extended-Range battery, you get an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles on a single charge. 

The charge holds steady and is incredibly accurate. Various driving modes, driving on country roads, up mountain curves, and on the interstate, don’t seem to impact how quickly the battery is depleted. However, towing takes a massive toll on the charge. 

How do you charge the Ford F-150 Lighting? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has a changing port in front of the driver’s side door. It has a charging cable that can be paired with a regular 120-volt household outlet. However, this method only provides about two miles of charge per hour, and takes days to charge fully. 

With a Level Two charger or a 240-volt outlet, you can recharge the Standard-Range battery in about 10 hours and the Extend-Range battery in about eight hours. 

You can speed things up with a Level Three charger or a DC fast charger. It can add about 54 miles of range to the larger battery in about 10 minutes and 40 miles of range for the standard option. It can also recharge the batteries from about 15 to 80 percent in 45 minutes. 

However, we never experienced these charging speeds and tried four different fast-charging stations. It took hours to replenish the charge. We only got it to 80 percent after leaving the truck plugged in for hours. 

Maybe we were doing something wrong. Also, we recommend having a Level 2 charging station installed at home to make life with this truck work. A charger is included with the Platinum trim. 

Can the Ford F-150 Lightning go off-roading? 

Yes, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning proves to be a capable off-roading truck. We were concerned about its weight at 6,015 lbs, but it glided over red mud effortlessly. It felt like a sand dune buggy, skiing over dunes. 

Also, it provides a strong sense of control and didn’t slide through the mud, wet piles of dead leaves, or gravel surfaces. It has plenty of power to climb over obstacles and can handle mud and ruts. 

We were surprised by the lack of off-roading terrain modes. The Expedition features modes for Sand, Snow, Gravel, Rock, and Mud/Ruts. However, the digital gauge cluster does display your pitch and roll. 

It has a standard rear-locking differential to escape sticky situations, and a massive skidplate protects the battery, electric motors, and other crucial components. 

The Lighting has an 8.4-inch ground clearance. It has a 25.4-degree approach angle, a 17.6-degree break-over angle, and a 24.3-degree departure angle. 

Its well-equipped for lighter off-roading challenges and could handle a mid-level course. Adding beefier tires or lifting the suspension seems ideal, but that might impact the truck’s range. 

How comfortable is the Ford F-150 Lighting? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is one of the most comfortable trucks that we’ve ever driven, thanks to the fully independent rear suspension that absorbs impacts with ease. 

The Lightning has an incredibly smooth ride and remained composed over rough sections of pavement that caused other trucks, like the Toyota Tundra, to rattle. 

Plus, the cab is well-insulated. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, even at higher speeds. 

The interior is peacefully quiet, but you can hear other vehicles at times. Also, the electric motors make an occasional whirr. If the truck didn’t beep while reversing, other people might not hear you coming. 

The front seats are massive, with a variety of power adjustment controls. We appreciate the ability to adjust the lumbar support. The seats are well-padded and supportive to keep you comfortable and energized. 

We didn’t have the Max Recline options, but the front seats can recline pretty far, creating a comfortable place to nap. 

The rear seats are well-padded, too, and sit at a relaxed backrest angle. Three average-sized adults can easily fit in the rear.

You rarely have to adjust the climate control settings. The dual-zone climate control system is effective and responsive to changing temperatures. 

The massaging seats could be a little stronger, and the ventilation struggles to keep up during hot days. However, the heated seats and steering wheel quickly make you feel nice and toasty. 

Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning have a nice interior? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has an above-average interior, but it didn’t seem as luxurious as the GMC Sierra Denali or Ford Expedition. Perhaps we expected to find more upscale materials, but it is attractive. 

A soft type of jean-like material covered the dash and side panels in our Lariat model. But the leather-wrapped steering wheel has a premium feel. Also, the leather upholstery features bright accent stitching, and silver trim pieces help things pop. 

We appreciated the plush carpeting and headliner. However, all-weather mats would be helpful against the mud and other debris we track in. On that note, the F-150 Lightning is easy to vacuum and clean up quickly. 

Everything you need is easily within reach and is clearly labeled. The massive panoramic sunroof allows natural light and fresh air to filter in. The visibility from the front and side mirrors are excellent. 

The rear provides tons of visibility too, but the backseat headrests can get in the way. They’re easy to fold down, though. Also, the surround-view camera provides a complete view of your surroundings. 

The pedal, steering wheel, and seat adjustments allow drivers of all sizes to find the perfect driving position. Also, the running boards are helpful for shorter people. The doors open wide for easy access too. 

Does the Ford F-150 Lighting have innovative tech? 

Gosh, where do we start with the intelligent 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning? Our only gripe is that the digital gauge cluster seems a bit basic with dated graphics. However, it can be customized to display various crucial information for your range, towing, and off-roading specs. 

While a 12-inch infotainment screen comes standard, you can upgrade to the massive vertical 15.5-inch unit. It’s powered b the Ford Sync 4 software and works extremely quickly. The graphics are vibrant, and the system is very intuitive. 

You can find specific menus and adjust your settings in a matter of seconds. Plus, it can be used for entertainment when the truck isn’t in motion. You can doodle on the screen and play basic games like Suduku. 

We weren’t exactly sure when we had access to the BlueCruise hands-free driving system, but we enjoyed it. It keeps a respectable distance from other cars, steers for you, adjusts your speed and can change lanes. 

It can stop at red lights, but we didn’t test this feature. Also, it will beep at you to ensure that your hands are on the wheel. At various times we lost connectivity and were instructed to resume vehicle control. 

Don’t be worried about taking the truck downtown. It can park itself. Literally, it will pull into a space, back into a space, or parallel park for you. 

We used the Pro Power Onboard generator to fire up a few tools and power a camper. We had the oven, speakers, a TV, and lights going. It can also be used to charge electric vehicles in need and can power a home for up to three days with a full charge. 

The wireless phone charging pad is in a great location, the voice recognition system is responsive, and the built-in navigation works quickly. Also, the 18-speaker Band & Olufsen premium audio system is outstandingly crisp and immersive. 

Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning have enough storage space? 

There’s more than enough storage space in the Ford F-150 Lighting. The interior features 50.9 cubic feet of cargo space. You can fold the rear seats against the wall to access the nearly flat load floor. 

The center console is deep and wide, the side pockets in the door are versatile, there’s a storage compartment above the glove box, and the glove box is large as well. However, the pockets on the back of the front seats are a little tight. 

The frunk is life-changing and adds 14.0 cubic feet of cargo space in the front. You can throw tons of groceries right in there. 

It’s lockable and weather-proof, too, so your gear is protected. There’s a drain at the bottom, so it can handle wet storage. We used it as a cooler, but all the ice melted in about two hours. 

Is the Ford F-150 Lightning good for towing?

Yes and no. The standard 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning model can tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,235 lbs. The Extend-Range battery model can tow up to 10,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,000 lbs. 

However, we didn’t get far with a 5,000 lb camper. After making a profile for the trailer, we instantly lost 100 miles of range. Then we drove for about 30 miles and lost 81 miles of range. The range holds steady at speeds under 30 mph, but getting up to 50 to 60 mph kills it. 

But the towing tech is very advanced. For example, you can make profiles for your trailers, and the range gets live updates. 

The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system directs the trailer in the direction you want it to go with the twist of a knob. The trailer brake control allows you to adjust your trailer’s brakes from in the cab, and the onboard scales weigh your payload. 

Is the Ford F-150 Lightning safe? 

There is currently no safety information available for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. It hasn’t been officially tested by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA). 

Standard safety features include: 

• Forward collision mitigation 
• Blind spot warning 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Lane-keeping assist 
• Lane departure warning 
• Rear automatic braking 

The safety systems work efficiently without being loud or intrusive. You may notice a gentle vibration if you get too close to the side of your lane. Also, the parking sensors are a little sensitive. 

How reliable is the Ford F-150 Lightning? 

The Ford F-150 Lightning has an above-average predicted reliability rating based on how similar trucks in the lineup have performed. But it’s a little early to provide the Lightning with an official ranking. It’s still being put through the paces. 

The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, which should provide peace of mind. It should provide savings in terms of maintenance costs due to the lack of needing oil changes. 

The experts at MotorBiscuit give the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning a score of 8.2 out of 10 

The editors at MotorBiscuit award the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning with a score of 8.2 out of 10 because it has tremendous attributes that make it an excellent electric truck, but it’s not perfect. A few areas could be improved. 

While the F-150 Lightning is fast, powerful, and engaging, but the turning radius and handling could be improved. However, the 360-degree camera and parking sensors make it easy to maneuver. 

The Lightning is incredibly comfortable and spacious, with a quiet interior and a smooth ride. There are plenty of innovative storage solutions, including a frunk that can be used as a cooler. Running boards and a built-in tailgate step provides easy access. 

Plus, the tech is out of this world. This truck can do tons of different things, but there’s no head-up display, and the digital gauge cluster is basic. 

There aren’t any off-roading modes for specific terrain, towing kills the battery, and we didn’t have success with fast charging stations. 

The Ford F-150 Lightning provides an excellent introduction to the world of electric trucks but feels incomplete in some areas. It doesn’t even have official safety rankings yet. Hopefully, we will see how the 2023 model compares soon.