Rivian R1S vs Tesla Model Y 2026 Comparison
The Rivian R1S is a three-row electric SUV with 8,560 lbs towing capacity and 410-mile range, while the Tesla Model Y is a five-seat crossover with 3,500 lbs towing and 330-mile range. R1S targets families needing seven seats; Model Y targets efficiency-focused buyers seeking performance and lower cost.
Rivian R1S
Three-row electric adventure SUV with 7 seats, 410-mile range, and 8,560 lbs towing capacity.
Large families, outdoor enthusiasts, and buyers who prioritize towing, seating capacity, and adventure over cost and charging convenience.
Tesla Model Y
Five-seat electric crossover with 330-mile range, 3,500 lbs towing, and industry-leading acceleration.
Individual buyers, couples, small families, daily commuters, and those who value charging accessibility, performance, and affordability over seating and towing.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Rivian R1S is a three-row electric SUV with 8,560 lbs towing capacity and 410-mile range, while the Tesla Model Y is a five-seat crossover with 3,500 lbs towing and 330-mile range. R1S targets families needing seven seats; Model Y targets efficiency-focused buyers seeking performance and lower cost.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Rivian R1S if you need seven seats, maximum towing (8,560 lbs), long-range capability (410 miles), and expedition versatility—ideal for large families and outdoor enthusiasts. Choose the Tesla Model Y if you prioritize cost ($30K less), acceleration performance, charging infrastructure (50x more locations), and daily commuting efficiency for five occupants.
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Choose Rivian R1S if
Best pickLarge families, outdoor enthusiasts, and buyers who prioritize towing, seating capacity, and adventure over cost and charging convenience.
Choose Tesla Model Y if
Individual buyers, couples, small families, daily commuters, and those who value charging accessibility, performance, and affordability over seating and towing.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Seating Capacity:✓ Rivian R1S wins(7 seats (3 rows) vs 5 seats (2 rows))
- Starting Price (2026):✓ Tesla Model Y wins($43,990 vs $73,500)
- EPA Range (Standard):✓ Rivian R1S wins(410 miles vs 330 miles)
Key Facts & Figures
60 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) | 8,560 lbs | 3,500 lbs | |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.6 inches | 8.6 inches | |
| Third-Row Legroom(inches) | 32.5 inches | — | — |
| Fast Charging Speed (DC)(miles/hour) | 140 miles (11kW add per min) | — | — |
| EPA Range (Maximum Configuration)(miles) | 410 miles | — | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 7 seats | 5 seats | |
| Starting Price (2026 Model Year)(USD) | $73,000 | — | — |
| Supercharger Network Access(locations) | 800 locations (via partnership) | 50,000+ locations | |
| Cargo Space (with third row up)(cubic feet) | 23 cubic feet | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $73,500 | $43,990 | |
| EPA Range (Standard Model)(miles) | 410 miles | 330 miles | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 3.0 seconds | 2.9 seconds | |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 135 cubic feet | 76 cubic feet | |
| 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 | |
| Starting Price (Base Model)(USD) | $43,990 | $43,990 | |
| EPA Range (Standard/Base)(miles) | 260 miles | 260 miles | |
| 0-60 mph Time (Long Range)(seconds) | 5.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds | |
| Cargo Space (Max)(cubic feet) | 76.0 cu ft | 76.0 cu ft | |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | |
| EPA Combined Efficiency(MPGe) | 121 MPGe | 121 MPGe | |
| Seating Capacity (Max)(passengers) | 7 passengers | 7 passengers | |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration (AWD)(seconds) | 3.1 sec | 3.1 sec | |
| EPA Range (RWD Base)(miles) | 330 miles | 330 miles | |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $43,990 | $43,990 | |
| Public Charging Network Access(locations) | 50,000+ Superchargers | 50,000+ Superchargers | |
| Curb Weight (RWD)(pounds) | 4,416 lbs | 4,416 lbs | |
| Base Model Starting Price(USD) | $43,990 | $43,990 | |
| 0-60 Acceleration (Base)(seconds) | 3.5 seconds | 3.5 seconds | |
| EPA Range (Most Efficient)(miles) | 330 miles | 330 miles | |
| Vehicle Length(meters) | 4.69 m | 4.69 m | |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 28.3 cu ft | 28.3 cu ft | |
| Battery Warranty (Years)(years) | 8 years | 8 years | |
| DC Fast Charging (10-80%)(minutes) | 27 minutes | 27 minutes | |
| Curb Weight (Base)(kg) | 5,521 lbs | 5,521 lbs |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 7 seats (3 rows)(winner)Seating Capacity5 seats (2 rows)
- $73,500Starting Price (2026)$43,990(winner)
- 410 miles(winner)EPA Range (Standard)330 miles
- 8,560 lbs(winner)Towing Capacity3,500 lbs
- 3.0 seconds0-60 mph (Performance)2.9 seconds(winner)
- 135 cubic feet(winner)Cargo Space76 cubic feet
- Yes (800+ chargers)Supercharger Network AccessYes (50,000+ chargers)(winner)
- Seating Capacity
Rivian R1S
7 seats (3 rows)(winner)
Tesla Model Y
5 seats (2 rows)
- Starting Price (2026)
Rivian R1S
$73,500
Tesla Model Y
$43,990(winner)
- EPA Range (Standard)
Rivian R1S
410 miles(winner)
Tesla Model Y
330 miles
- Towing Capacity
Rivian R1S
8,560 lbs(winner)
Tesla Model Y
3,500 lbs
- 0-60 mph (Performance)
Rivian R1S
3.0 seconds
Tesla Model Y
2.9 seconds(winner)
- Cargo Space
Rivian R1S
135 cubic feet(winner)
Tesla Model Y
76 cubic feet
- Supercharger Network Access
Rivian R1S
Yes (800+ chargers)
Tesla Model Y
Yes (50,000+ chargers)(winner)
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 | — |
| Base Model Starting Price(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 (Maximum Configuration)(miles) | 410 miles | — |
| EPA Range (Standard Model)(miles) | 410 miles(winner) | 330 miles |
Show 12 more attributes0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) 3.0 seconds 2.9 seconds EPA Range (Long Range RWD)(miles) 330 miles — 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) 3.5 seconds — Electric 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 — EPA Range (Standard/Base)(miles) 260 miles — 0-60 mph Time (Long Range)(seconds) 5.9 seconds — 0-60 MPH Acceleration (AWD)(seconds) 3.1 sec — 0-60 Acceleration (Base)(seconds) 3.5 seconds — | ||
| Towing Capacity(lbs) | 8,560 lbs(winner) | 3,500 lbs |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | 3,500 lbs | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 11.6 inches(winner) | 8.6 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 | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 7 seats(winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 135 cubic feet(winner) | 76 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 | — |
| Cargo Space (Max)(cubic feet) | 76.0 cu ft | — |
| Seating Capacity (Max)(passengers) | 7 passengers | — |
| Starting Price (2026 Model Year)(USD) | $73,000 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $73,500 | $43,990(winner) |
| Starting Price(USD) | $52,990 | — |
| Starting Price (Base Model)(USD) | $43,990 | — |
| Supercharger Network Access(locations) | 800 locations (via partnership) | 50,000+ locations(winner) |
| Cargo Space (with third row up)(cubic feet) | 23 cubic feet | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 28.3 cu ft | — |
| Battery Options(kWh) | 112 kWh (Standard), 135 kWh (Max) | 75 kWh (Standard), 82 kWh (Long-Range) |
| Curb Weight (RWD)(pounds) | 4,416 lbs | — |
| 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 | — |
| EPA Combined Efficiency(MPGe) | 121 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 | — |
| Total Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 76 cubic feet | — |
| Battery Warranty(years/miles) | 8 years/120,000 miles | — |
| Battery Warranty (Years)(years) | 8 years | — |
| 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 | — |
| EPA Range (Most Efficient)(miles) | 330 miles | — |
| Vehicle Length(meters) | 4.69 m | — |
| Curb Weight (Base)(kg) | 5,521 lbs | — |
Rivian R1STesla Model YShow 12 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Rivian R1S
Pros
- Seven-seat configuration fits families up to 7 people
- 410-mile EPA range—40% longer than Model Y
- 8,560 lbs towing capacity—2.4x more than Model Y
- 135 cubic feet cargo space with configurable interior
- Dual motor AWD with independent torque control for off-road capability
Cons
- Starting price $73,500—67% more expensive than Model Y
- Smaller Supercharger network (800 locations vs Tesla's 50,000+)
Tesla Model Y
Pros
- Starting price $43,990—most affordable long-range EV in comparison
- 2.9-second 0-60 acceleration in Performance variant—fastest in class
- 50,000+ Supercharger locations—unmatched charging network globally
- 76 cubic feet cargo space sufficient for most daily needs
- Established manufacturing with 2+ million units sold worldwide
Cons
- 5-seat limit makes it unsuitable for families needing third row
- 3,500 lbs towing capacity insufficient for trailers over 2 tons
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Rivian R1S with 8,560 lbs towing capacity is vastly superior for trailer towing. The Tesla Model Y's 3,500 lbs limit restricts you to small pop-up campers or lightweight cargo trailers. R1S drivers report successfully towing 5,000-7,000 lb trailers regularly; Model Y owners are limited to under 2-ton loads.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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