Rivian R1T 70·Tesla Cybertruck 74on the MotiveGrid Score·Tesla Cybertruck about $6,481 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,481 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Tesla Cybertruck is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Rivian R1T vs. Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Rivian R1T versus 2026 Tesla Cybertruck.
Metric
Rivian R1T
Tesla Cybertruck
MotiveGrid Score
70
74
Cost of Ownership
41
51
Powertrain
64
60
Driver Assistance
46
30
Livability
55
67
Safety
93
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$81,995
$75,513
Depreciation (5-yr)
$41,750
$33,315
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$4,658
$4,658
Insurance (5-yr)
$18,270
$20,525
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,705
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,250
$2,250
Financing (5-yr)
$10,982
$10,531
Registration (5-yr)
$2,380
$2,320
Starting Price
$72,990
$69,990
Horsepower
533 hp
593 hp
Electric range
270 mi
325 mi
Cargo volume
52 cu ft
120.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
7,700 lbs
7,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Electric
2026$72,990
MSRP
$72,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,367
$81,995 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Electric
2026$69,990
MSRP
$69,990
Mo · 5yr
$1,259
$75,513 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
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 →
Tesla Cybertruck scores higher overall.
Rivian R1T
0
/ 100
Tesla Cybertruck
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
R1T
41
Cybertruck
51
Winner: Cybertruck
$6,481 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
R1T
64
Cybertruck
60
Winner: R1T
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
R1T
46
Cybertruck
30
Winner: R1T
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
R1T
55
Cybertruck
67
Winner: Cybertruck
+12 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Tesla Cybertruck is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,481 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Rivian R1T still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Rivian R1T
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Tesla Cybertruck
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Cybertruck
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Rivian R1T
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Rivian R1T
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
Rivian R1T
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,367
$81,995 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,367/mo
Tesla Cybertruck
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,259
$75,513 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,259/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Rivian R1T would need 71.4 years to recoup its $3,000 price premium ($42/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Tesla Cybertruck comes out about $6,481 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.