Chevrolet Tahoe 61·Rivian R1S 66on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Tahoe about $813 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe is the cheaper one to own — roughly $813 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Rivian R1S counters with notably more cargo room and more power (533 vs 355 hp).
Go with the Chevrolet Tahoe for the better long-term value; consider the Rivian R1S if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Rivian R1S
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe versus 2026 Rivian R1S.
Metric
Chevrolet Tahoe
Rivian R1S
MotiveGrid Score
61
66
Cost of Ownership
44
44
Powertrain
52
63
Driver Assistance
22
46
Livability
60
37
Safety
87
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$84,431
$85,245
Depreciation (5-yr)
$34,508
$44,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$19,884
$4,658
Insurance (5-yr)
$13,500
$18,650
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$1,705
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$9,705
$11,584
Registration (5-yr)
$1,595
$2,460
Starting Price
$64,500
$76,990
Horsepower
355 hp
533 hp
MPG (combined)
17 mpg
—
Electric range
—
270 mi
Cargo volume
25.5 cu ft
104.7 cu ft
Seating
8
7
Towing capacity
8,400 lbs
7,700 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$64,500
MSRP
$64,500
Mo · 5yr
$1,407
$84,431 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$76,990
MSRP
$76,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,421
$85,245 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Rivian R1S scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Tahoe
0
/ 100
Rivian R1S
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Tahoe
44
R1S
44
Evenly matched
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Tahoe
52
R1S
63
Winner: R1S
+11 pts
Strong power output▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Tahoe
22
R1S
46
Winner: R1S
+24 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Tahoe
60
R1S
37
Winner: Tahoe
+23 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Tahoe is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $813 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Rivian R1S still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Rivian R1S
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Tahoe
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Rivian R1S
Stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Rivian R1S
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Tahoe
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Chevrolet Tahoe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,407
$84,431 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,407/mo
Rivian R1S
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,421
$85,245 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,421/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Rivian R1S recoups its $12,490 price premium in 3.8 years ($3,322/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Tahoe comes out about $813 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.