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Updated on May 5, 2025
Whether you’re vaguely intrigued by the EV market or a wholehearted proponent of the tech, one thing’s for sure—electric vehicles are here to stay. Offering exceptional performance, intuitive driver controls, and impressive efficiency, EVs are the wave of the future.
While EVs have experienced considerable success in the compact car, SUV, and CUV markets, they have failed to gain traction in the pickup truck class until recently. With the release of models such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, EVs are moving closer to gaining a foothold in the pickup market.
If you’re in the market for a new electric truck, you’re likely considering Tesla and Rivian’s offerings, but which is the right fit? In this RealSource feature, we compare and contrast these two standout electric offerings to determine which reigns supreme.
Every great thing has to start somewhere. In this section, we’ll cover the development and release of both electric pickup trucks.
Rivian was founded in 2009 by Robert “RJ” Scaringe, an MIT graduate, to revolutionize the automotive industry with a technologically advanced fleet of autonomous vehicles.
However, after several years and investments, the company shifted its focus to producing semi-autonomous electric pickups and SUVs. The first concept for the R1T, originally called the A1T, was unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show alongside Rivian’s companion SUV, the R1S. This adventure-ready pickup broke the EV mold, showcasing the technology’s potential for both on-road driving and off-road exploration.
After a series of challenges, production halts, and supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivian began delivering production R1T trucks in October 2021.
Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Cybertruck in November 2019, a bold departure from traditional truck design. Musk’s vision for the vehicle was to create a durable, futuristic electric truck to challenge the market's status quo.
With its angular, exoskeleton-style design and unorthodox raw stainless steel finish, the Cybertruck garnered immediate attention and mixed reactions. The Cybertruck aimed to combine Tesla’s cutting-edge EV tech with the utility and ruggedness one would expect from a pickup truck, targeting both traditional truck enthusiasts and techies.
Initially planned for a 2021 release, the vehicle faced delays due to production challenges and design adjustments. Despite setbacks, including manufacturing and supply chain disruptions, Tesla finally released the Cybertruck in November 2023.
Once both models hit the streets, they garnered immediate attention for their standout styling and features. Let’s examine each vehicle, including its overall styling, features, and capabilities.
The Rivian R1T is one of the brand’s flagship vehicles. Launched in 2018, the model quickly garnered the attention of tech fanatics and truck enthusiasts due to its rugged design characteristics, which are tailored to appeal to not only EV fans but also the traditional truck consumer base.
Whereas several EV trucks leave much to be desired, the R1T delivers on nearly every promise of a full-size pickup, including rugged aesthetics, an elevated ride height, and off-road prowess. It also offers a commendable towing capacity, a considerable range between charges, a spacious truck bed, and an innovative gear tunnel for additional storage.
For more information on the R1T, check out our comprehensive model overview.
So, what about the Cybertruck?
This hyper-futuristic pickup debuted with mixed reviews, and justifiably so. Sporting a bare stainless steel exoskeleton and unique angular profile, the Cybertruck looks fresh off of a sci-fi film set. Things aren’t much more grounded inside the interior, which takes an uber-minimalist approach.
The cabin is bare of all buttons and controls, aside from those found on the oddly rectangular steering wheel, which Tesla calls a ‘yoke.’ All controls are found on the massive 18.5-in. touchscreen infotainment system, down to the electric locker functionality and climate controls.
To learn more about the Cybertruck, check out our discussion on whether it qualifies as a RealTruck.
While both trucks boast revolutionary styling, that’s only half the equation. Check out the specification sheets below to see if these vehicles are as good on paper as on the street.
Model | R1T Standard | R1T Dual | R1T Tri | R1T Quad |
Range | 270 Mi. | 329–420 Mi. | 371–405 Mi. | TBD |
Acceleration (0–60) | 4.5 Sec. | 3.4 Sec. | 2.9 Sec. | 2.5 Sec. |
Drive | Dual-Motor All-Wheel-Drive | Dual-Motor All-Wheel-Drive | Tri-Motor All-Wheel-Drive | Quad-Motor All-Wheel-Drive |
Top Speed | 125 MPH | |||
Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs. with a standard hitch Up to 11,000 lbs. with a weight-distributing hitch | |||
Bed Size | 54” | |||
Dimensions | 217″ L x 79″ W x 78″ H | |||
Horsepower | 533 HP | 665 HP | 850 HP | 1,025 HP |
Torque | 610 lb-ft | 829 lb-ft | 1,103 lb-ft | 1,198 lb-ft |
Model | Cyberbeast | AWD | RWD (est. 2025) |
Range | 320 Mi. | 340 Mi. | 250 Mi. |
Range (+Extender) | 440+ Mi. | 470+ Mi. | TBD |
Acceleration (0–60) | 2.6 Sec. | 4.1 Sec. | 6.5 Sec. |
Drive | Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive | Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Top Speed | 130 MPH | 112 MPH | 112 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 11,000 Lbs. | 11,000 Lbs. | 7,500 Lbs. |
Bed Size | 6’ x 4’ | ||
Dimensions | 224″ L x 80″ W x 69″ H | ||
Horsepower | 845 HP | 593 HP | TBD |
Torque | 864 lb-ft | 525 lb-ft | TBD |
So, which is superior?
The Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck have their pros, though they’re both directed at different audiences within the consumer market. The Rivian draws attention from outdoorsy adventurers, sporting a rugged, off-road-ready design and copious storage options. Alternatively, the Cybertruck tantalizes tech fans with an ambitiously futuristic design—however, it still feels almost gimmicky compared to other EV options, like the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.
Ultimately, neither is necessarily superior to the other. It all boils down to personal preference and your planned usage of the pickup. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll likely appreciate the more traditional styling, tall ride height, and extra storage of the Rivian. However, if you’re in the market for a real head-turner, the Cybertruck will undoubtedly draw attention—for better or worse.
Whichever pickup you order, whether a futuristic Tesla or an off-road-ready Rivian, invest in premium parts and accessories from RealTruck to optimize your build. We offer all the top products and accessories for the Cybertruck and R1T platforms, enabling you to customize your new ride to your liking.
RealTruck is your home for the best products to outfit your build for unforgettable adventures.
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