First of all, put the pitchforks down. We aren’t calling the Ford F-150 Lightning overrated. We’re just reporting on one of the first reviews where a critic wasn’t 100 percent sold by the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. Check out a few key takeaways. 

Three reasons why the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might be overrated 

Drivers are finally getting to spend time behind the wheel of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and so far, it seems like the perfect truck. People are blown away by its speed and unique features, but are they considering long-term ownership? 

That’s what Tim Esterdahl did when comparing the F-150 Lightning to the Ford F-150 Hybrid. He calls himself the grumpy old man of trucks, but his distinct perspective has raised a few interesting points. 

1. The Ford F-150 Lightning is expensive 

You can get started in a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning for about $39,974. This price doesn’t include the destination fee or dealership markups and doesn’t sound too bad at first. But this is for the model with only 230 miles of range. 

If you live in rural areas and tend to make long drives across multiple states, then you might want to upgrade to the extended-range model. It increases the price to about $74,474. Upgrading to the Hybrid engine costs about $2,500. 

Sure, it will feel great to drive past the gas station. But you don’t have to remember to plug the PowerBoost Hybrid in or worry about running out of charge. 

2. The F-150 Lightning doesn’t have an impressive frunk 

Well, what the frunk?! Tim doesn’t like the front trunk in the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning? Reportedly it’s a little small and unnecessary. It has 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space and can fit about two carry-on bags or two sets of golf clubs. This may not seem like enough space. 

Also, he mentions that with a full-size truck, he never needed more space and doesn’t mind setting his gear in the bed. But it serves as a water-proof lockable storage space outside of the cab. 

You can store your tools in it instead of having to install a toolbox in the bed, which cuts into cargo space. Plus, you don’t have to climb in the bed to grab a tool. Also, it has two USB ports and four electrical outlets for charging tools and devices. 

3. The 2022 Ford Lightning isn’t exciting to drive 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning doesn’t feel special on the road. It feels exactly like the Ford F-150 Hybrid, only faster. While this sounds exciting, it doesn’t have more responsive handling or a sportier nature. 

The Lightning can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, while the Hybrid reaches 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. Also, the Lightning is almost silent, which can be boring to those who like to hear an engine roar. 

So, the starting price gives you the basics, and moving up in trim levels and going for extra power is expensive. The frunk doesn’t seem like a useful feature, and it doesn’t provide a thrilling driving experience. 

Other critics, like his partner Jill, disagree. We can’t wait to get behind the wheel soon to test these features out ourselves.