Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T vs Ford F-150 Lightning: Electric Pickup Clash

The long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck finally reached customers in late 2023 and is already facing stiff competition from the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. MotorTrend assembled a dual-motor Cybertruck, a Rivian R1T with the optional Max pack and a Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum to evaluate performance, range and towing. The trio’s prices were remarkably close (all between about $93,000 and $103,000), yet their driving experiences differed significantly.

Acceleration and Braking

With its 600-horsepower dual-motor setup, the Cybertruck rockets to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds—quicker than the 4.1 seconds recorded by the Ford but behind the Rivian’s 3.3-second sprint. Quarter-mile times follow a similar order: 12.1 seconds for the Rivian, 12.4 seconds for the Cybertruck and 12.8 seconds for the Lightning. Braking performance clustered tightly: both the Ford and Rivian stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, while the Tesla required 126 feet but maintained consistent body control.

Range, Charging and Towing

All three trucks can exceed 300 miles on a single charge on paper. However, MotorTrend’s 70-mph road-trip test found real-world ranges of 224 miles for the Cybertruck and 222 miles for the Lightning, while the Rivian achieved 264 miles. The Cybertruck benefits from the high-powered Tesla Supercharger network: a preconditioned battery receives 250 kW almost immediately, adding miles quickly. Yet Rivian and Ford owners can now access many Superchargers via adapters, meaning Tesla’s network advantage is shrinking. On towing, both the Cybertruck and Rivian are rated for 11,000 pounds; the Lightning Platinum is limited to 8,500 pounds. In MotorTrend’s towing test with a lightweight trailer, all three saw their ranges drop by roughly one-third to one-half.

Verdict

The Rivian R1T edges out its rivals on performance and real-world range, while the Cybertruck offers distinctive style and strong acceleration. Ford’s Lightning remains a solid, comfortable option but lags in range and towing. Buyers should consider brand loyalty, charging access and towing needs when choosing an electric pickup.