Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T | Here Is Our Verdict

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 03/17/21 •  4 min read

The world of EVs hasn’t spared a single vehicular segment, as the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T are two of the most hyped light-duty trucks in existence. The Tesla Cybertruck is to debut in 2022 while the Rivian R1T will debut in the summer of this year. Let’s compare the Cybertruck and the R1T.

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Tesla Cybertruck Vs. Rivian R1T Comparison

Engine and Performance
Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T
Credit Rivian | Tesla

Starting the comparison with the Cybertruck, which is predicted to come in three different motor configurations; a standard single motor version, a double, and a triple version.

The single motor variant is the only one that will not come with standard AWD. The details about these motors haven’t been revealed yet.

In comparison, the 2021 R1T offers AWD on all of its variants. 105, 135, and 180kWh battery packs have been promised, with the middle model being claimed to have 754hp. There’s an electric motor on each wheel.

The Rivian R1T beats the Tesla Cybertruck in accelerations, with its first two powertrains achieving 0-60 times of 4.9 and 3s, while the single and dual motor Cybertrucks will take 6.5s and 4.5s.

Interior Quality and Technology
Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T
Credit Rivian | Tesla

Testers have only glanced at the Cybertrunk’s interior, via the officially published photos.

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The Cybertruck is to sport a slab-esque dash with a large 17-inch touchscreen, and a display on its boxy steering wheel.

The Cybertruck also has a state-of-the-art tailgate which can act as a ramp to load ATVs and bikes.

The R1T’s cabin is very plush comparatively, as it is covered in leather, wood, and large screens representing the infotainment and the gauges. Its truckbed increases functionality with an air compressor and three 110-Volt outlets.

Space and Towing

The Cybertruck can seat six people, and it has a 6.4-foot cargo bed with 100 cubic feet of volume. The Rivian R1T also has a large trunk at the front, a large storage area behind the cab, and a lockable in-bed compartment.

The Rivian has a 4.5-foot cargo bed, and they claim up to 12 cubic feet of lockable storage. The R1T also has an expandable/collapsible crossbar system to help load more gear.

All the R1T models offer an impressive 11,000lbs of towing capacity. The Cybertruck loses the comparison with its first two models at 7500 and 10,000lbs, but the top variant has a higher max towing rating of 14,000 lbs. The Tesla Cybertruck also has double the payload at 3,500 lbs.

Safety and Fuel Economy

As far as electric ranges are concerned, the Tesla Cybertruck’s three models are promoted to do 250, 300 and 500 miles.

The Rivian R1T falls short comparatively, with 230, 300 and 400 miles being claimed for its three versions. Regardless of the comparison outcomes here, these are astounding figures.

Price and Warranty

The base Cybertruck with the single motor starts at $39,900. Add $10,000 more for an extra motor to get the middle trim. The triple-motor version will start at $69,990. The base 105kWh R1T is to be priced around $67,500.

The middle-tier 135kWh, should be priced at $75k, and the 180kWh version hasn’t been priced yet. There is confusion with Riviant’s numbers however.

Tesla provides a Limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, and a Powertrain warranty that covers 8 years. Riviant’s warranty hasn’t been revealed yet. 

Our Verdict

The Tesla Cybertruck wins this one. The Rivian is a great pickup truck and is better in terms of looks, interior and acceleration.

However, the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T comparison shows us that the former has a better range, and higher towing and payload capacities. All of this is helped by the fact that it is priced better.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.