We've seen what the Rivian R1T can do when confronted with one of the world's fastest production trucks. Quite simply, it walks away from the V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX, using its 835 horsepower to comfortably sail ahead of the competition.
The battery-powered R1T is a mightily impressive feat of engineering, promising customers stellar off-roading performance and straight-line speed. However, we recently learned the all-electric Rivian isn't best-suited to towing. While it can certainly lug heavy loads around with ease, it drastically reduces range, meaning long-distance towing trips aren't the R1T's forte.
But now the Rivian has been pitted against a gas-powered Toyota Tundra, to see how far each truck can travel on a full tank/charge. Both vehicles were fitted with the same trailer (a Colorado Teardrops Classic Line) and faced the same weather and traffic conditions. Both pickups also covered the distance in approximately the same time. So, what are the results?
The Rivian heads out first, with the trip computer indicating 100% battery charge. Switching to tow mode, the R1T's range estimate is reduced to just 135 miles. On the highway, however, the range increases to 154 miles. In the previous test, the electric pickup was saddled with a far heftier Ford F-100 at the rear. The light trailer will certainly aid in conserving energy.
The reason for its use? The presenter notes a 'teardrop' trailer would be typical of a Rivian owner. "If you want to go camping, maybe you don't need a huge trailer. Maybe you just [need] something a bit more compact." Cruising at 70 mph with the climate control working, the test simulates real-world usage. At the halfway point (77 miles of travel), the battery capacity indicates 51% charge. Overall, the Rivian managed to travel 153 miles - using 91% of its battery charge - and average 1.25 miles/kWh. Theoretically, the R1T could travel around 168 miles on a full charge.
Next up, the gas-powered Toyota Tundra sets out on the same challenge. Driven at the same pace as the Rivian, the Toyota reaches the halfway point with no worries. Hitched up to the trailer, the trip computer shows the Japanese truck is averaging just 14 mpg. Arriving back at the starting point, the Tundra used just 10.34 gallons of fuel (nearly a third of the tank) to travel the same 153 miles as the Rivian.
With nearly 22 gallons of fuel left over, the Tundra could theoretically cover 473 miles on a single tank - approximately 2.8 times further than the Rivian. While the electric pickup is certainly a superb all-rounder, it appears ICE-powered trucks are still the way to go (for now) when it comes to long-distance towing. However, that's not to say the Rivian can't tow - short distances (to the drag strip, for example) can be done with ease. But from a purely practical perspective, it seems gas-powered trucks are still the best bet.