Rivian was just valued at $86 billion after its initial public offering. The 2022 Rivian R1T is Rivian’s first vehicle to hit the streets. Has the 2022 Rivian R1T already eclipsed the Tesla Cybertruck?

The 2022 Rivian R1T is the truck vehicle class’ cool new kid

In a school setting a new student either seamlessly blends in with the rest of the class or completely changes a classroom’s dynamic. The Rivian R1T is the cool new kid that everyone wants to know, but in the end, few will. The truck vehicle class had a rigid, monotonous structure until recent years when automakers decided to shake the industry up.

Today, the truck vehicle class is welcoming newcomers that no one expected just a decade ago. Trucks like the Ford Maverick are challenging what it means to be a modern truck. Hybrid trucks are redefining the vehicle class.

The 2022 Rivian R1T is in a lane on its own, and it can succeed in occupying its own little niche in this ever-expanding vehicle class. The R1T electric pickup is the very first electric adventure truck. Judging by Rivian’s recent valuation, many consumers think the truck is here to stay.

The Rivian R1T has proved itself to be incredibly capable. It even conquered Hell’s Gate in Moab by displaying some major off-roading chops. The R1T is powerful and capable enough to take drivers far off the beaten path to enjoy the great outdoors.

Is there any anticipation for the Tesla Cybertruck anymore?

The Tesla Cybertruck’s cold-rolled stainless-steel exterior and narrow windshield made the Cybertruck look like a “Tron” prop vehicle when it debuted. The Cybertruck was initially marketed as a safer, more advanced pickup with unique capabilities. After many delays, the hype for the Cybertruck has dwindled.

The Cybertruck was making music video appearances. Fans went wild when Tesla CEO Elon Musk chucked a rock at it. Today, the Cybertruck is old news after the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T were unveiled. It won’t be the first electric pickup truck. Consumers aren’t sure that it will be the best electric truck either.

The Cybertruck’s design is still unique, and Tesla’s stock shows that it doesn’t pay to bet against the electric vehicle company. Ultimately, its shock value isn’t the same as when it first debuted, and consumers will only wait so long for a product in a competitive market space. Being the first to market has its advantages, and Rivian is reaping the benefits of its 2022 Rivian R1T launch, regardless of how few models are actually available for purchase.

The 2022 Rivian R1T vs. the Tesla Cybertruck

The 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition is the first mass-produced electric truck available from the automaker. According to Car and Driver, it starts at $74,145. The Rivian R1T comes with standard all-wheel drive. It makes a whopping 800 horsepower. The Launch Edition has a 300 mile driving range, which is competitive by today’s standards.

The Tesla Cybertruck should come in three different trim levels (if it’s ever released). The trim options are Single Motor, Dual Motor, and Tri Motor, each offering more power and range than the last. Tesla claims the Tesla Cybertruck Tri Motor will go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds and have a top speed of 130 miles per hour. The Tri Motor will get over 500 miles of estimated driving range. It starts at $69,900.

The Tesla Cybertruck seems like a better deal for its Tri Motor trim price than the Rivian R1T Launch Edition in terms of range. The reality is, the Cybertruck has over one million pre-orders and Tesla doesn’t seem to be making any progress on production. Many consumers will consider the Rivian electric truck just because they’ll get it sooner than Tesla’s electric pickup truck.

The Rivian R1T is currently eclipsing the Tesla Cybertruck. If Tesla doesn’t get consumers excited about its electric pickup again soon, it could risk losing potential consumers to Rivian.

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