Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Rivian R1T is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $1,070 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (R1T Dual Max (22in), 87 MPGe combined), against $1,180 for the Tesla Cybertruck (Cybertruck, 79 MPGe combined). That is $110 a year, or $550 over five years.
Both are classed as Standard pickups by the EPA. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Electric
- Standard pickups
Tesla Cybertruck
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Cybertruck
$7.87 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
325 mi EPA range · 43 kWh/100 mi
3 configurations in MY2026
- Electric
- Standard pickups
Rivian R1T
Lowest fuel cost configuration
R1T Dual Max (22in)
$7.13 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
420 mi EPA range · 39 kWh/100 mi
25 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Tesla Cybertruck$1,180 a year · $7.87 per 100 mi
- Rivian R1T$1,070 a year · $7.13 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$110
Rivian R1T costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$550
$110 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Tesla Cybertruck | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Cybertruck | R1T Dual Max (22in) |
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Combined rating | 79 MPGe | 87 MPGe (better) |
| City rating | 85 MPGe | 93 MPGe (better) |
| Highway rating | 72 MPGe | 80 MPGe (better) |
| EPA range | 325 mi | 420 mi (better) |
| Electricity use | 43 kWh/100 mi | 39 kWh/100 mi (better) |
| Annual fuel cost | $1,180/yr | $1,070/yr (better) |
| Cost per 100 miles | $7.87 | $7.13 (better) |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $1,180–$1,190 | $1,070–$1,380 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 3 | 25 |
| EPA class | Standard pickups | Standard pickups |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Tesla Cybertruck | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 79 MPGe · $1,180/yr Cybertruck | 87 MPGe · $1,070/yr R1T Dual Max (22in) |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
Tesla Cybertruck
Not ahead on any measure listed here.
Rivian R1T
- Lower annual fuel cost: $1,070 vs $1,180
- Higher combined rating: 87 MPGe vs 79 MPGe
- Higher city rating: 93 MPGe vs 85 MPGe
- Higher highway rating: 80 MPGe vs 72 MPGe
- Longer EPA range: 420 mi vs 325 mi
Year by year
| Model year | Tesla Cybertruck | Rivian R1T | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 78–79 MPGe | $1,180–$1,190 | 67–87 MPGe | $1,070–$1,380 |
| 2025 | 78–82 MPGe | $1,120–$1,190 | 68–87 MPGe | $1,070–$1,370 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the Tesla Cybertruck or the Rivian R1T?
The Rivian R1T is cheaper: about $1,070 a year against $1,180 for the Tesla Cybertruck, a difference of $110 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the Rivian R1T save over five years?
About $550 ($110 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Tesla Cybertruck or the Rivian R1T?
The Rivian R1T is rated 87 MPGe combined against 79 MPGe for the Tesla Cybertruck. City: 85 MPGe vs 93 MPGe. Highway: 72 MPGe vs 80 MPGe. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T in the same class?
Yes. The EPA classes both as Standard pickups.
Explore these cars
- Tesla Cybertruck: ratings, trims and every model year
- Rivian R1T: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Tesla Cybertruck: all configurations
- 2026 Rivian R1T: all configurations
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