Lexus RX450H vs Rivian R1S

What's the difference?

This is a review with a difference. For three days, I had a Lexus RX450h and thought it was pretty terrible to drive. Every time I turned the steering wheel, the tyres would squeal as though they weren't inflated with air but instead with tiny, fluffy kittens.

I was bitterly disappointed. How could a car get out the door of the Lexus engineering division with such an aversion to corners. I mean, I know it's not meant to be a corner-carving monster, but normal cornering should have been okay.

After those three days, I'd had enough. The low tyre pressure warning light came on and the penny dropped. I hadn't even thought to check the pressures. They were very, very low. Like only at two-thirds of recommended. So after visiting three separate establishments to find a working pump, I had a whole different car.

An American all-electric car brand with a unique take on the automotive industry, an up and down share price and a cheaper model in its future plans. You could be mistaken for thinking I’m talking about Tesla, but I’m not.

Recently CarsGuide got the opportunity to experience an alternative electric car brand, and one that, despite having many similarities to Tesla, is also in many respects its polar opposite.

I’m talking about Rivian, which is very much behind Tesla in terms of sales, market cap and just about every other measure. But what it does have is a compelling line-up of electric vehicles, with plans for expansion, including an eventual entry into Australia.

Back in 2023 we drove the brand’s ute, the R1T, but on a recent trip to Los Angeles we sampled the brand’s other model, the R1S SUV. It was an eye-opener to see how far the brand has come in two years and showcased just how different Rivian is from Tesla.