Compared: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning vs. 2022 Rivian R1T

Ford/Rivian

Article QuickTakes

• All-electric range
• Pricing
• Towing and payload

If the goal is to make battery-electric vehicles mainstream, the best place to start is with the most popular new vehicle in America. The new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck might change perceptions around all-electric full-size pickup trucks, bringing emissions-free driving and impressive performance to a whole new audience.

Ford isn’t the only player in the battery-electric truck game. Rivian, an electric vehicle startup, is delivering its 2022 R1T pickup. It’s a high-tech-looking truck attempting to put its mark on the world of battery-electric utility vehicles.

Time to take a closer look at the key figures of these two electrifying trucks.

Ford

Ford F-150 Lightning vs Rivian R1T: Range

The all-wheel-drive, four-door/five-passenger Ford F-150 Lightning arrives with a Standard Range 98-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, and an Extended Range pack with 131 kWh. Standard Range models offer an EPA-estimated 230 miles of electric driving before needing to be plugged-in, while Extended Range models deliver 300 miles.

Rivian

Also with room for five, a four-door crew-cab body style, and traction at all four wheels, the Rivian R1T is available with a 135-kWh Large Battery Pack, while a 180-kWh Max Battery Pack will be available later. The automaker boasts an estimated range of 314 miles for the Large battery and over 400 miles for the Max.

Ford

Ford F-150 Lightning vs Rivian R1T: Price

The base Ford F-150 Lightning Pro has a starting price of $41,669, including the destination charge. The Max Trailer Towing Package costs $865, and the Tow Technology Package is $1,948.

While the Pro model is only available with the Standard battery, buyers of the $54,669 XLT can get the Extended Range battery, but it will cost them an extra $19,500. The Tow Technology Package is $1,395. The Standard Range Lariat starts at $69,169, while the Extended Range is an extra $10,000 and includes the Tow Technology Package. Starting at $92,56, the fully loaded Platinum trim is only available with the Extended Battery.

Rivian

The Rivian R1T starts at $68,645 for the base Exploration Package, including destination and documentation fees. That includes the 314-mile Large Pack, while the 400+ mile Max Pack is an extra $10,000.

Rivian also offers the Adventure Package model with the Large Pack for $74,145. The Max Pack upgrade for this model is an extra $10,000. A $2,000 off-road package, a $5,000 camp kitchen, and a $2,650 Overlanding tent kit are also available.

Both of these electric trucks are eligible for the $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit.

Ford

Ford F-150 Lightning vs Rivian R1T: Towing and Payload

With 426 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque, the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro features a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, while the Max Trailer Tow Package can handle up to 7,700 pounds. The Extended Range models have the same torque rating, but offer 563 horsepower. With the Max Trailer Tow Package, they are capable of towing 10,000 pounds. Payload capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds with the Standard Range to 1,800 pounds for the Extended Range.

Rivian

Rivian says the R1T produces “more than” 800 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque, with up to 11,000 pounds of towing capacity. Using that capability doesn’t require a special towing package as with the Ford, however Rivian notes towing at the max will reduce driving range by 50 percent. Payload is rated at 1,760 pounds.