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The team at Munro & Associates hit the road to compare the Rivian R1T with three popular internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks—putting them all through a real-world towing and handling test on Michigan roads. The goal: assess how a modern electric truck stacks up against traditional gas and diesel-powered pickups in terms of power, control, ride quality, and efficiency.
From dirt roads to highway ramps, each vehicle towed the same 7,000-pound load: a classic 1970 International Travelall—symbolizing the “old” being hauled by the “new.” Here’s how each truck performed.
2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke: Low-End Diesel Strength
We kicked off the day with a rare find—a base model 2018 Ford F-150 XL with a 3.0L Power Stroke turbo diesel. Though spartan, this fleet-only truck delivered solid performance thanks to 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque at just 1,700 RPM.
Towing Highlights:
- Towed in tow/haul mode without a trailer brake controller
- Truck squatted under the tongue-heavy load (~1,400 lbs), but handled well
- Transmission smoothed out gear shifts for improved trailer control
- Averaged 12 MPG on mixed suburban roads (down from its 20 MPG solo highway rating)
Ride Quality:
- Predictably “truck-like” with bumpy feedback on graded dirt roads
- Manual braking showed strain, especially without trailer brakes
- Excellent low-end torque made it feel stable despite the heavy trailer
This diesel workhorse offered strong initial pull and dependable low-RPM performance, though it lagged in ride comfort and braking ease.
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L: Smooth Ride, Balanced Power
Next up: Pete’s 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. Equipped with a 5.3L gas V8 engine (355 hp, 383 lb-ft), the Silverado featured a proper trailer brake controller and a familiar, time-tested powertrain.
Towing Highlights:
- Smooth acceleration after 35 mph, though slower off the line due to higher torque curve
- Trailer brake gain easily adjustable for better control
- Maintained solid stopping performance across terrain types
Ride Quality:
- Coil-over front and leaf spring rear suspension smoothed out Michigan’s rough dirt roads
- Less road noise and bounce compared to the Ford
- Handled washboard surfaces with greater composure
With refined suspension and responsive control, the Silverado offered the most comfortable ICE ride—making it the top pick for long hauls.
2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L HEMI: High-Speed Cruiser
Ben’s 2020 Dodge Ram Laramie brought muscle with its 5.7L HEMI V8 delivering 395 hp. However, like the Ford, it lacked a trailer brake controller, forcing cautious stops.
Towing Highlights:
- Higher torque curve required more revving (up to 4,500 RPM) at low speeds
- Strong freeway acceleration once moving
- Suffered the worst fuel economy: 8.2 MPG
Ride Quality:
- Trailer tongue sat unevenly due to truck’s tall ride height
- Trailer occasionally “pulled the tail,” affecting stability
- Similar smoothness to the Silverado, but lacked the same confidence under load
The Ram excelled in high-speed towing and freeway acceleration but struggled slightly with lower-speed control and braking.
2022 Rivian R1T: Electric Muscle Meets Refined Control
Last but not least, the Rivian R1T—a 100% electric truck with quad motors and an advanced air suspension system. With around 7000 lbs in tow and a 1400 lb tongue weight, this was the ultimate test of modern EV engineering.
Towing Highlights:
- Instant torque at all speeds made acceleration effortless
- Regenerative braking paired with trailer brake gain control gave fine-tuned stopping power
- Ride height automatically adjusted for stability
- Handled dirt roads with confidence and poise
Handling Observations:
- Incredible acceleration caused mild front-end “squirrely” behavior due to tongue weight and no front-mounted engine
- Superior traction on inclines thanks to four independently driven wheels
- Battery’s low center of gravity improved cornering and stability
Engineering Insights: Why the Rivian R1T Stands Apart
From an engineering perspective, the Rivian R1T showcases a paradigm shift in vehicle architecture. Unlike ICE trucks with heavy front-mounted engines and complex mechanical drivetrains, the R1T’s quad-motor system distributes weight and torque with precision. This not only enhances traction on uneven terrain but also eliminates the delay in power delivery seen in gas or diesel trucks.
Each of the four electric motors powers an individual wheel, allowing torque vectoring in real time. This gives the R1T unmatched handling during towing, especially when cornering or climbing hills. Drivers noticed how planted the truck felt—even with 7,000 pounds hitched to the back—thanks to the battery pack’s low, centralized position beneath the cabin floor.
The regen braking system further distinguishes Rivian’s towing experience. By recapturing kinetic energy while slowing down, the truck reduces wear on traditional brake components and enhances control. When paired with adjustable trailer brake gain, this system provided some of the most confidence-inspiring braking of the day.
Trailer Dynamics: Tongue Weight Challenges
One unexpected insight during the test involved tongue weight. The 1,400-pound tongue load proved to be on the high side, causing mild instability in the Rivian under hard acceleration. This exposed an important consideration: while EVs offer stellar torque and control, proper load balancing remains crucial for safety and ride quality.
In contrast, the Ford and Ram—with their heavier front ends—counteracted some of the imbalance, though they lacked the suspension sophistication to truly mitigate it. The Silverado struck a middle ground, with good ride quality and power management, but none matched the R1T’s all-around finesse.
As electric trucks enter the mainstream, these insights will shape best practices for towing, loading, and suspension calibration in the EV era.
Side-by-Side Takeaways
| Vehicle | Torque (lb-ft) | MPG Towing | Trailer Brake | Ride Comfort | Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Diesel | 440 @ 1700 RPM | 12 | No | Rough | Best low-end |
| Chevy Silverado | 383 @ 4100 RPM | ~11 | Yes | Smoothest ICE | Balanced |
| Dodge Ram HEMI | 410 @ 3950 RPM | 8.2 | No | Solid | Best high-speed |
| Rivian R1T (EV) | Instant Torque | Est. Range | Yes + Regen | Best Overall | Instantaneous |
Conclusion: Rivian R1T Redefines What a Truck Can Do
The Rivian R1T exceeded expectations across the board. While ICE trucks like the Silverado delivered excellent comfort and the F-150 provided gritty diesel grunt, nothing matched the Rivian’s precision control, silent strength, and electric acceleration.
For towing tasks in 2025 and beyond, especially where range anxiety is less of an issue, EV trucks like the R1T are making a serious case for mainstream utility.
Want to see what’s inside the Rivian R1T? Stay tuned for Munro’s full teardown analysis—where we dissect every system and component of this groundbreaking EV pickup. Keep your browser on Munro & Associates for expert EV insights, lean design analysis, and in-depth teardown reviews that define the future of automotive engineering.