We’re still in the storm generated by the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, but that’s fine. We enjoy learning more and more about the new Ford Lightning. However, they may have just taken a play from the Jeep Gladiator’s playbook. 

Is the Ford Lightning copying the Jeep Gladiator? 

During the 2021 Texas State Fair, people had the chance to get up close and personal with the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. It was an incredible opportunity to look at Ford’s first all-electric truck, and MrTruck noticed something new. 

MrTruck, from YouTube, was looking at the interior of the Ford Lightning when he noticed that the dashboard display revealed a convertible version of the truck. Could Ford surprise us by making a convertible option? 

This is one of the unique features that fans love about the Jeep Gladiator. Also, the new Ford Bronco can get naked pretty quickly. Plus, the upcoming GMC Hummer EV truck has removable roof panels known as sky panels. 

Is the F-150 Lightning getting a convertible top? 

Maybe, not every detail about the 2022 Ford Lightning has been revealed. Around the 4:30 mark, you can see the Lightning’s 15.5-inch digital display that has an animation of the electric truck without a top. 

But when Ford was asked about it, they claimed that the truck was just an early prototype model and it was just a software glitch. This isn’t too crazy of an idea. New electric vehicles do have software glitches. However, it could also be a coverup. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning could arrive with a convertible top later. 

However, the plot thickens. According to Ford Authority, the 2022 Ford F-150 convertible is expected to arrive by Christmas. Ford CEO Tim Barely shared that they are extremely confident that 2022 F-150 convertible owners will drop the top frequently. 

The top will be dropped on the coldest December night or the hottest August afternoon. By 2022, ford customers will have the ability to pick up one of the most versatile trucks in Blue Oval history. 

It’s getting a little close to Christmas time, though, so maybe this convertible option was delayed. Spike Ravine, Ford communications manager of Ford North Dakota, shared that Bronco modular hardtop delay was partly due to the production ramp-up of the F-150 convertible. 

How would the 2022 F-150 convertible work? 

The Ford Lightning convertible or gas-powered models will have power-folding soft-tops. They can be opened and closed via voice commands or with the 12-inch touchscreen that’s equipped with Ford Sync 4. The process can be activated at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. 

Ford enhanced the 2022 F-150 convertible with structural modifications allow it to maintain the same towing and payload capacities as its fixed-roof counterparts. The changes include reinforced door sills, thicker frame rails, new structural panels in high-flex areas, and full-length crossbars. 

Reportedly, the open-top truck can tow up to 10,500 lbs and carry a payload of 2,000 lbs with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. Water-resistant ActiveX seating comes standard. The convertible will be available with the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations on the XLT, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. 

This still seems like it could be speculation. We will keep an eye out for more clues and keep you updated on the Ford Lightning.