MotorTrend's '2022 Truck of the Year' Has Some Truck Fans Befuddled
Andrew Koole
· 4 min read
MotorTrend awarded the Rivian R1T its “Truck of the Year” award this year.
The EV startup managed to bring the first electric pickup truck to market this fall, beating industry giants like Ford and Chevy at their own game.
There’s no question that the R1T has the potential to change what a
pickup truck
can mean to the overall market. From its powertrain to its cargo space, the truck innovates nearly every aspect of its segment. But some truck lovers are still confused by MotorTrend’s choice.For one, as of the end of October, only 156 were delivered to consumers. The lack of interaction with the general public and its luxury-level $70,000 starting price make it difficult for some to get behind the idea of it being the best truck of the 2022 model year.
Why is the Rivian R1T MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year?
MotorTrend
bases its annual awards on six criteria: advancement in design, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, safety, value, and efficiency. In the eyes of the magazine’s critics, the R1T aced all six tests.The pickup truck does everything a regular pickup does. It offers a high-quality driving experience on and off-road. It can tow up to 11,000 lbs, a number only matched or surpassed by full-size offerings like the Ram 1500 or Ford F-150. Its design offers a high degree of function.
But the R1T also offers innovation and style. Packaged a refined yet rugged body, its 835 hp, 314-mile range electric powertrain, versatile driving modes, built-in air compressor, and luxurious interior make it a genuine option for any driver while still making truck lovers happy.
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If the R1T is so great, why are some truck fans unhappy with MotorTrend’s choice?
Not all the reactions to MotorTrend’s choice for 2022 Truck of the Year were negative. Many people agree that Rivian’s first release has the potential to change the pickup truck game, even if they can’t drive one home yet.
But responses to the news in the r/cars community on
Reddit
could be described as mixed. Some comments complain that the high starting price of the truck and the low production numbers make the R1T too exclusive to be considered Truck of the Year.Many point to the
Ford Maverick
, Ford’s new, unibody pickup, as the better choice because of how low it brings the entry-point for buyers looking for a new truck. For under $21,500, you get a relatively well-equipped small pickup with a hybrid powertrain.Cost-benefit analysis of the Rivian R1T
MORE: The Rivian R1T Has the Storage for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
At nearly $70,000, the base-level R1T has to compete with the capability and comfort of top-trim full-size pickup trucks. MotorTrend says it does this and more.
Able to reach 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, Rivian’s truck also positions itself among the top-performing sports cars on the market. Essentially, the R1T can do almost anything any other vehicle on the market can do. With that in mind, $70,000 doesn’t seem so steep.
Car insurance for the 2022 Truck of the Year
If you ever get your hands on one of these bad boys, be prepared to pay higher than average
car insurance
premiums. EVs like the R1T are generally still more expensive to cover than gas-powered vehicles, and the electric truck will definitely be considered a luxury model.That said, you can save on car insurance for any type of vehicle by shopping with
Jerry
, your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $879 a year.
