[RDale]

I didnt like the Cybertruck when it was announced. The tech specs looked great but that Stainless steel 1980s Sci-fi angles and design looked horrible to me.

The Rivian on the other hand looks nice, a kind of weird blend of futuristic and retro which I kind of like. The high price point and the low production numbers were the red flag for me. I do look forward to Rivian in the future as I think they have a bright future.

I wonder if we'll ever see a Rivian/Ford collaboration on an EV since Ford is an investor. I heard there were plans with Lincoln but they got scrapped.

 

[MacMerritt]

I wonder if we'll ever see a Rivian/Ford collaboration on an EV since Ford is an investor. I heard there were plans with Lincoln but they got scrapped.

Possibly. I personally think Ford is investing more into the EV movement over other Legacy automakers. For GM/Cadillac and Dodge/Chrysler EVs will be more niche. I can see Ford offering up an EV Taurus, Flex or Edge, and expanding the F series.
For me Rivian, Lordstown, Lucid, and Tesla are the anti establishment movement that is great to force the fossils into either evolution or extinction. These new start ups and Tesla have the freedom to innovate and experiment since they are not beholden to the investors and board members of the Big 3 or even the Legacy foreign firms like Toyota or Honda.

 

[ChasingCoral]

When is a truck not a truck? Good assessment of functionality and legal problems with CyberTruck's design:

The Tesla Cybertruck Electric Pickup Has Functionality Problems

The Tesla Cybertruck is impressive, but we've got a few functionality concerns. Read the story right here, only on MotorTrend.

www.motortrend.com

 

[Tankster]

I am surprised no one has commented yet on this dilemma. I am personally torn between the Lightning and the Rivian R1T. I find myself changing my lean from one to the other on an almost daily basis. The Rivian is REALLY cool and looks like it's loaded with great unique features. All the marketing materials seem very idyllic - painting a picture of young adults adventuring and camping. This is enticing, but less than realistic for me. The F-150 seems more real (even though I know both ARE real). It's geared toward working, and with the larger size it just seems like it's going to be more useful for my family on a daily basis. But then again, I really like Rivian's integrated crossbar system (roof and bed rails) and their spare tire compartment under the bed panel. Oh, but then Ford has the home backup power... I guess I'm leaning F-150 today, but ask me again tomorrow...

It's all about spare parts. if you need a wheel disk rotor, rear axle (maybe) door, windshield where you going to find Rivian parts. Hello supply chain. I bet 20-50% parts are interchangeable from other same model year F-150's or maybe earlier. That will cause insurance rates to be jacked up as they will have to total ur car (happened to me with a 2006 Volvo XC-90).

Until they have a track record, no way Esoj!

 

[FM_Jack]

For anyone that's already placed a reservation for the Lightning, did you consider the Tesla Cybertruck and/or Rivian R1T at all?

If so, what made you choose the Lightning over either truck?

For anyone that's still undecided, what interested you about the Cybertruck and/or R1T compared to the Lightning?

I still have my reservation with the CT, but I'll be canceling it. I do not like the yoke wheel. Before the Lightning though, because I wasn't paying attention to the blue oval. I was seriously considering Rivian. I liked the design and the ventilated seats (which I set as a must have during muggy summer days); something else the CT wouldn't have. In the end I'm looking for a comfortable yet capable vehicle. However I did have the trepidation about servicing the vehicle. Then when I finally saw that Ford was putting out, it covered everything. Especially after already liking the Mach E (which my wife drives). But if money wasn't an object, I probably would go Hummer EV if we want to get crazy with the looks.

The lightning is going to be the family vehicle and I can also use it for hauling and it'll have the storage for road trips. Vehicles of the Mach E's size just aren't comfortable to travel long distance in when it comes to packing. My wife previously had the crosstrek and if I could have made more money setting it on fire rather than selling it, I would have.

 

[gwrace14651]

I may be old school but the design and look of the Tesla Cybertruck are a complete turn off. I also don't like the yoke steering wheel or the minimalist interior. That in combination with the lack of information and constant delays have swayed me towards the Lightning. Tesla service is also a concern. I have neighbors who had to have a Tesla towed to a service center hundreds of miles away. So service availability and convenience have also pushed me away from Tesla. I have also looked at the Rivian. I like everything I see accept the front end and pricing. Looks like a pig nose. But the fact that this is a start up company with no dealer or charging network is a deal killer. The pricing also seems high for what your getting. With Ford you have a known company with EV certified dealers and a large charging network The electrical component warranty also seems to be top notch at 8 years or 100K miles showing Ford has confidence in their builds.So for my first EV it will be a Ford Lightning. I currently own two 2015 Honda Accord Hybrids and we have really enjoyed these cars with their 700 mile range. Zero issues with both. Just normal maintenance.

 

[palbajwa11]

Welcome to the forum @mb2002! Are you planning on using your Lightning as a work truck?

I consider my commute vehicle to work my work vehicle. And Costco run and home depot hauls are way more safe and convenient in lightning than polestar 2. I am also torn between 2.

 

[VTbuckeye]

I have reservations for lightning, CT, and Silverado EV. I have an order for the lightning. I really wanted 6 passenger capacity due to occasionally bringing the in laws with us (so we will probably keep our xc90). I don't mind the CT design, though I'm not thrilled with Tesla the company. Service is one of my concerns. Having go 150 miles to get service (mobile service could help with that), but I like having a place close by to get things fixed. We had a problem with the Volvo once while traveling to Ohio. It was taken to the nearest dealer over an hour away. Now we were stuck in rural Ohio without a car (luckily we were visiting relatives and could borrow one of theirs). I'm not interested in having this type of problem potentially at home, not just on the road. The high lift over for the Rivian frunk is an issue (wife 65.5", me 64.5"). I want a longer bed (6+foot would be great, but 67" is much better than 54"). I want the bed to be longer than our Tacoma's bed due to carrying bikes and paddle boards. Silverado EV could be great, but is not yet available and who knows what the price of a lariat ER comp will be.

TLDR:
Tesla and Rivian could be service/part problems. Rivian bed too small. Lightning is available now and though expensive, it will only get more expensive in the near future (and competitors will all have similar prices).

 

[FM_Jack]

I have reservations for lightning, CT, and Silverado EV. I have an order for the lightning. I really wanted 6 passenger capacity due to occasionally bringing the in laws with us (so we will probably keep our xc90). I don't mind the CT design, though I'm not thrilled with Tesla the company. Service is one of my concerns. Having go 150 miles to get service (mobile service could help with that), but I like having a place close by to get things fixed. We had a problem with the Volvo once while traveling to Ohio. It was taken to the nearest dealer over an hour away. Now we were stuck in rural Ohio without a car (luckily we were visiting relatives and could borrow one of theirs). I'm not interested in having this type of problem potentially at home, not just on the road. The high lift over for the Rivian frunk is an issue (wife 65.5", me 64.5"). I want a longer bed (6+foot would be great, but 67" is much better than 54"). I want the bed to be longer than our Tacoma's bed due to carrying bikes and paddle boards. Silverado EV could be great, but is not yet available and who knows what the price of a lariat ER comp will be.

TLDR:
Tesla and Rivian could be service/part problems. Rivian bed too small. Lightning is available now and though expensive, it will only get more expensive in the near future (and competitors will all have similar prices).

What about the R1S? seating you want. Still expensive and I'm assuming will have the same dimensions as the R1T which is smaller than the Lightning.

 

[Tankster]

It's all about spare parts. if you need a wheel disk rotor, rear axle (maybe) door, windshield where you going to find Rivian parts. Hello supply chain. I bet 20-50% parts are interchangeable from other same model year F-150's or maybe earlier. That will cause insurance rates to be jacked up as they will have to total ur car (happened to me with a 2006 Volvo XC-90).

Until they have a track record, no way Esoj!

AS a followup to the above Bloomberg Businessweek did an article and they quoted one of the chief designers who said excactly what I suggested. Why should we have to make new doors, handles, seats, rotors wheels &tc., when the ones we have on the best selling pickup in the USA work just fine. Try replacing a door or quarter panel or getting a disk rotor on any "competitor." If GM is smart, they'll have as many interoperable parts as possible for the Silverado.

 

[208]

For anyone that's already placed a reservation for the Lightning, did you consider the Tesla Cybertruck and/or Rivian R1T at all?

If so, what made you choose the Lightning over either truck?

For anyone that's still undecided, what interested you about the Cybertruck and/or R1T compared to the Lightning?

I did not choose the Lightning over any of the competition, I simply have a reservation for all of them. Essentially, the first manufacturer to get me a truck gets my business.

If I had the luxury of going to the dealer and driving each, I am sure that a hands-on opportunity would affect my choice. As it is, I have to rely on research and published specs. But to your question, let's assume I could purchase the truck of my choice today. This is how I rate the trucks I have reserved:

1. Cybertruk (1st day reservation). I have owned high-end fast cars for four decades. I am an avid car buff. The Tesla that I am driving now is hands down one of the best (not to mention fastest) cars I have ever owned. The service and support I have had from Tesla has been simply fantastic, and frankly far better than I get from the Ford dealer (I have an F-150 and an F-250). Tesla has earned my trust when it comes to engineering, and I have little doubt they will be around for a long time. I also make trips into Mexico. This makes the bullet/dent resistant exoskeleton appealing.
2. Silverado EV. Chevy knows how to make a truck. Gimmicks aside (4-wheel steering), the specs on this truck handily beat the competition. 400 mile range is hard to ignore, but 800v charging is a much bigger deal than most realize. This puts the Silverado solidly in 2nd place, and I would be thrilled if they got me a truck first.
3. F-150 Lighting. Ford really knows how to make a truck. I have owned a lot of Ford trucks, and will be happy if Ford is first to get me a truck. I like the looks of the Lightning the best (normal), but it is at a bit of a disadvantage when compared head-to-head with the Chevy on range. It is at a massive disadvantage in the DCFC department, 400v vs 800v.
4. Rivian. By all accounts, a great truck. I have little faith that the new company will be able to scale in time to get me a truck before one of the three above, so it is the only option I did not already reserve.

 

[EVguyDFW]

I think im the only one that things the F150 is too big. It wont fit in the average garage and is a nightmare to park downtown.
I also think the Rivian is OVER-engineered where as the lightning is mostly an ICE F150.
I do love that ford has the interior electronic moon roof cover ( gets way to hot in the
Model Y we have). I love the frunk, maybe my favorite part. What I dont love is the size (too big for 90% of our use) and the fact that in 2 years theyll be common and no longer unique).
The rivian I dont think will ever be as common as an F150, and even if they did the paint colors are so unique it wont feel as so. The rivians suspension is unmatched, for any segment, and will be the better daily driver from what we know.

All that said, I'm still excited about the lightning but will 100% flip for enough money.

 

[FM_Jack]

I think im the only one that things the F150 is too big. It wont fit in the average garage and is a nightmare to park downtown.
I also think the Rivian is OVER-engineered where as the lightning is mostly an ICE F150.

It is big but they aren't targeting just the current crop of EV owners. They are targetting the segment that made the F150 the #1 selling vehicle in America. In general I think owning an EV without at least a driveway is a pain the ass unless you want to sit at public charger all the time. The F150 will fit in my garage but it'll mostly sit in my driveway.

And yea, I wouldn't say the Rivian is over-engineered but it is why I shrug at people saying Ford dropped the ball on air suspension and the compressor. But that's just more complication in the system. To me, buying an aftermarket compressor is on the same level, especially now that these 2 trucks have outlets.

The rivians suspension is unmatched, for any segment, and will be the better daily driver from what we know.

That's an interesting statement, what are you basing that on? (mainly the unmatched comment). Out of Spec put out a video offroading with the Rivian, Nissan Frontier Pro 4X, ~2004 Lexus SUV modified and Kyle noted that he was more impressed with the Nissan than the Rivian. He commented that the Rivian needs some kind of software locking diff or was interested in the Dual motor to come later. I mean "any segment"? So you think the Rivian's suspension can handle like a Porsche GT4, etc, at Willow Springs?

And as for daily driver, I think that's completely just user taste. Every review that I've watched, they've all noted that the Lightning rides really well which is a good thing because I believe that was one of the main disadvantages everyone says about the F-150 when comparing it to newer Rams because of the air suspension in the Ram. The changes in the Lightning seem to improve that ride quality. I mean people daily Jeeps and they are not great for ride quality as a daily. My buddy doesn't like that the Bronco rides so well in comparison; he likes the Jeep.

 

[EVguyDFW]

It is big but they aren't targeting just the current crop of EV owners. They are targetting the segment that made the F150 the #1 selling vehicle in America. In general I think owning an EV without at least a driveway is a pain the ass unless you want to sit at public charger all the time. The F150 will fit in my garage but it'll mostly sit in my driveway.

And yea, I wouldn't say the Rivian is over-engineered but it is why I shrug at people saying Ford dropped the ball on air suspension and the compressor. But that's just more complication in the system. To me, buying an aftermarket compressor is on the same level, especially now that these 2 trucks have outlets.


That's an interesting statement, what are you basing that on? (mainly the unmatched comment). Out of Spec put out a video offroading with the Rivian, Nissan Frontier Pro 4X, ~2004 Lexus SUV modified and Kyle noted that he was more impressed with the Nissan than the Rivian. He commented that the Rivian needs some kind of software locking diff or was interested in the Dual motor to come later. I mean "any segment"? So you think the Rivian's suspension can handle like a Porsche GT4, etc, at Willow Springs?

And as for daily driver, I think that's completely just user taste. Every review that I've watched, they've all noted that the Lightning rides really well which is a good thing because I believe that was one of the main disadvantages everyone says about the F-150 when comparing it to newer Rams because of the air suspension in the Ram. The changes in the Lightning seem to improve that ride quality. I mean people daily Jeeps and they are not great for ride quality as a daily. My buddy doesn't like that the Bronco rides so well in comparison; he likes the Jeep.

Ya so my suspension comment is based on two parts. On this forum somewhere an engineer said that he could look at the Rivians underbody all day long, and it was basically a 4x4 porsche. You hit the nail on the head w part two which is the Rams air suspension vs the gen14 F150's. Rivian has this, plus 4 wheel independent motors / drive capability. So I dont think its too much to say Rivian does probably have the best suspension and drivetrain available in 2022. If you factor in cost, there's 0 competition. As a whole, the Rivian is over-engineered for its segment and for it's price. Compressor, bedcover, removable and configurable racks, air suspension, drive modes, build quality (I cant prove this but your youtube guy said as much).

 

[FM_Jack]

Ya so my suspension comment is based on two parts. On this forum somewhere an engineer said that he could look at the Rivians underbody all day long, and it was basically a 4x4 porsche. You hit the nail on the head w part two which is the Rams air suspension vs the gen14 F150's. Rivian has this, plus 4 wheel independent motors / drive capability. So I dont think its too much to say Rivian does probably have the best suspension and drivetrain available in 2022. If you factor in cost, there's 0 competition. As a whole, the Rivian is over-engineered for its segment and for it's price. Compressor, bedcover, removable and configurable racks, air suspension, drive modes, build quality (I cant prove this but your youtube guy said as much).

Oh Sandy? Or you mean a forum poster.

but now that you say 4x4 Porsche, I do actually remember someone saying that. Don't remember who it was though.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I think im the only one that things the F150 is too big. It wont fit in the average garage and is a nightmare to park downtown.

Thus the reason it is likely Ford's next BEV pickup will be a Ranger or Ranger-class truck.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I'm still a big fan of the Rivian and really hope they make it as a company. I didn't want to drop $80-100K on a truck from a company with no track record and limited repair sites.

 

[EVguyDFW]

Thus the reason it is likely Ford's next BEV pickup will be a Ranger or Ranger-class truck.

1,000% agree. Doesnt make sense to do the Maverick first as the hybrids get crazy good mpg

 

[tib805]

I have a reservation for the Cybertruck in addition to the Lightning. The Lightning is definitely what I plan to purchase, though. Not only do I like the Ford's more traditional layout and styling better, but since I made the CT reservation I've really soured on Tesla, due mostly to Elon Musk's business practices and public behavior. I'd rather not have any of my dollars go into his pocket, if I can avoid that.

I've never really felt the Rivian was for me. It looks like it'll be great for most who buy one, but I won't be one of them.

I also made a (free) reservation for an Alpha Wolf. They're cool retro mini-trucks (think Marty McFly's dream Toyota), but for now they're vaporware. Not even a prototype exists yet. Just a mock-up.

Agree with you on this. I won't be buying another Tesla. Love the cars but can't see me supporting the CEO or whatever his title is. Genius or not. If they remove him, that's a different story.

 

[SmartElectric]

Have Cybertruck (1st week) and F150 Lightning (1st day) reservations.
Will be buying the first one that I can order and get delivered.

Preferences

• 220 mile range towing 10000 lbs at 70 mph (3 hours + a buffer)
• charging network
• rugged suspension, body, glass
• stereo + tech as good as our Tesla Model S
• high wife acceptance factor
• service quality / network

The top end Cybertruck 500 mile range might equate to a 180 kWh pack, compared to 131 kWh in the Ford, an extra hour of on road range when towing.

Prefer Tesla over Ford for the charging network, it's not even close. Our Ioniq EV DC charges nicely but the charging networks are awkward and we've been 75% successful on charging at non-Tesla networks/sites. We've supercharged literally hundreds of times, 100% success with Tesla.

Our 2013 Model S has been an amazing vehicle to drive and service from Tesla (3 service locations within 20 km) has been superb, but if I move outside of Toronto Canada, things won't be as good. Ford gets the edge on service/dealer network if we consider that my wife and I will be travelling the Americas and that includes Mexico.

Cybertruck with dent proof stainless steel panels, harder glass (hopefully) and very rugged air suspension would be a huge advantage travelling Mexico with it's poor roads and terrible speed bumps.

Wife loves her Tesla Model S, it's by FAR her favourite vehicle (has owned Porsche, Mercedes, Ford, GM, Hyundai).