Hyundai Nexo vs Rivian R1S: Specs Compared
Also searched as Rivian R1S vs Hyundai Nexo specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 17 mpg advantage.
Across 3 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2019–2026
Hyundai Nexo
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 16 configurations
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Nexo | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 68 mpg | 85 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 71 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 64 mpg | 77 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | Not available | $900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | Not available | Not available |
| Engines offered | PMSM, PEM | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1) | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Hydrogen | Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2019–2026 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 16 | 94 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Hyundai Nexo vs Rivian R1S dimensions and size
The Rivian R1S is 16.9 inches longer than the Hyundai Nexo on a wheelbase 11.4 inches longer, and 3,009.3 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.
| Dimension | Hyundai Nexo (2022) | Rivian R1S (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.9 in | 200.8 in | 16.9 in |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 73.2 in | 79.1 in | 5.9 in |
| Height | 64.6 in | 77.2 in | 12.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 121.3 in | 11.4 in |
| Curb weight | 4,059 lbs | 7,068 lbs | 3,009 lbs |
Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.
Hyundai Nexo vs Rivian R1S: what the numbers mean
City and highway economy: the Rivian R1S leads in both cycles — 94 mpg city and 77 mpg highway against 71 and 64 mpg — so its fuel-efficiency advantage holds whether you commute in traffic or cover long highway miles.
Powertrain choice: the Hyundai Nexo is recorded with 2 distinct engine configurations (PMSM, PEM), the Rivian R1S with no. Across 16 recorded Hyundai Nexo configurations and 94 for the Rivian R1S, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.
Drivetrain and class: the Hyundai Nexo is offered with Front-Wheel Drive, the Rivian R1S with 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.
Nexo vs R1S: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Nexo or the Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 17 mpg advantage.
What engines do the Nexo and R1S offer?
Hyundai Nexo: PMSM, PEM. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Hyundai Nexo as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Nexo comparisons
More R1S comparisons
Comparison id: hyundai-nexo-vs-rivian-r1s