Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Takes On Tesla: ‘It’s Basically The Cybertruck I Wanted’
With up to 1,025 horsepower, 1,198 pound-feet of torque and a 420-mile range, Rivian’s flagship electric truck is better than ever.
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Rivian made history at the top of this decade by becoming the first automaker—a startup, at that—to put electric pickups in the public’s garages. Now the Irvine, California-based EV maker has debuted the next generation of its flagship R1T pickup to the approval of internet commenters who are already claiming superiority over the Tesla Cybertruck.
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In Launch Mode, the R1T in its top-tier quad-motor configuration now pushes out a face-melting 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a supercar-worthy 60-mph time of a 2.5 seconds—as fast as a Lamborghini Huracan and quicker than a Ferrari 488 Pista.
According to Car and Driver, the middling tri-motor configuration now boasts 850 horsepower and a 2.9-second 60-mph time, while the standard dual-motor setup delivers 553 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. That’s identical to the outgoing dual-motor’s specs, but a software-based Performance Dual-Motor tune bumps the entry-level setup’s output up to 665 horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque.
While all that muscle is fun, the Rivian R1T is still a pickup that’s capable of towing 11,000 pounds and hauling a 1,764-pound payload. Three batteries are available—a Standard pack offering 258 miles of range, a Large offering 352 miles of range, and a Max offering 420 miles of range. C&D also notes that the R1T features an innovative cross-truck tunnel for hidden lockable storage and satisfactory off-road ability, thanks to a standard all-wheel drive and air suspension.
As CNET’s Roadshow points out, the public has widely praised Rivian’s second act. Notably, one user wrote, “Oh crap. It’s basically the Cybertruck I wanted,” while another wrote that the R1T And R1S “look a lot better and won’t cut your fingers off whilst closing the trunk,” referencing the Cybertruck’s precarious motorized frunk.
Another X user proclaimed that the R1T interior looks even better in real life. “Literally everything is wrapped and stitched.”
Priced from $71,700 to $101,700, the next-gen Rivian R1T is available to purchase now.