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Being first might not be best when it comes to the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T. Despite being available first, the Riviran R1T may not have as many reservations as the Ford F-150 Lightning. 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning battles the Rivian R1T 

Blue 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning driving on a city street
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

The Rivian R1T has been all over the news as the first model for customers officially rolled off the line. This means that electric truck fans can possibly get behind the wheel of a Rivian R1T before the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

We know that for some people, if you’re not first, you’re last. But being first may not make the Rivian EV the better option. According to sales reports, there are about 90,000 reservation holders for the F-150 Lightning. 

Based on the Rivian sales reports that we could find, there are about 56,000 preorders. So people seem to be more attracted to the F-150 Lightning so far. Being first may not make the Rivian more popular. 

Why is the Ford Lightning attracting buyers? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might be attracting more buyers because of its price. It begins at about $40,000, while the 2022 Rivian R1T comes in at about $67,500. That’s a difference of about $27,000. Also, these prices were listed before any price incentives were calculated. 

Plus, these trucks seem to be aimed at different target audiences. The Rivian R1T is focused on wealthy consumers looking for an adventure truck. The Ford Lightning presents itself as a practical work truck for fleets and families. 

The Ford Lightning is a larger truck. It has more storage and cargo space. The Rivian R1T slots between a midsize and full-size option. However, it does have plenty of unique storage options, such as a gear tunnel. 

With the standard battery, the F-150 Lightning has 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. It has a driving range of about 230 miles. The extended range battery provides 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque with a 300-mile range. 

The Rivian R1T system delivers 800 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 300-mile range. The Launch Edition boasts a 400-mile range. A more affordable trim level with about 250 miles of range may come out later. 

When properly equipped, the Ford Lightning can tow up to 10,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,000 lbs. The Rivian R1T can tow up to 11,000 lbs with a payload capacity of up to 1,760 lbs. 

Does the 2022 Lighting or Rivian have better features? 

Red 2022 Rivian R1T driving through water
Rivian R1T | Rivian

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has a 12-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 15.5-inch unit. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Band & Olufsen sound system. 

With the 2022 Rivian R1T, you get a 16.0-inch infotainment system with a secondary digital readout that serves as a reconfigurable gauge display. It doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

While the Rivian has three 110-volt outlets in the bed and an air compressor, the Ford Lightning has the Power Onboard Pro Generator. It can literally power your house. Both trucks are well equipped for work and play.

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