Hello, let‘s take a comprehensive look at how two of the most hotly anticipated electric pickups – the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T – stack up across crucial categories like design, performance, charging tech, and driver assistance capabilities. Both companies aim to be at the forefront of the transition to sustainable transportation and offer uniquely suited EV trucks. This guide will help clarify the strengths of each vehicle to assist with your buying decision.
Overview
The Rivian R1T is one of the first electric pickup trucks to reach the market, with deliveries to customers underway. Its smart design pairs high-capability towing and off-road performance with a premium interior and clever storage solutions.
Tesla‘s Cybertruck takes a radically different approach, with an angular stainless-steel body atop a performance-focused platform promising impressive specifications. But its unconventional looks and delays reaching full-scale production leave questions.
While the R1T provides a more refined option ready to roll off the line now, the Cybertruck aims higher but demands more patience. Let‘s see how they compare blow-by-blow:
Design and Exterior Styling
Those expecting traditional truck proportions and metal-stamped body panels may need to adjust expectations when it comes to both the R1T and Cybertruck.
Rivian R1T Exterior
- Conventional 4-door crew cab design
- Features sleek, aerodynamic front profile
- Uses lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction
- Distinctive daytime running light signature
- Available in 8 colors with premium paint upgrade
Tesla Cybertruck Exterior
- Futuristic shape with pointed front and nearly straight body lines
- Made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel
- Has imposing presence with muscular, armored appearance
- Strong angles and flat planes provide aerodynamic benefit
- Only available in matte black initially
The R1T aims for the best of both worlds – maintaining a familiar truck silhouette enhanced by smart functional design choices and premium details. Tesla throws out the playbook, banking on an imposing yet utilitarian exterior built for performance and efficiency.
Exterior Dimensions Comparison
| Measurement | Rivian R1T | Tesla Cybertruck |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 217.1 in | 231.7 in |
| Width | 79.3 in | 79.8 in |
| Height | 71.5 in | 75 in |
| Wheelbase | 135.8 in | 149.9 in |
While similar in width, the Cybertruck‘s greater length, height and wheelbase distance lend it even more imposing proportions.
Clearly Tesla is counting on the Cybertruck‘s radically different face, jarring angles and hulking form factor to entice interest. Rivian opts for a more subtle evolution of existing truck styles. So personal taste in aesthetics may dictate reactions here more than any particular performance specification.
Capability and Powertrain Options
Truck buyers expect serious workhorse capabilities – namely horsepower, torque, towing capacity and off-road prowess. Electric motors provide ample low-end torque, but let‘s see how these two stack up numerically:
Capability Comparison
| Spec | Rivian R1T | Tesla Cybertruck |
|---|---|---|
| Max Horsepower | 800+ | 800+ |
| Max Torque | 920 lb-ft | 1,000+ lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | 3.0s | 2.9s |
| Max Towing | 11,000 lbs | Over 14,000 lbs |
| Max Payload | 1,760 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
The maximum performance variants of both the R1T and Cybertruck boast extremely impressive specs that beat most gasoline-powered trucks. Triple-digit horsepower and near instantaneous torque, incredible tow ratings and huge payload capacities demonstrate how EVs can revolutionize pickup capabilities.
Tesla may edge out Rivian slightly on towing, torque and payload paper. But both models promise truck performance exceeding expectations, finding the ideal middle ground between workaday hauling duties and extreme power.
Powertrain and Drivetrain Configurations
Rivian Powertrains
- Base: Dual motor AWD, 600+ hp
- Max options: Quad motor AWD, 800+ hp
Tesla Powertrains
- Base: Single motor RWD, 400+ hp
- Dual motor AWD, 600+ hp
- Tri motor AWD, 800+ hp
Tesla offers more gradation in powertrain options while Rivian sticks to two clearly delineated specs. Coming standard with dual motors, the R1T provides AWD capability from all trim levels. Only the single motor Cybertruck promises RWD. So again personal preferences and use cases will determine ideal setups.
Let‘s move on from nitpicking performance metrics to more qualitative comparisons regarding off-roading and storage versatility.
Off-Roading Experiences: Cybertruck vs R1T
Truck marketing loves to show videos of vehicles powering up craggy rock climbs or crawling over fallen logs. But do either of these electric models actually translate that promised performance into reality?
R1T Off-Roading Capabilities
- Standard four-motor AWD system enables precise torque vectoring
- Up to 15.6 inches of ground clearance thanks to adaptive air suspension
- Watertight electronics allow water fording depth over 3+ feet
- Strong unibody frame and protective skid plates help durability
- Up to 45 degree approach/departure angles
Automotive journalists who tested the R1T confirm it lives up the hype as an incredibly capable overlander right off the production line. Clever control software paired with independent motors at each wheel results in excellent articulation and traction. Add the flexible suspension travel and waterproofing and the R1T earns legitimate hard-core off-roader credentials.
Cybertruck Off-Roading Features
- Optional adaptive air suspension adjustable up to 16 inches
- Stainless steel exoskeleton for underbody protection
- Up to 35 degree approach angle stated
- No official confirmation on water fording depth or skid plating
- Unibody is reported to use cold-rolled steel for stiffness
On paper, the Cybertruck promises the specifications to compete off pavement but lacks final confirmation. While some capability metrics come close to the R1T, more testing will reveal durability and articulation limits in practice. The stainless body could be an asset or liability depending on impacts and terrain.
Clearly Rivian has already put their electric pickup through its paces for a confidence-inspiring experience away from tarmac. Tesla still needs to demonstrate Cybertruck‘s ultimate flexibility when the going gets rough and uneven.
Interior Space and Storage Solutions
Truck owners require both passenger roominess and versatile, voluminous cargo capacity. EV skateboard platforms lend themselves well to spacious, configurable interiors.
Cybertruck Interior
- 6 seat capacity with rear fold-flat bench
- 17 inch central touchscreen
- Minimalist dashboard lacks traditional glovebox
- Unique yoke-style steering wheel
- 100 cubic feet of lockable storage with vault and bins
R1T Interior
- 5 seats including rear 60/40 fold-flat bench
- Driver display behind steering wheel
- Large central touchscreen with haptic feedback
- Premium, sustainable materials throughout
- Gear tunnel behind rear seat area
- Multiple storage cubbies and compartments
Specification-wise the Cybertruck perhaps wins on paper by squeezing in 6 passengers. But the R1T counters with more conventionally comfortable appointments for all riders. Cleverness abounds in the R1T gear tunnel design that creates an enclosed pass-through space uniquely possible thanks to the EV architecture.
For hauling stuff more than people, both models offer roll-top tonneau covers to seal their beds closed. Combined with fold-flat rear seats and front trunks, either pickup can morph from workhorse to makeshift camper with impressive flexibility.
Charging Infrastructure and Range
Since electric trucks represents brand new territory, assessing the robustness of associated charging support bears importance alongside battery specs.
Rivian Public Charging Network
- 200+ charging locations enabled upon R1T launch
- DC fast charging rate of 200 kW today; upgrades to 300 kW soon
- Chargers located near parks/trails and major highways
- Connectors support 400 volt architecture for quicker recharges
- Rivian app guides drivers to charger locations
Tesla Supercharger Network
- Over 40,000 Superchargers worldwide and counting
- 250 kW charging capability currently; new stations at 300 kW
- Strategically positioned for long distance travel
- Existing connectors support new 400 volt low-temp architecture
- In-car navigation provides charger availability info
Tesla holds a wide advantage currently with 10x as many dedicated DC fast charging stations installed. But Rivian is rapidly rolling out an EV ecosystem carefully tailored for expected adventure-focused use cases. Both truck makers also pledge future-proofing as battery voltage levels increase.
Max Charge Rates Compared
| Truck | Max Charging Power | Max Miles/Hour Added |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T | 300 kW projected | 140 miles |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 250 kW | Over 125 miles |
Range Estimates
| Truck | Max Range | Max Pack kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T | 400+ miles | 180 kWh |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Over 500 miles | 200+ kWh |
Batteries have always been a strength for Tesla, as reflected by the Cybertruck‘s industry-leading range estimates. But Rivian‘s 180 kWh max pack also provides very generous driving distance coverage. Both automakers pledge continuous tech improvements too.
400+ miles removes any hint of range anxiety for the R1T in real world use. Tesla‘s 500 mile top-end number is likely overkill for practically all buyers. Recharge rates are currently capped higher for Rivian, allowing quicker power restoration at stations.
Autonomy and Driver Assistance Comparison
With cutting-edge electric vehicles, excitement over self-driving tech remains despite full autonomy still years away. Let‘s examine what Tesla and Rivian currently offer:
Rivian Driver+ Details
- Included free on all R1T and R1S models
- Offers assisted highway driving functionality
- Can automatically change lanes and modulate speeds
- Driver input still required to activate system
- Uses suite of ultrasonic, camera and radar sensors
- Receives over-the-air updates to improve features
Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD)
- Standard Autopilot provides basic traffic aware cruise control
- FSD upgrade adds automated lane changes and navigation features
- Requires oversight from attentive driver at all times
- Primarily relies on integrated camera sensors and algorithms
- Promises to eventually enable complete autonomy via software updates
- Costs $10,000 which may see future price hikes
On the scale from driver warning systems to computer controlled driving, both options land closer to the prior for now. Rivian currently seem to promote slightly more advanced hands-free capabilities. Tesla sells their more robust mode as a pricey add-on. Yet no manufacturer has solved Level 5 full automation able to operate safely independent of human oversight.
So conservatively treat either tech suite as Speculative enhanced aids rather than self-driving savants for the next handful of years at least. Their most useful features help reduce monotonous highway fatigue. But constant supervisor remains essential.
Warranties and Service Plans Compared
When purchasing a brand new vehicle utilizing groundbreaking technology, warranty protection provides necessary peace of mind.
Rivian Warranty Coverage
- 5 year / 60,000 mile comprehensive vehicle warranty
- 8 year / 175,000 mile battery and drivetrain warranty
Tesla Warranty Terms
- 4 year / 50,000 mile basic vehicle limited warranty
- 8 year / 100,000 – 150,000 mile powertrain coverage
Tesla used to offer unlimited mile powertrain warranties but amended terms in 2020. Rivian initially matches then exceeds their battery system coverage duration. And the all-encompassing vehicle policy spans an extra year or 10,000 miles versus Tesla‘s plan.
Both factory warranties represent strong electric vehicle protection aligned with premium brands. Extended service plans can provide further financial safeguards on high tech purchases for extra peace of mind. But Rivian‘s particularly generous guarantees for a new auto entrant stand out.
Final Verdict: Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T
Let‘s quickly summarize key pros and cons for each electric truck option before picking an ultimate winner.
Rivian R1T Pros
- Modern evolution of classic pickup proportions
- Clever interior storage and gear tunnel design
- Generous warranty and EV charging infrastructure
- Leading capability metrics realized off the line
- Impressive demonstrated off-road performance
Rivian R1T Cons
- Conservative exterior styling not for everyone
- Higher starting pricing through top trims
- Lagging behind Tesla Supercharger network coverage
Tesla Cybertruck Pros
- Packs supercar performance stats into a pickup
- 500+ mile maximum rangeEstimate beating all EVs
- Steel exoskeleton leads to ultra-strong body
- Very competitively priced before options
- Cutting-edge concept executed differently
Tesla Cybertruck Cons
- Extreme styling risks limiting mass appeal
- Powertrain specs not fully proven with testing
- No confirmed interior details revealed yet
- History of delays delivering ambitious targets
Considering all factors explored above – the reality of Rivian delivering today on extremely compelling EV truck capabilities compared to mere possibilities from Tesla – I would proclaim the Rivian R1T the current winner in this head-to-head matchup.
Tesla receives the benefit of the doubt to possibly claim superiority eventually. Yet past promises failing to materialize as promoted dampens confidence. Rivian clearly holds advantages in present polish, everyday livability and usable technology customers can benefit from immediately.
Of course personal preferences, budgets and appraisals of each model‘s strengths and weaknesses differ with every buyer. Both companies deserve applause for pushing the electric vehicle envelope in exciting new directions. But forced to choose one innovative pickup to park in my dream garage…the impressive R1T moves ahead of Cybertruck‘s theoretical transported future.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
