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Which reigns supreme: rivian r1s or kia telluride? the ultimate suv showdown

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Telluride, with its gasoline engine, has a more limited range, with an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
  • However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more traditional SUV, the Telluride is a great option.
  • The Rivian R1S has a significantly better range than the Telluride, with an estimated range of 316 miles compared to the Telluride’s 26 mpg on the highway.

The Rivian R1S and the Kia Telluride are two of the most highly anticipated adventure vehicles on the market. Both offer impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interiors, and a host of advanced features. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Rivian R1S against the Telluride in a head-to-head battle to determine which vehicle reigns supreme.

Design and Styling

The R1S boasts a sleek and futuristic design, with a muscular stance and sharp lines. Its distinctive “stadium” seating provides excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road. In contrast, the Telluride has a more traditional SUV design, with a boxy shape and rugged exterior. It features a spacious and comfortable interior with premium materials.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the R1S and the Telluride are capable of tackling tough terrain. The R1S, however, has a clear advantage in this area. Its Quad Motor All-Wheel Drive system provides instant torque and precise control, while its adjustable air suspension allows for optimal ground clearance and stability. The Telluride, on the other hand, has a more traditional 4WD system and a less sophisticated suspension setup.

Performance

The R1S’s electric powertrain delivers impressive performance. With 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. The Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, offers a more modest performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, it provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Range and Efficiency

As an electric vehicle, the R1S has a significant advantage in terms of range and efficiency. With a battery capacity of 135 kWh, it can travel up to 316 miles on a single charge. The Telluride, with its gasoline engine, has a more limited range, with an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Features

Both the R1S and the Telluride offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The R1S’s cabin is particularly impressive, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. It also features a large panoramic sunroof and a massive 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Telluride’s interior is more traditional, but it still provides plenty of space and comfort. It offers a variety of seating configurations, including a third row of seats for up to eight passengers.

Safety Features

Both vehicles come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The R1S includes standard features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also offers a range of advanced safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

Price and Availability

The Rivian R1S has a starting price of $73,000, while the Telluride starts at $35,000. The R1S is available for pre-order now, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2023. The Telluride is currently available for purchase at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Which One is Right for You?

The Rivian R1S and the Telluride are both excellent adventure vehicles. However, the R1S has a clear advantage in terms of off-road capabilities, performance, range, and technology. If you’re looking for the ultimate off-road adventure vehicle, the R1S is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more traditional SUV, the Telluride is a great option.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between the Rivian R1S and the Telluride depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the most capable and technologically advanced adventure vehicle, the R1S is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and traditional SUV, the Telluride is a solid choice.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better range?
A: The Rivian R1S has a significantly better range than the Telluride, with an estimated range of 316 miles compared to the Telluride’s 26 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle is more powerful?
A: The Rivian R1S is more powerful than the Telluride, with 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride’s 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which vehicle has a larger interior?
A: The Rivian R1S has a slightly larger interior than the Telluride, with more legroom and headroom for all passengers.

Q: Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?
A: Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Rivian R1S has a slight edge in terms of advanced technologies, such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Telluride is more affordable than the Rivian R1S, with a starting price of $35,000 compared to the R1S’s starting price of $73,000.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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