Rivian R1S vs Cadillac Escalade
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 62 mpg advantage and costs about $2,550 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
2015–2026
Cadillac Escalade
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 46 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Rivian R1S | Cadillac Escalade |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 85 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 94 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 77 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $900 ✓ | $3,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | Not available | 437 g/mi |
| Engines offered | Not available | SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1) | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity | Premium, Diesel, Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 94 | 46 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
R1S vs Escalade: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Rivian R1S or the Cadillac Escalade?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Cadillac Escalade, a 62 mpg advantage and costs about $2,550 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 $3,450 for the Cadillac Escalade — a difference of roughly $2,550 per year.
What engines do the R1S and Escalade offer?
Rivian R1S: no engine data on record. Cadillac Escalade: SIDI, 3.0, SIDI; Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Rivian R1S and the Cadillac Escalade as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More R1S comparisons
Comparison id: rivian-r1s-vs-cadillac-escalade