2023 Ford F-150 Lightning vs. 2023 Rivian R1T: What’s the Better American Electric Truck?
Currently, the EV truck market is pretty sparse, as there isn’t a ton of competition. However, the options that do exist for electric trucks are mostly excellent. Among the most popular are the 2023 Ford-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T. Both trucks have much to offer, but they are also vastly different from one another. Of course, the Lightning is the EV version of the iconic F-150 nameplate, and the R1T comes from a start-up, but both are trusted vehicles.
Here’s a look into how the 2023 Rivian R1T and the Ford F-150 Lightning compare as EVs.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning vs Rivian R1T: Which is more powerful?
Both the 2023 Rivian R1T and the F-150 Lightning have much to offer regarding performance. However, the Rivian easily comes out on top. Standard with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, the base R1T has a maximum output of 600 horsepower with 600 lb-ft of torque. However, the quad-motor option produces a max of 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 Rivian R1T also shines when it comes to acceleration. The dual-motor version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Even quicker, the quad-motor version takes only 3.3 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. This makes the R1T among the best electric trucks for speed.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning comes standard with two electric motors and four-wheel drive and also has two main configurations. The F-150 Lightning Standard Range has a maximum output of 452 horsepower, while the Extended Range version has a maximum of 580 hp.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is also a fast truck. The Extended Range version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Standard Range model also offers an impressive acceleration time. Overall, both the R1T and the F-150 Lightning are impressive electric trucks. However, those wanting more power and speed will probably go for the Rivian.
Both electric trucks are spacious and capable
When it comes to size, the 2023 Rivan R1T and the Ford F-150 Lightning are pretty similar. Both electric trucks are Crew Cab and offer seating for up to five people. This is pretty on par with the other trucks in this category. Regarding interior space, the R1T offers up to 41.1 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom in the front. The back offers 38.1 and 36.6 inches, respectively.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t far off, as the front offers 40.8 inches of headroom and 43.9 inches of legroom. The rear grants 40.4 and 43.6 inches, respectively. However, buyers should be aware that the F-150 Lightning is the longer truck of the two. Its longer bed length of 64.1 inches demonstrates this. The standard bed of the Rivian is similar as it comes in at 54.1 inches, according to Edmunds.
Towing is another critical component of pickup trucks, and the Rivian R1T easily comes out on top in this regard. Every version of the truck can tow up to 11,000 lbs, and it has a payload of 1,760 lbs, which is quite impressive for a vehicle this size. Regarding the F-150 Lightning, the Standard Range version can carry up to 7,700 lbs, while the Extended Range model offers up to 10,000 lbs. In terms of payload, the Standard Range offers up to 2,000 lbs, while the Extended Range grants as low as 1,800 lbs.
Both electric trucks also offer impressive ground clearances. Of course, the Rivian model is one of the best in the industry, with a clearance of up to 14.9 inches. Meanwhile, the Ford EV offers up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance.
The R1T has a competitive range, but the F-150 Lighting is much cheaper
The 2023 Rivian R1T has three options for battery packs. The Standard pack allows up to 270 miles on a single charge. The Large and Max packs offer respective ranges of 352 and 410 miles. Regarding charging times, it takes about 12 hours for the Rivian R1T to charge fully. However, a 48 amp charger will grant about 25 miles of range per hour of charging. This is pretty standard for EVs of this size.
The 2023 Ford F150 Lightning is also an impressive pickup truck in this area. Ford offers two battery packs, one being a 98 kWh pack and the other being a 131 kWh. The smaller battery pack allows for 230 miles on a charge, while the 131 kWh battery pack promises 320 miles. According to Ford, it takes 44 minutes to charge from 15% to 80%.
Regarding fuel economy, the EPA estimates that the Rivian R1T averages 74 MPGe in the city and 66 MPGe on the highway with the Quad Motor. The Extended Range Lightning averages 78 MPGe in the city and 63 MPGe on the highway.
Overall, the R1T and the F-150 Lightning are both impressive electric trucks. Both trucks offer remarkable performance, spacious interiors, and many features that make them among the best EVs. Regarding pricing, the 2023 R1T costs $73,000, while the F-150 Lightning starts much lower at $49,995.
