Lucid Gravity vs. Rivian R1S: Battle of the Upstart Electric SUVs
The three-row electric-SUV class is finally stacked with heavy hitters from young brands. Lucid’s brand-new Gravity arrives as a long-range luxury liner, while Rivian’s updated (Gen-2) R1S doubles down on adventure chops with new powertrains and better efficiency. If you’re cross-shopping these two in late-2025, here’s the definitive, SEO-friendly guide to help you choose.
TL;DR (Quick Verdict)
- Pick the Lucid Gravity if you want maximum highway range, rapid DC charging, and a luxe, airy cabin that still hauls a family. It’s the efficiency champ and a long-distance cruiser.
- Pick the Rivian R1S if you need serious off-road ability, robust towing for a 3-row EV (7,700 lb), and flexible powertrain choices at more price points. It’s the adventure all-rounder.
Key Specs Snapshot
- Range (best case):
- Gravity Grand Touring: up to ~450 miles EPA.
- R1S (Gen-2): up to 410 miles (Dual-Motor Max); Tri-Motor Max ~371 miles.
- Fast Charging (peak / real-world):
- Gravity: up to ~400 kW, ~200 miles in ~10–12 min (HV pack).
- R1S (Gen-2): ~215 kW peak after 2025 updates.
- Powertrains:
- Gravity: AWD dual-motor; ~828 hp in GT at launch.
- R1S: Dual-, Tri-, and Quad-motor (Gen-2), with Tri-Motor shipping since late-2024.
- Towing:
- Gravity: up to 6,000 lb (with tow package).
- R1S: 7,700 lb (most configs).
- Seating: Both offer 3 rows (up to 7 seats).
- Pricing (late-2025 ballpark):
- Gravity Grand Touring: ~$95–97k before options; Touring expected to follow at lower price.
- R1S: ~$78k–$107k depending on trim/motors/battery.
Range & Efficiency: Highway Hero vs. Trail Trekker
Lucid built its name on efficiency, and Gravity continues that story. The GT trim is EPA-rated up to 450 miles, edging every R1S configuration. If you road-trip often, the combo of big range and ultra-fast charging makes the Gravity compelling. Independent testing has seen ~400 miles in mixed use still excellent for a 3-row.
Rivian counters with a broad range ladder: 258 mi (Standard), 329 mi (Large), and up to 410 mi (Dual-Motor Max), or 371 mi with the higher-performance Tri-Motor. Expect a slight real-world haircut vs. EPA, as usual.
Bottom line: If absolute range is your priority, Gravity wins. If you want to choose your range/price/performance mix, R1S offers more configurations.
Charging: Pit-Stop Speed
Gravity’s 900-V architecture enables headline 400-kW peaks and ~200 miles in ~10–12 minutes, rivaling the fastest EVs you can buy. It also ships with a native NACS (SAE J3400) inlet for broad Supercharger access.
Rivian’s 2025 software bumps took the R1S to ~215 kW peak and quicker 10–80% times, and the brand continues rolling out NACS access (adapters for earlier builds; native ports standard on later models). Practically, both now plug into Superchargers, but Gravity will generally charge faster at higher SOCs on big road days.
Performance & Handling
Lucid’s GT tune (~828 hp) delivers serene, quiet speed with secure AWD and adaptive air suspension—aimed at continent-crushing comfort more than rock gardens. Expect sub-4-second 0–60s in performance-focused setups.
Rivian offers Dual, Tri, and Quad setups; the Tri-Motor brings super-SUV thrust (0–60 as quick as ~2.8s in special builds) while preserving real utility. Rivian’s ride/handling balance improved with its Gen-2 hardware and software updates. If you enjoy spirited driving and backcountry access, the R1S is the athlete.
Off-Road, Towing & Utility
Rivian engineered the R1 platform for adventure: air suspension, big approach/departure angles, serious ground clearance, and robust 7,700-lb towing. Real owners have torture-tested it, and Rivian publishes clear tow numbers by pack/motor.
Gravity’s focus is luxury touring with legit family practicality. It tows up to 6,000 lb when equipped—plenty for a mid-size camper or boat but it’s not intended as a hardcore rock crawler. If towing at or near max and off-road parks are your weekend routine, R1S has the edge.
Interior, Tech & Cargo
Lucid’s cabin is a modern lounge: expansive glass, slick UX, and a 34-inch OLED display vibe carried over from the Air. Three rows remain adult-friendly for short hauls, and cargo space is huge; figures around 112 cu ft (2-row ~120 cu ft) are reported, with a genuinely useful frunk and flat-folding rows. Lucid’s frequent UX updates (e.g., UX 3.3 with trailer-light check, camera features, and UI tweaks) show fast software iteration.
Rivian’s cabin leans rugged-premium: clean design, tough materials, smart storage cubbies, and the brand’s playful UI. Gen-2 cameras, compute, and driver-assist improvements modernize the experience for 2025. Three rows are standard; the second row slides, and cargo maxes ~106 cu ft.
Pricing, Trims & Value
- Lucid Gravity launched in Grand Touring (~$95–97k), with Touring slated to broaden the lineup (lower starting price) as production ramps. If range and charge speed matter most, the GT’s price aligns with its tech.
- Rivian R1S spans ~$78k to ~$107k, with multiple motors and packs. That ladder lets you optimize for budget, range, or performance in a way the single-trim Gravity can’t (yet).
Ownership & Ecosystem
Both brands push frequent OTA updates; Rivian’s Adventure Network is expanding and increasingly open, while Lucid’s native NACS unlocks the massive Supercharger footprint. Either way, long-trip charging is no longer a pain point but Gravity’s peak charge rates are best-in-class for this segment.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Lucid Gravity if you prioritize:
- The longest EPA range in a 3-row EV today
- Ultra-fast DC charging for painless road trips
- Luxury ride and tech first, light adventuring second
Choose Rivian R1S if you need:
- Off-road confidence and a proven adventure platform
- 7,700-lb towing and gear-friendly packaging
- Powertrain variety (Dual/Tri/Quad) and price flexibility
FAQs
Is the Lucid Gravity really more efficient than the R1S?
Yes. The Gravity GT’s EPA ~450 miles from a 3-row package underscores Lucid’s efficiency lead. R1S Max Dual is strong at up to 410 miles, but it trails the Lucid.
Which charges faster on a road trip?
Gravity. Its ~400-kW peak lets it add ~200 miles in ~10–12 minutes at capable stations. R1S tops out near ~215 kW after 2025 updates good, but not Lucid-level. Both now have broad Supercharger (NACS) access.
Which tows more?
R1S. Rated 7,700 lb across most Gen-2 configs vs. Gravity’s 6,000 lb (with tow package).
What about performance versions?
Rivian’s Tri-Motor adds wild thrust (0–60 as low as ~2.8s in special editions). Lucid emphasizes grand-touring smoothness, though GT power is still immense.
Final Take
If your life is highways, long weekends, and family comfort, the Lucid Gravity is the new north star for 3-row EV range and charging speed. If your calendar says ski trips, trailheads, and towing toys, the Rivian R1S remains the most capable adventure SUV you can buy that still seats seven.