Rivian R1S vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Rivian R1S
Rivian R1S

2025 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Summary

2025 Rivian R1S
2025 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
-

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
-

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
-

5
Dislikes
  • Unresolved suspension
  • Slow infotainment system
  • Not available in Australia

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
2025 Rivian R1S Summary

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.

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2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Rivian R1S 2025 Tesla Model Y

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