Tesla Model X Vs Latest Rivian R1S

In the electric SUV market, two players often stand out for their innovation and willingness to push the envelope: Tesla and Rivian. Both have recently come out with some additional tweaks for two of their key models, as they square up once again within the ultra-competitive SUV market. While some of these updates are quite disappointing on the one hand, it’s nonetheless good to see where the Model X and R1S are heading in this fast-moving sector.

Performance And Range: Incremental Versus Transformative

The Tesla Model X is one of the company’s flagship creations and, as such, people keenly anticipate any announcements about upgrades. However, the company’s most recent announcement in June has left many observers disappointed, as these upgrades seem to be mostly incremental. Crucially, they don’t really touch those performance figures, as impressive as they may already be. For example, the updates include some new wheel designs, with 19-inch Magnetite wheels for the base model and 20-inch Perihelix wheels for the Plaid.

Tesla also talks about enhanced noise cancellation, but here again, upgrades like this don’t really represent a significant leap forward. And while the Model X may be relatively efficient, with 104 MPGe in the city and 96 MPGe on the highway, there is only a slight range increase (of around 26 miles) for this model. In contrast, there’s a lot more meat to the Rivian upgrade. In fact, the R1S second-generation update is more transformative, as the quad motor will now produce 1,025 hp and get you to 60 mph in around 3 seconds. Slightly slower than the Model X Plaid, but still competitive. The dual motor max pack can now get 410 miles of range, and this represents a clear advantage over the Model X for your long-distance travel.

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Rivian has also developed new batteries and motors in-house to enhance the car’s efficiency, while the R1S also has 14.4 inches of ground clearance thanks to its air suspension system, for more assured off-road performance. When you compare this to the Model X and its 8.9 inches, you can see that the R1S should be far more capable on those dusty tracks. The Rivian also has a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. which is a lot more than the Model X and its 5,500 lbs. On the flip side, the R1S will only deliver 73 MPGe in the city and 65 MPGe on the highway, which is less impressive than the Model X.

As far as the headlines are concerned, the Model X updates fail to impress because Tesla doesn’t address critical performance areas. The company has focused on minor enhancements rather than any comprehensive overhaul, whereas Rivian has made some transformative advances in range, off-road capability, and towing capacity. Rivian has also extended its Adventure Network of chargers and, although its system is still less extensive than that of Tesla and its SuperChargers, it’s nevertheless expanding. It’s also integrating its charging network with third-party solutions like Electrify America.

Interior And Comfort Changes: Superficial Versus Substantial

Moving inside, Tesla has also announced some enhancements for the Model X, but again, many of these are quite superficial. You’ll get dynamic ambient lighting that will animate when you enter and there’s a new camera on the front fascia to look out for potholes. The 17-inch central touch screen is still the main control hub, but Tesla hasn’t addressed the lack of any physical buttons, which remains a point of contention for some buyers. Overall, the interior space is okay up front, but somewhat limited in the rear, which many people feel is particularly disappointing in a family-oriented SUV. When it comes to storage, you’ll get a maximum of 85 cubic feet with both rear rows in the folded position and there’s a 6.5 cubic foot frunk, but again, this figure is outclassed by the R1S, with its 104.7 cubic feet of total storage. Tesla talks about the new suspension design for the Model X with advanced bushings that promise a smoother ride, but will this fully address some of the comfort issues that Model X owners complain about on rough roads?

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Rivian has announced a raft of interior updates for the 2025 model, including an expansion of the third-row legroom to 33.7 inches. This should make the R1S even more family-friendly and able to accommodate a broader range of passengers. It also has a new heat pump design that should improve cabin warming efficiency, which is good news for those who live in colder climates, and this is an example of a practical enhancement that most of the Model X updates do not seem to address. Meanwhile, the R1S has an updated user interface which features Google Cast for streaming and Apple Music access, although it does lack any Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, a drawback that it shares with the Model X.

So, when it comes to the interior, Tesla seems to have focused more on style and substance with the latest Model X updates, save for a modest increase in the rear row. In contrast, the R1S now has revised interior space and extra cargo capacity, aiming squarely at overall practicality.

Tech And Safety: Minor Tweaks Or Major Leaps

In the technology department, Tesla’s 2025 Model X updates include a front fascia camera, adaptive driving beams, and enhanced active noise cancellation. Yet again, these are disappointingly minor compared to some expectations. You will get the autopilot system on all trims with its semi-autonomous driving capabilities, lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, but you’ll have to pay a lot more for the optional full self-driving package. Safety-wise, there are 10 airbags and other features like blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, but really nothing in the update to get excited about. Certainly, you can choose from some new color options, like frost blue, but this will set you back an additional $2,500.

Rivian has made some significant updates in terms of technology and safety. The autonomy platform with its five radar sensors, 11 cameras, and AI, helps the R1S to get a top safety pick from the IIHS. There are also new features like RGB LED light bars and an electronically tinted glass roof on certain trims, as enhancements in the safety and comfort departments.

Pricing: And A Competitive Edge

Of course, pricing is a critical consideration and those relatively minor updates from Tesla will cost an additional $5,000 across both the base model and the Plaid trim. When you consider that the Model X doesn’t qualify for federal EV tax credits, it’s already at something of a disadvantage compared to the R1S. The Model X starts at $89,990, while the R1S starts at $75,900, but with a potential $7500 in incentives. A fully loaded Rivian R1S may reach around $90,000, but there again, the Tesla Model X Plaid trim is $104,990.

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The Rising Star Makes Ground

So, the Tesla Model X updates are quite minor and don’t really address critical areas like third row space, towing capacity, range, or technological innovation. On the other hand, the second-generation Rivian R1S now offers better off-road capability, more interior space, and superior range at a lower starting price. For those seeking a premium EV SUV, the R1S appears to come out on top in this upgrade battle. And one thing is for certain, while Tesla may have a strong lead in this particular market, Rivian and its R1S are certainly formidable rivals.

Sources: Tesla, Rivian.