Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T: One Clear Winner?


Tesla has become a powerhouse and household name throughout the world as the leading manufacturer of electric automobiles that are trendy and incredibly fun to use. Tesla’s newest vehicle, the Cybertruck, is poised to be one of two of the world’s only fully electric pickup trucks. The R1T by Rivian is the second option, and Tesla’s competitor in the race to make the best pickup truck with zero emissions. 

The Cybertruck and the R1T are two different, yet similar vehicles that both promise to give the user everything a regular pickup truck does and more. Realistically speaking, no winner can be declared as both of these trucks are still in development. Fortunately, there’s still enough information available about both trucks to the public for anyone to be able to pick which of these trucks they would choose in a lineup.

Tesla’s Cybertruck and Rivian’s R1T are both heavily excited, even though neither has hit the road. If you’re interested in which one’s more deserving of the pre-release praise, and which one’s better, stick around. Keep reading for a comparison of the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T.

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T

The Tesla Cybertruck’s reveal came with mixed reviews. Many praised Elon Musk’s original design for a truck while others claimed it was only ugly. It also didn’t help that the shatterproof windows that Musk was raving about shattered at the reveal. 

Fortunately, the truck isn’t out yet, and Tesla can fix that issue before it is finally released to the world. The question is, will the world be ready for the Cybertruck?

The Cybertruck sports, what is possibly the unique look for a car in history. Its geometric shape is what initially scared people off, but over time has come to attract even more than Tesla’s diehard fans. Its unique shape also happens to be what makes it a potentially fantastic pickup truck. 

Source: Tesla / Rivian / InsideEVs

Tesla’s Cybertruck is quite large, and in the world of pickup trucks, the larger, the better. Its “exoskeleton” design allows anything as large as an ATV to fit in the back. Tesla is supposedly designing its own ATV to be sold with the Cybertruck to appeal to a more massive offroading fanbase. 

I have come to love the unique “cyberpunk” design of the Cybertruck and what it can do, but after learning about the R1T, I am also excited to see how Rivian’s R1T can perform against the behemoth that is Tesla.

The R1T is smaller than the Cybertruck and pulls less weight, but its design is much less harsh than the Cybertruck with its “skateboard architecture” that makes it look more familiar, like an ordinary pickup truck. 

The Rivian R1T is also incredibly speedy and is supposed to perform incredibly similarly to the Cybertruck while offroad. Since the Rivian R1T is also still in development, all these specifications and comparisons are subject to change and hypothetical. 

Source: Tesla / Rivian / InsideEVs

Fortunately, we can use the information we already do have to help consumers like you choose which track you’d ideally buy.

How Are They Different?

  • Cybertruck has a geometric shape while the R1T looks like a sleeker version of an ordinary pickup truck
  • The Cybertruck will have a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton with armor glass while the R1T will have an aluminum body
  • The Cybertruck is 230.9 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 75 inches tall, while the R1T is 217 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 71.5 inches tall
  • The R1T tops out at 125 mph while the fastest version of the Cybertruck will reach 130 mph
  • The R1T is 5,886 lbs while the Cybertruck is inferred to be around 6,000 lbs
  • The Cybertruck should be able to tow about 14,000 lbs, whereas the R1T will be able to tow about 11,000 lbs
  • The Cybertruck has a payload of 3500 lbs while the R1T has one of 1764 lbs
  • Fully charged, the Cybertruck will get a driving range of between 250 and 500 miles, whereas the R1T will have one between 230 and 400 miles
  • Cybertruck’s fastest model will reach 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds while the R1T’s fastest will in 3.2 seconds
  • The R1T will possibly have up to 750 HP with 829 lb-ft of torque while the Cybertruck will have 690 HP with 824 lb-ft of torque
  • The Rivian R1T can wade in up to 3 feet of water while the Cybertruck currently has no specifics on this aspect
  • The Cybertruck has a 149.9-inch wheelbase with a 6.5-foot-long, 57-inch-wide bed while the R1T has a 135.8-inch wheelbase with a 4.5-foot long bed
  • The Cybertruck has 110V and 220V power outlets along with an air compressor, while the R1T does not
  • The Cybertruck has an approach angle of 35 degrees while the R1T has one of 34 degrees
  • The Cybertruck has a departure angle of 28 degrees while the R1T has one of 30 degrees
  • The Cybertruck has a ground clearance of up to 16 inches while the R1T has one of 14 inches
  • The Cybertruck seats six passengers while the R1T seats five
  • The Cybertruck will have a self-driving option while the R1T only offers a semi-autonomous driving option
  • The R1T has a charging time of about an hour while the Cybertruck beats it with a charging time that is inferred to be about 35-45 minutes
  • The Cybertruck has access to more charging stations throughout the United States with its ability to connect to the Tesla Supercharger Network, Electrify America Network, and other charging stations. In contrast, the R1T only has access to the Electrify America Network and other networks. On top of that, the Tesla Supercharger Network is incredibly cheaper than the Electrify America Network
  • Cybertruck can add L track rails on the truck bed, truck bed lights, a display instead of a rearview mirror, and a solar panel tonneau cover
  • The Cybertruck will have a built-in infotainment system that includes applications such as Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ along with Tesla’s exclusive applications like dog mode and camping mode. In contrast, the R1T will have a display with standard access to applications such as GPS, Internet, etc. 
  • The R1T starts at $69,000 with a $7,500 tax credit, whereas the Cybertruck starts at $39,000

How Are They Similar?

  • Both the Cybertruck and R1T are fully electric and cause zero emissions
  • Both trucks will be a crew cab with four doors
  • Both the Cybertruck and R1T are in development and have yet to hit production
  • Both the Cybertruck and the R1T will be ready for offroading whenever needed
  • Both the Cybertruck and the R1T are suited with appliances that can essentially turn your vehicle into a camper van
  • Both the Cybertruck and the R1T will have all-wheel drive (depending on the model for the Cybertruck)
  • Both the Cybertruck and the R1T will be able to update its software through OTA (Over The Air)
  • Both the Cybertruck and the R1T have a glass roof
An earlier version of this article and infographic appeared on EVBite. EVBite is an electric vehicle specific news site dedicated to keeping consumers up-to-date on any developments in the ever-expanding EV landscape.

Uses of Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T

These trucks are both able to be utilized as ordinary pickup trucks and more. Through the use of their revolutionary electric technology, these trucks can be used for offroading, camping, and more. 

The Cybertruck is designed to appeal to all sorts of audiences, from blue-collar workers to the average family. The Cybertruck has some unique features that come to the aid of workers that specialize in work that involves power tools with its 110V and 220V power outlets and an air compressor. 

There’s a “vault” feature on the Cybertruck that can lock the bed of the truck to secure your belongings. The Cybertruck also features a camping edition that comes along with a tent and kitchenette to turn your truck into a camper van. 

The Rivian R1T will also come with a storage system known as the “gear tunnel” and a camping edition that utilizes this “gear tunnel” to create a kitchenette that is similar to the Cybertruck’s. 

Both of the trucks will feature offroading capabilities, but the R1T has a unique feature that is labeled the “tank turn.” The “tank turn” essentially allows the user to control each wheel individually.

This is made possible by the R1T’s four individual motors for each wheel. On the other hand, Tesla’s Cybertruck has its unique feature with its capability to drive by itself, which will be useful during long stretches of driving. 

Another one of Cybertruck’s interesting features includes its exoskeleton body with Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel and armor glass that is supposed to be able to take a beating and is handy for offroading trips. The R1T only has an aluminum body, and that means it can easily be beaten up and left with marks. 

In terms of the actual pickup truck capabilities, the Cybertruck helps its users by already having a built-in ramp, whereas the R1T does not have this. They both have tremendous tow and payload capabilities, but the Cybertruck happens to edge the R1T out on both of these aspects. Both of these vehicles can even wade in the water if need be, with the R1T being able to reach up to 3 feet while the Cybetruck’s specific number is not entirely known yet.

What Makes Tesla’s Cybertruck Stand Out?

My absolute favorite part of what a Cybertruck can do is take a beating. It is practically a tank with all of its armor glass and hardened steel. The infotainment system is also great for families as it gives kids something to do while on a trip with its access to video games, streaming channels, and the internet. 

The Cybertruck starts at $39,000 with its Single Motor RWD model and comes in 2 other varieties that include a Dual Motor AWD at $49,900 and a Tri-Motor AWD at $69,900. 

Respectively, these models will top out at speeds of 110, 120, and 130 mph, all the while reaching 0-60 mph in just under 2.9 seconds for its fastest model. The Cybertruck even beat a Porsche 911 in a roll race. 

While these are incredibly fast speeds for a pickup truck, speed isn’t too great of importance when deciding on whether a pickup truck is excellent or not. The Cybertruck can tow 14,000 lb and carry a payload of 3,500 lbs in its 6.5 ft bed, all the while having an approach angle of 35 degrees and a departure angle of 28 degrees. 

On top of all this, the Cybetruck also has adaptive air suspension, which changes the vehicle’s height depending on its cargo or terrain.  Suffice to say, and this vehicle is impressive for pickup truck fans. 

The Cybertruck will also be a fully self-driving vehicle with capabilities such as vehicle summoning, autopilot navigation, auto parking, auto lane changing, stop sign and stop-light response, and more. 

The Cybertruck is a fantastic vehicle for offroading with camping capabilities. Users can purchase the camping edition, which includes a kitchenette and tent to be placed in the truck bed. 

It even has 110 V and 220 V power outlets for anyone that wants to plug in any heavy machinery or electronics that demand a lot of power. 

Fortunately, the Cybertruck itself is quick to charge with a 0 – 100% charging time of about 30-40 minutes due to its ability to charge at 250 kW. Depending on the model, the Cybertruck should also be able to achieve ranges from 250-500 miles. The Cybertruck is essentially the sum of everything a pickup truck and a Tesla fan would want within their vehicle. 

What Makes Rivian’s R1T Stand Out?

The Rivian R1T also has three models with three different battery packs; a 105 kWh pack, 135 kWh pack, and a 180 kWh pack. 

The only known price is the price for the 105 kWh pack, which is a whopping $69,000, meaning that the price of the first model for the R1T is equal to the price of the third for the Cybertruck. 

All three models of the R1T top out at 125 mph, reach 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds with its fastest model and have respective ranges of 230, 300, and 400 miles. The R1T can be fully charged from 0 – 100% in under an hour at 160 kW max. 

The R1T will be able to use Electrify America Network’s charging stations throughout the United States for a price that will be unfortunately more expensive than its competitor. The R1T has a towing capability of 11,000 lbs and a payload capacity of a little over 1760 lbs with a bed size of 4.5 ft and an approach angle of 34 degrees and a departure angle of 30 degrees. 

Rivian’s R1T can utilize each wheel individually to make a “tank turn” due to its positioning of the four motors behind each wheel. This is easily my favorite aspect of the vehicle as the Cybertruck can not do anything like this. 

It can also wade 3 feet deep in water, which makes it optimal for rough conditions. Unfortunately, it only has an aluminum body, so if you don’t want to leave it with some scratches, I would recommend saving the rough offroading for the Cybertruck. 

The interface of the R1T is an infinite plane with only one visible space in the middle. This interface can be used to scroll through apps, GPS, and more. The R1T’s software will be able to be updated through OTA like the Cybertruck. 

The R1T will have semi-autonomous technology that isn’t as advanced as Cybertruck’s fully self-driving option. Still, it does allow the driver to pay less attention to the road when certain conditions are met. The R1T is essentially an ordinary pickup truck made electric, and that might be just as polarizing as the Cybertruck’s design.

Conclusion

If you’re curious about how the Cybertruck stacks up against the R1T for the purpose of a future truck purpose, the Cybertruck bests the R1T in almost every aspect. However, the “tank turn” aspect of the R1T is pretty amazing, and unlike anything we’ve seen in a road vehicle to date. It’s clear that both vehicles are created with the idea to stand out against all of the other trucks. 

From a truck design standpoint, both the Cybertruck and Rivian are both incredibly unique vehicles. And again, different from any other truck on the road. Both Tesla and Rivian seem to be pushing the limits of what a truck should look like. 

The Electrify America Network is much more expensive than Tesla’s Supercharger Network. It can charge you multiple times more than the maximum that Tesla would charge you for the same amount of energy. 

Since neither vehicle is out on the market as of now, the jury is still out on which one will have the most real world success, or if either will actually make it to the showroom floor in the near future. That’s something that’s yet to be seen, although most of us are anxiously awaiting that moment. 

Tesla Discounts:

Greg

The articles here on ThatTeslaChannel.com are created by Greg, a Tesla vehicle and Tesla solar expert with nearly half a decade of hands-on experience. The information on this site is fact-checked and tested in-person to ensure the best possible level of accuracy.

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