Does 2022 Rivian R1S Destroy 2022 Tesla Model X?
Are you thinking about buying an electric SUV? The Tesla Model X has dominated the electric SUV segment to date, but now, upstart EV automaker Rivian aims to steal the thunder from the Model X with the R1S, which will be released in early 2022. See how these two electric SUVs stack up in this 2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Tesla Model X head-to-head battle.
2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Tesla Model X
For our 2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Tesla Model X comparison, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, towing, efficiency, driving range, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and price.
R1S vs. Model X: Performance and towing
On the performance front, the Rivian R1S has a quad-motor system, which delivers an output of 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the standard Model X Long Range model has two electric motors, which generate 532 hp and 713 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Model X offers a performance-oriented Plaid trim. It has a tri-motor system, which produces 1,020 hp.
Both the R1S and Model X accelerate very quickly. The R1S has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.0 seconds. In comparison, the Model X Long Range model can go from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the Model X Plaid reaches it in 2.5 seconds.
On the towing front, the R1S has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the Model X.
R1S vs. Model X: Efficiency and driving range
For efficiency, the Model X has the advantage. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 109 city/101 highway MPGe for the Long Range trim and 90 city/90 highway MPGe for the Plaid trim. In comparison, the R1S has an estimated fuel-efficiency rating of up to 73 city/65 highway MPGe.
The Model X also has the advantage for driving range, with an estimated range of up to 360 miles for the Long Range trim and 340 miles for the Plaid trim. In comparison, the R1S has an estimated range of up to 314 miles. However, Rivian will likely offer a long range version of the R1S at a later date, with a range of over 400 miles.
R1S vs. Model X: Off-road capabilities
If you want an electric SUV that you can take off-road, then the Rivian R1S is the best choice for you. While the Model X is most suitable for on-road driving, the R1S really shines when heading off the beaten path.
The quad-motor all-wheel drive system in the R1S is very effective for driving over uneven terrain. Also, with its adjustable air suspension, the height of the R1S can be raised and lowered, with ground clearance up to 14.9 inches. Off-road capabilities for the R1S are further enhanced by its many selectable drive modes. This includes Off-Road Auto, Off-Road Drift, Off-Road Rock Crawl, Off-Road Rally, All-Purpose, Sport, Tank Mode, and Conserve.
R1S vs. Model X: Passenger and cargo space
Both the R1S and Model X have three rows of seats, with the ability to seat up to seven passengers. However, the R1S has considerably more cargo space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 105 cu-ft, compared to 91.6 cu-ft for the Model X. Also, the Rivian R1S has 11.1 cu-ft of storage in the front trunk (frunk) and 5.1 cu-ft in the rear storage bin. While the Model X has a frunk, it only offers 7.0 cu-ft of storage space.
R1S vs. Model X: Price
Which electric SUV costs more: the 2022 Rivian R1S or the 2022 Tesla Model X? While both SUVs are expensive, the R1S costs less than the Model X. The starting price of the 2022 R1S ranges from $70,000 for the Explore Package trim to $75,500 for the Adventure Package and Launch Edition trims. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Model X ranges from $104,990 for the Long Range trim to $119,990 for the Plaid trim.
2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Tesla Model X: Which electric SUV is better?
Does the 2022 Rivian R1S destroy the 2022 Tesla Model X? In some respects, yes, but in other areas, no. As you can see from our 2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Rivian R1S vs. 2022 Tesla Model X comparison, each electric SUV has advantages.
When comparing the R1S with the Model X Long Range trim, the R1S is far superior to the Model X, with clear advantages for horsepower and torque output, as well as acceleration. However, with the higher-priced Plaid trim, the Model X has the advantage for these performance specs. Overall advantages for the R1S include towing, off-road capabilities, storage space, and price. For the Model X, overall advantages include efficiency and range.
