2022 MatoCar Performance Vehicle of the Year: The Finalists, Day 2

The internet has been abuzz since Chevy introduced the all-new 2023 Colorado just a few short weeks ago. With that pickup joining a new Ford Ranger (and likely a new Toyota Tacoma) next year, the midsize segment is heating up. And surprise, surprise, with a new Colorado in the offing, it was only going to be a matter of time before GMC's turn came to pull back the sheets that pickup's mechanically related, brother-from-another-mother: The 2023 GMC Canyon.Billed by GMC as the "official vehicle of nowhere," though it is definitely a machine that at any given time will be somewhere, the 2023 Canyon boasts a fully redesigned exterior with a lineup-wide taller stance and widened track than its Chevy counterpart. Like the Colorado, the Canyon has been reimagined from the ground up with a greater focus on off-road capability and style. The 2023 Canyon also features a new premium suite of advanced technology, an all-new interior design, a new powertrain, and a new top-tier AT4X trim. Simply put… this should be the most advanced and capable Canyon ever.It also is much more differentiated from the Colorado than before, both visually and pricewise. GMC has adopted an even wilder take on the newest Sierra's squinty-eyed, beefy-grille look here, weaving body-color sections throughout the nose to break up the forward lighting and give it a technical, aggressive mein. Compared to the relatively tamely styled Canyon of yore, the 2023 model is altogether hunkier, with deeply chamfered body creases above blistered fenders to go with a more aggro suspension setup. It's a good thing there's so much outward separation between the GMC and its Chevy sibling, too, because the Canyon now starts at about $40,000.Lifted Suspension And Wide Stance… For EveryoneIn a bold move for GM's more upscale truck brand, GMC has decided that all 2023 Canyon models will ride on same lifted, wide stance, suspension that's available only on the off-road-focused versions of the Colorado. GMC says that the Elevation, AT4, and Denali models will receive a 2.0-inch suspension lift while the AT4X will ride on a 3.0-inch lift. With no "base" model Canyon to directly compare to, these figures are in reference to the 78.8-inch maximum height of the entry-level 2023 Colorado Work Truck (WT); on the Colorado, only the Trail Boss (2.0-inch lift) and ZR2 (3.0-inch lift) lineup with those suspension heights. Elevation and AT4 check in at 79.8 inches tall while Denali lands at 80.4 inches and AT4/AT4X hit at 81.7 inches tall.The same rings true for the Canyon's track width. All Canyon models will arrive with a track width of about 66 inches front and rear, with the only variation being due to wheel offset. By comparison, the 2023 Colorado WT, LT, and Z71 will all arrive with a 3.0-inch-narrower 62.8-inch track width; only the Colorado Trail Boss and ZR2 off-road models carry the wider tracks. Generally speaking, we approve of the high and wide approach, however, we find it a touch peculiar that the luxurious, ostensibly street-truck focused Denali trim has followed this same path… but we digress.Extended Cab, Long Bed and Base Model Are DeadFirst went the manual crank windows. Then it was our beloved third pedal and standard cabs. Now, for 2023, GMC is pulling the rug out from under pickup buyers' choices by offering the all-new Canyon in pretty much a single cab and bed configuration. You'll now only be able to purchase a Canyon in four-door crew-cab, short-bed (5-foot 2-inch) configuration. While this eliminates both the stubbier extended cab and long-bed (6-foot 2-inch) options from the order sheet, it aims to simplify the production process for GMC by focusing on the models most buyers want.That same process of elimination ensnared the Canyon's least-expensive trim level, the Elevation Standard. A little bit of history: When GMC launched the previous generation of Canyon in 2015, that truck was available in three trims: Base, SLE, and SLT, with an All-Terrain package available for SLE. By 2020 the lineup had grown to include SL, Canyon, SLE, All-Terrain, SLT, and Denali. In 2021, the lineup changed again, and this time reduced to just four trims: Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4, and Denali.At launch, the now Elevation-Standard-less 2023 GMC Canyon will be available in the premium AT4 and Denali trims along with the new AT4X. This move doesn't come as a huge surprise given that the AT4 and Denali trims currently make up the vast majority of not only Canyon sales but GMC sales as a whole. While not available right at launch, the (non-Standard) midlevel Elevation trim will be returning later in 2023.A New Interior With Modern TechnologyThe 2023 Canyon's interior comes packed with GM's latest suite of in-car tech, including a high-resolution 11.0-inch infotainment screen and a fully digital driver information display (11.0 inches on Denali and AT4X, 8.0 inches on Elevation and AT4). These new screens enable the truck to provide drivers with up to 10 different camera views, including HD Surround Vision and waterproof underbody cameras with a washing system. Also available is a class-exclusive 6.3-inch head-up display.All 2023 Canyon models will come fitted with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking with cyclist alert, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. An available Canyon Safety Plus Package adds rear cross traffic braking and blind zone steering assist. The available Technology Package offers rear pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, and HD Surround Vision. GMC's vibrating Safety Alert Seat is standard on Denali and AT4X.Each of the 2023 GMC Canyon's four trims will come fitted with a unique interior identity, each an upgrade over the outgoing truck's inner duds. For example, Denalis get laser-etched wood décor and leather appointments. The flagship, off-road-focused AT4X will arrive with trim-exclusive Ceramic White and Obsidian Rush color treatments, both with vibrant red-colored seat belts. Every Canyon's dashboard, while clearly related to the newest Colorado, does sport GMC-specific touches, including angular outboard air vents instead of round pieces, plus a different primary dashboard design ahead of the passenger.A New Turbocharged 2.7-Liter I-4 EngineAt the height of its popularity, the outgoing GMC Canyon came with the choice of three different engines and transmissions. You could get an entry-level 2.5-liter I-4 with either a six-speed manual or automatic, an optional 2.8-liter Duramax Diesel I-4 with a six-speed automatic, or the standard 3.6-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For 2023, GMC has tossed all of the former powertrains in favor of a turbocharged 2.7-liter I-4 sourced from the larger full-size Sierra 1500 and new second-generation eight-speed automatic transmission.If you've been paying attention to GM-related truck news, you'll note that the 2023 Chevy Colorado also made the switch to the same 2.7-liter engine. However, in the Chevy, three power levels are available, ranging from 237 hp to 310, and from 259 lb-ft of torque to 430. GMC deploys only the hottest version of the 2.7-liter engine across the Canyon lineup, meaning every 2023 Canyon gets 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. This ties the V-6 in Nissan's Frontier for horsepower and smashes it in torque; GMC (and Chevy) likewise crush all comers in the torque department, out-twisting the 2.3-liter turbo I-4 in Ford's Ranger (which produces 310 lb-ft) by an astonishing amount. Even the Canyon's outgoing 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine managed to produce "just" 369 lb-ft.While fuel economy is still unknown, and likely will be for some time, GMC officials have been quoted as saying that the new 2.7-liter engine is expected to return figures better than the outgoing 2.5-liter engine. While your mileage will certainly vary, the outgoing base engine was rated as high as 26 mpg highway. And with the 2.7-liter-powered GMC Sierra 1500 sporting a highway rating as high as 22 mpg, we don't think 26 is out of the question.Where capability is concerned, the new 2.7-liter engine has that covered as well. The 2023 GMC Canyon will have a maximum payload rating of 1,640 pounds in the two-wheel drive Elevation version. Selecting an AT4 drops that to 1,550 pounds while the upscale Denali carries a payload rating of 1,360 pounds. AT4X chews through its payload with its off-road extras, limiting its hauling capability to 1,250 pounds; the even more kitted-out AT4X Edition 1 Package drops that figure to 1,010 pounds. To put that last figure into perspective, with all five seats filled with some average joes, you'll be left with just enough payload reserve to toss a cooler in the bed.Trailer towing prowess remains respectable, with Elevation, AT4, and Denali all carrying a 7,700-pound maximum rating. The top towing spec drops to 6,000 pounds for AT4X models and 5,500 pounds for the heavier AT4X Edition 1 Package.Introducing The Rugged AT4XIn really what should come as a surprise to no one, GMC is expanding the popular AT4 trim to include a new, higher-performance AT4X off-road model. Building on the lessons learned from the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the new 2023 Canyon AT4X will feature an impressive slate of off-road hardware, starting with the latest generation of Multimatic's Dynamic Spool Valve (DSSV) frequency selective dampers. The truck is also equipped with unique cast iron control arms and 17-inch aluminum wheels with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.Fun fact, the Canyon AT4X's tires are a 285/70R17, which measures a touch taller and a full inch wider than the 265/70R18 Wrangler DuraTrac tires that come on the one-size-up 2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X. The Canyon AT4X also comes fitted with front and rear electronically locking differentials, a modified rear axle for increased durability, and 3.42:1 axle gears. Keeping rock rash at bay are aluminum skid plates below the radiator, engine oil pan, and transfercase. The truck also comes fitted with steel rock rails. No, we can't wait to line this up with Ford's Ranger Raptor, a Colorado ZR2, and a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and hit the dirt.Hurry Up, the AT4X Edition 1 Package Is LimitedFor those customers looking for the ultimate midsize off-roader with all the bells and whistles, GMC is going to be offering an extremely limited run of 2023 Canyon AT4X First Edition pickups. In addition to all of the gear that comes standard on the new Canyon AT4X, the First Edition adds 17-inch beadlock capable wheels and a unique off-road bumper to the front of the truck complete with an LED light bar. Most interesting, however is the standard 10,000-pound recovery winch, which comes integrated behind the front bumper. The hardware is being sourced from a relative newcomer to the U.S. market, COMEUP, and is fitted with synthetic rope. The truck will also receive unique First Edition badging.Get Your 2023 Canyon Now!The all-new 2023 GMC Canyon is slated to begin production at GM's Wentzville assembly plant in the spring of 2023 and will kick off with the AT4X model. Starting today, reservations are open for the exclusive 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Edition 1 package, which comes with a starting MSRP of $63,350, not including destination and delivery. The rest of the Canyon lineup will follow, with the Elevation trim starting at $40,000. Though pricing for the 2023 Colorado is forthcoming, forty grand is big money for the midsize truck segment—the GMC's entry-level MSRP sits in the upper realm of most of its competitors' price ladders. Again, though, given it only comes in high-output, up-market forms, the sub-AT4X GMCs might end up costing only slightly more than equivalent Colorados.2023 GMC Canyon Specifications   BASE PRICE $40,000-$63,350 LAYOUT Front engine, 2WD or 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck ENGINE  2.7L/310-hp/430-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION  8-speed auto   CURB WEIGHT 4,400-5,200 lbs   WHEELBASE 131.4 in L x W x H 213.2-217.9 x 84.4 x 79.8-81.7 in 0-60 7.0 - 7.5 (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON TBD ON SALE Spring 2023 Show All 

With the way that Hyundai has been going here lately, we can't help but think the future is bright thanks to its Ioniq EV brand. Its original Ioniq gave us mixed feelings but then came the Ioniq 5 and we were rather impressed with its futuristic design, multiple battery and motor configurations, and fast charging. The Ioniq 6 will have a lot to live up to and, at least on paper, looks to achieve that. Off paper, Hyundai has also elaborated on some notorious details about the Metaverse and NFTs, too.Different In AmericaThe 2024 Ioniq 6 will have a 12 inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12 inch digital cluster. Out on the far edges of the dashboard are two screens, one for each side and these will be used for the side views using digital outside rearview cameras. At least, if you're outside the U.S. Due to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), the U.S.-sold Ioniq 6s will not receive the digital mirrors and will only get a pair of boring, conventional exterior mirrors. They also come with a drag penalty that we mentioned earlier in this story, with the 0.21 Cd increasing to 0.25 Cd. We also will not get those monitors at the edges of the dashboard and the "wingtips" they are set into are shorter on the U.S. version of the Ioniq 6.What will remain are those four LEDs on the airbag of the steering wheel that serve as status indicators on the Ioniq 6, in which the four "dots" are also the same Morse code signal for the letter "H." Remember, pixels are a theme with Ioniq and the four dots on the airbag are much better looking than a large chrome "H," in our opinion.The battery sizes, by the way, are identical to those offered by the Ioniq 5, which delivers 220 miles of EPA-estimated range with its smallest 53-kWh battery; 274 miles with the 77-kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive; or 303 miles with the larger battery and rear-drive. Given the 6's air-cheating shape, it likely will improve on those figures here.Same Battery, More RangeThe 77.4-kWh battery is estimated to deliver around 379 miles on a single, full charge under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) estimate. Compared to the Ioniq 5's 315 mile WLTP range, that's an impressive improvement. Most of its range is due to its swoopy aerodynamic design and more efficient motor and controller technology. The Ioniq 6 also features flaps in its bumper that open only when cooling is needed for the battery and motor system.At the rear comes in its dual spoilers, which aren't quite used for downforce but instead help with the separation of the wind as it flows down the rear window. That separation can cause drag and the upper rear spoiler is designed to break up a vortex that's created as air separates away from the roof. The lower rear spoiler catches any leftover air and straightens it out as it leaves the vehicle. The upper spoiler also lights up with "pixels," which is a huge theme of the Ioniq brand. The good news is that, despite its dramatic departure from the roof, the view out of the rear windshield isn't too bad.While the electronics use next generation semiconductors with a more efficient design, the motor uses hairpin windings, which use a solid core wiring over the stranded wire used in typical motor windings. This solid wire allows for a high fill factor and better thermal performance, and those help lead to a more efficient use of power. Hyundai claims the Ioniq 6 with its standard range 53 kWh battery and standard 18 inch wheels (20 inch wheels are optional) with a single motor will get roughly 22.5 kWh/100 miles for the RWD model.For comparison, the Mustang Mach E RWD gets 33 kWh/100 miles and the Ioniq 5 RWD gets 31 kWh/100 miles. Unfortunately, Hyundai didn't say what the range was using the AWD version. However, the AWD dual motor version is capable of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque when both motors are combined. The Ioniq 6 hits 60 mph in 5 seconds in its highest-performance configuration, a conservative figure given how an identically powered and blockier Ioniq 5 did the deed in 4.4 in our testing.Even more impressive is the time it takes to get to 80 percent charge. From 10 percent it only takes 18 minutes to get to 80 percent because the Ioniq 6 uses an 800 volt ultra-fast 350 kW charge rate. Suddenly, range and time to charge aren't the issues they were just a few years ago. While that might worry you if you only have a 400 volt infrastructure, you won't have an issue as the car works with that system, as well.Tuning Without The Need For A Handheld TunerJust because the Ioniq 6 is being sold to us as an extremely efficient EV, it's not lacking performance. Even better, that performance can be adjusted to suit your needs using Hyundai's EV Performance Tune-up system in the Ioniq 6. With just a few button clicks (and without the need for some sort of tuner like you would on your ICE vehicle), the steering effort, motor power, accelerator sensitivity, and driveline mode can be adjusted to the liking of the driver.No, this doesn't require a special N-version of the Ioniq 6, but that's not out of the realm of possibility, according to Hyundai. You can even change how your Ioniq 6 sounds on the inside with its e-ASD. While an EV will be silent, the Electric Vehicle-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) will allow owners to tailor when its "spaceship-like" sound is piped into the cabin, and it's capable of changing based on the Ioniq 6's driving status.Of course, Over The Air (OTA) updates are common on many vehicles today and the Ioniq 6 will be no exception save for one thing. Rather than just updating firmware and navigational maps, Ioniq 6 owners will be able to add and improve functions via OTA. Hyundai says this will "provide a safer and more convenient driving experience." When you think about it, your Ioniq 6 will be as customizable and unique as the smartphone in your hands. Sure, someone else will have the same model but not everyone will have the same apps and features.Trashion DesignerTo demonstrate the capabilities of the interior, Hyundai used people connected to the Metaverse. Yeah, kind of cringy, but hear us out. While a spacious interior should be a given on a dedicated EV platform, the Ioniq 6 will look to expand interior room for all passengers in its roughly 9.68 feet long wheelbase by using innovative seating materials. A woman that was a "trashion designer," who uses recycled materials like old fishing nets and plastics to make materials for fashion design, was shown laying back using the Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row.The use of high-density foam and high-strength steel frames means these optional Ioniq 6 front seats can be thin. According to Hyundai, these seats are 30 percent thinner than conventional passenger seats while still being comfortable to sit in and we can attest to that. The seats are very "Volvo-like," as one of our editors pointed out when they sat in the car. They also noted how the texture on the center arm rest and console are both visually interesting and soft to the touch. "It's almost as if it's fabric, but it's not, it's soft touch plastic," they noted.Another scene showed off a guy who worked as a show designer that worked in the Metaverse. He was also the type of person who uses driving to get his mind clear and come up with unique ideas. What was interesting about his drive was the Hyundai's use of dual color ambient lighting. Not only are these lights capable of further interior customization with its 64 color spectrum, but it was also capable of "Speed Sync Lighting," which would change the brightness of the first row ambient lights depending on the speed of the Ioniq 6. The faster he drove, the brighter the lights became and the slower, the dimmer. Hyundai claims that this adds some emotion to the driving experience.Power EverywhereThe final example was a woman who ran a livestream on the topic of shows and events in the Metaverse. Just a warning, that's not the last time you're going to hear about the Metaverse in this article. Anyhow, the features she used were related to the center console and the multiple power outlets within the Ioniq 6's cabin. For power, you'll get no less than four USB Type-C ports (two up front and two for the rear passengers) and a single USB Type-A port.The front passengers also get wireless charging in the front center console area. You'll also get power outlets under the back row seat for laptop, phone, and other device charging with a 12 volt port down in the bin under the center console and a 120 volt outlet below the rear seat in the center. If you want to use your laptop inside, as our livestreamer did, the Ioniq 6's center console is also helping to redefine the work space. It's able to fit a standard laptop on the front center console without any need for special trays or transformations. The only issue is that is also where the window controls are for the front passengers, but it does at least have a huge space under it for storage thanks to its very flat floor.Unfortunately, the rear passengers are going to need to be a little bit on the short side. While they get "tons" of rear leg and shoulder room, the headroom is just enough. "Long torsos beware," said one editor, "my hair was touching the ceiling." This is inherent to the body design for its aerodynamic shape. It also cuts into the cargo room, of which the trunk is very deep back to front and lift over height is pretty low, but it's not very tall, you'd have to lay down large suitcases flat and not on their taller edges.The good news but bad news is that there is no spare tire, but that allows for a little bit of hidden storage under the trunk floor. The trunk lid is also powered on the upscaled trims. Another issue is the way the 60/40 split rear seats fold down. Rather than have releases on the seats so they can be reached from the cabin, the only releases are located in the trunk. You also get a two-tier storage in the "frunk," but due to its design for aerodynamics, the frunk space is smaller than the Ioniq 5. Fortunately, you do get extra pockets in the rear doors just in front of the speakers and the glovebox opens like a drawer, which should allow for a much deeper storage area there.The Ioniq 6 is also the latest Hyundai EV to allow its owner to use the vehicle as a large, mobile generator. Just like the Ioniq 5, the 6 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and allows its owners to charge devices using an adaptor from Hyundai that plugs into the vehicle charging port. This allows Ioniq 6 users to charge devices when the power's out (hello, Texas), camping, or when just when you're doing outdoor stuff like tailgating at a sporting event.The infotainment system will be able to work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a multiple Bluetooth connection can allow two devices to connect to the Ioniq 6 at the same time. This allows you to have one phone used for calls and the other used for music streaming, for example. That music will come out of a Bose sound system with eight speakers that includes a subwoofer. Navigation is enhanced by the Ioniq 6's connected car services that helps you find chargers and plans your best route depending on its charge state. Finally, if you need to remind yourself of an idea or note, the Ioniq 6 has a voice memo feature so you can recall that in your own voice.Color It ImpressedFor the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, there will be 12 colors available at launch that include Gravity Gold Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Noctume Gray Metallic, Noctume Gray Matte, Transmission Blue Pearl, Biophilic Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Digital Green Pearl, Digital Green Matte, and Byte Blue. Inside there will only be four color options: Dark Gray with light gray, dark olive green with light gray, black with pale brown, and black.There is another reason as to why they choose to go with this "Efficient Streamliner" design on the Ioniq 6. Hyundai's design language today is like a chess set rather than Russian nesting dolls. Each model is clearly related, but not same design on a differently sized vehicle. The idea is to design each vehicle to the target customer and their lifestyle and rather than body designs, details like the pixels carryover to each Ioniq to give some brand continuity.That pixel motif is also carried out where ever Hyundai could get away with it. It's in the lights, the fabric, and anywhere else it would work visually, even if it was just subtle. The other reason for the Ioniq 6 shape is that they already have an EV SUV in the works with the Ioniq 7, which we got a computer generated tease of during the press event. They really just didn't need another boxy, SUV-like vehicle.Remember That Metaverse Warning…2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric Car 11What's become common recently, despite the crashing state of cryptocurrency at the time of writing, is new cars getting NFTs. The Ioniq 6 is no different and there will be a tie-in NFT when it launches in 2023. You'd think that after the failure of the Corvette NFT manufacturers would stop this, but it appears they won't. Despite that, there are slightly more fun and interesting ideas within the whole metaverse systems out there that Hyundai participates in.There is the extended reality (XR) content called the Ioniq 6 Digital Studio. This allows users to experience a variety of interactive content related to the Ioniq 6 through their laptops, mobile devices, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) including the ability to use head mounted displays for both AR and VR. Quite possibly the oddest is the Roblox Hyundai Mobility Adventure tie in that exists in the Roblox metaverse. Yeah, we don't quite get that either, but there is Planet Hyundai on ZEPETO. Both experiences allow users to do virtual test drives and even experience the core features of the Ioniq 6.Hyundai closed by saying that the Ioniq 6 will begin production in the third quarter of 2022 for the world but U.S. production starts in January of 2023. Sales will then start in Q1 2023 for the North American market. Of course, that does all depend on how the supply chain is able to serve Hyundai by that point. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary, and your order might be built at a much later date.

ford f-150-lightning Full OverviewYou no doubt keep hearing about how important the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is to the automotive industry. The bestselling vehicle in America—one with a traditionally conservative ownership base—is taking a giant leap toward our inevitable future by electrifying. You may have also read our First Test of the range-topping 2022 F-150 Lightning Platinum and might be wondering (as we were) how a slightly more mainstream model would perform. Ford was kind enough to send the still-premium but slightly more affordable 2022 F-150 Lighting Lariat Extended Range to our Los Angeles office, and we took it to our test track to see what it could do.Why It's ImportantLike the metal it's named for, the F-150 Lightning Platinum will likely be among the rarest variants of the new electric pickup's lineup. It's also the heaviest variant, at 6,900 pounds, which makes it the most inefficient, too—netting just 300 miles of EP-rated range. The F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range (meaning it has the optional $10,000 130-kWh battery that comes standard on the Platinum) is bit leaner than the Platinum at 6,794 pounds, good for 320 miles of range, and more akin to the midgrade XLT Extended Range models, which are likely to make up the bulk of Ford's Lightning sales. It features dual permanent-magnet electric motors that combine for 580 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. The motors are mounted at the front and rear axles (in fact, if you peek underneath the Lightning, you can spot the rear motor hanging out where you'd expect a differential to be on gas models) giving them all-wheel drive.Pros: What We LikeThere's a lot to like about this "lesser" Lightning. For starters, the Lariat is quicker than the loaded Platinum. The F-150 Lightning Lariat zips from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and on through the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds at 106.9 mph, while the Platinum's bests were 4.0 seconds to 60 mph and 12.7 seconds at 105.9 mph. That makes the F-150 Lightning Lariat the quickest F-150 we've ever tested and the third-quickest pickup we've ever tested, just behind the 2022 Rivian R1T (3.1 seconds, 11.6 seconds at 110.8 mph) and 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup (3.0 seconds, 11.7 seconds at 105.4 mph).More than its performance, the F-150 Lightning Lariat is plain great to drive. Its powertrain is effortlessly smooth (except for occasional front-motor torque steer under hard acceleration in low-traction situations), and it has gobs of power, providing nearly endless acceleration no matter your starting speed. The Lightning handles surprisingly well, too. Despite its trucklike ride and steering feel, its low center of gravity helps it corner far better than gas F-150s. And we continue to value its huge frunk, which offers a ton of lockable storage while keeping the cabin available for four or five passengers.Cons: What We Don't LikeAs software becomes more prevalent in new vehicles, it's rapidly becoming more important in defining how we experience our cars, trucks, and SUVs. In the Ford's case there's some room for improvement there. For starters, the F-150 Lightning's peak charge rate (150 kW officially, 171 kW in our testing) is on the conservative end for a vehicle with such a massive battery pack. Effectively a measure of the maximum rate an EV can cram electrons into its battery pack while DC fast charging, the Ford's peak charge rate is slower than an R1T with a similarly sized battery pack (220 kW) and the Hummer EV, which sports 200 kWh of capacity and has a 350-kW peak charge rate. That means the Ford's electric pickup truck competitors will likely be spending less time at the fast charger while on a road trip or towing than the Lightning.We also found the massive 15.5-inch touchscreen to be a bit laggy at times and not as thoughtfully organized as it could be. For example, changing the F-150's drive mode requires a tap on the Lightning icon in the top left corner then another tap on your preferred mode. Locking the rear differential requires you navigate back to that screen then scroll down and tap the diff button. If you find yourself regularly hitching and unhitching trailers, you'll also need to access the towing menus often to "virtually" disconnect the trailer and restore your unladen driving range to the Ford's digital instrument cluster. The Lightning can also prove fussy when adjusting settings like maximum charge percent, which must be manually toggled each time you plug in, or the truck otherwise defaults to 90 percent maximum charge.Given Ford's embrace of software in its new "Model e" EV division, we're cautiously optimistic that the Lightning will be improved via over-the-air (OTA) updates, much in the same way its competitors are.The Bottom LineThe Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat is a seriously compelling electric pickup truck without the fuss (or some of the finesse) of the R1T or Hummer EV pickup.Looks good! More details?2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat (Ext Range) Specifications BASE PRICE $69,269 PRICE AS TESTED $80,839 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door truck MOTOR TYPE Permanent-magnet electric POWER (SAE NET) 580 hp TORQUE (SAE NET) 775 lb-ft TRANSMISSIONS 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,794 lb (50/50%) WHEELBASE 145.5 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 232.7 x 80.0 x 78.3 in 0-60 MPH 3.8 sec QUARTER MILE 12.4 sec @ 106.9 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 133 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.73 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.2 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 78/63/70 mpg-e EPA RANGE, COMB 320 miles ON SALE Now Show All