All the electric car companies initially started with crossovers, but now they’re branching out. We’re seeing a wider variety of smaller electric cars and larger ones, including electric trucks. Among these, the Rivian R1T is often considered a standout for good reasons: it’s modern, high-tech, and stylish. However, experience matters, and Ford, with its long history in truck-making, brings its expertise to the table.
The standard Ford F-150 is a best-seller in the U.S., and Ford has extended this legacy to its electric truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning. This new model blends the F-150’s best features with an electric motor and up-to-date technology.
So, which is the better electric truck: the Rivian R1T or the Ford F-150 Lightning? Let’s dive into the details.
The Rivian R1T offers a fresh take on truck design, featuring a light bar across the front interrupted by two unique oval headlights. This stylish front is complemented by a matching light bar at the back. The truck’s bed is 54 inches long with the tailgate up and 83.6 inches long with it down. It’s 51.1 inches wide.
While the Ford F-150 Lightning might not be as distinctive as the Rivian, it builds on the classic F-150 design. It has a light bar along the front that slightly extends down the sides, a faux grille at the front, and more conventional taillights. Its bed is slightly larger at 67.1 inches long with the tailgate down and 50.6 inches wide. Some buyers might prefer Ford’s more traditional look, but in terms of innovation, Rivian leads.
In terms of the interior, the Rivian R1T continues its focus on modernity with a 15.6-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Many drivers have praised the R1T’s software as superior, especially compared to the often lackluster software from legacy automakers. The R1T has five seats with heating, ventilation, and power adjustments, ensuring comfort for both driver and passengers.
On the other hand, the Ford F-150 Lightning also boasts a 15.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment. While its software might not be as impressive as Rivian’s, it does support CarPlay and Android Auto, which is an advantage. The Lightning also seats five, with vinyl upholstery and heated, manually adjustable seats as standard. Power-adjustable seats are available as an option. Although Ford offers smart device integration, Rivian’s carefully crafted software enhances the in-cabin experience more effectively.
When it comes to performance, the Rivian R1T offers three options. The base model features all-wheel drive with two motors and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, delivering a range of 340 miles. The “Performance” dual-motor model reduces this time to 3.5 seconds with a 350-mile range, while the top-tier quad-motor all-wheel drive model reaches 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and has a 328-mile range. The R1T can tow up to 11,000 pounds, but expect a significant drop in range when towing.
The Ford F-150 Lightning offers various models with ranges between 230 and 320 miles, and it can accelerate to 60 mph in up to 4.0 seconds. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds, but this also impacts its range. In terms of performance, the Rivian R1T’s longer range and faster acceleration make it superior.
Both trucks are available now, but delivery times can be lengthy. The Rivian R1T starts at $79,000 for the base model, with the high-end Quad Motor AWD model priced at $87,000, excluding additional options. The Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $51,990 and can go over $100,000 depending on the model.
In terms of starting price alone, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a clear winner.
Choosing the right electric truck depends on individual needs. The Ford F-150 Lightning has a lower starting price but also offers a lower range and lesser overall performance. If budget is not a constraint, the more advanced Rivian R1T is probably the better choice. However, for those who need a larger truck bed or want to save money, the Ford F-150 Lightning is an excellent option.