Rivian R1S vs Tesla Model Y
The Rivian R1S is a three-row luxury SUV with 7-8 seats and 135.5 kWh battery capacity, while the Tesla Model Y is a five-seat crossover with up to 82 kWh usable capacity. The R1S prioritizes space and adventure capability; the Model Y prioritizes performance and charging infrastructure.
Rivian R1S
Premium 7-seat electric adventure SUV with dual/tri/quad motor options
Families needing seven seats, adventure enthusiasts, those prioritizing space over cost
Tesla Model Y
High-performance electric SUV with industry-leading acceleration and Supercharger network access.
Cost-conscious buyers, small families, daily commuters, those prioritizing accessibility to charging
Short Answer
The Rivian R1S is a three-row luxury SUV with 7-8 seats and 135.5 kWh battery capacity, while the Tesla Model Y is a five-seat crossover with up to 82 kWh usable capacity. The R1S prioritizes space and adventure capability; the Model Y prioritizes performance and charging infrastructure.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Rivian R1S if you need a three-row family SUV with adventure-focused features, superior towing capacity, and don't mind paying premium prices for space and off-road capability. Choose the Tesla Model Y if you prioritize affordability, charging accessibility, driving performance per dollar, and only need five-seat capacity.
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Choose Rivian R1S if
Families needing seven seats, adventure enthusiasts, those prioritizing space over cost
Choose Tesla Model Y if
Cost-conscious buyers, small families, daily commuters, those prioritizing accessibility to charging
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
38 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Rivian R1S | Tesla Model Y | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2WD/Dual Motor)(USD) | $75,900 | — | — |
| EPA Range (Longest Configuration)(miles) | 410 miles | — | — |
| 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) | 4.5 seconds (Dual Motor) | — | — |
| Maximum Power Output(HP) | 533 hp (Tri-Motor) | — | — |
| Towing Capacity(lbs) | 7,700 lbs | — | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.6 inches | — | — |
| Third-Row Legroom(inches) | 32.5 inches | — | — |
| Fast Charging Speed (DC)(miles/hour) | 140 miles (11kW add per min) | — | — |
| EPA Range (Long Range RWD)(miles) | 330 miles | 330 miles | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 3.5 seconds | 3.5 seconds | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,990 | $43,990 | |
| Lateral Cornering G-Force(g) | 0.95g | 0.95g | |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 76 cu ft | 76 cu ft | |
| Seating Capacity(passengers) | 7 (optional) | 7 (optional) | |
| Combined MPGe Efficiency(MPGe) | 134 MPGe | 134 MPGe | |
| 5-Year Cost-to-Own(USD) | $75,450 | $75,450 | |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 8.6 inches | 8.6 inches | |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd)(Cd) | 0.260 | 0.260 | |
| Electric Range(miles) | 357 | 357 | |
| Horsepower(hp) | 295 | 295 | |
| Torque(lb-ft) | 310 | 310 | |
| Home Charging Time (240V)(hours) | 10.0 | 10.0 | |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 33.1 | 33.1 | |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 | 5 | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $52,990 | $52,990 | |
| EPA Combined Range(miles) | 330 miles | 330 miles | |
| 0-60 mph (Best Model)(seconds) | 3.5 seconds | 3.5 seconds | |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%)(minutes) | 27 minutes | 27 minutes | |
| Total Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 76 cubic feet | 76 cubic feet | |
| Infotainment Screen(inches) | 15 inches | 15 inches | |
| Charging Network Size(stations) | 50,000+ Superchargers | 50,000+ Superchargers | |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration (AWD)(seconds) | 3.1 sec | 3.1 sec | |
| EPA Range (RWD Base)(miles) | 330 miles | 330 miles | |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%)(minutes) | 27 minutes | 27 minutes | |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $43,990 | $43,990 | |
| Public Charging Network Access(locations) | 50,000+ Superchargers | 50,000+ Superchargers | |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76 cubic feet | 76 cubic feet | |
| Curb Weight (RWD)(pounds) | 4,416 lbs | 4,416 lbs |
Sourced from publicly available data · Jun 2026
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Rivian R1S
7-8 seats (3 rows)🏆
Tesla Model Y
5 seats (2 rows)
Rivian R1S
135.5 kWh (Quad Motor)🏆
Tesla Model Y
82 kWh (Long Range)
Rivian R1S
320 miles (Quad Motor)
Tesla Model Y
330 miles (Long Range)🏆
Rivian R1S
3.0 seconds (Quad Motor)🏆
Tesla Model Y
4.2 seconds (Long Range)
Rivian R1S
$72,500 (Dual Motor)
Tesla Model Y
$43,990 (RWD)🏆
Rivian R1S
Yes (via adapter, ~50k sites)
Tesla Model Y
Yes (native, ~60k+ sites globally)🏆
Rivian R1S
7,700 lbs (Quad Motor)🏆
Tesla Model Y
3,500 lbs (Long Range)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Rivian R1S | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2WD/Dual Motor)(USD) | $75,900 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $43,990 | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $43,990 | — |
| EPA Range (Longest Configuration)(miles) | 410 miles | — |
| 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) | 4.5 seconds (Dual Motor) | — |
| Maximum Power Output(HP) | 533 hp (Tri-Motor) | — |
| EPA Range (Long Range RWD)(miles) | 330 miles | — |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 3.5 seconds | — |
Show 6 more attributesElectric Range(miles) 357 — Horsepower(hp) 295 — Torque(lb-ft) 310 — EPA Combined Range(miles) 330 miles — 0-60 mph (Best Model)(seconds) 3.5 seconds — 0-60 MPH Acceleration (AWD)(seconds) 3.1 sec — | ||
| Towing Capacity(lbs) | 7,700 lbs | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.6 inches | — |
| Third-Row Legroom(inches) | 32.5 inches | — |
| Fast Charging Speed (DC)(miles/hour) | 140 miles (11kW add per min) | — |
| Home Charging Time (240V)(hours) | 10.0 | — |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%)(minutes) | 27 minutes | — |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%)(minutes) | 27 minutes | — |
| Lateral Cornering G-Force(g) | 0.95g | — |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 76 cu ft | — |
| Seating Capacity(passengers) | 7 (optional) | — |
| Body Type | SUV/Crossover | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 8.6 inches | — |
| Combined MPGe Efficiency(MPGe) | 134 MPGe | — |
| 5-Year Cost-to-Own(USD) | $75,450 | — |
| Interior Redesign (2026) | Complete refresh with premium touches | — |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd)(Cd) | 0.260 | — |
| Battery Capacity(kWh) | Standard | — |
| Drive Type | RWD | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 33.1 | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $52,990 | — |
| Total Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 76 cubic feet | — |
| Battery Warranty(years/miles) | 8 years/120,000 miles | — |
| Infotainment Screen(inches) | 15 inches | — |
| Charging Network Size(stations) | 50,000+ Superchargers | — |
| Public Charging Network Access(locations) | 50,000+ Superchargers | — |
| EPA Range (RWD Base)(miles) | 330 miles | — |
| Battery Warranty Coverage(years/miles) | 8 years / 120,000 miles | — |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76 cubic feet | — |
| Curb Weight (RWD)(pounds) | 4,416 lbs | — |
Tesla Model YShow 6 more attributes
Visual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Rivian R1S
Pros
- Three-row seating for up to 8 passengers with spacious third row
- 135.5 kWh battery with 320-mile EPA range in Quad Motor variant
- Dual motor and Quad Motor options with 3.0-second 0-60 capability
- 7,700 lbs towing capacity with integrated Adventure Package (air suspension, skid plates)
- Premium interior with 15.3-inch touchscreen and OTA software updates
Cons
- Starting price of $72,500 significantly higher than Model Y base model
- Smaller Supercharger network adoption compared to Tesla (requires adapter for most charging)
Tesla Model Y
Pros
- Starting price of $43,990 (RWD) undercuts R1S by $28,510
- 330-mile EPA range (Long Range) with superior charging infrastructure (60k+ global Superchargers)
- 4.2-second 0-60 (Long Range) matches most gas vehicles at half the price
- Minimalist interior with 15.4-inch horizontal touchscreen and responsive infotainment
- Over 4 million units sold globally, proven reliability and resale value
Cons
- Five-seat configuration insufficient for families of 6+ requiring regular seating
- 3,500 lbs towing capacity (Long Range) limits trailer and boat hauling capability
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Rivian R1S is superior for families of 6+ due to its three-row seating configuration offering 7-8 seats versus the Model Y's five seats. The R1S third row, while best for children on longer trips, provides actual seating for multiple passengers that the Model Y cannot accommodate.
Yes, Rivian R1S owners can access Tesla's Supercharger network using the NACS adapter (included with vehicles). However, native integration isn't available yet, requiring an adapter for each charging session. Tesla Superchargers comprise approximately 60,000+ global sites versus Rivian's direct access to 50,000+ locations.
The Rivian R1S Dual Motor starts at $72,500 versus the Tesla Model Y RWD at $43,990—a $28,510 price difference. This 65% premium reflects the R1S's larger battery (135.5 vs 82 kWh), three-row seating, and 7,700 lbs towing capacity versus the Model Y's 3,500 lbs capability.
The Tesla Model Y Long Range achieves 330 miles EPA-estimated range, outpacing the Rivian R1S Quad Motor's 320 miles by 10 miles. However, the R1S carries a significantly larger battery (135.5 kWh), meaning its range-per-kWh efficiency is lower due to its 5,750 lbs vs Model Y's 4,610 lbs weight.
The R1S justifies its premium only if you need seven seats and advanced towing capability (7,700 vs 3,500 lbs). For single-driver commuters or families of 5 or fewer, the Model Y's $28,510 lower price, superior charging access, and faster acceleration provide better value. The R1S targets adventure-focused families willing to pay for space and capability.
Resources & Learn More
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