Tesla is an established EV leader with proven profitability, advanced software, and energy business dominance, while Rivian is a pre-scale manufacturer betting on mass-market expansion with the R2 launch and improving unit economics. Tesla faces delivery decline headwinds in 2026, whereas Rivian just achieved its first full-year positive gross profit and is pivoting toward affordability.
Tesla vs Rivian — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
American EV manufacturer specializing in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.
Adventure-focused EV startup manufacturing premium electric trucks and SUVs with emphasis on off-road capability and design differentiation.
Profitability Status. Business Focus. 2026 Key Risk. Software & Services Growth. Vehicle Portfolio Strategy. Manufacturing Scale. Strategic Partnership
Tesla remains the EV industry leader with profitability, advanced software capabilities, and a diversified business model including energy storage, but faces 2026 delivery headwinds and unproven robotaxi timelines. Rivian represents a high-risk, high-reward turnaround story with improving unit economics and transformative partnerships, but execution risk on the R2 mass-market launch is critical for survival through 2027.
Tesla, Inc.: 20.1% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: Positive gross profit achieved
Tesla, Inc.: FSD +38% (1.1M subscribers) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: +109% ($447M)
Tesla, Inc.: $3.837B (+25% YoY) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: Nascent/In development
Tesla, Inc.: 350k+ (facing 63% miss probability Q1) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 62k-67k R2 ramp guidance
Tesla, Inc.: Model Y from ~$45k | Rivian Automotive Inc.: R1S from $139,990
Tesla, Inc.: Model Y: 300+ miles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 258 miles
Tesla, Inc.: Model Y: 5 seats | Rivian Automotive Inc.: R1S: 7 seats
Tesla, Inc.: Model Y Performance: 3.5s | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 1025 hp Quad Launch: sub-3.0s
Tesla, Inc.: $1.3T | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 29.5% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $13.3B | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 128K | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 2.1% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.81M vehicles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 10.8% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $81.5B | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.81M units | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 28th place | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 19.5% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 60,000 Superchargers | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.99 seconds | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $38,990 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 358 miles (Model 3) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 50,000+ | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 405 (Model S Long Range) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 3.2 (Model 3) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 50,000 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 5 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.8 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 0 (Direct-to-consumer online) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: Full Self-Driving Beta (urban streets, highways) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 2.3 seconds | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 348 miles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 65,000+ | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $43,990 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: Synthetic, minimalist | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: Electric only | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: ~2,000 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 25% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.81 million | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: Level 4 (Full Self-Driving Beta) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 200+ Service Centers | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 5.8 seconds (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 272 miles (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 250 kW (V3 Supercharger) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 16 years (founded 2010) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 4.1 mi/kWh | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.81 million (2023) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 60% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $43,990 (Model 3) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 798 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance Model)
Tesla, Inc.: 1.99 seconds (Model S Plaid) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 150,000+ miles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 5 gigafactories | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 3.1 sec (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 20.8% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 7.2/10 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 4 (S, 3, X, Y) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 73/100 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 272 (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $58,490 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 365 GWh | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $3.2 billion | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 70+ countries | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.81 million | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 57,232
Tesla, Inc.: $38,990 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: $71,490
Supercharger/Adventure Network Locations
Tesla, Inc.: 50,000+ | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 900+
Tesla, Inc.: $2,780 million | Rivian Automotive Inc.: -$1,390 million
Tesla, Inc.: 7 models | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 2 models
Tesla, Inc.: 8 years / 120,000 miles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Tesla, Inc.: 5.1 sec (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: 4.5 sec (R1T Dual Motor)
Tesla, Inc.: $780 billion | Rivian Automotive Inc.: $12.8 billion
Tesla, Inc.: 19% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
EV Market Share / Product Category Dominance
Tesla, Inc.: 20.1% (global EV) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 740% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 358 miles | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 5.8 seconds | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 157 (2024 J.D. Power) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 8 years | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 50,000+ Superchargers | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 2 hybrid models | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 500+ service centers | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance Variant)
Tesla, Inc.: Model S Plaid: 1.99 sec | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 358 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $2,100 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 5 main production models | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 20.1% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $0.28/mi | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $43,990 (Model 3 RWD) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 1.99 (Model S Plaid) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 8 years/120k miles (Model 3/Y) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 250+ | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 17.2% | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 4.2 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 2 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 500+ | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: 22 | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
Tesla, Inc.: $500 (electricity) | Rivian Automotive Inc.: N/A
How to choose between Tesla, Inc. and Rivian Automotive Inc.
Compare Tesla, Inc. vs Rivian Automotive Inc.
Tesla vs Rivian — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Tesla vs Rivian. Contains 112 attribute comparisons, 4 FAQ pairs.
Tesla vs Rivian — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Tesla vs Rivian.
Consumer Reports has generally rated Rivian above Tesla overall in recent reliability surveys, citing fewer owner-reported problems per 100 vehicles. This is partly because Rivian builds fewer models (and thus has fewer complexity points) and partly because Tesla's rapid expansion and Cybertruck launch introduced quality control issues. However, Rivian's smaller service network means if something does go wrong, getting it fixed can take longer. Tesla has more service centers and a mobile technician fleet, which matters for day-to-day ownership convenience.
Yes — Rivian adopted the NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector and now sells NACS adapters that give Rivian R1T and R1S owners access to Tesla's 50,000+ Supercharger network across North America. Rivian also has its own Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) with DC fast chargers. For long-distance travel, Rivian owners now have access to both networks, which significantly improves range anxiety. 2025+ model year Rivians have NACS built in natively.
Why is Rivian more expensive than Tesla?
Rivian's R1T ($69,900+) and R1S ($75,900+) are premium trucks/SUVs designed for adventure and off-road use — a segment where premium pricing is expected (compare to Ford F-150 Raptor at $55,000+, or Land Rover Defender at $56,000+). Tesla's cheaper models (Model 3 at $40K, Model Y at $44K) are mainstream sedans and crossovers competing with Toyota Camry and RAV4 equivalents. The Rivian R2 ($45K target) will directly compete with Model Y pricing when it launches in 2026.
Is Tesla or Rivian better for camping and off-road?
Rivian is significantly better for camping and off-road. The R1T and R1S feature lockable gear tunnel (10.5 cubic feet of weatherproof storage between the cab and bed), an optional camp kitchen that slides out from the gear tunnel (with 110V inverter, cutting board, and stove), up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance (R1S), quad-motor Quad setup with individual motor control per wheel, air suspension, low-range gearing, and wading depth of 3 feet. Tesla's Cybertruck has off-road features but its design dimensions make true trail use challenging. Model Y has no off-road features.
How to Choose Between Tesla, Inc. and Rivian Automotive Inc.
Profitability Status: Tesla, Inc. has Established profitability with 20.1% gross margin, while Rivian Automotive Inc. has First full year of positive gross profit.
Business Focus: Tesla, Inc. has EVs, energy storage, software (FSD, Grok), while Rivian Automotive Inc. has Premium EVs transitioning to mass-market with R2.
2026 Key Risk: Tesla, Inc. has Robotaxi unproven (12.5% launch odds by June), while Rivian Automotive Inc. has R2 ramp execution (34.5% bankruptcy risk).
Software & Services Growth: Tesla, Inc. has FSD subscriptions: 1.1M (+38% YoY), while Rivian Automotive Inc. has Software revenue: $447M (+109% YoY).
Vehicle Portfolio Strategy: Tesla, Inc. has Premium focus with FSD autonomy emphasis, while Rivian Automotive Inc. has Dual strategy: R1S premium + R2 mass-market.
Manufacturing Scale: Tesla, Inc. has Mature production, delivery decline concerns, while Rivian Automotive Inc. has Pre-scale, ramping capacity for 62k-67k 2026 target.
Strategic Partnership: Tesla, Inc. has Autonomous focus, energy expansion, while Rivian Automotive Inc. has Volkswagen software partnership deepening.
Tesla, Inc. is better than Rivian Automotive Inc.
Tesla is an established EV leader with proven profitability, advanced software, and energy business dominance, while Rivian is a pre-scale manufacturer betting on mass-market expansion with the R2 launch and improving unit economics. Tesla faces delivery decline headwinds in 2026, whereas Rivian jus