2025 Rivian R1T Makes It Hard To Choose Tesla's Cybertruck

The first two are the all-new tri-motor Rivian R1T Ascend and the best Cybertruck, which is known as the Cyberbeast. So, which one should you go for? Let's take a look.

The recently refreshed R1T's price starts at $69,900 and goes all the way up to $105,900 sans options, taxes, fees, and other minuscule charges.

The one we're interested in is the 850-hp version. It has three motors that develop 1,103 lb-ft of torque and a battery that reportedly enables it to go 380 miles (612 kilometers) on a full charger or 405 miles (652 kilometers) when the driver wants to maximize efficiency by using Conserve Mode. It can reach 60 mph (97 kph) in 2.9 seconds. Now, that's quite a pickup truck!

The Ascend trim is included in the $99,900 price of this vehicle, which contains a special interior design inspired by the natural world, quality materials, all sorts of visual accents, the electrochromic roof, the 960-watt 17-speaker sound system, the darkened-put badges, window trim, and hooks, the powered tonneau cover, and the air compressor.

Surprisingly, the camp speaker isn't included. It remains a $450 option. The same is true for the new 22-inch aero wheels with removable covers that should add around three more miles of extra range. Gladly, the gear tunnel is still there. There's no camp kitchen in it, but you can order one from a third party.

An improved recipe

Besides all those goodies, it's worth noting that the new pickup truck comes with a slightly improved exterior. The lighting system, for example, can help signal more to other drivers when stranded or parked in a busy area. Now, the headlights have adaptive (matrix) beams, too!

The 141.5-kWh Samsung-made NMC battery is built on a ~450V architecture, which means the top charging speed is limited to 220 kW. Also, the EV is equipped with the CCS port, which means there's no native integration with Tesla's Supercharger network. Customers who will take delivery of 2025 model-year units will need an adapter.

On the other side of the aisle sits Tesla's "triangle on wheels," which comes with a very similar MSRP of $99,990.

The tri-motor 834-hp Cyberbeast has an estimated range of 320 miles (515 kilometers) and can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 2.6 seconds. The world's most valuable automaker says the EV develops 10,296 lb-ft of torque, but that's an exaggerated figure. Like GMC with its Hummer EV, the torque the brand reports is the one that comes after gear reduction.

Besides those impressive figures, the edgy vehicle has a bullet-resistant body and rock-proof glass. The cabin also almost seals itself, which enables the pickup truck to survive while crossing rivers and also insulate the people sitting inside from whatever harmful things may be outside. Of course, the huge HEPA air filter also helps.

Probably the best thing about the Cyberbeast is that it can charge its 123-kWh battery very fast because it's built on an 800V architecture. There's only one problem: the automaker's charging stalls aren't equipped to dispense power at a rate of over 350 kW. So, you'll need an adapter to charge at an Electrify America location or other station that has those high-power pedestals. The NACS connector is not widely available at other charging providers just yet.

Putting the R1T and Cyberbeast next to each other makes the Rivian look like yesterday's vehicle. The minimalistic, pointy look really feels futuristic despite the front end's ability to seriously injure vulnerable road users.

Where two are fighting, the third wins(?)

However, neither is perfect. They will still have issues with towing long distances and be susceptible to very high or very low weather temperatures. But were we to choose one…

Oh, right! The third option! Well, that's the 754-hp Chevy Silverado EV RST that seems to do everything perfectly. It has a manufacturer-estimated range of 440 miles (708 kilometers), a starting price of $96,495, a "multi-flex midgate with passthrough," a hands-free driving system that works well, a glass roof that doesn't open, two big high-definition screens, an infotainment center with access to Google Built-In (you can download Waze!), and, like the other two, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, you might not miss them much since Google Built-in is there.

The Silverado EV RST "only" develops 785 lb-ft (1,064 Nm) of torque and reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. It has only two motors.

Like the Rivian and the Tesla, the Chevy has ventilated seats and a good towing capacity. The great thing about GM's EV is that it can replenish its 215-kWh battery very fast, and it can keep that high rate of charge for longer than the other two. That means you won't have to spend too much time at a charging station when traveling long distances.

But probably the best thing about the Silverado EV RST is that the 4WT version exists. It comes with the same specs, minus the cool interior amenities. If your business could do with an all-electric workhorse, then the Chevy is the ideal choice.

Ultimately, the Rivian R1T is a solid choice for people who want a pickup truck that won't attract negative attention from many, the tri-motor Tesla Cybertruck is an ideal fit for those who have the early adopter mindset and like to express themselves freely, and the Silverado EV RST (or 4WT) is the vehicle to buy if you care about using it as a pickup truck should be used.