Cybertruck vs R1T vs Lightning

Finally there's some real world testing. Motortrend took the time to live with all 3, and put them through their paces.

Motortrend article

Their criteria seem well balanced, and their descriptions allow for individual preferences. 
 

I won't give a spoiler, but I did find myself with a strong preference for the 3rd place finisher (based specifically on their summaries)

Hm, yeah, I'm surprised too.  Not sure I agree with their weightings, either.  Seems a big departure from the C&D comparos of old where they had a full on points system, but this is just "we liked this aspect better".

[ edit:  Oh, it's motor trend.  that explains it ]

The only one of those vehicles I have any experience with is being a passenger in a Rivian.  My overwhelming impression was that it was small -- it feels more like you're in something the size of a Tacoma than a half-ton truck.

codrus (Forum Supporter) said:

The only one of those vehicles I have any experience with is being a passenger in a Rivian.  My overwhelming impression was that it was small -- it feels more like you're in something the size of a Tacoma than a half-ton truck.

Well, yeah.

In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :

I agree about the weightings. Ford was dinged for "Fewer amusements when parked" (as if it matters!), while the Tesla scored higher.  They credited Tesla for being a "Technological tour de force" and seemed to ignore the fact that they also dinged it for "Borderline dangerous secondary controls" and "Bunker visibility".  I'm not sure their weighting system is prioritized well.

But at least the info is there, and readers can make their own conclusions.

My boss has a rivian. Loves it but only has two kids.   I have three kids and therefore it is a a no go. 
 

Good discounts on the lighting right now and from what I hear. Dealers with a bunch of them on lot are willing to deal. 

I cross-shopped all three (though the Tesla only existed on paper) and while I really love the Rivian, the bed just isn't big enough and the frunk's design means you can't load a heavy toolbox in and out of it easily. Plus no CarPlay. My Lightning has been fantastic for nearly a year now.

A big, big, BIG deciding factor for me was also the power outlets in the bed: the Rivian can only output something like 1500W, and only from 120V outlets. The Lightning has a real 30A 240V plug that makes it feasible as a backup generator.

It's worth mentioning that by picking the highest trim Lightning, they reduced range by 20 miles or so--XLTs like mine have more range on paper and in real life than their testing.

Also, I'll just leave this here: https://apple.news/AbY7wRpuQQd62P0OGs6DAMg

Were I in the market for such a vehicle, the Lightning would get my money as well.  

I don't hate technology, but I do prefer the tech in my life to be well sorted out.  Amusingly enough, I was cursing at an ATM yesterday - but it wasn't the ATM's fault - I didn't realize my card had expired... 

I wonder how hard it would be to remove the bed and replace it with something more suited to my needs...  (on the Lightning FAQ, the official answer is just "No" with no further explanation...)

Yeah the lightning is a real truck and well made.  The Rivian is very interesting but just suffering from first time vehicle builder issues.  Surprised how bad the Cybertruck seems to be.  Tesla has made massive improvements to literally evrytjing they do but...

I heard Kyle Connor from this Youtube channel on The Smoking Tire the other day, they just did a coast-to-coast test of these three trucks plus the Silverado EV. He had some pretty good insights on the podcasts on the pros and cons of each. He also personally owns a Rivian and a Cybertruck, as well as other EVs, so I think he has pretty good knowledge of the space.

I was surprised by the low gear ratios in the truck's differentials - 9.72:1 for the Ford, 12.6:1 for the Rivian and 15.02:1 for the Tesla.

Those ranges and charge times are a complete turn off for my needs. I get how these would be great for bee bopping around town though. 

Yep, they certainly don't work for everybody. Remember, though, that public charging is something most EV owners don't use most of the time. You just plug it in at home and walk out to a full tank every day.