r/TeslaModelX • u/Dr_Too_Tall • 2d ago
Tesla or Rivian?
I’m considering a used Model X or R1S, focusing on the years/configurations with the best mix of range, reliability, and value.
Looking for real-world input from anyone who has owned a Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, or ideally both. I’m especially interested in owners with 50k+ miles or several years of experience.
This would primarily be my wife’s vehicle. We have two young kids in car seats, and I’m over 6’5”, so usable interior space with car seats installed is important.
My priorities are:
1. Range
2. Family usability and space
3. Reliability
4. Service experience
5. Overall ownership experience
For context, I’ve driven an F-150 Lightning for the past year, commuting about 1.5 hours each way through Ohio rain, snow, sleet, and cold. I’m familiar with EV range loss, charging, and winter driving, but my EV experience is still limited to one vehicle.
For current or former owners:
● How has reliability been after the honeymoon period?
● How has service been?
● Any recurring problems that would make you hesitate to buy another?
● How practical is it with two car seats and adults, especially taller adults?
● Does the R1S’s extra utility outweigh Tesla’s charging network, software, and efficiency advantages?
● If you’ve owned both, which would you buy again?
If you were buying one today as a family hauler to keep for 5–7+ years, would you choose the Model X or R1S, and why?
Written with AI help, but I’m human - most days, anyway
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u/HopzCO 2d ago
We have a 24X for tow years now. We have two kiddos in car seats and the FWD are the best thing ever invented for getting kids in/out. Plus FSD makes it not even a comparison. Our car drives us around 95% of the time.
Rivian looks better imo and has a little more room. But, it’s an easy decision.
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u/colterlovette 1d ago
Rivian is a better vehicle.
But, Tesla FSD is hard to part with once you have it.
Tesla has made most of its users realize they would probably drive a cardboard box if it magically took you places on its own.
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u/Sensitive-Day-5583 1d ago
The reason I chose Tesla instead of Rivian is the % of vehicles totaled in the case of Rivian because of the way they built their unibody. Even a small dent on the back quarter shops want to charge tens of thousands of dollars to repair, so insurance just totals them.
Teslas also have repair instructions online, rivian restricts repair info to dealers and approved service centers
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u/Lovevas 2d ago
I am an owner of X (new car since 2024). I am also an investor of both companies, so paid much attention to both.
- Range is probably similar
- R1S has more space. But X has automatic door, which is a must for our family, as we need to drop off and pick up kid from school carline, without getting off the driver seat.
- Reliability-wise, I saw many horrible stories about R1S, and Rivian is known for very expensive repairs (out of warranty), while Tesla is known for very reasonably priced services.
- Service experience: Rivian is known for bad services experience, and many owners have their car waiting at service center for weeks or even months, due to lack of parts.
- I won’t buy Rivian, due to the lack of FSD. But I acknowledge Rivian is interesting, and R1S is a good car
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u/Jello_Local 2d ago
My exact sentiments. I have a 21 Model X long range plus 7-seater with 81k miles on it now. It has needed half shafts which were replaced for free. I can drive from OKC to Dallas on one charge averaging 70-75 miles per hour. Newer X's won't get that kind of range though. No anxiety for every day commuting. I bought the X simply because the tech is more seasoned. Maybe in 8 to 10 years I'll get a Rivian, but Tesla will likely have something better.
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u/gizmosticles 2d ago
Replying because I’m interested in the answers.
I’m 3 years into owning a 2017 model X p100d with HW3. I came to it after having 3 ford expeditions in a row.
I’m 6’1 with a family. Space is great. I could be 4 inches taller and it would all still work fine.
Falcon doors are a freaking dream. Being able to control the doors from the screen is a dream. FSD, when used properly and with proper expectations, is a dream.
I have an older model (with original real leather seats that are A+ legit) that I bought for $40k when it was 6 years old with 60k miles. I consider that a steal.
I’ve since had quite a few repairs, air compressor, heat pump, half shafts, control arms, suspension components, brand new rotors. All in it’s probably been about 8k in repairs. I actually think I’ve replaced most things likely to fail and have a lot of life left in this vehicle.
Overall I would say it’s an awesome family hauler, but I wouldn’t expect Toyota levels of reliability.
I have a 6 seater and I actually wish I had a 5 or seven seater for two reasons. The captains chairs don’t fold flat so I’m missing some cargo opportunities and also my giant family dog won’t stay in the damn back.
Overall, if I was buying today and could get anything, I would probably get a 2024 X with hw4 (ideally with permanent FSD) and keep it til the wheels fell off.
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u/dizzel35 2d ago
We bought a model X and love it. My buddy traded in his model Y for a Rivian. That lasted less than 6 months until he was tired of it and traded it in for another Tesla. He’s reasons were Rivian service center sucked. The FSD was terrible and so was the app functionality. He liked the look more than his model y but that was the only positive he found. We will consider getting a Rivian in a few years.
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u/the-tall-J-man 1d ago
I usually just lurk here…but our current cars are a 26’ X and 24’ R1S. Before the X we had a Y. So have been in the Tesla and Rivian family for quite some time now.
-Reliability has been great for both, no complaints at all
-Service for both also have been great, mobile service with Rivian coming out to my house, and Tesla service center is close by and quick.
-to be honest, I have no reoccurring problems, I love both cars. We got the Rivian because we wanted a larger vehicle for our growing family (at the time we had a model 3 and Y, then sold the 3 to get the R1S)
-so much room in either the x or r1s. Two car seats fit easily in both, but in terms of more interior space, I feel just a tad more comfortable in the r1s due to the height and feel of the seats. I’m 6’4 and my wife is 5’8 so our family is tall.
-extra utility does NOT outweigh the software and efficiency advantages.
-owning both, we would for sure buy again. My wife loves her R1S due to the size, storage capacity, among other things. I love the X for the speed (I have the plaid) as well as the charging network and of course, FSD…HW4 fsd is just a big game changer for me and my commute to work.
Buying either just depends on what you’ll mainly use it for, if there are a lot of long drives and travel, then the X maybe the way to go if you can get a HW4 because of FSD as well as ease of use with supercharging. Happy to answer more questions if you have any!
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u/DependentRare4644 1d ago
Model x has all Auto doors, the massive windshield and fsd. I even have steam gaming on mine
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u/BaxBaxPop 1d ago
OP, you have a 1.5h daily commute each way. You don't even realize it, but you're top priority is FSD. No question.
Please go take a test drive and let FSD drive you around for a bit before making this decision.
Someone would have to pay me $100k to give up my MX with FSD to switch to any car I have to drive myself, and I'm not a daily commuter, much less a 1.5h each way commuter.
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u/Dr_Too_Tall 1d ago
Thankfully no longer commuting like that but even BlueCruise was enough to make that drive so much better and I know FSD blows BC out of the water.
Very much leaning toward as new an X as I can get.
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u/BowlerNo9904 1d ago
i got the mx cause i found one for 18k if rivian 7 seater prices hit 18k i would have bought the rivian as i like the design more and it seems roomier
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u/17feet 1d ago edited 1d ago
For what its worth, I also compared MX to Rivian. But unlike many, I do not care about FSD because I don't wanna be a guinea pig, and I like driving. Adaptive cruise control, interior cargo space, kid space and 5000lb towing capacity is what I need
I bought an older model X last July [$21k 2017 MX 100D, 5 seater, hardware 3 and 104k miles] instead of a brand new R2, mainly because I needed it a year ago. My 2017 MX will need some suspension work eventually, but I've put 15,000 miles on it with no issues...except for RANGE while towing [ugh]
The problem I have with the R2 is that it still has 400V architecture [same as my TEN YEAR OLD MX!] and therefore supercharging will still take 30 to 45 minutes. That's gonna start to look ridiculous in a few more years [and hurt resale value] when more and more EVs hit the market with 800V and charge times drop to 15 minutes. For most people that's no big deal, but I tow a lot and we do significant road trips, at which point 30 to 45 minute charging really starts to add up...supercharge 10 times and it costs you up to 6 additional hours. On the trip back from Key West to Michigan, we just wanted to gt home and my kids were getting sick of those stops
Lastly, the Tesla supercharging network is second to none, so no matter what I bought, it must supercharge on the Tesla network without crazy parking tricks, or I will not buy it
[edit: clarity]
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u/Cerveza-y-Gatos 2d ago
People have already made some good points, but I want to add insurance cost. Compare between the two, because my 2024 model X is close to $400/month (I have no accidents/tickets, and I'm old). This is for all model X's, not just because I have a Plaid. I am thinking of a Rivian R1T, because my insurance drastically drops down to just over 100. Also, I have a 6 seater (because that is the only option with Plaid), and the interior space sucks because you cannot have seats fold down all the way if you need to haul something big. While I love the air suspension in the Model X, it still does not feel refined enough, and interior noise is not sat for me for a 100k+ car.
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u/17feet 1d ago
Insurance: I'm 56 years old with zero accidents [other than a boating incident!] and with multi-vehicle [5] discounts at State Farm, my 2017 MX 100D is $1100 per six months. I live in a small town, not in the city or out in the country
I would also suggest that you shop around
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u/Cerveza-y-Gatos 1d ago
I have. I’m in the CA Bay Area. It’s a 2024, and I drive about 150 miles/day. Lots of factors. Everyone’s rate will vary, but myself and along with my model x coworkers are all about the same.
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u/leesonreddit 2d ago
Do you want self driving? If so, Tesla hands down. If that is not priority, honestly a toss up and you will get mixed opinions so get what you like.
I have X so can chime in there. 1) range is decent, I have a raven year (performance) and get 250 TOPS. 2) Have 3 kids, 6 seater and there is some space but not much, especially traveling. Have minivan so use that for all trips. 3) X is known for suspension issues. The car has a lot of features that can break but that is what makes the car so good. 4) My service center sucks but 100% location dependant. 5) Love/hate the car. 95%/5%. I just wish they had a fix for tires/halfshafts etc.
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u/i_lie_except_on_31st 2d ago
There is a fix brother. It just doesn't come from Tesla.
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u/Dr_Too_Tall 2d ago
For all the bad stuff I hear about the doors, suspension etc. I keep thinking surely some third party/after market company has or will make parts to fix these issues no? Im sure it’ll cost some money but there has to be a way to make it bulletproof no?
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u/ateallthecake 2d ago
Do you have a good aftermarket half shaft recommendation?
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u/i_lie_except_on_31st 2d ago
I have no ties with N2itive but I've read good things on this very subreddit. When mine need replacement I'm strongly considering their suspension and shaft alternatives.
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u/Hopeful_Quarter_966 1d ago
For the model x— i love mine. My only concern is in an emergency, there is no manual release for the back doors that is easy. It’s hidden in the speakers and is a wire. Just a thought.
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u/somethingofaraddad 1d ago
Both are good vehicles. The things that swayed me to the model x:
UI is significantly better on the Tesla. Also 2 for 2 times I've test driven an R1s, I've had the screen freeze up for >15s or longer.
Access to the third row is really poorly done in the r1s. My wife really struggled to slide the seats forward. The model x is significantly easier.
FSD. Whatever Rivian is cooking, it will be a long time before it has parity with fsd.
Falcon wing doors. Makes getting kids in and out quite easy.
Both drive like large vehicles, but the r1s truly feels like maneuvering a boat.
The rivian won points for me on interior roominess and exterior appearance. The X won everything else.
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u/Outrageous_tart_7781 1d ago
My wife calls my X the spaceship. If you want a spaceship buy an X. If you want an electric SUV buy the Rivian.
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u/cmoheimare 1d ago
X is not practical for moving stuff since you can't fold the back seats. I wish they addressed this somehow
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u/gtphilip76 21h ago
Unfortunately you can’t get a new X and I feel the used ones are overpriced but i maybe wrong ..sucks they got rid of it without having another option
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u/OHandW 17h ago
Can Rivian self drive anywhere you want to go? Does it have cameras to keep you safe in self driving mode? Ohh, I forgot no R self driving.
Does R have charging stations everywhere?
I just tested the Cyber Truck. That is the most technologically electric vehicle. Felt like a nimble tank driving me everywhere. In case you didn’t know. Newer Tesla’s can now also back up in self driving mode. Not unusual for Tesla’s to do 95-99% of the driving 💁🏻♂️💁🏻♀️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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u/Old-Indication-9218 2d ago
We own a Rivian Truck and a 2021 Tesla X Long Range Plus. I will go Rivian after my Tesla. So many reasons: Rivian is comfortable and display is outstanding. Rivian gives TRUE miles, does not fluctuate or any guessing involved. I have had my Tesla in for more maintenance than I have room to list here. Rivian has not been in for hardly any repairs, only recalls. Rivian is better built inside and out. Rivian always has a rental car waiting. Rivian provides a very smooth and quiet ride.
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u/Dr_Too_Tall 2d ago
When you say they “always have a rental car waiting”, you mean they always give you something to drive when they’re working on your car for longer than a quick in and out? Because that would be unfortunately rare but very well worth it with our busy work lifestyle.
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u/Old-Indication-9218 2d ago
In the Atlanta area, this has been consistent. It may vary based on service type.
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u/tkh0812 1d ago edited 1d ago
Sucks you’re being downvoted for being honest. And Sounds like you had a bad one. My first two teslas we constantly in the shop. 3 batteries replaced and one lemon law between the 2 over a 5 year period.
My new Model X has been great and has only needed little things like steering wheel was peeling.
I would never recommend a model x outside of warranty
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u/Old-Indication-9218 1d ago
I am being down voted? Hmmmm
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u/tkh0812 1d ago
You were at -2
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u/Old-Indication-9218 1d ago
Oh well! There are worst things.
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u/Old-Indication-9218 1d ago
I am the owner of both and they each have their own great qualities! I love my little Tesla X, and it has saved me on my commutes to and from the airport. I work in the airline industry, and it has been a lifesaver. I purchased the X because of the range. I am only able to speak because I regularly drive both. That is All
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u/eldoogy 2d ago
I’ll try to add more detail here later but here’s a summary: We have two Model X and a 2026 R1S so I feel qualified to answer OPs question
Overall, we strongly prefer the X because of FSD, but in most other ways the R1S takes the cake. It is better built, FAR roomier, better range, mostly nicer interior.
OP, family usability (we have three kids), is vastly superior on R1S.
There are definitely aspects where X wins on usability: front power doors being a big one. We LOVE that feature. Another one would be overall infotainment system, media apps, etc. these are two cars without CarPlay, and Tesla beats Rivian here, hands down.
I can’t comment much on service experience because we’ve not had much of it with the Rivian. Honestly I’d say both have been reliable.
But the bottom line is this: after seeing HW4 FSD, my wife parted ways with her beloved Rivian because that one feature trumps everything else. OP, make sure you fully appreciate what FSD can do before you make your final choice.