In Edmunds Testing, the Ford F-150 Lightning Tops The Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T

Ford Doesn’t Sit On Its Laurels

Never let it be said that Ford—or any maker—rests on its laurels. It isn’t possible because new vehicles are always coming along, trying to reach the top of any particular site.

Related story:  Story asks should Tesla fear Rivian

For example, the Ford Authority (FA) is one of the leading sources of news and independent information about Ford. Indeed, today, the FA noted that Ford’s F-150 Lightning electric “has enjoyed more than its fair share of critical acclaim since its launch nearly three years ago.

The F-150 Lightning was named Edmunds’ top EV truck for two consecutive years. During that time, the Lightning “beat out one of its rivals – the Rivian R1T – in a noncompact test conducted by Motor Trend. Now, Lightning is looking at another comparison with Tesla’s Cybertruck.

Cybertruck Versus Rivian And Ford

FA noted that Edmunds “completed recently” a comparison between EV pickups plus the R1T.

Comparison thoughts: There's plenty of room for EV demand.

Let us let FA set the scene for the test:

“For this particular test, Edmunds utilized the Rivian R1T Launch Edition from its own fleet, plus a Ford F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery and the dual-motor Tesla Cybertruck—not the range-topping Cyberbeast, which it borrowed from a private owner, as that company doesn’t employ any sort of press fleet.”

Questions Cybertruck Controls

“Regarding the driving experience, Edmunds noted that the Cybertruck rides nicely and is rather quick, though it wasn’t as big a fan of the controls being housed mostly in the center touchscreen.

Edmunds called it the Lightning “’ the Lightning the most truck-like of the bunch,” with a rougher ride, but that’s not surprising given that, unlike the Cybertruck and R1T, it doesn’t come equipped with an air suspension. In terms of range, the Cybertruck netted 334 miles in Edmunds’ testing, with the Lightning returning 332 miles and the R1T 321 miles.’”

Ford Chief tests: Ford Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck go bumper-to-bumper

Here Are The Testing Results

Ultimately, Edmunds chose the Ford F-150 Lightning as the test winner for several reasons. The reasons include:

• The Cybertruck is “simply not versatile enough, not clever enough, and it’s way too expensive.”
• The R1T “might be less eccentric and less spacious[ but it’s much easier to use and live with daily.” 
• Even with its advantages, Edmunds prefers the Lightning. The testers believe it also says the Lightning is “still the one we’d have over all the others,” which is notable given the increasing level of competition it’s facing moving forward.

Ford Motor Photo

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971. His automotive articles have appeared in venues including Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow Marc on Twitter or Facebook.