Summary
- Rivian R1T and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are both capable off-roaders
- R1T features adaptive dampers, dual e-motors, and advanced traction system
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is mechanical with proven off-road capabilities
- R1T struggled in hill climb test, while Tacoma excelled due to its features
- R1T performed well in sand, while Tacoma was better suited for slow-speed off-road activities
Article
The Rivian R1T and the hybrid Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are both highly capable off-road vehicles. The R1T features adaptive dampers, dual electric motors generating over 800 pound-feet of torque, and an advanced traction system. On the other hand, the Tacoma TRD Pro is known for its raw and mechanical nature, with proven off-road capabilities to tackle rugged terrains.
Despite not being the typical choice for off-road adventures, automakers are promoting electric vehicles, like the Rivian R1T, as capable off-roaders. Rivian focuses on its adventurous positioning to differentiate itself from competitors like Tesla and Lucid. The R1T is designed to navigate rocky terrains, tackle snow, traverse sand, and reach various destinations. Edmunds correspondent Emme Hall recently conducted a head-to-head comparison between the R1T and the hybrid Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro to determine which vehicle performed better in an adventure setting.
The R1T used in the comparison was the dual-motor version with a 149-kilowatt-hour Max battery pack, delivering 533 horsepower and over 800 pound-feet of torque. Despite its impressive specifications, off-roading demands more than just high torque figures. The R1T is equipped with features such as adaptive air suspension, a hydraulic suspension system, high approach and departure angles, off-road tires, brake torque vectoring, and various drive modes to adjust traction and suspension settings. In comparison, the Tacoma TRD Pro relies on its mechanical components, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, body-on-frame construction, locking rear differential, solid rear axle, disconnecting sway bar, and off-road-tuned Fox shocks.
During the hill climb test, the R1T struggled to conquer the steepest section despite its powerful electric motors. Although the vehicle offers brake torque vectoring to distribute power effectively, it was not sufficient to tackle this challenging terrain. In contrast, the Tacoma excelled in the hill climb test due to its rear locker, which allowed both rear wheels to spin together and provide better traction. The Tacoma also performed well in rock climbing and articulation tests, thanks to features like the disconnecting sway bar that adapt to terrain patterns.
While the Rivian R1T showcased its strength on sand, utilizing its excess power and torque without intrusive traction control, it struggled in slow-speed hill climbs and rock crawls where the Tacoma’s mechanical setup shined. The comparison mentioned that the upcoming Scout Terra could offer a more direct competition, as it will feature a solid rear axle like the Tacoma and locking front and rear differentials for enhanced off-road capability. Viewers are encouraged to watch the video for a better understanding of the dual-motor R1T’s current limitations and potential improvements in future iterations. For further information or tips, readers can contact the author at suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com.
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