BMW X5 vs Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the BMW X5, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $2,000 less per year to fuel.

Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 61 configurations

27mpg combined (best)
All BMW X5 specs

2022–2027

Rivian R1S

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations

85mpg combined (best)
All Rivian R1S specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW X5Rivian R1S
Best combined MPG27 mpg85 mpg
Best city MPG24 mpg94 mpg
Best highway MPG31 mpg77 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,900$900
Lowest CO2 output130 g/miNot available
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDINot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8)Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium and Electricity, DieselElectricity
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20272022–2027
Configurations on record6194

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

X5 vs R1S: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW X5 or the Rivian R1S?

The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the BMW X5, a 58 mpg advantage and costs about $2,000 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the BMW X5 — a difference of roughly $2,000 per year.

What engines do the X5 and R1S offer?

BMW X5: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW X5 and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More X5 comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-x5-vs-rivian-r1s