Compare the2023 Ford F-150VS 2023 Rivian R1T

The F-150 has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The R1T doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The F-150 offers optional Reverse Brake Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The R1T doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the F-150 and R1T offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the F-150 with Cross Traffic Alert also has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The R1T’s Rear Cross-Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the F-150 and the R1T have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-150 third among large light duty pickups in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The R1T isn’t in the top three in its category.

For better stopping power the F-150’s brake rotors are larger than those on the R1T:

The F-150 stops shorter than the R1T:

The F-150 Limited’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the R1T’s optional 50 series tires.

The Ford F-150’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Rivian R1T only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The F-150 has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare costs extra on the R1T. Without the option you must depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the F-150 8-foot SuperCab’s wheelbase is 28.3 inches longer than on the R1T (164.1 inches vs. 135.8 inches).

For better maneuverability, the F-150 6.5-foot Regular Cab’s turning circle is 3.7 feet tighter than the R1T’s (41.2 feet vs. 44.9 feet).

The Ford F-150 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1250 to 3150 pounds less than the Rivian R1T.

The F-150 6.5-foot Regular Cab is 8 inches shorter than the R1T, making the F-150 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the F-150 has standard flush composite headlights. The R1T has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the F-150 5.5-foot Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 is quieter than the R1T (40 vs. 41 dB).

The F-150 SuperCab offers optional seating for 6 passengers; the R1T can only carry 5.

The F-150’s cargo box is larger than the R1T’s in every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the F-150. The R1T doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The F-150 has stake post holes, to allow the containment of tall, light loads. The R1T doesn’t offer stake post holes.

Maximum trailer towing in the Rivian R1T is limited to 11000 pounds. The F-150 SuperCab offers up to a 14,000 lbs. towing capacity.

The F-150 4WD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the F-150 can be unhitched and driven around locally. The R1T can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The F-150 6.5-foot SuperCrew 4x4 has a much higher optional payload capacity than the R1T (2650 vs. 1764 lbs.).

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the F-150’s available exterior PIN entry system. The R1T doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Consumer Reports rated the F-150’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the R1T’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the F-150 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The R1T doesn’t offer cornering lights. The F-150 (except XL) also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The F-150’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The R1T doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The F-150 (except XL/XLT/Lariat) offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the R1T.

The F-150 (except XL/XLT)’s optional Park Assist can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The R1T doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Ford F-150 comes in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab bodystyles; the Rivian R1T isn’t available as a regular cab or extended cab.

The F-150 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The R1T doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-150 second among large light duty pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The R1T isn’t in the top three.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the F-150 as the 2021 North American Truck of the Year. The R1T has never been chosen.

The Ford F-Series outsold the Rivian R1T by almost 55 to one during 2022.