? My F-150 Lightning Arrived! Comparison & Opinions Quick Take vs my R1T

[Scoiatael]

Congrats. Have you been able to compare their efficiencies?

Wish I could afford to buy both at once, but I need to make a choice. I have the R1T now and love it so far. Lightning should arrive in a few weeks.

I will say the Rivian buying process was great. Ford process would take hours.

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[goldburger]

Lighting is too much truck for me. The Ranger EV looks suuuuper appealing. As does the Tacoma is Toyota ever gets with the times.

 

[RVXIAN]

Congrats on both and live the feedback ! Two completely different trucks for different purposes ! Both look awesome in white ! Would be interested to see what you think of what you notice to be more efficient as a daily.

 

[kizamybute']

I'm in the exact same boat as OP. Received both trucks (in white as well).
Thought having both would finally simplify my decision. WRONG! The Ford interior is much preferred for me. User friendly buttons instead of everything being on the screen. Key fob is better with the Ford. I prefer the exterior sizing of the Rvian, but the interior space of the Ford. Ford's frunk is better, but Rivian's is still good. With the gear tunnel feature, I call that a push. I love the air suspension and adjustability of the Rivian. But, to its credit, the Ford does ride very well. Need to get the Rivian on the freeway to make a call on how its ride quality and wind noise compare. The Ford, from the exterior, looks very boring to me. I admire looking at the Rivian more because it's different. Don't love the front end, but the rest of it is great. Love the air compressor and tonneau cover as well. Ford is certainly more utilitarian. For a work vehicle, absolutely no comparison, Ford would win. But, I don't need a work truck. They both have power outlets. Ford's is far better and can power your house, but costs a bunch to get it installed and working. Rivian, with a little assistance from an EcoFlow, would provide more power while utilizing the capacity of the Rivian battery to make it equally as useful in terms of power output for most worksite situations and certainly for weekend camping. When I picked up the Ford and saw the interior, I was impressed and thought it might win. Certainly more functional, spacious and usable. But, then got home and saw the Rivian and just liked it better. Two very different trucks. If the Rivian had the Ford interior, I'd be a happy camper.

For me, right now at least, am leaning toward the Rivian, but will drive both for a week or two and make a final decision.

 

[Scoiatael]

I'm in the exact same boat as OP. Received both trucks (in white as well).
Thought having both would finally simplify my decision. WRONG! The Ford interior is much preferred for me. User friendly buttons instead of everything being on the screen. Key fob is better with the Ford. I prefer the exterior sizing of the Rvian, but the interior space of the Ford. Ford's frunk is better, but Rivian's is still good. With the gear tunnel feature, I call that a push. I love the air suspension and adjustability of the Rivian. But, to its credit, the Ford does ride very well. Need to get the Rivian on the freeway to make a call on how its ride quality and wind noise compare. The Ford, from the exterior, looks very boring to me. I admire looking at the Rivian more because it's different. Don't love the front end, but the rest of it is great. Love the air compressor and tonneau cover as well. Ford is certainly more utilitarian. For a work vehicle, absolutely no comparison, Ford would win. But, I don't need a work truck. They both have power outlets. Ford's is far better and can power your house, but costs a bunch to get it installed and working. Rivian, with a little assistance from an EcoFlow, would provide more power while utilizing the capacity of the Rivian battery to make it equally as useful in terms of power output for most worksite situations and certainly for weekend camping. When I picked up the Ford and saw the interior, I was impressed and thought it might win. Certainly more functional, spacious and usable. But, then got home and saw the Rivian and just liked it better. Two very different trucks. If the Rivian had the Ford interior, I'd be a happy camper.

For me, right now at least, am leaning toward the Rivian, but will drive both for a week or two and make a final decision.

Yeah, it pretty much seems to me at least Ford's huge interior, and better infotainment system vs Rivian being easier to drive, park, and more frequent updates.

 

[time]

Sounding like a bunch of us ordered both. Ugh... will there be a lot more R1Ts for sale next month? ??

 

[ironpig]

My lightning should be here in the next week or two. . I already see a lot of the positives that owners are mentioning about the lightning. Ford had some well thought out ideas with the power to grid and the frunk design.

I plan to keep the rivian. Living in LA just the smaller size is a plus, but also I just love the design and the way it drives. If I needed more of a work truck I’d go lightning. But I’m in love with my rivian. Every day I look at it and it makes me happy and excited to drive.

 

[MNLightning]

Congrats. Have you been able to compare their efficiencies?

Wish I could afford to buy both at once, but I need to make a choice. I have the R1T now and love it so far. Lightning should arrive in a few weeks.

I will say the Rivian buying process was great. Ford process would take hours.

I found the opposite to be true. It took calendar days for approval of my documents uploaded to Rivian.

I did have the advantage of previously purchasing several vehicles from this dealership so the entire transaction was under 10 minutes. They always have everything prepared ahead of our meeting. They drove the Lightning to a meeting spot and we completed the deal in the truck.

 

[atebit]

I prefer the exterior sizing of the Rvian, but the interior space of the Ford.

So, you’re really after a Tardis, then?

 

[Yellow Buddy]

I saw this cross posted on F150L forums and it’s so interesting seeing the two different board reactions.

I’m very surprised in the areas that the F150L is better. I was 90% sure it was a hold me over vehicle for me until the R1T came, but it’s getting increasingly difficult to be able to justify going through with the R1T.

The F150L seems to hold its own and I’ve got a Pro on order which makes it nearly half the price. It’s a much simpler vehicle with cheaper and simpler ways to repair.

The final tipping point for me might be on the reliability and customer service front. The next couple of months will show if Ford has it more sorted than Rivian does, there’s been a decent amount of posts on here with stranded R1Ts. If it doesn’t improve I might flip mine to max pack and OC just to push out my date…

 

[Sgt Beavis]

Thanks for the comparison. I think that’s a pretty reasonable assessment of the trucks.

Man, I really feel like I screwed up it cancelling my Lightning order. I feel like the Rivian is the better truck for me but I need a truck and I probably would have had a Lightning by now if I had stayed the course.

It‘s the biggest reason I’m so pissed with @Rivian and the BS delivery windows they gave us in December.

 

[AdamUCF]

It‘s the biggest reason I’m so pissed with @Rivian and the BS delivery windows they gave us in December.

I'm a bit confused... the window in your signature hasn't come yet. Is there reason to think they won't hit it? From what I've seen Rivian has been delivering on the windows for the vehicles that they're actually building (r1t, non-OC, large pack, etc) with many getting in ahead of their window. Might be an interesting poll.

 

[the long way downunder]

These are just my "Opinions"

1. Kind of like trying to pick which kid you like more. Both have their Pro's and Con's
2. Ride - Lighting. Actually it's not that close from a comfort basis
3. Ride - R1T. Actually it's not that close from a Sporty/Handling basis/feel
4. Interior - Lightning. I just like the APPLE CAR Play and XM Radio, Seats, Cup Holders, Fold Down Spot for My Laptop and more. For me the R1T might be more contemporary but it's less usable for my purposes.
5. Exterior - R1T. Looks more futuristic
6. Size - Personal preference.... I'd tip toward the R1T as for trailering or as someone said a "Snowplow" I don't think either is a good choice for me. But for parking and maneuverability the R1T has the edge.
7. Frunk - Lightning. Mostly because of the lower threshold.
8. Power Supplies - Lightning both inside and outside the cab. 230v USB, charging etc...
9. Performance - R1T. Not even close. The Lighting is quick, but the RT1 is that and fast.
10. Off Road - R1T. Haven't done it and probably won't ever do what some here would consider a real off road work out.
11. Less Road Noise Wind Noise - Win-Lightning. By a fair margin, some of which might be because of the suspension on the Ford.
12. Which one to Keep----- I'll decide over the next week or so. I was offered $118,000 for the R1T and in spite of the plusses and minuses I'm not sure I want to part with it.

So depending on the daily use and your preferences either one can be a winner, but it doesn't make the other a loser.

Yours came without spray-in bed-liner – I read that it was "standard."
As for your list, I have the same dilemma, I don't need three pickups, let alone two EV pickups.
For me, I'll sell the Lightning if it's above msrp and because my F-150 Hybrid is better for my purposes (towing and traveling.)

1. Kind of like trying to pick which kid you like more.
   
   well, I've not been offered $1M for either of my kids (that's about what they cost msrp after university …) so the comparison isn't there for me. : )
   
   
2. Ride - Lighting. Actually it's not that close from a comfort basis
   
   The R1T is harsh. I hope Rivian offers software to let the air suspension run a full luxo setting.
   
   
3. Ride - R1T. Actually it's not that close from a Sporty/Handling basis/feel
   
   The R1T handles remarkably well … for being a heavy pickup … nowhere near "sports car" but even on 20s, with considerably sidewall compliance, it certainly rewards spirited driving.
   
   
4. Interior - Lightning. I just like the APPLE CAR Play and XM Radio, Seats, Cup Holders, Fold Down Spot for My Laptop and more. For me the R1T might be more contemporary but it's less usable for my purposes.
   
   The Ford wins out on comfort and utility, the Rivian on quality and atmosphere. Audio systems are comparable. I think the Rivian is superior in clarity and technical finesse, the Ford has some weaknesses.
   
   
5. Exterior - R1T. Looks more futuristic
   
   The R1T is a stunner from all angles (except the "stadium" headlights) … the Lightning is almost unseen, it's an F-150 in a sea of pickups. I don't like the light bars much at all, the F-150 Hybrid looks great. I'd have been happy with 100% the same and fewer badges.
   
   
6. Size - Personal preference.... I'd tip toward the R1T as for trailering or as someone said a "Snowplow" I don't think either is a good choice for me. But for parking and maneuverability the R1T has the edge.
   
   The R1T is near as damn it a full size except for the bed, which, with the gate down, can do anything I need. The rest of the time, it's much easier to maneuver and park, but it's still a very big vehicle that needs some space to avoid door dings. There's a mistaken impression that the F-150 is "much bigger" than the R1T, it's not. The bed is longer and deeper, the frunk is much bigger, but overall, the dimensions are close and the total footprint is close.
   
   
7. Frunk - Lightning. Mostly because of the lower threshold.
   
   No question Rivian missed the mark on the frunk. Hopefully they redesign the grill, move the radiator and fan to each side and offer an in-line update to the R1 that creates a load-flat frunk.
   
   
8. Power Supplies - Lightning both inside and outside the cab. 230v USB, charging etc...
   
   Slam dunk for the F-150 onboard power. Rivian needs to rework the charge port for bi-directional CCS V2X.
   
   
9. Performance - R1T. Not even close. The Lighting is quick, but the RT1 is that and fast.
   
   I'd call it close enough that both vehicles are so much faster than ever needed and so much stronger for towing than ever needed, but for sure the R1T is the sprinter.
   
   
10. Off Road - R1T. Haven't done it and probably won't ever do what some here would consider a real off road work out.
    
    I've been playing with the R1T, but on paper and looking at youtubers, the F-150 can't go where the R1T can go, can clear the same terrain, doesn't have the potential of four wheel traction modes. Just being longer and wider, it's not expected to be the off-road goat, it's the workhorse all-rounder.
    
    
11. Less Road Noise Wind Noise - Win-Lightning. By a fair margin, some of which might be because of the suspension on the Ford.
    
    R1T wind noise is unacceptably excessive. F-150 is remarkably quiet. Rivian is said to be working on fixing the quarter vent window wind noise problem.
    
    
12. Which one to Keep----- I'll decide over the next week or so. I was offered $118,000 for the R1T and in spite of the plusses and minuses I'm not sure I want to part with it.
    
    The "market" on the R1T seems to be about $120-130K, so $118K is on the low side. I've read of Lightning being the hot ticket, but that will last about another few weeks. The Hummer EV is apparently being auctioned between money-no-object wankers for $200K+ … obscene … anyway, I don't think I can justify keeping the R1T if I can sell it for $30-50K cash that go can straight into $RIVN, $TSLA, $F and $AAPL … I think enough people will have the same realization and that aftermarket demand will soften then procrastination wins out and I keep the R1T … #logic = #rationalization … : )

So depending on the daily use and your preferences either one can be a winner, but it doesn't make the other a loser.

 

[RayzorBEV]

These are just my "Opinions"

1. Kind of like trying to pick which kid you like more. Both have their Pro's and Con's
2. Ride - Lighting. Actually it's not that close from a comfort basis
3. Ride - R1T. Actually it's not that close from a Sporty/Handling basis/feel
4. Interior - Lightning. I just like the APPLE CAR Play and XM Radio, Seats, Cup Holders, Fold Down Spot for My Laptop and more. For me the R1T might be more contemporary but it's less usable for my purposes.
5. Exterior - R1T. Looks more futuristic
6. Size - Personal preference.... I'd tip toward the R1T as for trailering or as someone said a "Snowplow" I don't think either is a good choice for me. But for parking and maneuverability the R1T has the edge.
7. Frunk - Lightning. Mostly because of the lower threshold.
8. Power Supplies - Lightning both inside and outside the cab. 230v USB, charging etc...
9. Performance - R1T. Not even close. The Lighting is quick, but the RT1 is that and fast.
10. Off Road - R1T. Haven't done it and probably won't ever do what some here would consider a real off road work out.
11. Less Road Noise Wind Noise - Win-Lightning. By a fair margin, some of which might be because of the suspension on the Ford.
12. Which one to Keep----- I'll decide over the next week or so. I was offered $118,000 for the R1T and in spite of the plusses and minuses I'm not sure I want to part with it.

So depending on the daily use and your preferences either one can be a winner, but it doesn't make the other a loser.

One of my reason not choosing Ford Lightning is having to deal with their service department; they are out for blood each time they see you coming in for anythin. Especially if you deive an expensive model, my personal experience of course...

 

[NY_Rob]

One of my reasons for not choosing Ford Lightning is having to deal with their service department; they are out for blood each time they see you coming ..

Their predatory behavior is only going to get worse as they sell less ICE vehicles and more EV's.
My last four vehicles since 2014 have been EV's and none of them ever went back to the dealerships for anything. How can a service department even pay mechanics salaries never mind being a profit center for the dealership if vehicles never return for service? A sea change is coming to conventional ICE dealership models... the service departments will be reduced drastically or maybe even shuttered completely with dealerships just acting as sales showrooms in the future.

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