The Cybertruck has a true rival
The Tesla Cybertruck has stolen the show from the rest of its segment, but it hasn’t always made positive headlines. Most recently, for example, Tesla stopped deliveries of the Cybertruck after panels held on by adhesive flew off the truck at highway speeds. While electric trucks are becoming more common, with offerings from Ford and General Motors taking to roadways, there’s another truck that can rival the Cybertruck. The Rivian R1T has been around since the 2022 model year, and, so far, it’s remained a small fish in a big pond.
Rivian
Rivian sold 51,579 units in 2024, up from the 50,122 vehicles it sold the previous year. While the brand currently offers just two vehicles, the R1S and R1T, the EV manufacturer plans to release two more vehicles over the next few years. For now, the R1T stands as one of the few full-size all-electric trucks on the market. Available with multiple battery and powertrain options, the R1T is a capable truck that can rival the Tesla Cybertruck.
Rivian
The Rivian R1T offers up to a 420-mile range
The Rivian R1T starts at a hair under $70,000, making it the more affordable of the two electric trucks. It comes with three battery packs and two powertrain setups to choose from. The Standard battery is good for 270 miles on the base trim, while the Large battery offers up to 329 miles on a single charge. The Max battery offers the highest range, coming in between 371 and 420 miles, depending on the trim level.
Rivian
As far as performance goes, the Rivian R1T comes with a dual-motor powertrain that produces 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque in the base trim. The R1T Dual trim, from $77,900, is available with a performance upgrade that brings total output to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque. The current range-topping R1T Tri model, starting at $99,900, features three electric motors that generate 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. At its quickest, the R1T can hit 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
The Cybertruck will hurt your wallet a little more
On the other side of the coin, the Tesla Cybertruck is available from $79,990 and comes in All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast trim levels. The base model features a range of up to 325 miles, while the Cyberbeast will run you just shy of $100,000 and offers a range of 320 miles.
Tesla
When it comes to performance, the base Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive rolls out with dual electric motors that generate 600 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The Cyberbeast gets a third electric motor that increases performance to 845 horsepower and 863 lb-ft of torque. In its quickest form, the Cybertruck races to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
Which truck is better at being a truck?
When it comes to aesthetics, the Rivian R1T definitely looks more like a truck, thanks to its more traditional design. The electric pickup is capable of towing up to 11,000 lbs. when properly equipped. Payload capacity is pretty fair, coming in at 2,161 lbs. The cargo bed measures 54 inches in length and 51.1 inches in width. The R1T also has a maximum ground clearance of 14.6 inches.
Rivian
Don’t count the Cybertruck out, though. While it might look a little odd, Tesla’s truck matches the R1T with an 11,000-lbs. towing capacity, regardless of trim level. It tops Rivian’s truck as well, with the capability to haul up to 2,500 lbs. in its six-by-four foot cargo bed. The Cybertruck features an active air suspension at both axles that allows for up to 17.4 inches of ground clearance, too.
Final thoughts
The Tesla Cybertruck looks great on paper, but it’s been marred by manufacturing defects, political factors, and its polarizing design. The Rivian R1T is a solid truck by spec sheet alone, and it certainly fits the part with pretty standard pickup styling. With CEO Elon Musk’s political leanings putting the entire Tesla brand in jeopardy, the Cybertruck’s future looks bleak. The time for Rivian to strike is now, and with the right moves, the EV manufacturer could see its market share increase in 2025.