Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Takes On Tesla: ‘It’s Basically The Cybertruck I Wanted’

(Rivian)

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.

(Rivian)

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.