The electric SUV market is evolving fast, and two premium American automakers are leading the charge in 2025: Lucid and Rivian. Lucid is entering the SUV game for the first time with the 2025 Gravity, a sleek, luxurious, three-row EV built to challenge the segment’s best. Rivian, meanwhile, brings its proven R1S to the fight — already a favorite among electric adventurers who want space, speed, and all-terrain capability.
These two vehicles are both fully electric, both American-built, and both aimed squarely at buyers who want style, power, and innovation. But they approach the segment from very different angles.
If you’re shopping for a high-end electric SUV this year, this is the matchup to watch. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2025 Lucid Gravity and the Rivian R1S compare — from design to range, tech to pricing — to help you decide which one is the better buy.
Design and Road Presence
Lucid Gravity
Lucid brings its signature design language from the Air sedan into SUV form. The Gravity looks elegant, futuristic, and refined. It has a sloped roofline, wide stance, and narrow LED lighting across the front and rear. There are no fake grilles or oversized vents — just clean surfaces and a commanding profile.
It’s designed to be a luxury vehicle first. From the panoramic roof to the aerodynamically sculpted bodywork, everything feels considered. It doesn’t scream performance. It whispers confidence.
Rivian R1S
Rivian’s design is rugged but modern. The R1S is a traditional SUV shape with a boxy body, large fenders, and Rivian’s signature oval headlights. The design feels more upright and utilitarian than the Gravity, but it still turns heads.
The R1S is built for real adventure. With its short overhangs, high ride height, and roof rails, it looks ready for off-road travel. It leans into its all-terrain roots more than Lucid does.
Verdict: Choose the Gravity for elegance and urban style. Choose the R1S if you want a more rugged, outdoors-ready aesthetic.
Performance and Driving Experience
Lucid Gravity
Lucid hasn’t revealed every version of the Gravity yet, but the launch specs are impressive. The top trim promises up to 800 horsepower and a 0–60 time of under 3.5 seconds. All-wheel drive will be standard. The ride and handling will focus on smoothness, precision, and stability — not necessarily off-road capability.
The Gravity rides on Lucid’s in-house EV platform, tuned for a low center of gravity, air suspension, and agile steering. Expect it to feel more like a high-end electric sedan than a traditional SUV behind the wheel.
Rivian R1S
The R1S has multiple powertrain options. The Quad-Motor version is the fastest, delivering 835 horsepower and 0–60 in 3.0 seconds. It also features independent control at each wheel for maximum off-road performance.
Even the Dual-Motor models are quick, with the standard version hitting 60 in about 4.5 seconds. The R1S feels heavier than the Gravity but offers excellent grip, responsive steering, and true off-road talent.
Verdict: If you want precision and luxury driving, go with the Gravity. If you want raw power and capability, the R1S wins.
Range and Charging
Lucid Gravity
Lucid is known for maximizing efficiency, and the Gravity continues that tradition. Lucid claims a range of up to 440 miles, depending on configuration. This makes it the longest-range electric SUV currently planned.
Charging is equally fast. Lucid’s 900-volt architecture supports charging speeds up to 350 kW, giving you about 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes at a fast charger.
Rivian R1S
The R1S offers three battery sizes: Standard, Large, and Max Pack.
- Standard Pack: 260 miles (Dual-Motor)
- Large Pack: 352 miles
- Max Pack: 400 miles (Dual-Motor only)
Charging speeds are solid but slightly behind Lucid. The R1S can charge at up to 220 kW, giving it about 140 miles in 20 minutes at a fast charger.
Verdict: The Lucid Gravity wins on range and charging speed. It’s the better choice if you plan long-distance trips often.
Interior and Space
Lucid Gravity
The Gravity’s interior is futuristic and minimal. It features a floating curved display behind the steering wheel, a center screen integrated into the console, and an optional third screen for passengers.
Materials are top-notch. Expect a blend of leather, suede, metal, and recycled trim. There’s seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The second-row seats slide and recline, and Lucid promises class-leading legroom for all passengers.
The cargo area is massive, and there’s also a front trunk (frunk) for extra gear. It’s designed to feel like a luxury lounge with plenty of natural light, quiet ride quality, and flexible storage.
Rivian R1S
The R1S also seats seven passengers, though the interior is more rugged in its materials and layout. The cabin is functional and stylish, with vegan leather, open-pore wood, and durable finishes that suit outdoor life.
The R1S features a large central touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and plenty of physical storage options. It also has a large frunk and under-floor rear cargo space.
While well-appointed, the R1S doesn’t feel quite as luxurious or futuristic as the Gravity. But it’s warmer and more approachable for families who want to load it up with gear and go anywhere.
Verdict: The Lucid Gravity feels more upscale and tech-focused. The Rivian R1S is more practical and durable. Choose based on your lifestyle.
Tech and Features
Lucid Gravity
Lucid’s software is developed in-house, with a focus on speed, personalization, and clarity. The Gravity features the latest version of Lucid UX, a fully connected interface with over-the-air updates, Google and Alexa integration, and voice control.
Other highlights include:
- 34-inch OLED display
- Advanced driver assist with highway pilot
- Optional rear-seat entertainment
- Wireless charging and Wi-Fi
- Premium immersive audio
Rivian R1S
The R1S features Rivian’s own user interface with two large screens and built-in navigation that includes charger routing and trail maps. It also receives frequent OTA updates and has Alexa voice assistant built in.
Tech highlights include:
- Optional Camp Mode and Pet Mode
- Built-in flashlight in the door
- Premium Meridian audio
- Bluetooth speaker integration
- 360-degree camera system
Verdict: The Lucid Gravity leads in luxury tech. The R1S wins on creativity and lifestyle-focused features.
Off-Road and Adventure Capability
Lucid Gravity
Lucid has not designed the Gravity for trail work or serious off-roading. It offers all-wheel drive and ride height adjustment, but its focus is on comfort, efficiency, and performance on pavement. Light snow and gravel roads? Sure. Rock crawling? Not really.
Rivian R1S
This is where the R1S shines. It was built for overlanding, with water fording capability, adjustable air suspension, and selectable terrain modes. The Quad-Motor setup allows torque vectoring, helping the R1S claw up steep inclines with ease.
It’s proven in real-world tests. Owners have taken the R1S across deserts, mountains, and snow — and it handles it all without issue.
Verdict: For adventure and off-road use, the R1S is unmatched.
Pricing and Value
Lucid Gravity
- Starting price: Around $80,000
- Fully loaded models expected to exceed $120,000
- Includes luxury-level features and top-tier performance
- Tax credit eligibility may vary based on configuration
Rivian R1S
- Starting price: Around $74,900
- Quad-Motor Max Pack models reach $95,000+
- Excellent value for performance and capability
- Eligible for federal EV tax credit
Verdict: The R1S is more affordable and offers better capability for the price. The Gravity is more expensive but aims to justify it with luxury and range.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Luxury SUV Should You Buy?
Both of these electric SUVs represent the best of what the EV market can offer in 2025. The Lucid Gravity is luxurious, futuristic, and designed for families who want elegance, range, and performance on the road. The Rivian R1S is versatile, tough, and tuned for buyers who want an electric SUV that can go anywhere.
Choose the Lucid Gravity if you want:
- Class-leading electric range
- A luxury-focused driving experience
- Elegant, modern design
- Cutting-edge tech and high-end comfort
Choose the Rivian R1S if you want:
- Off-road capability and adventure readiness
- Strong value and performance
- Unique, family-friendly features
- Proven real-world versatility
In the end, it comes down to how you drive and what you prioritize. For luxury and innovation, the Gravity sets a new benchmark. For exploration and practicality, the R1S remains one of the most capable EVs on sale.
