Rivian R1T vs. Toyota Tacoma: EV vs. Hybrid in Off-Road Battle (Video)
- evautos2
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Electric vehicles have been making waves in various automotive segments, and off-roading is no exception. Rivian has positioned itself as an adventure-focused brand, promising EVs that can handle the toughest terrain. But how does its R1T electric truck compare to a traditional off-road powerhouse like the hybrid Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro? A recent real-world test by Edmunds put these two rugged machines head-to-head to determine which one is the ultimate off-road warrior.
Rivian R1T: A Tech-Heavy Off-Roader
The Rivian R1T is an advanced EV loaded with cutting-edge technology. Equipped with a dual-motor system producing 533 horsepower and over 800 pound-feet of torque, the R1T offers adaptive air suspension, hydraulic dampers, and various terrain modes that adjust traction and suspension settings for different environments. It also features brake torque vectoring, high approach and departure angles, and off-road tires to aid in tricky conditions.
Despite its promising specs, off-roading isn’t just about raw power. The R1T’s hill climb test revealed some weaknesses. While its torque vectoring system can brake spinning wheels to prevent excessive slip, it does not actively redistribute torque to wheels with better traction. This became evident when the R1T struggled to conquer a steep hill climb, failing to put down power effectively.
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Toyota Tacoma: A Traditional Off-Road Machine
The hybrid Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivers 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the unibody R1T, the Tacoma’s body-on-frame construction offers greater rigidity, making it better suited for demanding off-road trails. Key off-road features include a locking rear differential, solid rear axle, a disconnecting front sway bar, a 4x4 transfer case, and off-road-tuned Fox shocks.
The Tacoma outperformed the R1T in multiple tests, excelling in the hill climb, rock crawling, and articulation challenges. Thanks to its locking rear differential, both rear wheels spun together, enabling it to maintain momentum on challenging terrain. The disconnecting sway bar allowed the front axle to articulate freely, giving the Tacoma an edge in rocky sections.
Where the Rivian R1T Shines
While the R1T struggled in hill climbs and rock crawling, it found its stride on sandy terrain. The truck’s abundant torque and power delivery enabled it to move swiftly across the dunes without traction control being overly intrusive. The unibody construction also provided a smoother ride over bumpy sand patches, distributing and absorbing impacts more effectively than the Tacoma.
Additionally, the R1T’s on-road driving experience is far superior. Thanks to its adaptive suspension and quiet electric powertrain, it delivers exceptional comfort and smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who want an adventure vehicle that is also refined for daily driving.
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Future Competition and Takeaways
The Toyota Tacoma’s raw mechanical setup gives it an edge in slow-speed rock crawling and hill climbs, proving that traditional off-road technology still has the upper hand in these conditions. However, the Rivian R1T demonstrates that electric trucks can offer exciting off-road potential, particularly in sandy and high-speed environments.
Future electric off-roaders, like the upcoming Scout Terra, may provide a more balanced approach. Scout has announced that its EVs will feature a solid rear axle and locking front and rear differentials, which could make them true contenders in the off-road space.
Ultimately, this comparison highlights the strengths and limitations of current EVs in off-road conditions. The Rivian R1T is an excellent choice for those who want a high-tech, comfortable, and powerful truck with solid off-road abilities, especially on sand and open trails. However, for those seeking a tried-and-tested rock crawler with a mechanical advantage, the Toyota Tacoma remains a dominant force in the off-road world.
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