America on the Road

America on the Road


2022 Ford F-150 Lightning First Drive: The Future Has Arrived Full Force

May 15, 2022

The first journalists have driven production versions of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and we at “America on the Road” were among them. Not only is the F-150 Lightning a remarkable vehicle that is fast, stable, and eerily silent, but it also has superpowers that have very little to do with driving. How about the ability to power your house for days if a thunderstorm knocks out your electricity? How about the ability to recharge other electric vehicles? How about the ability to weigh its own cargo?


In our extensive highway driving, we tested Blue Cruise, Ford’s hands-free driving system that turns the Lightning into a semi-autonomous vehicle. And we had the chance to sample the electric pickup’s incredible acceleration. More speed is a flash away every time you push the go-pedal.


We also had the chance to put the Ford F-150 Lightning through its paces on a difficult off-road course. It immediately became apparent that the Lightning’s massive instant torque teamed with its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can make short work of even the most challenging terrain.


Worried about the Lightning’s towing ability? We have you covered there as Jack Nerad took to the highway with a 5,000-pound horse trailer hooked up behind.


Our interview subject this week is something we all have to be concerned with — car insurance. Justin Yoshizawa, the Director of Product Management at Mercury Insurance, sits down with Host Jack Nerad to tell us about MercuryGo, new usage-based insurance that is as simple as installing an app on your smartphone. MercuryGo takes care of the rest, saving you money every time you drive. The details on MercuryGo will probably convince you it is a no-brainer.


In the road test segment, in addition to Jack Nerad’s test of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, Co-Host Chris Teague puts the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport through its paces. He tells us if the Bronco Sport’s three-cylinder engine is up to the task. And he gives us his opinion on whether the smaller of the two Broncos is worthy of that legendary name.


In the news, we’ll tell you which major car manufacturer is on the verge of losing its ability to offer federal tax credits on its EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles. And we will offer five commonsense tips for saving gas.


That’s all this week on “America on The Road.”