Electric truck showdown: Why I'd buy Rivian's R1T over the Ford F-150 Lightning after driving both

• The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are two of the most exciting new trucks on the market.

• I tested both electric pickups to compare their utility, driving performance, and features.

• They're both fantastic choices, but their strengths suit different types of buyers.

The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T represent two very different approaches to an electric pickup truck.

The Lightning is an electrified take on America's favorite truck, while the R1T is a ground-up design from a young startup. Ford aims the Lightning at traditional truck buyers, while the Rivian is an adventure vehicle for outdoor activities.

Given the lack of battery-powered truck options right now, many EV buyers will surely be deciding between the two, despite their differences.

I drove both pickups and compared their capability, utility, comfort, and unique features. Here's why I'd buy the Rivian R1T over the F-150 Lightning:

Which is cheaper?

The 2022 F-150 Lightning starts at around $40,000 (for a basic work truck and before hefty dealer markups) compared to $79,500 for the 2022 Rivian. But if you want a Lightning with a larger battery pack good for 90 extra miles of range (you do), the price jumps to around $72,500. Choose a fancier trim and some options, and you could easily be paying north of $80,000.

So they're even on price when similarly optioned, but the F-150 offers more points of entry. In this comparison, we're going to focus on the Extended-Range Lightning, because it's the best match for the R1T on both price and capability.

Rivian plans to eventually sell a $67,500 R1T, but that's a ways down the road.

How do they drive?

On pavement, both trucks are comfortable, smooth, and incredibly quiet.

And both are sports-car quick, effortlessly breezing down the road in a manner that feels unnatural in such a large vehicle. The R1T promises to rocket to 60 mph in three seconds, while the Lightning targets just over four. Your buddies will be floored by either.

Here are the specs: The large-battery Lightning claims 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful F-150 Ford currently sells. The R1T returns 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque.

The Lightning and R1T are roughly even on range, too, rated for 320 and 314 miles, respectively.

How do they drive off-road?

The R1T is more capable by a longshot. Getting people out into nature is a big part of Rivian's stated mission, after all.

Its four independent motors send the ideal amount of power to each wheel, helping the truck power over big obstacles and across treacherous terrain. Its air suspension means you can adjust ride height to up to 15 inches. And several driving modes can dial in other settings for different types of terrain. The R1T puts off-roading in easy mode.

The Lightning can also tackle some off-roading thanks to its two torquey motors and all-wheel drive, but it has less ground clearance than the R1T and can't do as much.

The R1T is over a foot shorter than the Lightning and feels more maneuverable in tight spaces, whether that's out on the trails or in a parking lot.