The electric truck revolution reached fever pitch in 2025 with two headline-grabbing flagships finally sharing the same roads: Tesla’s angular Cybertruck and Rivian’s adventure-ready R1T. Both promise zero-emission torque, off-road credibility, and tech-laden cabins, yet they interpret the “electric pickup” brief so differently that choosing between them feels less like comparing trims and more like choosing alternate futures. This deep-dive pits every spec, feature, and real-world behavior head-to-head so you can decide which vision best fits your driveway, job site, or overlanding bucket list.
Understanding the Contenders
Origins & Brand Philosophy
Tesla launched the Cybertruck prototype in 2019 with theatrical shattered-window swagger, signaling a desire to disrupt the very idea of a truck. Stainless-steel origami panels, steer-by-wire rear-wheel steering, and a minimalist cabin all scream Silicon Valley futurism. In contrast, Rivian spent a decade quietly stress-testing its R1T in stealth, guided by ex-McLaren and MIT talent who prioritized adventure practicality—think built-in air compressor, camp kitchen, and torque-vectoring quad-motor traction for Moab slickrock.
Launch Timing & Market Context
- Cybertruck: Customer deliveries began November 2025 in Foundation Series guise; wider rollout ramped through 2025.
- R1T: Started reaching reservation holders in late 2025, giving Rivian a two-year head start on real-world refinement—crucial for software updates, service networks, and word-of-mouth evangelism.
Key Components of the 2025 Electric Truck Showdown
Performance & Powertrain Options
Tesla Cybertruck
- Rear-Wheel Drive (late-2025): 1 motor, ~300 mi EPA range, 0-60 mph in 6.5 s.
- All-Wheel Drive: Dual-motor, 340 mi range, 600 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.1 s.
- Cyberbeast: Tri-motor, 320 mi range, 845 hp, 0-60 mph in 2.6 s, 11,000-lb tow rating.
Rivian R1T
- Dual-Motor AWD (new for 2025): 410 mi (Max-Pack), 665 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.5 s.
- Quad-Motor AWD: 328 mi (Large-Pack), 835 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.0 s, 11,000-lb tow rating.
Takeaway: If raw 0-60 bragging rights matter, Cyberbeast wins. If you crave the longest EPA-certified range for highway road-trips, the Max-Pack R1T Dual-Motor edges ahead by 70-plus miles.
Battery, Range & Charging
Usable Capacity
| Metric | Cybertruck AWD | R1T Dual-Motor Max-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Capacity | 123 kWh | 149 kWh |
| Usable Capacity | ~115 kWh | ~141 kWh |
| Peak DC Charge Speed | 250 kW (V3 Supercharger) | 220 kW (Rivian Adventure Network or ElectrifyAmerica) |
| 10-80 % Charge Time | 25 min | 30 min |
Both trucks ship with native 800-volt class architectures enabling sub-30-minute top-ups on appropriately powerful chargers. Tesla’s Supercharger network remains more ubiquitous along interstate corridors, but Rivian’s Adventure Network is rapidly populating off-grid gateways like Bishop, CA and Ouray, CO—locations prized by overlanders.
Utility & Cargo Innovations
Bed & Storage Metrics
- Cybertruck: 6-ft composite bed, 2,500-lb payload, under-bed “vault” (7.1 cu ft), 67 cu ft total lockable storage including frunk and sail pillars.
- R1T: 4.5-ft bed, 1,760-lb payload, gear tunnel (11.7 cu ft), 62 cu ft total lockable storage—including power frunk and under-seat rear bins.
Unique party tricks:
- Cybertruck bed is bulletproof to 9 mm—ideal for ranchers in feral-hog country.
- R1T gear tunnel doubles as a camp kitchen slide ($5,000 accessory) complete with induction stove and 30-piece dishware set.
Off-Road Capability
Ground Clearance & Articulation
| Specification | Cybertruck (Air Suspension) | R1T (Quad-Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Ground Clearance | 17.4 in | 14.9 in |
| Approach / Departure Angles | 35° / 28° | 35.5° / 30° |
| Wading Depth | 32 in | 43 in |
| Turning Circle | 43.5 ft (with rear-steer) | 44.5 ft |
Rivian’s tank-turn mode (quad-motor only) spins left and right wheels in opposite directions for zero-radius pivots in sand or snow. Tesla counters with 48-volt steer-by-wire rear-axle steering that tightens low-speed maneuvers in parking lots and high-speed stability on washboard gravel.
Towing & Real-World Range
Both trucks tow 11,000 lb, yet EV towing demands careful planning. InsideEVs testing showed:
- Cybertruck AWD towing 7,000-lb Airstream: 160 mi real range at 65 mph.
- R1T Quad-Motor towing identical trailer: 140 mi real range.
Tesla’s integrated Trailer Navigator maps Superchargers accounting for trailer height restrictions and preconditioning. Rivian’s infotainment overlays similar data plus kayak launch pin-drops crowdsourced from the Rivian app community.
Cabins, Tech & User Experience
Interior Layout
- Cybertruck: Marble-white vegan leather, 18.5-in central touchscreen, no gauge cluster, yoke or round steering wheel option, 9.4-in rear display for HVAC and media.
- R1T: Ash wood dash, vegan leather, dual haptic-touch displays (12.3-in driver cluster + 15.6-in center), physical knobs for volume and HVAC temperature.
Software & Updates
Tesla’s over-the-air cadence delivers new features every 3–4 weeks—recently adding “Elon Mode” track settings. Rivian pushes monthly “Releases” focusing on off-road refinements like “Sand Mode” and pet-friendly Camp Mode that maintains HVAC when parked.
Price & Trim Walk
| Model | US MSRP (2025) | Federal Credit Eligibility | Destination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybertruck RWD (late 2025) | $60,990 | Yes, $7,500 | $1,995 |
| Cybertruck AWD | $79,990 | Yes | $1,995 |
| Cybertruck Cyberbeast | $99,990 | Yes | $1,995 |
| R1T Dual-Motor Standard | $73,000 | Yes (under $80K cap) | $1,800 |
| R1T Dual-Motor Max-Pack | $89,000 | Yes | $1,800 |
| R1T Quad-Motor Large | $84,000 | Yes | $1,800 |
Note: Tesla’s Foundation Series adds $20K markup until production scales; Rivian adjusts pricing quarterly based on supply-chain fluctuations.
Benefits and Importance
For Daily Commuters
Both trucks deliver whisper-quiet torque that shrinks 30-mile stop-and-go commutes into effortless electric glide. The R1T’s smaller footprint (217 in vs 231 in length) slips through tight parking decks; Cybertruck’s rear-steer compensates for the extra inches with nimble U-turns.
For Construction & Fleet Managers
The Cybertruck’s 2,500-lb payload outrates the R1T by 740 lb—handy for hauling pallets of bricks or a generator. Its 240-volt bed outlets supply 9.6 kW continuous, powering welders or miter saws on remote job sites without a separate inverter.
For Weekend Adventurers
R1T’s air compressor refills paddle boards and bike tires at the trailhead; the gear tunnel swallows avalanche shovels and traction boards. Meanwhile, Cybertruck’s “Powershare” bidirectional charging can run a 30-ft RV overnight at 11.5 kW—effectively turning the truck into a 123 kWh silent generator.
Practical Applications
Cross-Country Road Trip: L.A. to Moab
Scenario: Two families of four, each towing a 5,000-lb teardrop trailer.
- Cybertruck Route: I-15 → I-70 with 4 Supercharger stops (Barstow, Beaver, Green River, Moab). Total charge time: 68 min across 530 miles.
- R1T Route: I-15 → US-191 via Rivian Adventure Network chargers in Richfield and Moab. Total charge time: 92 min because 220 kW taper kicks in earlier, but arrival SOC is 15 % higher thanks to the Max-Pack buffer.
Verdict: Tesla arrives 24 minutes sooner; Rivian retains more reserve for side trips to Canyonlands.
Urban Construction Gig
A Denver masonry crew loads 30 sheets of ¾-in drywall (2,400 lb) plus tools into each truck. Cybertruck’s extra payload margin means no second trip; R1T needs a cargo trailer but leverages onboard air to run nail guns continuously via quick-connect fittings.
Overlanding the Trans-America Trail
Both trucks completed the 4,253-mile off-pavement route in 2025 pilot runs. Rivian’s extra 9 in water-fording depth meant fewer bypasses in Oklahoma creek crossings. Cybertruck’s 35-in spare tire—wedged vertically behind the rear seats—ate into cabin storage, whereas Rivian’s full-size spare under-bed kept gear tunnel free for camp fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actual wait times for delivery?
Tesla began 2025 with a 12–18 month backlog for new Cybertruck AWD reservations placed today. Rivian currently quotes 6–9 months for Dual-Motor configurations and 4–6 months for Quad-M
