Tesla Model X vs Rivian R1S: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Tesla Model X is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $880 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (Model X, 105 MPGe combined), against $1,080 for the Rivian R1S (R1S Dual Large (22in), 85 MPGe combined). That is $200 a year, or $1,000 over five years.
Both are classed as Standard SUVs 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 SUVs
Tesla Model X
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Model X
$5.87 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
352 mi EPA range · 32 kWh/100 mi
2 configurations in MY2026
- Electric
- Standard SUVs
Rivian R1S
Lowest fuel cost configuration
R1S Dual Large (22in)
$7.20 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
329 mi EPA range · 39 kWh/100 mi
25 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Tesla Model X$880 a year · $5.87 per 100 mi
- Rivian R1S$1,080 a year · $7.20 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$200
Tesla Model X costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$1,000
$200 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Tesla Model X | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Model X | R1S Dual Large (22in) |
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Combined rating | 105 MPGe (better) | 85 MPGe |
| City rating | 110 MPGe (better) | 94 MPGe |
| Highway rating | 99 MPGe (better) | 77 MPGe |
| EPA range | 352 mi (better) | 329 mi |
| Electricity use | 32 kWh/100 mi (better) | 39 kWh/100 mi |
| Annual fuel cost | $880/yr (better) | $1,080/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $5.87 (better) | $7.20 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $880–$930 | $1,080–$1,380 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 2 | 25 |
| EPA class | Standard SUVs | Standard SUVs |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Tesla Model X | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 105 MPGe · $880/yr Model X | 85 MPGe · $1,080/yr R1S Dual Large (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 Model X
- Lower annual fuel cost: $880 vs $1,080
- Higher combined rating: 105 MPGe vs 85 MPGe
- Higher city rating: 110 MPGe vs 94 MPGe
- Higher highway rating: 99 MPGe vs 77 MPGe
- Longer EPA range: 352 mi vs 329 mi
Rivian R1S
Not ahead on any measure listed here.
Year by year
| Model year | Tesla Model X | Rivian R1S | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 100–105 MPGe | $880–$930 | 67–85 MPGe | $1,080–$1,380 |
| 2025 | 88–98 MPGe | $940–$1,050 | 68–85 MPGe | $1,080–$1,370 |
| 2024 | 90–100 MPGe | $920–$1,020 | 63–82 MPGe | $1,120–$1,470 |
| 2023 | 91–102 MPGe | $910–$1,010 | 63–78 MPGe | $1,190–$1,470 |
| 2022 | 91–102 MPGe | $910–$1,010 | 69 MPGe | $1,340 |
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 Model X or the Rivian R1S?
The Tesla Model X is cheaper: about $880 a year against $1,080 for the Rivian R1S, a difference of $200 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 Tesla Model X save over five years?
About $1,000 ($200 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 Model X or the Rivian R1S?
The Tesla Model X is rated 105 MPGe combined against 85 MPGe for the Rivian R1S. City: 110 MPGe vs 94 MPGe. Highway: 99 MPGe vs 77 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 Model X and the Rivian R1S in the same class?
Yes. The EPA classes both as Standard SUVs.
Explore these cars
- Tesla Model X: ratings, trims and every model year
- Rivian R1S: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Tesla Model X: all configurations
- 2026 Rivian R1S: all configurations
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