Electric SUVs have become more than just a trend. They represent a shift in how drivers think about performance, sustainability, and everyday practicality. The Rivian R1S has earned its place among the most talked-about electric SUVs in recent years thanks to its rugged capability and adventure-ready design. Yet as 2025 approaches, the market is evolving fast and new models are challenging Rivian’s dominance with impressive range, smarter technology, and better value.
For many potential buyers, the R1S feels both desirable and distant. The price remains steep and delivery times can be unpredictable. That reality has led many to explore what else the EV world can offer. From luxury cruisers that redefine comfort to family-oriented models with longer range and faster charging, there is now a growing field of serious contenders.
This guide explores the ten best alternatives to the Rivian R1S for 2025, focusing on real performance, design innovation, and ownership experience. Whether you are chasing adventure, efficiency, or elegance, these electric SUVs prove that Rivian no longer stands alone.
Contents
Tesla Model X
Among all the alternatives to the Rivian R1S, the Tesla Model X stands out as the benchmark for performance and innovation in the electric SUV space. Since its debut, the Model X has represented the perfect balance between futuristic technology and real-world usability. With a range that stretches up to 348 miles and the quickest acceleration in its class, it continues to prove why Tesla remains at the forefront of EV engineering.
What makes the Model X a serious alternative to the Rivian R1S is its combination of high-end efficiency and practicality. The vehicle’s spacious interior accommodates seven passengers, while the panoramic windshield and minimalist design create an open, high-tech environment. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities enhance the sense of safety and convenience, something that many buyers still find unmatched in 2025.
However, the Model X also carries its own set of trade-offs. The steering yoke remains polarizing, and the premium upgrades can significantly increase the final price. Yet for drivers who prioritize cutting-edge technology, long-range confidence, and access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, the Model X is arguably the most complete electric SUV alternative to the Rivian R1S.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 has quickly become one of the most compelling alternatives to the Rivian R1S for buyers seeking a practical yet premium electric SUV. As Kia’s first three-row EV, it blends functionality, design, and value in a way that directly challenges more expensive competitors. The EV9’s bold, geometric exterior gives it a commanding presence, while the minimalist cabin reflects a thoughtful focus on space and comfort.
What sets the EV9 apart is how it manages to deliver an authentic electric SUV experience without the luxury price tag. Offering up to 300 miles of range and available all-wheel drive, it suits both families and adventure seekers. Its flat floor design maximizes legroom, and the intuitive infotainment system makes long drives effortless. In many ways, it captures the same spirit of adventure that made the Rivian R1S famous, but at a more attainable cost.
While its charging speeds are slightly slower than Tesla’s or Rivian’s, Kia compensates with an expanding charging network and excellent reliability scores. For those looking for a family-friendly electric SUV that balances performance, comfort, and affordability, the Kia EV9 stands as one of the strongest Rivian R1S alternatives entering 2025.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
For drivers who view electric mobility as a luxury experience rather than just a technological shift, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV represents a refined alternative to the Rivian R1S. Every element of this vehicle embodies the sophistication that Mercedes has spent decades perfecting, now reimagined through the lens of electric innovation. With its whisper-quiet cabin, handcrafted materials, and a driving range exceeding 350 miles, the EQS SUV brings electric performance into the world of true elegance.
Beyond its visual appeal, the EQS SUV sets itself apart through its advanced MBUX Hyperscreen, a panoramic interface that transforms the entire dashboard into an intelligent digital ecosystem. The vehicle’s smooth air suspension and adaptive driving modes deliver an exceptionally composed ride, making long journeys feel effortless. Compared to the Rivian R1S, the EQS SUV trades rugged adventure for serene sophistication, appealing to those who prioritize comfort over off-road capability.
Its only real compromise lies in its weight, which can slightly affect handling agility. However, for EV buyers who value craftsmanship, silence, and a sense of exclusivity, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV offers an electric experience that feels both indulgent and forward-thinking. It stands as a luxury benchmark among the best Rivian R1S alternatives available in 2025.
BMW iX
The BMW iX represents a bold statement in the evolving world of electric SUVs and stands as one of the most dynamic alternatives to the Rivian R1S. Designed around the concept of intelligent minimalism, the iX delivers a unique blend of futuristic engineering and understated luxury. With up to 516 horsepower and a range of around 324 miles, it captures the essence of BMW’s driving philosophy while embracing a fully electric identity.
Inside, the iX feels more like a digital lounge than a traditional SUV. The curved display seamlessly integrates navigation, entertainment, and vehicle data, while the combination of natural wood, recycled materials, and crystal accents creates an atmosphere that feels both sustainable and opulent. This focus on refined craftsmanship appeals to buyers who appreciate detail and subtle sophistication more than rugged adventure.
Compared to the Rivian R1S, the BMW iX takes a different path. It prioritizes quiet confidence over raw capability, offering a ride that feels serene yet precise. While it lacks a third-row seat and extreme off-road hardware, it excels in on-road comfort, cabin innovation, and long-term reliability. For those seeking an electric SUV that merges emotion, design, and performance, the BMW iX remains one of the most compelling Rivian R1S alternatives in 2025.
Lucid Gravity
Among the next generation of electric SUVs, the Lucid Gravity emerges as one of the most exciting and forward-looking alternatives to the Rivian R1S. As the long-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Lucid Air sedan, the Gravity promises to redefine what a premium electric SUV can be. Its sleek design, spacious cabin, and projected range of over 440 miles demonstrate Lucid’s commitment to efficiency and innovation at the highest level.
The Gravity is built for drivers who view technology and design as equally essential to performance. Its aerodynamic silhouette minimizes drag while maximizing range, and the minimalist interior emphasizes open space and clarity rather than excess. Early previews suggest that Lucid will incorporate ultra-fast charging capabilities that can add hundreds of miles in minutes, making long-distance travel more seamless than ever before.
While the Lucid Gravity has yet to reach showrooms, its potential alone has positioned it as a serious competitor to the Rivian R1S. For those willing to wait, it represents the future of luxury electric mobility: intelligent, efficient, and visually stunning. In the evolving landscape of 2025’s electric SUVs, the Lucid Gravity may very well become the model that pushes every other Rivian R1S alternative to aim higher.
Audi Q8 e-tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron stands as a refined and confident entry among the top alternatives to the Rivian R1S, carrying the brand’s long-standing reputation for precision engineering into the electric era. It is a vehicle that feels grounded in heritage yet forward-looking in execution. The Q8 e-tron combines the composure and balance of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system with the quiet, instant torque of an electric powertrain, creating a driving experience that is both serene and assured.
Inside, Audi’s commitment to detail is evident in every stitch and surface. The cabin design blends modern digital functionality with timeless craftsmanship, using premium materials that emphasize both comfort and durability. The dual-screen infotainment layout offers intuitive control, while the adaptive air suspension ensures that every journey feels smooth and composed, whether in the city or on open highways.
In comparison to the Rivian R1S, the Audi Q8 e-tron offers less ruggedness but more refinement. It is ideal for drivers who prioritize sophistication over raw adventure and prefer a polished driving experience supported by years of German engineering expertise. With its consistent range of around 300 miles and a design language rooted in quiet confidence, the Q8 e-tron exemplifies the understated luxury that defines the best Rivian R1S alternatives of 2025.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 represents a distinctly Scandinavian approach to electric mobility and has quickly become one of the most sophisticated alternatives to the Rivian R1S. Born from Volvo’s legacy of safety and craftsmanship, it blends minimalist design with a strong sense of purpose. Every line and surface of the Polestar 3 reflects clarity rather than complexity, giving it a presence that feels both confident and calm.
Inside, the Polestar 3 delivers an atmosphere defined by light, texture, and silence. The cabin makes extensive use of sustainable materials, while the Google-based infotainment system ensures a seamless digital experience. It is an environment designed to reduce distraction and encourage focus, aligning perfectly with the Scandinavian philosophy that less can indeed mean more.
On the road, the Polestar 3 feels balanced and intuitive, offering up to 379 miles of range and advanced driver-assistance features that prioritize safety above all else. Unlike the adventure-focused Rivian R1S, this SUV speaks to drivers who value composure, refinement, and progressive design. As electric vehicles continue to evolve, the Polestar 3 stands as a symbol of intelligent restraint, proving that true innovation often lies in simplicity rather than excess.
VinFast VF9
The VinFast VF9 is redefining how global buyers perceive value in the electric SUV market and it deserves recognition as one of the most unexpected yet impressive alternatives to the Rivian R1S. As a flagship model from Vietnam’s rapidly expanding automaker, the VF9 combines ambitious design with practicality and a clear focus on accessibility. It offers three rows of seating, a range of up to 330 miles, and a sleek exterior that reflects a confident blend of modern aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the VF9 emphasizes comfort and connectivity. The spacious cabin integrates premium materials and a large central display powered by advanced software that supports voice control and smart customization. The sense of openness and practicality makes it particularly appealing to families who need versatility without sacrificing style. VinFast’s approach to ownership, including flexible battery subscription options in some markets, also demonstrates a forward-thinking business model that many established brands have yet to adopt.
While VinFast is still building its global reputation, the VF9’s performance, technology, and growing support network make it a genuine competitor to the Rivian R1S. For buyers seeking an electric SUV that combines generous space, modern design, and strong value, the VinFast VF9 represents a new and promising direction for the electric vehicle industry in 2025.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV brings a familiar American name into the electric era and positions itself as one of the most accessible and well-rounded alternatives to the Rivian R1S. It translates the bold design and versatility of the original Blazer into a fully electric format built on GM’s Ultium platform, known for its balance between performance, efficiency, and affordability. The result is a sporty SUV that feels modern yet approachable, capable of delivering up to 320 miles of range depending on the configuration.
The Blazer EV appeals to drivers who want a stylish and confident vehicle without stepping into luxury-level pricing. Its muscular stance, sharp LED lighting, and driver-focused interior create a strong visual identity that distinguishes it from other mainstream EVs. On the road, it offers smooth power delivery, precise handling, and available all-wheel drive, making it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.
In comparison to the Rivian R1S, the Chevrolet Blazer EV may not match the same off-road ruggedness or premium materials, but it compensates with practicality, efficiency, and a lower entry cost. For many buyers, this combination makes the Blazer EV a smart and attainable alternative that brings electric performance into reach for a broader audience in 2025.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E carries one of the most iconic names in automotive history into the electric age and has evolved into a performance-driven alternative to the Rivian R1S. Rather than trying to replicate Rivian’s rugged utility, the Mach-E focuses on delivering a spirited, driver-oriented experience wrapped in a sleek crossover body. It reflects Ford’s effort to merge heritage and innovation, resulting in a vehicle that feels both familiar and entirely new.
The Mach-E offers strong range options, reaching up to 312 miles, and delivers instant torque that makes every acceleration moment feel lively and engaging. Inside, the large vertical touchscreen anchors a cabin that feels modern yet practical, while over-the-air updates continuously enhance performance and usability. Its fast-charging capability and growing BlueOval charging network make it a realistic daily companion for both city and highway travel.
Compared to the Rivian R1S, the Mustang Mach-E trades three-row space and off-road focus for agility and excitement. It is a statement of how electric vehicles can still evoke passion while embracing sustainability. For drivers who want an EV that feels energetic and emotionally connected to the road, the Ford Mustang Mach-E stands as one of the most characterful and dynamic Rivian R1S alternatives available in 2025.
Conclusion
The electric SUV market in 2025 no longer belongs to a single pioneer. While the Rivian R1S remains a symbol of adventure and innovation, it now competes within a vibrant ecosystem of alternatives that offer unique strengths and identities. From the luxury refinement of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV to the futuristic promise of the Lucid Gravity, and the approachable practicality of the Kia EV9 or Chevrolet Blazer EV, the landscape has expanded to meet every kind of driver and lifestyle.
What unites these vehicles is not competition alone but the shared pursuit of progress. Each model redefines what an electric SUV can represent, whether it is sustainability, comfort, design, or raw performance. The growing diversity of Rivian R1S alternatives proves that the electric revolution is not about following a single path but about giving drivers real choice and control over their experience.
If the Rivian R1S once set the benchmark for electric adventure, 2025 is the year when the rest of the market rises to meet it. The question now is simple yet exciting. Which of these Rivian R1S alternatives would you trust to take you further on your next electric journey?