Tesla Model X vs. Rivian R1S: The Ultimate Electric SUV Showdown! 

If anything, Model X is closer to station wagon ....why not call it a station wagon or shooting brake or just a sedan with rear doors that make no sense ?

Picked up a Model X a few weeks ago, and very happy with the build, and all the features. No problems at all in the first 1500 miles. Hard to imagine anybody needing more performance than the long range version...passing on two lane roads is as fast as my 1000 cc Kawasaki. And the horn is now in the center of the steering wheel! Thank you Tesla!!!

At the end of the day it's kind of a silly comparison since these are such different vehicles. It's like comparing a Grand Wagoneer to a Pacifica Limited. They have similar specs in a lot of ways but also a ton of differences and the people buying them will know which one they want based on how they're going to use it and what they want to say about themselves. Also, it would have been good to mention the difference in interior design approach, another area where a lot of people will know which one to get based on a HUGE difference.

I’ve owned 2 model X. And there is no comparison. R1S is infinitely better.

1/2 the video just goes over specs which you can get anywhere. Wish more time was spent on how people actually fit in it for road trips. Had a chance to be different but missed the mark.

As a current MX owner, I find R1S miles better than MX and is a true SUV. For long trips I would still choose tesla simply cos of FSD and better charging network.

I found out some new interesting things like the miles per minute, but you didn’t speak to the size of the cargo areas or room for people based on how tall or short they are. That info is really critical for pragmatic owners. For instance. Bigger families may like the space in the R1S vs the X, but one thing I found is that my wife is so short that she has to have the seat all the way forward, low to the ground and steering wheel pushed back to comfortably reach the peddles on the R1S, as for me it’s perfect because I am 6’2.

Rivian had (has?) some really crazy lease deals on the Gen 1's now that the G2's have been announced. I just leased a quad motor R1S (with the 7,500 lease credit).

You compare the two but they are different enough that I believe most will be able to justify their priorities. Whether it is off-road SUV or Faster on roader/van like vehicle.

As someone who was looking at these two vehicles for a family of 5. It was a no brainer, the R1S is far superior. So much more space, cargo and for people. I am 5'10 and can comfortably sit in the 3rd row of the R1S.. I tried that in the Model X, and could not do it. There's also minimal cargo space in the X.. We couldn't even fit our stroller in the trunk. Plus the 330 miles is on paper. Our model Y gets 330 on paper, but we've never gotten more than 250 miles driving that car. Tesla is horrible with range. Our Rivian actually gets the full range, if not close to it. Couldn't be happier with the choice. If you are a family of 4 or fewer, I'd say X or even the Y.. but for families of 5 or larger, go R1S!

The Lucid Gravity looks interesting.

It’s so laughable that they even call the Tesla model X an SUV. Bro, let’s get real. Model X is NO SUV. It’s tiny. It’s a crime that they label the model X and Y an “SUV”.

And this is where I’m at right now! I am torn between the Model X (5 seat) and the R1S. But I also like the Mach E as well. I just can’t decide.

So when all is said and done, it really just comes down to the super cool doors and the FSD. I feel like thats honestly the only reason I am having such a hard time pulling the trigger and making a decision. The 0-60 doesnt really matter to me all that much because even the 3 second range is stupid fast. The 7 seats I could take or leave they will most likely always be folded down anyway for the space. The falcon wing doors, the auto door open on approach and the FSD make the X stand out but my brain knows i have told myself i am shopping for an SUV and the rivian IS an SUV while the X is a really fancy minivan. Every day i am back and forth with this decision.

I’m surprised there’s no mention of FSD here-that is a huge factor for me I will never do a road trip without Tesla FSD again

I’m dying for a model x but the exterior hasn’t been changed since it was released (besides fogs). Auto doors are amazing, did they push an update for the front doors to auto open fully?

Youu should make a video of both cars' technology. For example, Tesla FSD vs Rivian w/e they have. RU-vid, Music, Games and all other apps.

Really good review! Thanks very much! There are a lot of areas in the country that are flood-prone. Or flood-vulnerable. The R1S is the clear choice here, with over three feet of wading depth.

Technically can't go wrong with either. Aside from the 20% efficiency hit, being slightly slower, and less refinement in software/ADAS (still adequante), I think the Rivian R1S Dual Motor is the much better value. Specifcally a Standard+ Dual Motor Rivian which costs less than a Model X while offering a lot more car. Has basically the same range of the Model X while offer way more space and capability as a real SUV. On the other hand if you don't need a proper 7 seater, the Model X is a better choice for handling/ride.

Not going to lie, I was excited for this because my 2 MXs (2017 and 2023) are crap and falling apart. I’m a bit disappointed you didn’t mention the difference from driver+ and autopilot differences. Could you do a comparison of those?

Rivian charging curve is better than the Cyber truck.

Respect for having the SUV's clean for this review . Great video

Financially, if you qualify for tax credits on either of these, you can’t really afford it (in my opinion)

I'm thinking Rivian is going to end up getting absorbed into a bigger company. Their cashflow is not looking so hot. It's a shame. Nice vehicles but startups have trouble weathering the tough times compared to large vehicle manufacturers.

I’ve had 4 Teslas and recently purchased an R1S; LOVE IT!! Rivian is a much more quality product! Also, comparing rated range is apples to oranges. Rivian is actually what it’s rated at and Tesla is NOT

Just bought a Model X, great video!

There really is no comparison between the 2. The gull wing doors and lack of ability to mount things on the roof are the deal breaker for me. I think if the X lost those rear gull wings and put in some accessory ports on the roof, it would be a much more versatile vehicle. The software in the Tesla is much better though. I do wish the R1S had it. It has the basic adaptive cruise control, lane keep on highways. I don’t have a Model X, but do have a MYLR. The sound system in the MYLR $55K sounds better than the Rivian R1S $100K vehicle. I think it has something to do with the size and shape of the cabin. I imagine the X would sound even better.

Tesla X for the win, very innovative and tech oriented

The EV9 would also be another great comparison in this space, seems like its winning over reviewers as well

Great video! Thanks :)

Model X is a badass minivan and you can’t change my mind. Other than sliding doors it has those wing doors to get the kids out. FYI I love minivans.

Surprisingly unbiased review by a bearded with Tesla in his name

Can you compare driver + to Autopilot and FSD?

You cannot compare the rated range between these 2 as an apples to apples comparison. Tesla fudges the numbers where Rivian reflects reality. Get off your knees, you know better.

To me the Rivian R1S doesn’t have an unique enough exterior. It looks like an electric version of the Jeep Wagoneer.

This was a lazy, lazy video. It reminded me a lot of the reviews that the Verge does where they compare the iPhone to a Samsung or something, and at the end basically have no real new information or pick either one over the other. It's clear you just wanted to increase your view times. Let's consider the fact that the R1S has multiple drive modes depending on what kind of driving and/or terrain you plan on doing. Depending on what model or package you choose, you have specific driving settings for everything from street, to off-road, to snow, to soft sand. The Model X only gives you a few adjustments for height and acceleration. The interface is also completely different than a Tesla and gives you feedback for all kinds of things from battery temp to elevation and pitch. If you had actually done any real driving or testing of the 2 cars that were parked behind you the entire time, people would be able to see the distinct differences. That wasn't even mentioned, let alone displayed in your comparison. You could have talked about the differences in the connectivity of both vehicles as well as the fact that the R1S has 2 screens visible to the driver. Or, the fact that the R1S has all kinds of storage space that the MX doesn't. The frunk is big enough for a dead body and the back is enormous, too. Plenty of space for cargo AND 5 passengers. The Rivian also has different wheel and tire configurations that the Tesla does not have. Even simple things like the sound and entertainment systems, included air compressors, flashlights or speakers, climate control for all passengers, security, and safety...all missed for repeated comments about 6 or 7-passenger configurations... Don't get me wrong, I think Tesla makes amazing vehicles. But, this video didn't offer enough information for someone trying to decide to leave their ICE vehicle for an EV. It's clear that Tesla paved the way for everyone else in this space right now, and I will always like their cars. But, it would have been more prudent to even say, "For those of you who need a luxury SUV and make more frequent trips to the mall over anything else...the Model X is your car. If you want a car that opens and closes the doors automatically for you and can totally smoke any muscle car on the road while also offering the ability to watch Netflix while you wait for your kids, pick up a Model X. However, for those of you who may have more active lifestyles, do some camping or at least pic-nicking, need to be able to accommodate work gear, AND still go faster than 90% of the cars on the road, the R1S is for you. Whether you live somewhere that has 1 season or 4, the Rivian can adjust to any of them and offer a more comfortable ride." And of course, by purchasing a Rivian, you don't have to be worried that the owner is going to donate some of the money you spent on the car to the campaign of a wannabe dictator. Good luck with the next video.

I had my Tesla X - 7 seater delivered. My kids never knew about the order. Brought them down & said guys this is your new car. All were jumping & screaming, except my 13 yr old son, who said, you brought me all the way down the elevator to show me a Tesla X?. I wish, it's a Rivian. Have it on vid for the records 😂. I could've gone with the Rivian but when it comes charging experience, Tesla blew them all out of water. And here we are. Must add, some wicked beard there buddy 😊

Could not deal with the falcon wing doors, imagine you are in a not so good neighborhood- security risk waiting for them to close. Went with R1s

This is a review that seems to emphasize the tech and miss the obvious: what an SUV is or should be. The R1S is the epitome of what an SUV should be. It is not perfect, what all it does, it does it better than any other vehicle. The R1S is no Model X, and the Model X is no R1S. I dare say that calling the Model X an SUV is a misnomer (did it complete the Rubicon trail for example, like the R1S did, stock?). In terms of tech, absolutely, hands down Teslas are better, but the tech that the R1S has is no slacker, either. The R1S still has an extremely comfortable, quiet ride, and it was built for off-roading, which let us face it, the Model X is not really meant for. And the R1S is plenty fast, awfully fast on the road; none of that matters much on the trail. Not taking away from either, especially the Model X. It is an awesome vehicle. And I own two Teslas also (MSP and MYP); tend to think I know what I am talking about. Some have commented that Teslas feel as if one is riding on the ground. With the R1S, I have a commanding view of the road, what an SUV should be, and it feels and it is a large beast! In my view, this is more like comparing and apple to an orange. Both are outstanding vehicles in their own right, but in terms of a TRUE SUV, there is one and one only: RIVIAN R1S, the undisputed king of the true SUVs. Very glad that I can charge mine at several Tesla superchargers and that I do not need to pay a surcharge. Appreciate your review; have watched several of your videos. It just does not seem like a fair comparison to either of the two. Respectfully, thank you.

This guy sure likes to take his time to get to the point goodness!🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

That’s because Rivians are over priced and don’t have no good tax credit for the R1S would sell more if it qualified full for the tax credit and would be around 70K-75K.

Thanks BTG. Apparently, I am done with EVs until somebody comes up with EV minivans with 500+ miles of range under $50k.

...but the Model X isn't an SUV. It's a hatchback, of sorts. More of a car/sedan than any sort of SUV. SUV only in name for purposes of taxes, which was genius, but it's not an SUV. Q: would you take it offroad or even down a logging road? Nope. Then it isn't an SUV.

A little bit of a Tesla fan boy huh?

If you need 7 seats, you CAN NOT recommend Tesla no matter how good the charging network is.

Model X 120lbs tongue weight, 5000lbs towing; R1S 810lbs tongue weight, 7000lbs towing. For me, that’s a show stopper - Tesla’s documentation for their hitch says not to exceed that 120lb number.

I could never buy a vehicle with as ugly front as the Rivian, never!

Can’t get past the R1S looks. Not very stylish and plain looking. I do like the R1T but way too overpriced.

Rivian is headed towards the dustbin of history. Soon to be an “orphan” brand, this company just does not sell enough vehicles to be economically sustainable in the long run.

Totally not bais... Base model Rivian vs top of the line tesla. Also Rivian is backed by Ford.

Rivian is very overrated personally

Rivian= a dead man walking…..

one is an efficient glorified minivan. The other is a less efficient proper off roader

Model X design looks too old for a new SUV EV in 2024.

R1S is roomier inside and has a frunk that is much bigger. Better off road and tows a lot more too

Great review, I test drove both R1S and MX , you can't even compare ride quality of both , If I really need a real off roader into the wild , its better to go with gas option (where will you charge an EV ) . MX can handle off road to an extent. But for me, 99% , I'll use it on road. FSD now is amazing. Im picking up my MXP tomorrow , i realized that with 6 seater option , MXP is not that of a price difference with LRMX , and MXP has better resale value after 3 years if I want to upgrade. If I am qualified for the tax credit , I'd have taken the MX 5seater.

Thanks for a great video. I love the R1S but it sits too high for my elderly mother to get in when I have to take her places. Think I will have time go with the X next year.

Only Big SUV you missed the very Popular Kia EV9

Tesla wins cause Rivian may not be around next year