Rivian R1T vs F-150 Hybrid: Review after 48 hours

[KubotaTed]

Rivian vs F-150 Hybrid: Review after 48 hours

Ok - not an apples-to-apples review, but the closest I have. Owning a Ford Lightning isn’t in the cards given the backlog of reservations (likely several years). The GM Silverado isn’t in the wild yet; and the Hummer is out of reach. Cyber truck is MIA.

I do however have the 2021 F-150 Powerboost which is a full-sized hybrid and runs under electric power a decent amount around time. While not an EV, it gets quite respectable gas mileage for its size and feature sets. (For comparison purposes of this write-up, the F-150 is the Platinum trim with all options selected. I currently have 34k miles on it.)

I picked up my Rivian on Friday afternoon and so I’m only 48 hours in. During this time, I’ve manage to put about 300 miles on it with a mixture of highway and in town driving. Nothing off pavement yet, but that will be coming.

Just some observations that I have listed below. I’m sure people will disagree and that’s fine. I’m just one guy who happens to be a car enthusiast and have a good use case for buying a Rivian.

Ford BlueCruise vs Rivian’s Driver+:

• Ford’s first attempt at autonomous driving has received pretty solid reviews in the industry. Neither BlueCruise nor Driver+ supports lane changes. Both companies indicate it will be coming via OTA update.
• Ford’s is completely “hands-free” meaning that you don’t have to touch the steering wheel every ~15 seconds (give or take). Advantage Ford.
• Ford’s max speed on BlueCruise is 80 mph. I don’t know what the Driver+ maximum is, but it is higher than 80. Advantage Rivian.
• Re-engaging system after lane change: The F-150 just reengages after executing the lane change; the Rivian has to press down on the stalk to get the system going again. Advantage Ford.
• Overall Rating: Tie
• [EDIT: After spending a little more time with the R1T, I'd rate the BlueCruise much higher than the Rivian. The Ford lets you tweak/bias your position within the lane without deactivating the system. I find myself re-engaging the Rivian's system unnecessarily.]

Infotainment:

• I’m impressed with what Rivian has put together. No question that it seem overwhelming when first getting into it, but the learning curve was better than I expected.
• Both the F-150 and the Rivian have Alexa support.
• The elephant here is the lack of Rivian support for Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. If Rivian had support for this platform, then the overall grade (to me) would be a slam dunk for Rivian. Even without this support, I still give a slight edge to Rivian. Not having talk to text messages is huge for me.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian

Dash layout:

• Rivian’s strength is also a weakness. I really like the clean approach to the Rivian dash, but would like some physical buttons for a few things. I realize I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth on that.
• F-150 has a good mixture of a large screen coupled with physical buttons.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Ford

Size:

• Not apples-to-apples here and I recognize that. I’m quite impressed with the ingenuity of the Rivian storage and you can fit a ton in this truck.
• I appreciate that the size is (1) bigger than the Ford Ranger but (2) shorter than the F-150.
• My only negative contradicts this and just wishes that the back seat of the Rivian was a couple of inches of more legroom (and I’m not a tall person).
• I didn’t rate this category since it isn’t a fair comparison.

Acceleration:

• Rivian. ‘Nuff said, LOL
• Overall Rating: Rivian by a literal mile.

Comfort:

• Both the F-150 and the Rivian has heated & cooled front seats
• Both vehicles have heated seats in the back.
• The F-150 however also has massaging seats in the front.
• The F-150’s back seat basically has its own zip code and grading the size is not a fair comparison.
• Overall Rating: Ford due to its massaging seats

Handling:

• Given the size difference of the F-150 vs the Rivian, there is no question that the Rivian is much more nimble. Impressive given its extra weight.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian.

Storage:

• The F-150 (probably) has more storage, but the ingenuity in HOW the Rivian uses its storage is great for the end user. I like the lockable areas in the Frunk and of course the Gear Tunnel sets this apart.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian

Convenience:

• Both the F-150 and the Rivian have mobile apps that can warm up the vehicle and so some other general tasks.
• Rivian clearly takes this further with allowing your smartphone to be an actual key. I’m a huge fan of this and Rivian clearly wins this category for me.
• The only negative I have for Rivian in this one is the lack of a power tailgate. For the price point that one is a head scratcher to me. The F-150 power tailgate is one that I use all the time. Also it would be nice if the Rivian had a step to get into the bed.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian due to its use of the keyless smartphone “key”

Sound system:

• The F-150 Platinum has the Bang & Olufsen Unleashed system; my version of the R1T has the internal Rivian system (e.g. not the Meridian system).
• The F-150 B&O system gets strong reviews. However, my setup has a rattle for any loud bass that I need to have looked at.
• I find the Rivian system to be quite impressive. (Don’t shoot the messenger).
• Advantage: Rivian

Suspension:

• Rivian’s suspension will raise and lower based on user setting whereas the F-150 is fixed.
• Advantage: Rivian

Road noise:

• The F-150 has a best in class sound dB rating (at least at the time of redesign in 2021).
• For the Rivian, the obvious absence of engine noise is a game changer.
• My F-150 has a few rattles here and there, but nothing that is blatant enough to bring into a dealership.
• Advantage: Rivian (note that I have the A/T 20” tires too)

Outlet support (120V):

• Ford’s PowerBoost engine has the hybrid batteries, but has the combustion engine for a generator feature. That produces not only the 120V outlets (x4), but also a 30Amp 240V outlet. Not a fair comparison to the Rivian, but a cool feature that I do use in my F-150 a decent amount.

Delivery:

• I’m a huge fan that Rivian handles the registration/DMV aspect of the buying process (caveat: if you live in one of the majority of states that allow it).
• My delivery appointment was odd and unorganized. I won’t rate this category as I don’t think my experience was representative of the company as a whole. Just like there are many bad Ford dealerships, I think my Rivian service center was just having an off day.

Other comments:

• I have recently installed solar panels on a property that I have access to and travel there once or twice a week. My plan is to do most of my “refueling” there so I won’t be pulling off the grid. I’m excited about this use case.

Overall: I’m quite impressed with the Rivian and am excited for the future of putting some miles on it. My F-150 will be used for longer trips when range is an issue for me in the Midwest. I don’t view either vehicle as a replacement for one another, but it was fun for me to think of the pros and cons of each functional area.

Hopefully you enjoyed the read.

Have a great evening.

Sponsored

 

[bgoldber88]

Thanks for the comparison! Very interesting read

 

[ksujeff99]

Great summary and fun read.

I agree with nearly everything. The point I agree with the most is for the rear seat to have an extra 2” of legroom. I’d (personally) sacrifice some gear tunnel space for more interior space, if only it were all that easy!

 

[Count Orlok]

I have a 2021 F-150h too, albeit a lowbrow trim (XLT+) and I don't see the R1T as something that can replace the F-150h given my uses, but I don't disagree with the review by the OP.

If I buy a R1T I will need to keep the hybrid; if I buy a Lightning I can replace the hybrid.

@KubotaTed you didn't compare them on price you paid.

 

[KubotaTed]

I have a 2021 F-150h too, albeit a lowbrow trim (XLT+) and I don't see the R1T as something that can replace the F-150h given my uses, but I don't disagree with the review by the OP.

If I buy a R1T I will need to keep the hybrid; if I buy a Lightning I can replace the hybrid.

@KubotaTed you didn't compare them on price you paid.

That's fair. My 2021 F-150 Platinum was about $15k LESS than the Rivian R1T, so quite the value comparatively. The F-150's price has gone up significantly (as has about everything), so that will skew my number.

 

[COdogman]

Appreciate the feature by feature comparison.

The first manufacturer that can figure out how to successfully add a few configurable buttons or toggle switches that owners can choose which features they control will be legend.

 

[the long way downunder]

Rivian vs F-150 Hybrid: Review after 48 hours

Ok - not an apples-to-apples review, but the closest I have. Owning a Ford Lightning isn’t in the cards given the backlog of reservations (likely several years). The GM Silverado isn’t in the wild yet; and the Hummer is out of reach. Cyber truck is MIA.

I do however have the 2021 F-150 Powerboost which is a full-sized hybrid and runs under electric power a decent amount around time. While not an EV, it gets quite respectable gas mileage for its size and feature sets. (For comparison purposes of this write-up, the F-150 is the Platinum trim with all options selected. I currently have 34k miles on it.)

I picked up my Rivian on Friday afternoon and so I’m only 48 hours in. During this time, I’ve manage to put about 300 miles on it with a mixture of highway and in town driving. Nothing off pavement yet, but that will be coming.

Just some observations that I have listed below. I’m sure people will disagree and that’s fine. I’m just one guy who happens to be a car enthusiast and have a good use case for buying a Rivian.

Ford BlueCruise vs Rivian’s Driver+:

• Ford’s first attempt at autonomous driving has received pretty solid reviews in the industry. Neither BlueCruise nor Driver+ supports lane changes. Both companies indicate it will be coming via OTA update.
• Ford’s is completely “hands-free” meaning that you don’t have to touch the steering wheel every ~15 seconds (give or take). Advantage Ford.
• Ford’s max speed on BlueCruise is 80 mph. I don’t know what the Driver+ maximum is, but it is higher than 80. Advantage Rivian.
• Re-engaging system after lane change: The F-150 just reengages after executing the lane change; the Rivian has to press down on the stalk to get the system going again. Advantage Ford.
• Overall Rating: Tie

Infotainment:

• I’m impressed with what Rivian has put together. No question that it seem overwhelming when first getting into it, but the learning curve was better than I expected.
• Both the F-150 and the Rivian have Alexa support.
• The elephant here is the lack of Rivian support for Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. If Rivian had support for this platform, then the overall grade (to me) would be a slam dunk for Rivian. Even without this support, I still give a slight edge to Rivian. Not having talk to text messages is huge for me.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian

Dash layout:

• Rivian’s strength is also a weakness. I really like the clean approach to the Rivian dash, but would like some physical buttons for a few things. I realize I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth on that.
• F-150 has a good mixture of a large screen coupled with physical buttons.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Ford

Size:

• Not apples-to-apples here and I recognize that. I’m quite impressed with the ingenuity of the Rivian storage and you can fit a ton in this truck.
• I appreciate that the size is (1) bigger than the Ford Ranger but (2) shorter than the F-150.
• My only negative contradicts this and just wishes that the back seat of the Rivian was a couple of inches of more legroom (and I’m not a tall person).
• I didn’t rate this category since it isn’t a fair comparison.

Acceleration:

• Rivian. ‘Nuff said, LOL
• Overall Rating: Rivian by a literal mile.

Comfort:

• Both the F-150 and the Rivian has heated & cooled front seats
• Both vehicles have heated seats in the back.
• The F-150 however also has massaging seats in the front.
• The F-150’s back seat basically has its own zip code and grading the size is not a fair comparison.
• Overall Rating: Ford due to its massaging seats

Handling:

• Given the size difference of the F-150 vs the Rivian, there is no question that the Rivian is much more nimble. Impressive given its extra weight.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian.

Storage:

• The F-150 (probably) has more storage, but the ingenuity in HOW the Rivian uses its storage is great for the end user. I like the lockable areas in the Frunk and of course the Gear Tunnel sets this apart.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian

Convenience:

• Both the F-150 and the Rivian have mobile apps that can warm up the vehicle and so some other general tasks.
• Rivian clearly takes this further with allowing your smartphone to be an actual key. I’m a huge fan of this and Rivian clearly wins this category for me.
• The only negative I have for Rivian in this one is the lack of a power tailgate. For the price point that one is a head scratcher to me. The F-150 power tailgate is one that I use all the time. Also it would be nice if the Rivian had a step to get into the bed.
• Overall Rating: Advantage Rivian due to its use of the keyless smartphone “key”

Sound system:

• The F-150 Platinum has the Bang & Olufsen Unleashed system; my version of the R1T has the internal Rivian system (e.g. not the Meridian system).
• The F-150 B&O system gets strong reviews. However, my setup has a rattle for any loud bass that I need to have looked at.
• I find the Rivian system to be quite impressive. (Don’t shoot the messenger).
• Advantage: Rivian

Suspension:

• Rivian’s suspension will raise and lower based on user setting whereas the F-150 is fixed.
• Advantage: Rivian

Road noise:

• The F-150 has a best in class sound dB rating (at least at the time of redesign in 2021).
• For the Rivian, the obvious absence of engine noise is a game changer.
• My F-150 has a few rattles here and there, but nothing that is blatant enough to bring into a dealership.
• Advantage: Rivian (note that I have the A/T 20” tires too)

Outlet support (120V):

• Ford’s PowerBoost engine has the hybrid batteries, but has the combustion engine for a generator feature. That produces not only the 120V outlets (x4), but also a 30Amp 240V outlet. Not a fair comparison to the Rivian, but a cool feature that I do use in my F-150 a decent amount.

Delivery:

• I’m a huge fan that Rivian handles the registration/DMV aspect of the buying process (caveat: if you live in one of the majority of states that allow it).
• My delivery appointment was odd and unorganized. I won’t rate this category as I don’t think my experience was representative of the company as a whole. Just like there are many bad Ford dealerships, I think my Rivian service center was just having an off day.

Other comments:

• I have recently installed solar panels on a property that I have access to and travel there once or twice a week. My plan is to do most of my “refueling” there so I won’t be pulling off the grid. I’m excited about this use case.

Overall: I’m quite impressed with the Rivian and am excited for the future of putting some miles on it. My F-150 will be used for longer trips when range is an issue for me in the Midwest. I don’t view either vehicle as a replacement for one another, but it was fun for me to think of the pros and cons of each functional area.

Hopefully you enjoyed the read.

Have a great evening.

I have the F-150 Prius and the R1T. Much as I like driving the Rivian, that's it's forte … driving for fun, not for utility.

A pickup truck is defined by its bed, and to some extent towing and cabin comforts as a family car and a mobile office. The Ford is the superior pickup truck.

Here's my addendum to your (very thorough and appreciated) comparison:

BlueCruise is far superior to Driver+ … D+ is the correct grade for Driver+ … : )

Infotainment in the Ford works … it doesn't work (for my purposes) in the Rivian. Audio quality goes to the Rivian Meridian system, but it's very good in the Ford. Device control e.g. youtube on the phone is not functional. Spotify is the main thing I use in both and it's ok. FM scan is also pretty cool on the Rivian.

Convenience is a laundry list in favor of the F-150 Hybrid:

1. 7.2kW onboard power. A 220V outlet at 30A and four 15A 110V outlets.
2. The remote app works.
3. Retractable running boards.
4. Lay-flat seating for a bed in the cabin.
5. Power fold and extend mirrors with wide-angle mirrors.
6. Work surface for driver.
7. Flat load floor in the second row.
8. All-around outside work lighting.
9. Accessories like a bed cap that fit the bed.
10. Depth of the bed. The Rivian bed is too shallow.
11. Factory power tonneau cover works : )
12. 360ª surround view is better in the Ford
13. switch between bed camera and bumper camera

PAAK is a weird one to argue in favor of the Rivian. It's "off line" today, but even when it's operational, it doesn't work, it's junk. The key fob (thankfully!) works well in proximity mode.

The Ford doesn't have dashcam (coming to the Rivian) or sentry (Gary mode) so I have an aftermarket dashcam that does both.

Both have a hotspot. The aftermarket dashcam has a remote view over wifi capability (which I've never even set up … reminds me … : )

The Ford has a keypad on the door. I leave a key in the truck with doggo or when we're out riding, sailing, etc. Both have "pet mode."

For utility storage, the Rivian wins for frunk and tunnel, but the Ford has better cabin space and storage, access to the spare, the functionality of the bed is far superior.

For road noise, your R1T must be a lot (!) quieter than mine. I've had the A-pillar wind-noise reduced, but it's a combination of build quality and inherent design flaws. At 55 mph, the R1T is much noisier than the F-150 and tire noise doesn't come into it, it's just wind noise and it's not okay.

n.b. There's a DIY fix of using various seal strips that others say is very effective. Ironically, my R1T has been my daily driver and I've not found the time to clean it, get it dry and stick on the seal strips, but I'm optimistic that will make an audible, discernible improvement.​

I prefer the cabin and instrument panel ergonomics of the Ford, but it's old school even though it has a large screen. The Rivian is a luxury cabin. The Ford is a luxury-appointed cabin, but not comparable to the materials and design of the Rivian.

Thanks to the USA not having a reliable electric power grid, I've used the F-150 as a backup generator for 5 days straight. Delivering a solid 7200W+ with no failures. Drinking about 30 gallons every three days is reasonably convenient and nearly silent. There's a 1.5kWh battery, so the engine is off and on as loads vary.

For delivery, I bought the F-150 online, by email, over the phone, paperwork by docusign then by a delivery driver dropping the vehicle at my house for me to inspect for build quality (flawless and still is, 2 years later) for an in-person signature.

I had a March '22 delivery of the R1T, so Rivian was (and I believe still is) in chaos, so it didn't go smoothly, the 7 steps was (and still is) nonsense and incomplete. Upon arrival the "new owner" process didn't work for about an hour or two of software guys on the phone trying to figure out some glitches. All part of the early-adopter ride and I enjoyed being part of the process. My first few service visits were hit and miss (and still are, the next one being two months booked in advance …) Ford took my trade-in at the high end of prices offered, sight unseen on my word it was 100% per my description and some 20 foot photos. Ford service is relatively dirt cheap inside warranty and there's been one recall, plus one failure of the gas filler cap mechanism. Neither vehicle has failed me.Ford: 25K miles, 24 months. Rivian: 10K miles, 13 months.

When I need to get something done, if I need to go far, I still have the Ford.

If Rivian added a winch, bi-directional charge port, Max Pack at about 200kWh in the quad motor, solved the cabin noise, and my gripe, tank turn mode, the R1T would be a capable all-rounder that's a lot more fun to drive than just about any other vehicle on the road.

As a place to be, as a vehicle to drive for fun on-road and off-road, to arrive in style, the quad motor Rivian is an all-round marvel.

 

[KubotaTed]

I have the F-150 Prius and the R1T. Much as I like driving the Rivian, that's it's forte … driving for fun, not for utility.

A pickup truck is defined by its bed, and to some extent towing and cabin comforts as a family car and a mobile office. The Ford is the superior pickup truck.

Here's my addendum to your (very thorough and appreciated) comparison:

BlueCruise is far superior to Driver+ … D+ is the correct grade for Driver+ … : )

Infotainment in the Ford works … it doesn't work (for my purposes) in the Rivian. Audio quality goes to the Rivian Meridian system, but it's very good in the Ford. Device control e.g. youtube on the phone is not functional. Spotify is the main thing I use in both and it's ok. FM scan is also pretty cool on the Rivian.

Convenience is a laundry list in favor of the F-150 Hybrid:

1. 7.2kW onboard power. A 220V outlet at 30A and four 15A 110V outlets.
2. The remote app works.
3. Retractable running boards.
4. Lay-flat seating for a bed in the cabin.
5. Power fold and extend mirrors with wide-angle mirrors.
6. Work surface for driver.
7. Flat load floor in the second row.
8. All-around outside work lighting.
9. Accessories like a bed cap that fit the bed.
10. Depth of the bed. The Rivian bed is too shallow.
11. Factory power tonneau cover works : )
12. 360ª surround view is better in the Ford
13. switch between bed camera and bumper camera

PAAK is a weird one to argue in favor of the Rivian. It's "off line" today, but even when it's operational, it doesn't work, it's junk. The key fob (thankfully!) works well in proximity mode.

The Ford doesn't have dashcam (coming to the Rivian) or sentry (Gary mode) so I have an aftermarket dashcam that does both.

Both have a hotspot. The aftermarket dashcam has a remote view over wifi capability (which I've never even set up … reminds me … : )

The Ford has a keypad on the door. I leave a key in the truck with doggo or when we're out riding, sailing, etc. Both have "pet mode."

For utility storage, the Rivian wins for frunk and tunnel, but the Ford has better cabin space and storage, access to the spare, the functionality of the bed is far superior.

For road noise, your R1T must be a lot (!) quieter than mine. I've had the A-pillar wind-noise reduced, but it's a combination of build quality and inherent design flaws. At 55 mph, the R1T is much noisier than the F-150 and tire noise doesn't come into it, it's just wind noise and it's not okay.

n.b. There's a DIY fix of using various seal strips that others say is very effective. Ironically, my R1T has been my daily driver and I've not found the time to clean it, get it dry and stick on the seal strips, but I'm optimistic that will make an audible, discernible improvement.​

I prefer the cabin and instrument panel ergonomics of the Ford, but it's old school even though it has a large screen. The Rivian is a luxury cabin. The Ford is a luxury-appointed cabin, but not comparable to the materials and design of the Rivian.

Thanks to the USA not having a reliable electric power grid, I've used the F-150 as a backup generator for 5 days straight. Delivering a solid 7200W+ with no failures. Drinking about 30 gallons every three days is reasonably convenient and nearly silent. There's a 1.5kWh battery, so the engine is off and on as loads vary.

For delivery, I bought the F-150 online, by email, over the phone, paperwork by docusign then by a delivery driver dropping the vehicle at my house for me to inspect for build quality (flawless and still is, 2 years later) for an in-person signature.

I had a March '22 delivery of the R1T, so Rivian was (and I believe still is) in chaos, so it didn't go smoothly, the 7 steps was (and still is) nonsense and incomplete. Upon arrival the "new owner" process didn't work for about an hour or two of software guys on the phone trying to figure out some glitches. All part of the early-adopter ride and I enjoyed being part of the process. My first few service visits were hit and miss (and still are, the next one being two months booked in advance …) Ford took my trade-in at the high end of prices offered, sight unseen on my word it was 100% per my description and some 20 foot photos. Ford service is relatively dirt cheap inside warranty and there's been one recall, plus one failure of the gas filler cap mechanism. Neither vehicle has failed me.Ford: 25K miles, 24 months. Rivian: 10K miles, 13 months.

When I need to get something done, if I need to go far, I still have the Ford.

If Rivian added a winch, bi-directional charge port, Max Pack at about 200kWh in the quad motor, solved the cabin noise, and my gripe, tank turn mode, the R1T would be a capable all-rounder that's a lot more fun to drive than just about any other vehicle on the road.

As a place to be, as a vehicle to drive for fun on-road and off-road, to arrive in style, the quad motor Rivian is an all-round marvel.

You list several great points that I agree with. Like the power running boards - can’t believe I left those off! The fold flat seats and work surface are money too. I use those more than I thought I would.

Thanks!

 

[s4wrxttcs]

Ford BlueCruise vs Rivian’s Driver+:

The problem with this test is it needs to be done in various mild to moderate weather conditions.

I don't have too many problems with Driver+ during nice days, but even moderate rain will cause Rivian to drop out of Adaptive Cruise Control which is really annoying.

I would also recommend doing a comparison of the heated steering wheel as Rivian has a not so well heated one.

 

[KubotaTed]

The problem with this test is it needs to be done in various mild to moderate weather conditions.

I don't have too many problems with Driver+ during nice days, but even moderate rain will cause Rivian to drop out of Adaptive Cruise Control which is really annoying.

I would also recommend doing a comparison of the heated steering wheel as Rivian has a not so well heated one.

Great addition re: the heated steering wheel. I haven’t had to use it yet given the temperatures that KC has had in the past 3 days. Is it that bad in the Rivian?

 

[s4wrxttcs]

Great addition re: the heated steering wheel. I haven’t had to use it yet given the temperatures that KC has had in the past 3 days. Is it that bad in the Rivian?

I have remarkably cold hands where I rely on things like heated gloves, heated steering wheels, double gloving for skiing, etc.

From that vantage point the Rivian heated steering wheel is absolutely terrible. It barely gets warmer than the surfaces around it. The best they can say its a non-cold steering wheel?

In contrast my Jeep Wrangler heated steering wheel is wonderful, and so was the heater steering wheel my Model S had.

I'm going to use a K-type Thermocouple to see what the actual temperature is. From my fingers I estimate in the range of 75 to 80F.

Based on some googling I expect to see more like 90F.

So I'm curious if the Jeep+Tesla simply run hot or if the Rivian is simply rather pointless like I think it is. They also hid the button for it behind another button. So its like some afterthought.

I am running out of time to test as its really only needed in winter months.

 

[the long way downunder]

The problem with this test is it needs to be done in various mild to moderate weather conditions.

I don't have too many problems with Driver+ during nice days, but even moderate rain will cause Rivian to drop out of Adaptive Cruise Control which is really annoying.

I would also recommend doing a comparison of the heated steering wheel as Rivian has a not so well heated one.

The heated steering wheel on the Ford works. It goes on automatically at very low temperatures. I've never used it otherwise. Both Ford and Rivian have good ventilated seats. The Rivian's are more effectively for cooling airflow.
There's so many creature comforts in the Ford, it's got things like adjusting the pedals, massage seats, speakers in the headrests.
Ride quality is both is a bit stiffly sprung.
The Ford has a built in tongue load scale and leveling rear suspension.
The Ford has great acceleration for a full size pickup. Quicker than anything short of a Raptor R or TRX. It wouldn't see which way the R1T went after the first few turns on a winding road. The Rivian handling is not "sports car" but it's fun and has no bad habits other than when the software gets tangle-footed. The F-150 does not encourage finding its limits. When I have found its limits in the wet or on snow, the Ford is well-mannered. Towing heavy, the Ford is unflustered, great braking, great torque, horrific fuel consumption.

 

[the long way downunder]

The problem with this test is it needs to be done in various mild to moderate weather conditions.

I don't have too many problems with Driver+ during nice days, but even moderate rain will cause Rivian to drop out of Adaptive Cruise Control which is really annoying.

I would also recommend doing a comparison of the heated steering wheel as Rivian has a not so well heated one.

The Ford BlueCruise is marvelous for freeways and handles a lot of secondary roads well. It parks itself under difficult conditions and the cameras make it easy to move in close quarters.

The one thing about BlueCruise is how it will casually disarm with a quiet "bong" … if you're at 80 mph on the freeway and it decides something is "too hard" (e.g. it can't figure out if a nearby truck is staying in its lane through a sweeping turn) it just quietly decides "all yours" and lets go – making the situation worse. I'd like it to "build up" to deciding it's in trouble, I'd like it to really draw attention (louder continuous noise) and at least attempt to keep steering till the driver takes over and moves the steering wheel, maybe vibrate the seat (like GM) and vibrate the steering wheel. In some cases, the Ford will first jab the brakes abruptly but maintain speed, as if attempting to jolt a drowsy driver awake, which seems like a good idea.

Also, so far, BlueCruise is free and they just extended the "trial" to the end of the year. Tesla boasts of OTA. BlueCruise arrived after I bought the F-150 via OTA and has had upgrades, all with no complications. BlueCruise is one reason I looked at getting a Mach-e, but it's just nowhere near comparable to a Model Y. Hopefully Rivian is quick to bring the R2 and that will be one less Tesla in the garage. : )

It's great to be completely hands-off (the Ford monitors for "eyes on the road") so you can move about, change your seating position, change entertainment, check the Nav, calc fuel stops, so long as you keep 90% of your time eyes on the road. It's quick to complain if you become distracted or even spend too long looking in the rearview mirror ("is that a cop?") I usually turn on the seat massage in the driver comfort setting, it just keeps moving the seat cushions around your back and legs in a remarkably effective way. If I turn it off after refueling, after a 50 miles or so, I realize I want it turned on.

When I drive the R1T 220 miles up into the mountains, I get out feeling like "that's enough of that." When I drive the F-150 Hybrid 1000 miles in a day to get from California to Montana or to Colorado – something I've done many times in winter for skiing, also in a Tesla – I arrive knowing I've had a full day behind the wheel, but not suffering any aches or stiffness.

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