Two new electric pickup trucks are set to rival the established manufacturers in this new segment. In this case, Tesla, which has disrupted the auto industry with its family of sedans and SUVs, is playing the role of the experienced hand. Its challenger is one of the newer startups, Rivian, set to launch its R1T pickup later this year.
Both companies have a lot in common. They have no history of building conventional trucks. Both sell directly to consumers, using the internet for most of the transactions. Regional centers or direct home visits will handle service.
But the trucks themselves couldn’t be more different. True to Tesla’s history of shaking things up, the Cybertruck boasts a sharp-edge profile and stainless-steel bodywork. The Rivian R1T has a more conventional style with contemporary detailing that’s consistent with its electric drivetrain. The Tesla is more of an on-road performance truck, especially in its top 3-motor trim, while the R1T is an all-wheel-drive truck with four motors and the ability to tackle the great outdoors. Here’s how they
The Tesla Cybertruck sports a striking, polarizing design. The sharp creases and angular shape are about ease of assembly of stainless steel body than about turning heads. Tesla has built its brand on being different than mainstream vehicles. While Tesla cars and SUVs are understated in their own way, there will be no mistaking a Cybertruck for anything else. While there is some functionality to the cargo area and its 6.5-foot bed, the Tesla will likely see more time in suburban driveways than on job sites.
The Rivian R1T has a conventional crew cab/cargo box profile you expect from a pickup. As an all-new entry, this ground-up design sports a contemporary edge. This is readily apparent in areas like the oval lighting elements. Exterior touches include tow hooks and skid plates, which speak to the off-road nature of this vehicle. Unlike the hard-edged Cybertruck, the R1T sports shapely contours to its body. The R1T will also have a counterpart in the R1S SUV.
The Tesla Cybertruck employs cold-rolled stainless steel for its body panels. While heavier than stamped steel or aluminum, the stainless composition doesn’t need to be painted. This sheen adds to the unique look of the truck. Tesla also touts the ruggedness of its 3 mm thick steel body and calls the high-strength glass armored. The Cybertruck eventually will offer three different variants with one motor in a rear-drive configuration and two all-wheel-drive models with a choice of two or three motors.
The Rivian relies on high-strength steel for the chassis and a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber for body panels and other structural elements. This blend of materials results in a lighter weight to compensate for the mass of the battery pack.
The Rivian uses a “skateboard” chassis that mounts the battery pack, cooling, and other EV componentry between the frame rails. This allows for additional cabin room and storage space in the body that rides atop this structure. The skateboard approach also gives the R1T a lower center of gravity, which helps both on- and off-road. All Rivian models are all-wheel drive with four motors, one for each wheel.
The cab on the Tesla Cybertruck features a conventional set of four doors that open up to seating for six. Like all Tesla models, switchgear is non-existent. Instead of a steering wheel, the Cybertruck employs an aircraft-inspired yoke. A 17-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the dash and provides access to all the vehicle systems. Among the features touted by Tesla is the Autopilot hands-free driving mode. It’s more of a driver-assist system than full self-driving technology.
The Rivian has a cabin that reflects its premium nature and avoids the starkness favored by Tesla. There are two prominent touchscreens on the dash, one containing instrumentation for the driver, the other displaying infotainment. There are two trim levels, the base Explore and upgrade Adventure. The latter features natural-grained ash wood accents and a Meridian premium sound system. You can also tailor the Adventure through a choice of three interior color options. A removable roof option is promised sometime next year. Rivian also offers its Driver+ hands-free driving mode similar to GM’s SuperCruise that operates on select roadways.
There are three different configurations for the Tesla Cybertruck. The base model has a single motor driving the rear axle and offers a range of 250 miles and 0-60 mph acceleration of 6.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive Dual Motor version is quicker, sprinting to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That model also has a range of 300 miles. The top Cybertruck boasts three electric motors, a range of 500 miles, and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
The first R1T models shipped by Rivian promise a range of 300-plus miles thanks to a 135 kWh battery pack. In January, a longer-range version with a 180 kWh battery pack will go more than 400 miles between charges. Later on, Rivian will add a 250-plus mile model, which probably will be a lower-priced base truck.
All-wheel drive is standard, and the R1T delivers 800 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. On the performance front, Rivian expects the R1T to accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 3 seconds. It also boasts 14 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to ford through 3 feet of water.
The Tesla Cybertruck in Tri-Motor form will be able to tow up to 14,000 pounds. Tesla says the maximum payload will be 3,500 pounds. It has a bed length of 6.5 feet and lockable storage front and rear of up to 100 cubic feet.
Rivian says the R1T will be capable of towing more than 11,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,760 pounds. The cargo bed is 4.5 feet long with the tailgate up, which expands to 83.6 inches with the gate down. In addition to the box, the R1T offers lockable storage under the front hood and some additional lockable storage beneath the rear load floor. Unique to the vehicle is a “Gear Tunnel” that runs the vehicle’s width behind the rear seat. This 65-inch long space is watertight and fully enclosed.
• Single Motor: $39,900
• Dual Motor AWD: $49,900
• Tri Motor AWD: $69,900
• Not eligible for $7,500
• Federal Tax Credit
• Explore Package: $67,500
• Launch Edition: $73,000 (sold out)
• Adventure Package: $73,000
• Eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
The Tesla Cybertruck offers cargo carrying and towing capabilities that may appeal to traditional truck owners but with a radical, head-turning look. Thanks to its performance, Cybertruck may attract enthusiasts or extreme sports types rather than those looking for practicality.
The impact of the Tesla Cybertruck will be more likely on the perception of what a truck can be rather than how they are used. With polarizing design and outrageous performance, the Cybertruck, if it’s successful, may very well challenge other traditional vehicle makers to think out of the box on their future designs.
Rivian is looking to break new ground in the pickup market, not only for its electric drivetrain but also for off-road capability. Its innovative approach to space utilization, especially with its Gear Tunnel and multiple lockable storage areas, will make the Rivian R1T a good backwoods companion. It also offers a modern yet more conventional take on the pickup, which may prove to be an asset in attracting those put off by Tesla Cybertruck’s polarizing design.
With its 4-motor all-wheel-drive configuration and 14 inches of ground clearance, the Rivian R1T promises to offer the kind of off-road capability that will certainly give vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV a run for its money. Speaking of money, Rivian qualifies for the full $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.
The Tesla Cybertuck is expected to attract a new breed of customers to the pickup market thanks to its pedigree. It will boast a long range, eye-opening performance, and a range of models that include an affordable base model up to a loaded range-topper with all the bells and whistles.
Rivian will also be targeting the same subset of electric truck buyers who use their vehicles more for recreation than work. Rivian’s business model, like Tesla’s, of using direct sales and regional centers and mobile home service could very well be the wave of the future.