2025 Ford F-150 Lightning vs. 2025 Rivian R1T Comparison

Electric full-size trucks like the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T represent a growing vehicle segment that could reshape the automotive industry. After all, the three best-selling vehicles in the U.S. are presently all full-size pickups. 

Replacing a gas or diesel-powered engine with an electric powertrain is a huge opportunity to boost the appeal — and sales — of EVs. 

Do you think an electric truck figures into your budget and driving demands? Let’s explore the highlights of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T to find out.

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning offers a choice of two battery pack sizes and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The base powertrain is a 452-horsepower dual-motor electric setup. Choose the extended-range battery, and the output increases to 580 hp.  

At the time of writing, the Pro variant is the least expensive model. Realistically, however, the base model for consumers is the XLT trim level.

Ford F-150 Highlights 

Proven track record: Ford has a long history of building hard-working trucks. This bodes well for the F-150 Lightning in terms of everyday practicality and longevity. It could also convince some long-time truck shoppers to opt for an EV for the first time.

SYNC 4A infotainment: A 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and a 15.5-inch screen is optional. No matter which you choose, we’ve found Ford’s SYNC 4A software intuitive and easy to use. Unlike the Rivian, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Hands-free BlueCruise: BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving aid that can be operated on more than 130,000 miles of roads throughout North America. During many miles of road tests, BlueCruise has impressed us with its refinement and fatigue-reducing functionality. 

Functional frunk: The front trunk — or “frunk” — is a handy 14.1 cubic feet in capacity, bigger than the trunks in many popular sedans. It also comes with multiple 120-volt outlets, plus USB-C and USB-A ports. Unlike the Rivian, when opened, the Ford F-150 Lightning frunk includes the front grille area. The R1T does not, which means more of an up-and-over lift when loading cargo. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the F-150 Lightning models near you.

2025 Rivian R1T

2024 model shown

Rivian burst onto the EV scene seemingly out of nowhere only a few short years ago. However, this startup automaker had spent close to a decade preparing to enter the electric vehicle segment, and did it right from the outset. This model year sees the first significant update to the R1T full-size truck, including suspension, power, and interior updates, plus a new trim level.

Rivian R1T Highlights 

Performance: During our time with it, the sheer power of the R1T has been one of its most defining characteristics. It’s not only quick in the straight line, but the ride and handling are equally impressive. Depending on your chosen model, the 2025 R1T serves up anywhere from 533 to 1,025 horsepower. This is one fast and fun truck.

Impressive range: Rivian didn’t devote all its engineering efforts simply to making the R1T speedy. Range is another plus point here. It varies from a low of 270 miles to 420 miles with the available Max battery, which beats the Ford F-150 Lightning’s best range estimate by 100 miles. It’s a pricey option, however. We think a mid-range version like the Quad Motor model with an estimated 350 miles of range makes more fiscal sense. 

Upscale interior: Step inside the R1T, and you wouldn’t think this automaker has only been selling production vehicles since the 2022 model year. It’s luxurious, airy, roomy, and has an upscale appearance. In the center of the dash is a large 15.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls the vast majority of vehicle functions. 

Gear Tunnel: Located directly behind the passenger cabin and ahead of the cargo bed, this 11-cubic-foot storage compartment spans the width of the vehicle. It’s great for tossing in wet or mud-covered adventure gear, and each opening is sturdy enough to serve as a handy seat or step.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the R1T models near you.

Similarities

The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are extremely close in a number of ways. They’re certainly more high-tech than a traditional truck, but neither feels overwhelming in terms of its onboard features or driving dynamics. They’re both extremely quiet and have smooth suspensions. They’re also equally grin-inducing when you hit the throttle and zoom down the road.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Ford F150 Lightning vehicles and New 2025 Rivian R1T vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

	2025 Ford F-150 Lightning	2025 Rivian R1T
Popular Powertrains
Engine	Dual electric motors	Dual electric motors
Horsepower	452 hp	533 hp
Torque	775 lb-ft	610 lb-ft
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	Single-speed automatic
Range	240-320 miles of range/68 MPGe	270-420 miles of range/79 MPGe
Also Available	Extended range battery pack	Extended range battery pack
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5-Star	Not rated
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	145.0 inches	135.8 inches
Overall Length	231.7 inches	217.1 inches
Width	79.9 inches	79.0 inches
Height	77.2 inches	78.2 inches
Turning Diameter	47.8 feet	45.0 feet
Headroom, Front	40.8 inches	41.1 inches
Headroom, Rear	40.4 inches	39.7 inches
Legroom, Front	43.9 inches	41.4 inches
Legroom, Rear	43.6 inches	36.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	66.7 inches	60.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	66.0 inches	58.9 inches
Cargo Volume	52.8 cubic feet	62.0 cubic feet

Conclusion

Want to know which two vehicles currently sit in first and second place among our ranking of the Best Electric Trucks? That would be the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, respectively. Although the Ford might seem like the value choice on the surface, there’s a lot of overlap in pricing with the Rivian when you get into the nicer and longer-range models.

We think they’re worthy of a back-to-back test drive to see which is better suited to your electric truck needs and budget. A couple of things that might move the needle toward the Ford are its roomier rear seat and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration. 

Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.