Electric full-size trucks like the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T represent a growing vehicle segment that could reshape the automotive industry. After all, the three best-selling vehicles in the U.S. are presently all full-size pickups.
Replacing a gas or diesel-powered engine with an electric powertrain is a huge opportunity to boost the appeal — and sales — of EVs.
Do you think an electric truck figures into your budget and driving demands? Let’s explore the highlights of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T to find out.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning offers a choice of two battery pack sizes and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The base powertrain is a 462-horsepower dual-motor electric setup. Choose the extended-range battery, and the output increases to 580 hp.
At the time of writing, the Pro variant is the least expensive model, with its starting price of $57,090. This includes any factory-to-dealer destination fee.
Ford F-150 Highlights
Proven track record: Ford has a long history of building hard-working trucks. This bodes well for the F-150 Lightning in terms of everyday practicality and longevity. It could also convince some long-time truck shoppers to opt for an EV for the first time.
SYNC 4A infotainment: A 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and a 15.5-inch screen is optional. No matter which you choose, we’ve found Ford’s SYNC 4A software intuitive and easy to use. Unlike the Rivian, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hands-free BlueCruise: BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving aid that can be operated on more than 130,000 miles of roads throughout North America. During many miles of road tests, BlueCruise has impressed us with its refinement and fatigue-reducing functionality.
Functional frunk: The front trunk — or “frunk” — is a handy 14.1 cubic feet in capacity, bigger than the trunks in many popular sedans. It also comes with multiple 120-volt outlets, plus USB-C and USB-A ports. Unlike the Rivian, when opened the Ford F-150 Lightning frunk includes the front grille area. The R1T does not, which means more of an up-and-over lift when loading cargo.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the F-150 Lightning models near you.
2024 Rivian R1T
Rivian burst onto the EV scene seemingly out of nowhere only a few short years ago. However, this startup automaker had spent close to a decade preparing to enter the electric vehicle segment, and to make sure it did it right from the outset. The first results are the R1S SUV and R1T full-size truck. Pricing for the R1T starts at $71,700, including delivery fees.
Rivian R1T Highlights
Performance: During our time with it, the sheer power of the R1T has been one of its most defining characteristics. It’s not only quick in the straight line, but the ride and handling are equally impressive. Depending on your chosen model, the R1T serves up anywhere from 533 to 835 horsepower. This is one fast and fun truck.
Impressive range: Rivian didn’t devote all its engineering efforts simply to making the R1T speedy. Range is another plus point here. It varies from a low of 270 miles to 410 miles with the available Max battery, which beats the Ford F-150 Lightning’s best range estimate by 90 miles. It’s a pricey option, however. We think a mid-range version like the Quad Motor model with 328 miles of range makes more fiscal sense.
Upscale interior: Step inside the R1T, and you wouldn’t think this automaker has only been selling production vehicles since the 2022 model year. It’s luxurious, airy, roomy, and has an upscale appearance. In the center of a dash is a large 15.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls the vast majority of vehicle functions.
Gear Tunnel: Located directly behind the passenger cabin and ahead of the cargo bed, this 11-cubic foot storage compartment spans the width of the vehicle. It’s great for tossing in wet or mud-covered adventure gear, and each opening is sturdy enough to serve as a handy seat or step.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the R1T models near you.
Similarities
The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are extremely close in a number of ways. They’re certainly more high-tech than a traditional truck, but neither feels overwhelming in terms of its onboard features or driving dynamics. They’re both extremely quiet and have smooth suspensions. They’re also equally grin-inducing when you hit the throttle and zoom down the road.
Conclusion
Want to know which two vehicles currently sit in first and second place among our ranking of the Best Electric Trucks? That would be the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, respectivel. Although the Ford might seem like the value choice on the surface, there’s a lot of overlap in pricing with the Rivian when you get into the nicer and longer-range models.
We think they’re worthy of a back-to-back test drive to see which is better suited to your electric truck needs and budget. A couple of things that might move the needle toward the Ford are its roomier rear seat and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration.
| 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning | 2024 Rivian R1T | |
| Starting Price | $57,090 | $71,700 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Dual electric motors |
| Horsepower | 462 hp | 533 hp |
| Torque | 775 lb-ft | 610 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic | Single-speed automatic |
| Range | 240-320 miles of range/68 MPGe | 270-410 miles of range/78 MPGe |
| Also Available | Extended range battery pack | Extended range battery pack |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 star | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 145.0inches | 135.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 231.7 inches | 217.1 inches |
| Width | 79.9 inches | 79.0 inches |
| Height | 77.2 inches | 78.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 47.8 feet | 45.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.8 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 39.7 inch |
| Legroom, Front | 43.9 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 43.6 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 66.7 inches | 60.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 66.0 inches | 58.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 52.8 cubic feet | 62.0 cubic feet |
Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
