Rivian R1S vs Toyota Highlander
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Toyota Highlander, a 49 mpg advantage and costs about $800 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
Toyota Highlander
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Rivian R1S | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 85 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 94 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 77 mpg ✓ | 35 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $900 ✓ | $1,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | Not available | 245 g/mi |
| Engines offered | Not available | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (A1) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Electricity | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2022–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 94 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
R1S vs Highlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Rivian R1S or the Toyota Highlander?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Toyota Highlander, a 49 mpg advantage and costs about $800 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 $1,700 for the Toyota Highlander — a difference of roughly $800 per year.
What engines do the R1S and Highlander offer?
Rivian R1S: no engine data on record. Toyota Highlander: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Rivian R1S and the Toyota Highlander as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More R1S comparisons
Comparison id: rivian-r1s-vs-toyota-highlander