I’m stuck deciding between the R1T and the Ford Raptor. For those who’ve owned both, what’s your take? Which one do you prefer and why?
I’d really love to hear your thoughts!
Edit: Thanks so much for all the responses so far… this has been super helpful!
I own both and they’re great for different reasons.
For everyday driving, the R1T is my go-to. For road trips with my three kids and dog, I need the Raptor since we all can’t fit in the Rivian comfortably. The Raptor has better range and feels roomier for long trips.
If you’ve got less than four people in your regular outings, I’d go for the R1T. It’s a lot more practical for most daily use cases.
@Zeke
Ugh, this is exactly the struggle I expected. Wish I could afford both!
Zee said:
@Zeke
Ugh, this is exactly the struggle I expected. Wish I could afford both!
What are your main needs? Daily driver, road trips, or something else?
Zee said:
@Zeke
Ugh, this is exactly the struggle I expected. Wish I could afford both!
What are your main needs? Daily driver, road trips, or something else?
Honestly, everything. I’m in Southern California, so I’m near Rivian service centers. But I really want to hit the desert and maybe do some overlanding. For day-to-day, it’s just me, my girlfriend, and our dogs.
@Zee
The Raptor’s back seats fold up for extra dog space, and it’s built for ripping through the desert. Perfect for that kind of lifestyle.
Zeke said:
@Zee
The Raptor’s back seats fold up for extra dog space, and it’s built for ripping through the desert. Perfect for that kind of lifestyle.
That sounds amazing… I wish the Rivian had folding back seats like the F-150.
@Zeke
I have both too. My Raptor’s battery actually died because I rarely use it anymore. I still rely on it for trips to Utah since the R1T doesn’t have enough charging infrastructure there yet.
Cy said:
I think people don’t realize how different the two are. For me, the Rivian’s power stands out—it’s in a league of its own compared to the Raptor.
Totally agree. But keep in mind, the Raptor R closes that gap a lot. It’s not that far behind the R1T in horsepower.
@Addison
True, but the regular Raptor is a better comparison since the R’s are super rare.
Shannon said:
@Addison
True, but the regular Raptor is a better comparison since the R’s are super rare.
Good point. And honestly, finding a non-R that’s new is tough too unless you buy used.
Cy said:
I think people don’t realize how different the two are. For me, the Rivian’s power stands out—it’s in a league of its own compared to the Raptor.
This is why I’m stuck. I’ve always wanted a full-size truck, but the Rivian’s size might actually be the sweet spot for me.
Cy said:
@Zee
Ever met anyone who went EV and wanted to go back to gas? Me neither.
I kind of did. I kept my Tesla but added an F-150 for towing and overlanding. Sometimes EVs just don’t fit every need.
Cy said:
I think people don’t realize how different the two are. For me, the Rivian’s power stands out—it’s in a league of its own compared to the Raptor.
You’d be surprised how much overlap there is between Raptor and R1T buyers. They’re both aimed at adventure and lifestyle, not work.
I’m in a similar boat. I’ve had a 2019 Raptor for years and love it, but maintenance is starting to get costly. Cam phasers, suspension rebuilds, etc. The R1T is looking tempting as my next truck, though the charging network and service center distance worry me. Winters here hit -40°F, so I’d have to plan for that too. If you’re near a service center, the R1T might be your best choice.
I’ve owned both. The Raptor is bigger and better for off-road speed. But it drinks gas like crazy and always seems to have something wrong.
The R1T is faster, cheaper to run, and handles better on-road. But it’s not as rugged for hard off-road use. I’d pick the Rivian overall for commuting and light weekend adventures. If you want to push limits in the backcountry, the Raptor still wins.
@Benn
Wait, the Raptor is better off-road? The R1T with the off-road package is a monster.
Finnian said:
@Benn
Wait, the Raptor is better off-road? The R1T with the off-road package is a monster.
It’s good for slow technical stuff, but the Raptor handles fast, rough terrain better. That’s its specialty.
@Benn
Exactly. The Raptor feels way more composed when things get rough. These two trucks are really aimed at different buyers.