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5 Cars to Buy in 2022

5 Cars to Buy in 2022

2022 Mazda CX-30
2022 Mazda CX-30

CarEdge recently shared 5 vehicles to avoid in 2022. What about the best deals on the market today? These five vehicles have high resale values, excellent reliability, and reasonable prices. If you’re looking to make a purchase you won’t regret, these 5 models are safe bets. Here are the best cars to buy in 2022.

Subaru Forester

2022 Subaru Forester

Why are there so many Subarus on the road these days? Drivers love their all-wheel drive crossovers, and Subaru represents the best of the best. Subarus consistently retain unusually high resale values, and that helps to soften the impact of today’s higher prices. The Subaru Forester is known for solid reliability (especially in older models) and class-leading safety ratings. Today’s Subarus also get decent fuel economy, especially on the highway. All-wheel drive and a comfortable, spacious interior make the Subaru Forester the ultimate all-weather roadtripper. The challenge will be finding one. Subaru has been hit hard by the chip shortage, but things may improve later this year.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-30

Reviewers and owners love the agile handling, generous interior of the Mazda CX-30. New for 2022, the CX-30 now comes with standard all-wheel drive and a more plush interior. In today’s market, the CX-30 represents the best value within the Mazda line. The Mazda CX-30 is ‘only’ up 23%, much less than the overall Mazda brand, which is up 35% year-over-year. Cost of ownership is relatively low for the CX-30, and a great factory warranty offers peace of mind. This is the Mazda to buy in 2022.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai IONIQ 5

This retro-inspired family-sized electric crossover is sure to stand out on the road. Over the past few decades, Hyundai has completely transformed its reputation in North America. Now, Hyundai’s push to electrification sees the brand strengthening its image as a tech-savvy and reliable automaker. The IONIQ 5 is the fastest charging electric vehicle you can buy for under $50,000. Two years of FREE charging at Electrify America can save frequent travelers thousands of dollars. The $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles is icing on the cake. We recently covered the IONIQ 5 in-depth at CarEdge, check out our first look here

Toyota RAV4 Prime

Toyota RAV4 Prime

You’re probably not shocked to see Toyota on the list of the 5 best cars to buy in 2022. Over the past year, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has not appreciated to the extent that many of its competitors have. The RAV4 Prime combines Toyota’s superior build quality with an innovative powertrain meant to bridge the gap between combustion and EVs. Expected resale value is 67% after five years, which is incredible.

The 2022 RAV4 Prime features a spacious interior and a surprising amount of power with a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds. If you’re thinking about going electric but can’t quite overcome range anxiety, this is the vehicle for you. There’s a hybrid engine (gas-powered) under the hood, an electric motor up at the front, and another electric motor powering the rear axle. These three power plants combine forces to provide standard all-wheel drive, the option of all-electric driving, and range-boosting hybrid mode when going the distance. You can plug in, but you don’t have to. The RAV4 Prime is a future-proof Toyota at under $50,000! 

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma

Low cost of ownership, plenty of utility and the highest resale value on the market earns the Toyota Tacoma top honors. After five years of ownership, you can expect to retain 79% of the original value with the Tacoma. That is remarkable! The 2023 Tacoma refresh brings a new engine and muscular looks to the popular truck. The Tacoma is a safe bet in the crazy auto market in 2022. Your best chance to get one is to put your name on a dealer allocation. The Tacoma doesn’t sit on the lot for very long with value like this.

Bonus – Another Toyota!

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a family-sized SUV with great resale value. Toyota as a brand is up 40% on the used car market, but the spacious and reliable Highlander is ‘only’ up 33%. Not bad considering today’s circumstances. J.D. Power gives the Toyota Highlander top scores for reliability. 

CarEdge Is Here to Empower the Consumer

Did we miss anything? What would your list look like? Let us know if you agree with our CarEdge top picks. If you think we missed the mark, we’d love to hear your top cars to buy in 2022. 

Don’t forget to check out the CarEdge list of 5 vehicles to avoid in 2022. Our picks came as a shock to some, but we shared exactly why you should steer clear of these models for now.

It’s a strange time to be in the market for a vehicle. Don’t go it alone! At caredge.kinsta.cloud, we strive to empower the consumer with car buying know-how that makes finding your next vehicle less of a pain. CarEdge Car Search provides unique auto industry insights that other car listings don’t show you. CarEdge TotalPrice™ shows you the out-the-door price so that you know what to expect before you walk into the dealership. 

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Another Tesla Recall: Goodbye Tesla Boombox?

Another Tesla Recall: Goodbye Tesla Boombox?

2022 Tesla Model Y
2022 Tesla Model Y

The word “recall” sure is thrown around loosely these days. By now, you likely know that Tesla fixes the vast majority of recalls with an over-the-air software update. In the tenth recall in just four months, Tesla is addressing a pedestrian safety concern brought up by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

During the 2020 holiday season, Tesla sent a gift of sorts to all of their customers. The cars received an update that turned the external speakers into a boombox. The Tesla Boombox can play a number of customizable sounds (music, jokes, fart noises…) out of the same speakers that are meant to alert pedestrians of the approaching, silent electric car. It’s the customizable feature that seems to be at the center of this recall. Under certain circumstances, the Boombox can disrupt the federally-mandated pedestrian warning risk sounds. 

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No Need For a Service Center Visit

In typical Tesla fashion, the pioneering automaker will push an over-the-air update to all of the affected cars. Tesla cars just need a WiFi connection to receive these frequent updates. Some OTA updates even increase performance or battery life. 

Check out Tesla’s official response to the NHTSA investigation here. It’s interesting to observe the automaker interacting with the federal agency that is always on their case. Here’s how simple the Tesla Boombox recall remedy is:

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022.”

Tesla Boombox will only work in Park mode it seems. Perhaps that was common sense all along? Tesla’s engineers typically work quickly to send such urgent recall fixes over-the-air. While the notice says that owners will receive notices by mail in April, it’s very likely that the remedy will update cars much sooner. 

The Tesla Advantage

2022 Tesla Lineup
The 2022 Tesla Lineup

Lots of people aren’t fans of Tesla for one reason or another. However the EV pioneer does have an undeniable advantage when it comes to updating their vehicles. With well over 2 million Tesla vehicles on the road today, OTA updates are a key selling point for car buyers in the electric vehicle market. Other automakers are rushing to implement the capability in their future models, as seen by recent announcements from GM, Ford and literally every EV startup today. 

We recently took a deep dive into over-the-air updates, and shared automaker plans for adding the feature to their lineups. Learn more about OTA update capabilities.

Let us know what you think in the comments. Does the Tesla Boombox recall make sense? Would you buy a Tesla? Does OTA update capability factor into your decision?

5 Cars to Avoid in 2022

5 Cars to Avoid in 2022

What do these five cars have in common? They stink for one reason or another. Transportation is the second biggest purchase most people will ever make, so it’s important to get it right. With the automotive market at all-time highs, it wouldn’t be a good time to have buyers remorse. Here are five cars to avoid in 2022, and why you should steer clear of them. 

Chevrolet Bolt

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Right now, the socially-distancing Chevrolet Bolt is up a shocking 42% since a year ago. Why do so many people want to buy a rolling fire hazard? Dealerships aren’t even allowed to sell Bolts until they work through the backlog of recall fixes. The stop-sale may come to an end soon, but does that mean you should buy one? With the lowest charging speeds on the market and a damaged reputation, don’t buy a Bolt. Plus, it’s likely to be discontinued! GM doesn’t mention the Bolt in their future roadmaps for electrification. If you really want an affordable electric vehicle from GM, CEO Mary Barra is touting the Chevrolet Equinox EV just around the corner. Do you know how long it takes to charge a Chevy Bolt to full at a public fast charger like Electrify America? An hour and 20 minutes. So many EVs on the market today charge up in half that time. Please don’t buy a Bolt!

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Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage

The world needs more affordable cars, but the Mitsubishi Mirage has appreciated way too much to justify the purchase. This sub-compact car has appreciated over 52% on the used vehicle market since 2020. The average used Mirage sells for $14,404, which is amazing considering a new one costs $14,600. The Mirage has some of the worst performance and comfort ratings in existence. It’s noted for ‘seats that feel more like cloth-covered chairs’ as Edmunds put it. Car and Driver gave in 2.5 stars out of TEN. It’s always best to buy and hold, rather than taking a big hit on depreciation after driving off the lot. Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a car you’d want to keep for a decade? Probably not.

Ford Transit

Ford Transit

Now is not the time to buy a van. Full-sized vans have appreciated by 55% this past year, and minivans have jumped 42%. While the Ford Transit starts at an MSRP around $35,000, most dealers are asking over $48,000 for the base trim. The Transit is a solid van with great utility, but there’s no way its long term value will reflect the current price. That could be said about most cars on the market now, but 55% appreciation is through the roof. You’re buying a van, not a house.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

Sometimes, a vehicle is too popular. If you are determined to get yourself into a Hyundai Santa Fe in 2022, expect it to come at a substantial cost. Year-over-year, prices for the Santa Fe are up 48%! On top of unattractive prices, the Santa Fe is involved in a major recall affecting half a million cars. While most consumers are happy with their Hyundai SUVs, Consumer Reports recently stopped recommending the Santa Fe due to poor reliability. Once the chip shortage ends, resale values will drop. Don’t get stuck with a vehicle you paid 48% appreciation for!

Anything from Carvana or Vroom

carvana sold a stolen truck
Carvana sold a stolen truck to someone! You won’t believe this.

No pre-purchase inspection? Not okay! Want to buy a used car with fast food still in the back seat? Want to make sure you DON’T get your title anytime soon? I don’t think you do. Selling to Carvana or Vroom might make you a pretty penny, but buying from Carvana could be a disaster. The ongoing Carvana lawsuit makes for an uncertain future for Carvana. It’s best to stay out of that mess and take your money elsewhere, at least for the time being. In today’s world, a pre-purchase inspection is a must-have for any used vehicle. Sure, there may be a 7-day return period, but it’s a huge pain to undo a big-money transaction like buying a car. Don’t do it! 

These are cars to avoid in 2022 if your goal is to make a purchase you won’t regret. What about the five cars to buy in 2022? Here’s our list of the top buys in the market right now.

Electric Vehicle Sales Double in 2021. Can Chargers Keep Up?

Electric Vehicle Sales Double in 2021. Can Chargers Keep Up?

2023 Ford F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Electric vehicles now make up 9% of the global market, and 4.5% of American auto sales. Estimates vary, but many analysts expect electric vehicle sales to reach 40% market share in 2030. Will their crystal ball prove correct? It’s now looking possible. New data from the International Energy Agency beat previous forecasts by 26%. In 2020, Loren McDonald of EVAdoption predicted that electric vehicle sales would make up 3.55% of the US market in 2021. With the official tally now coming in a full percentage point higher, the electric momentum is accelerating. When the chip shortage finally ends, the production of EVs will likely be prioritized by automakers. Considering the massive half-trillion dollar investments OEMs have committed to electrifying their lineups, I’m sure they’re happy to see that there’s a growing market for their future products.

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Tesla Supercharger Installations Can’t Keep Up With Incredible Demand

2022 Tesla Model Y
2022 Tesla Model Y

Tesla’s pioneering Supercharger network of DC fast chargers remains the industry standard for electric vehicle charging. With 3,476 locations, hassle-free plug-and-charge and consistent reliability, only Electrify America has come remotely close to what Tesla offers. For the past decade, Superchargers have been known for convenience and accessibility, but a few pending developments could change that. Here’s what we’re watching:

Sales Continue to Outpace Charger Installations

Tesla continues to dominate electric vehicle sales in America and abroad. In 2021, Tesla year-over-year sales grew 87% to 936,172 vehicles globally. In the United States, Cox Automotive estimates that Tesla delivered 352,472 vehicles to customers. Tesla’s 2021 sales were enough to (probably) unseat BMW as luxury sales leader in the US.

In 2021, Tesla installed 8,221 new Superchargers at 912 stations around the world. This represents 35% growth in just one year, a huge accomplishment for the EV leader. However, will it be enough? Sales have been outpacing Supercharger growth for years now. The vast majority of charging stations never see a crowd, but that could change soon as Tesla’s zero-hassle sales model and superior technology have drawn more buyers to the brand.

Tesla Opens Up Some Chargers to Non-Tesla EVs

2022 Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model 3

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confused Tesla owners and thrilled non-Tesla owners when he shared the company’s intentions to open up some Superchargers to non-Tesla cars. In early 2022, several Supercharger locations in France, Norway and the Netherlands are open to all. If open access spreads to North America, Superchargers will see a flood of traffic as Ford Mustang Mach-E’s, Volkswagen ID.4’s, Hyundai IONIQ 5’s and dozens of other models gain access to America’s largest fast charging network. 

Electrify America Races to Catch Up

Something positive came out of Volkswagen’s dieselgate debacle. As part of a 2016 settlement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, VW was ordered to spend $2 billion on something that would clean up the air. The result was the birth of Electrify America.

Electrify America Hyundai IONIQ5
2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

After installing their first chargers in 2018, Electrify America now has 3,500 charging stations at 800 locations around the US. The big difference between Electrify America and Tesla Superchargers is accessibility. Any electric vehicle can pull up to an EA station to charge. Only Tesla models are allowed to charge at Superchargers, except for select Superchargers in Europe that are open to all.

Electrify America has its faults though. Drivers often encounter out-of-order chargers, and most vehicles are not yet compatible with the convenient plug-and-charge capability that you’ll find at Tesla Superchargers. Reports indicate that reliability is improving at Electrify America, and several automakers say their new EVs will have seamless plug-and-charge capability. 

What Does the Future Hold?

Tesla’s record growth is great news for the automaker, but the picture is more complicated for Tesla owners. Tesla Superchargers in California and East Coast hotspots already fill up during peak travel. You could argue that gas stations do too, but waiting in line to plug in and then wait another 20 minutes to charge is not the same thing. 

Fortunately, charging is about to get a lot easier in America. Public and private partnerships are currently designing a National Charging Network that will bring charging to remote locations and more American highways. The Supercharger network will continue to grow, as evidenced by the hundreds of ‘coming soon’ locations just added to the Tesla Supercharger map

Some gas stations are getting into the charging game. Why don’t more add DC fast chargers to their parking lots? DC fast charger installation is expensive. We’re talking over $100,000 in most cases. Public-private partnerships appear set on helping businesses overcome the prohibitive costs of installing chargers. That would certainly benefit a rapidly electrifying nation of drivers.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Better yet, connect with auto experts and fellow car enthusiasts at caredge.kinsta.cloud/community, where we work for YOU. 

The 2022 F-150 Lighting: Pricing, Specs and Why This Is the Swiss Army Knife of Trucks

The 2022 F-150 Lighting: Pricing, Specs and Why This Is the Swiss Army Knife of Trucks

2022 F-150 Lightning

Over the past year, electric trucks have gone from nothing to the most-watched vehicle segment on the planet. Back in the pre-pandemic good ol’ days of 2019, electric trucks were relegated to the concepts of startup fantasies like Rivian, Nikola and Bollinger. Tesla’s Cybertruck was the first to be unveiled in November of 2019, however it’s still at least a year away from production. In 2022, buyers have two to choose from: The $100,000+ GMC Hummer EV, and the mid-size luxury-oriented Rivian R1T, which starts over $70,000. Electric trucks have remained out of reach for the average consumer. 

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This is where Ford has a chance to really make a splash in the market. With the best-selling F-150 being the unofficial symbol of working America, it’s only natural that the F-150 gets the honor of being the first electric truck for the masses. Even better, it’s going to offer features and utility that no truck has ever seen before. The anticipation is building.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning may not turn heads like the Cybertruck, but the Lightning’s capabilities are astounding. What exactly makes the F-150 Lightning so innovative, and will it overtake Tesla as the face of electric trucks?

Here’s What Stands Out With the F-150 Lightning

  • It’s the most powerful F-150 ever
  • You can power tools, other EVs and even your entire home with the truck
  • The Lightning looks normal, but features state-of-the-art technology
  • The front trunk is bigger than most regular trunks
  • 320 miles of range
  • 2022 F-150 Lightning pricing won’t break the bank

The 2022 F-150 Lightning Reimagines Truck Capability

2023 F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.

Look, I get it. Most traditional truck buyers don’t follow the latest and greatest in the EV space. What does matter, however, is the utility of the truck they drive. Can it get the job done reliably?

Ford’s most anticipated electric vehicle is not the Mustang Mach-E. It’s not an electric Explorer. It’s without a doubt the 2022 F-150 Lightning electric truck. For well over 30 years, the F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America. Now that Ford expects 40% to 50% of its global sales to be fully electric by 2030, how does the F-150 fit into the picture?

Ford has made it clear that they intend to entice traditional truck buyers into an electric F-150, while also attracting new consumers to the brand. So far, it seems to be working like a charm. As of January 2022, Ford has 200,000 reservations for the F-150 Lightning in the books. This truck hasn’t even entered series production yet and it’s already sold out until 2024.

Light Bars and Typical F-150 Looks

2022 F-150 Lightning

On the exterior, the Lightning looks a lot like a combustion-powered F-150. The distinguishing features are daytime-running light bars across the top of the front grille and across the tailgate in the back. The Lightning also has aero wheel options to improve efficiency for maximum range. They don’t look silly like some aero wheels do. Other than that, you really have to stare at it to notice the Lightning is any different. Three new faux grille options are there for looks. With an EV, the grille merely protects the spacious front trunk. 

The charge port right in front of the driver’s door doubles as a name plate. Ford intentionally designed the exterior to appeal to traditional truck buyers. Not everyone wants a spaceship.

Interior: A Huge Touchscreen Tops Off a Classic Interior

2023 F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.

The F-150 Lightning is only offered in crew cab configurations. The interior dimensions are the same as the gas-powered F-150, but that’s a compliment. Plenty of space up front, and lots in the back. Up front, the biggest difference is the 15.5” infotainment screen. It’s only in the higher trims of the Lightning for now, but it’s probably a sign of what’s to come for the whole lineup. Everything from drive modes to towing configurations and entertainment is all accessed through the huge vertical screen. Climate controls are always fixed at the bottom of the display, although it’s still a touch-screen feature. Sorry physical button enthusiasts!

2023 F150 Lightning Pro
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

Utility reigns supreme in the F-150 Lightning electric truck. The center console folds down into a work desk, but that’s a feature that combustion-powered versions also have. The rear seats offer the same generous space that you’ll find in the gas equivalent, including under-seat storage. Available Max Recline Seats offer nearly 180 degrees of recline. Perhaps a charging nap is in your future?

American-Made Batteries Power Dual Electric Motors

The 2022 F-150 Lightning is powered by dual electric motors, each of which could fit inside a duffel bag. The electric motors are powered by large lithium-ion batteries produced through a joint venture with SK Innovation in Georgia. American-made batteries for American-made EVs! That’s not as common as you’d think. 

The F-150 Lightning’s battery lives under the floor of the truck, where it’s out of the way and secured in a waterproof casing surrounded by crash-absorption protection. Ford says the battery was designed with extreme weather and abuse in mind. It can handle off-road adventure like a champ. Innovative thermal management keeps the battery at optimum temperatures. 

2022 F-150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

The base ‘standard range’ battery is a 98 kilowatt-hour (kWh) usable lithium-ion battery. Stepping up to the extended range configuration gets you a 131 kWh battery pack built from the same chemistry. This extended-range battery offers more towing, a lot more performance, but less payload. Why less payload? The bigger battery is much heavier. The F-150 Lightning weighs 6,500 pounds!

The base standard range battery supplies the two motors with 425 HP and 775 lb-ft of torque. The extended range battery opens up to 565 HP and the same 775 lb-ft of torque. Notably, four-wheel drive is standard across all trims. One motor is located at the front axle, and another is in the rear. Both the battery and motors get metal skid plates that shield the underbody from impacts, water and the elements for durability. 

Range 

2023 Ford F150 Lightning
F-150 Lightning offers two battery options: a standard-range battery with 230 miles of EPA-estimated range and an extended-range battery with 320 miles of EPA-estimated range.

The official EPA numbers are out! The standard range battery is rated for 230 miles on a charge, and the available extended range battery is good for 320 miles. The final EPA numbers exceed what Ford had previously estimated. Ford engineers have fueled rumors that the Lightning’s range estimates are calculated with 1,000 pounds of payload included. With an empty bed, the F-150 Lightning may go even further on a single charge. 

Drive Modes

Ford offers four drive modes: normal, sport, off-road, and haul. Additional settings include one-pedal driving (a Tesla favorite) and the option to lock the differential with the touch of a button. Why would you want a sport mode on your F-150? The Lightning launches to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds!

Fast-Charging Capability, At Home and On the Road

2023 F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, Lariat, XLT.

More than 80% of electric vehicle charging is done at home. Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80-amp charge station as standard equipment. At home, the F-150 Lightning adds an average range of 30 miles per charging hour, fully charging an extended-range truck from 15% to 100% percent in about eight hours. Keep in mind that the truck charges overnight while you’re sound asleep. EV owners typically wake up each morning with a full battery to start the day. 

At a public DC fast charger like you’ll find at Electrify America, The 2022 F-150 Lightning can accept 150 kilowatt charging speeds. This is below what the upcoming Silverado EV offers, but it’s still decent. If the charging curve is above average, 150 kW won’t be a problem at all. At a DC fast charger, the extended-range F-150 Lightning is targeted to gain up to 54 miles of range in 10 minutes. In 41 minutes, Ford says it can charge from 15% to 80%.

Charging an electric truck is A LOT more affordable than fueling up at the gas station. Fuel savings just might justify the time it takes to charge. At Electrify America, a typical charge from 5% to 90% (adding 255 miles of range) will only cost about $35. The real savings are in your garage. At home, where most charging is done, the same charge to 90% would only cost $15 at average residential electric rates. Learn more about how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle here

Towing, Payload and Storage

On the surface, the bed of the F-150 Lightning is pretty standard. It’s the usual 5’5” bed with a power tailgate. Sadly, it lacks the magical pass-through feature of the upcoming 2023 Chevrolet Silverado EV. Upon closer inspection, there are some very useful gadgets. The side of the bed includes several household 120-volt outlets and a more powerful 240-volt outlet. Ford says the Lightning can power worksite tools for days without having a big impact on the state of charge. This really highlights the immense energy capacity of the 98 to 131 kWh battery, and how comparatively little energy small appliances and tools consume.

2023 Ford F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

How does towing or hauling around a bed full of materials impact range? Just like with any gas or diesel-powered truck, fuel efficiency decreases with towing and higher payloads. Ford’s engineers thought of this, and they’ve used the Lightning’s electrical infrastructure to offer an impressive remedy. Using the scales built into the truck and a fancy computer, real-time range estimates are constantly calculated based on payload and towing demands. The gauge cluster displays an accurate estimate of how much range you have in any given scenario. No need to do calculations in your head.

With the 230-mile standard battery, payload capacity is 2,000, and towing is up to 7,700 pounds. The extended range battery opens up towing to 10,000 pounds, but the added weight of the battery lowers payload to 1,800 pounds. The Lightning weighs about 1,000 pounds more than regular F-150s.

The F-150 Lightning has a massive 14 cubic-foot front trunk. Finally, a truck with a trunk! There are four power outlets providing 2.4 kW of power and two USB ports, all within the front trunk. The floor has a drain too. You can even charge tools in the front trunk while driving the vehicle. 

Power Your Tools, Appliances or Entire Home With the Lightning

Pro Power Onboard is Ford’s vehicle-to-load system that produces . Power reserve functions allow the driver to automatically cut off power supply once the battery state of charge drops to a predetermined level.

An even bigger deal is Ford Intelligent Backup Power. With the proper setup and accessories, the F-150 Lightning automatically kicks in to power your house when the power goes out. Once power is restored, the truck automatically reverts to charging its battery. Ford says that based on 30kWh of electricity usage in the average American home, F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery can power an entire home for up to three days, or as long as 10 days with power rationing. THIS could be the feature that wins over the masses. 

2023 Ford F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

Wait, that’s not all. Ford has more tricks up its sleeve than a dealership F&I manager:

In the future, Ford will introduce Ford Intelligent Power, which can use the truck to power homes during high-cost, peak-energy hours while taking advantage of low-cost overnight rates to charge the vehicle in time for your morning drive. This can help save money on electricity that powers your vehicle and home while also taking pressure off the grid in peak usage times.”

You heard here first, folks. You’ll soon have the ability to buy a truck that can lower your entire utility bill. Considering that this feature alone would save a ton on monthly bills, charging the F-150 Lightning will basically pay for itself! That could be HUGE savings for those accustomed to paying $60-$80 for every tank of gas.

Tech In the F-150 Lightning

2023 Ford F150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat.

The Lightning can learn all about your hauling habits. The truck recognizes which trailer you’re hauling, combines that with info from the onboard scale, and provides immediate updates to driving range and power.  

The F-150 Lightning has games! Tesla popularized in-cabin gaming, and now Ford has seen the appeal of a lighthearted, fun-yet-functional vehicle experience. Automakers are all about ‘experience’ these days.

The gauge cluster is conveniently located within the line of sight for the driver. It displays useful information about real-time battery conditions, motor performance and power distribution. In the Lightning, everything is customizable.

2023 Ford F150 Lightning

Does Ford want to spy on you? Probably not. However, two driver-facing cameras are built into the dash. These are actually safety monitors for Blue Cruise, Ford’s advanced driver assistance technology. Blue Cruise enables hands-free driving on divided highways, as long as your eyes are on the road. This is wading into level 2 autonomy, but Ford has more ambitious driver assistance plans in the works.

There’s also a 360-degree camera for parking assistance. Exterior zone lighting lets you illuminate precisely what you need to see in the dark.

F-150 Lightning Pricing and Trim Options

The work and fleet-oriented Pro edition starts at $39,974. The Pro includes bare-bones manual vinyl seats and no frills. Most consumers will start their shopping at the $52,974 XLT trim. This is where most of the desired features and comforts enter the scene. A step up will land you at the $67,474 Lariat. Both the XLT and Lariat come with the 230-mile standard range battery unless you opt for the extended range battery. On top of the spec sheet is the Platinum. For $90,874, you can get an extended range battery, 22-inch bright machined aluminum grille, the larger (15.5-inch) touchscreen, upgraded sound, and both heated and ventilated seats. Check out the major differences below:

2022 f-150 lightning pricing
These are the base configurations for each F-150 Lightning trim option.

Notice that the soon-to-be-popular XLT trim listed at a starting MSRP of $52,974 is actually a $72,474 truck in disguise. If you want to step up from the 230 mile standard range battery to the bigger battery, going for the XLT just doesn’t make sense for most buyers. Ford clearly wants buyers to take the dive for the Lariat or Platinum trims. Kind of sneaky if you ask me.

2022 F-150 Lightning

No Dealer Markups? F-150 Pricing Under the Spotlight

Ford recently sent a memo regarding F-150 Lightning pricing to their dealers, and it was swiftly leaked online. It reveals that the automaker intends to preserve what little is left of positive dealership experiences. The memo cuts right to the chase. “It has come to our attention that a limited number of dealerships are interacting with customers in a manner that is negatively impacting customer satisfaction and damaging to the Ford Motor Company brand and Dealer Body reputation.” Wow, Ford actually wants their customers to have a pleasant dealership experience. 

This memo brings up a key concern about F-150 Lightning pricing. Will dealers use unprecedented demand to try and justify outrageous additional dealer markups? Clearly, Ford corporate is intent on getting ahead of the problem before it snowballs out of control and tarnishes the brand for hundreds of thousands of new Ford customers. Find out more about this secret memo and what CarEdge advocates think about it here

Incentives

Does the Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck qualify for the EV tax credit? Yes! The federal EV tax credit slashes up to $7,500 off of the Ford F-150 Lightning pricing. Lawmakers are considering revisions to the EV tax credit that could possibly add to the discount. Right now, buyers receive the incentive when they file taxes. Proposed changes to the law would make the discount effective at the point of sale. 

I Want One! Where Can I Buy a Ford F-150 Lightning?

2022 F-150 Lightning
All-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning revealed at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, on May 19, 2021.

Sadly, there’s no easy answer. If you were among the hundreds of thousands to place a pre-order back in early 2021, you just might receive your F-150 Lightning by the end of 2022. Most current reservation holders will receive theirs in 2023. Ford is doubling down on production capacity due to high demand, so if you get in line soon, maybe you’ll also get your truck before 2024. For the time being, reservations are closed so that existing deposit-holders can place their official orders. Soon, Ford says they will open reservations back up to the masses. Ford currently has about 200,000 reservations in the books. With the doubled production capacity, Ford will be making about 150,000 per year. Do the math, and that means most F-150 Lightning buyers will have to wait until 2024. 

If you’re ready to buy an electric truck now, there are only two options with immediate availability. The popular Rivian R1T is an outdoorsy luxury mid-size truck. The R1T starts around $70,000 before incentives. The GMC Hummer EV is crab-walking its way into dealerships, but only at a hefty price tag. For $100,000, the reimagined electric hummer truck can be all yours. The Tesla Cybertruck was just delayed to 2023 at the earliest, so there’s not much to say about that concept for the time being. 

Is it worth the wait for the Ford? F-150 Lightning pricing is attractive, and it’s sure to get truck buyers the most value for their money out of the few options we have today. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have a truck that also serves as a generator for backup power? Tesla has been stubbornly against adding vehicle-to-grid functionality to their models, probably because Tesla also sells home battery products. 

CarEdge’s Take

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck is the pinnacle of utility. You can power a dozen tools, save hundreds to thousands on fuel, and even power your entire home with this truck. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t anticipate so much love for the Lightning. If this truck was at dealerships today, they’d be flying off the lot. F-150 Lightning pricing is what you’d expect from a truck in today’s market. It’s likely to set buyers back by at least $60,000 with options included. If only there was an electric Ford Maverick for those of us who prefer to spend less.

Do you think the F-150 Lightning will sell to traditional truck buyers? Or will Ford appeal to a different demographic altogether? We’d especially love to hear from you if you’re a reservation holder. The Lightning will have a lot to live up to after the long wait we’re in for.