The 2025 Rivian R1T Shocks the Market: Dethroning the Tesla Cybertruck
Imagine you're in the market for a cutting-edge pickup truck, but the conventional gas or diesel options don't quite cut it for you. You're after something packed with power, brimming with amenities, and offering the latest in automotive technology. Your budget is generous, just a few dollars shy of hitting the six-figure mark. Lucky for you, that puts some spectacular machines within your reach, including the all-new tri-motor Rivian R1T Ascend and Tesla's unconventional Cyberbeast.
Why the Rivian R1T Ascend Is Turning Heads
The freshly updated Rivian R1T comes with a price range starting at $69,900 and can soar up to $105,900 before you add options, taxes, and fees. The model that's turning everyone's head is the 850-horsepower version. It boasts an eye-watering 1,103 lb-ft of torque and a battery that can carry you 380 miles on a full charge or 405 miles using Conserve Mode. This beast hits 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, making it a true powerhouse on wheels.
For $99,900, the Ascend trim offers a blend of luxury and utility. Inside, you'll find an interior that's inspired by the beauty of nature and crafted with high-quality materials. Features include an electrochromic roof, a 960-watt 17-speaker sound system, darkened-out badges and trim, a powered tonneau cover, and even an air compressor, among other visual and functional accents.
One of the more unique features of Rivian vehicles, the gear tunnel, is still present in the 2025 model. While it doesn't come with a camp kitchen, you can easily order one from third-party suppliers. The camp speaker, however, is still an optional $450 add-on. In terms of exterior improvements, the new adaptive (matrix) beam headlights and a refined lighting system enhance visibility and safety.
The Tough Competitor: Tesla Cybertruck
On the other end of the spectrum is the formidable Tesla Cybertruck, or Cyberbeast, priced just a hair under $100,000. With its 834 horsepower and 10,296 lb-ft of torque (post-gear reduction), it zooms to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds. Tesla estimates the range at 320 miles, though its brutalist design and armored exterior make it more than just a pretty face.
This bullet-resistant beast can wade through rivers, thanks to a near-sealed cabin and an enormous HEPA air filter that keeps out harmful particles. The 123-kWh battery charges quickly, courtesy of an 800V architecture, but you'll need an adapter for non-Tesla high-power pedestals, as not all charging networks support the NACS connector yet.
Don't Forget the Chevy Silverado EV RST
In this arena of high-stakes electric pickups, the Chevy Silverado EV RST emerges as a compelling third option. Priced at $96,495, this 754-horsepower behemoth offers a remarkable manufacturer-estimated range of 440 miles. It features a multi-flex midgate with passthrough, hands-free driving capability, and Google Built-In, allowing access to Waze and other apps directly from the dashboard.
While it develops 'only' 785 lb-ft of torque and takes 4.5 seconds to sprint to 60 mph, it balances this with the practicality of two motors and a fast-charging 215-kWh battery that retains its high-speed charge longer than its competitors. It's ideal for anyone looking to use their EV as a traditional workhorse.
The Final Verdict
The Rivian R1T offers a blend of style and performance that appeals to those wanting a seamless integration of luxury and capability. Tesla’s Cyberbeast appeals to the futurist willing to dive headfirst into the electric frontier. Meanwhile, the Chevy Silverado EV RST stands as a reliable, versatile option for practical users. Ultimately, your choice depends on what you value most in an electric pickup, but one thing is clear: The 2025 Rivian R1T is redefining what we expect from the future of pickup trucks.