- Tesla Cybertruck offers more range and capability in its top trim than Rivian R1T
- Cybertruck is more affordable
- Looks may play against the Tesla
Before Tesla introduced the Cybertruck, the main competitor in its sights was considered by all to be the Rivian R1T. Now that we’ve seen what the Tesla Cybertruck looks like, however, it’s hard to pin it as a direct rival to Rivian’s upcoming electric truck.
Rivian R1T | Photo: Rivian
The Cybertruck is so out there, so different, and so polarizing. On the other hand, the Rivian R1T is more subdued, more traditional, more accepted. It looks like a pickup, albeit an electric pickup.
The Cybertruck looks like its out of a video game. In any case, we all know Tesla’s truck is weird and that’s just how they wanted it. The real question is does it have the goods to back up the controversial looks and stand up to Rivian’s impressive upcoming electric truck. The answer is yes.
Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T Towing Capacity and Payload
The Cybertruck will have three versions available starting with the Single Motor AWD which can tow 7,500 pounds. Next is the Dual Motor AWD which tows 10,000 pounds. Both are below the Rivian R1T’s announced towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.
However, the Tesla Cybertruck Tri Motor AWD version can tow 14,000 pounds. Payload for the Tesla is 3,500 pounds across all three versions while the Rivian can carry 1,760 pounds.
Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T Range
Range for the Rivian R1T is announced at 300 miles for the base battery setup and 400 miles for the upper trim. The Tesla Cybertruck’s range is announced at 250 miles for the base model, 300 miles for the mid-level trim and 500 miles for the top-of-the-line trim.
The Rivian R1T is expected to reach 100 km/h in about 3.0 seconds which is the equivalent of the Tesla Cybertruck Tri Motor AWD top trim. The other two Cybertruck versions will reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and 4.5 seconds.
Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T Pricing
The Tesla Cybertrucks base price is confirmed at $39,900. The price then increases to $49,900 and $69,900. The Rivian R1T is priced at $69,000 for a base model.
Rivian Truck R1T | Photo: Rivian
Comparison Winner
Which model you choose will really depend on how you feel about how each truck looks. If you can handle the Tesla Cybertruck’s design, it’s the best truck on paper right now.
The base models give the owner plenty of range and capacity at a significant cost reduction compared to the Rivian R1T. The top-of-the-line Cybertruck is about the same price as the R1T with more range, more towing capacity, more payload, and the same power.
Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T Images
Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla Cybertruck
Rivian R1T | Photo: Rivian
Rivian R1T | Photo: Rivian
Rivian Truck R1T | Photo: Rivian Automotive
Rivian R1T | Photo: Rivian Automotive
Rivian is more “usable” in the end though. You can haul a long kayak mounted on the Rivian’s roof, or extra bicycles… Tesla, like always, are going for gimmicks instead of practicality. Their roofline an another exercise in impracticality like the gull wings on their SUV.
Rivian to me appears to be a vehicle meant to be driven. The Tesla, like most Tesla models is supposed to be a “look at me, I drive a Tesla” cry for attention.