Suvs: Rivian R1S vs. Cadillac LYRIQ

Quick Verdict

The Rivian R1S is the better choice for those needing more seating, cargo space, and towing capacity, along with superior off-road capabilities and faster acceleration. The Cadillac LYRIQ is a more affordable, stylish option with a larger infotainment screen and available Super Cruise, better suited for urban driving and offering a more luxurious interior.

The Cadillac LYRIQ is more affordable, starting at $58,595, compared to the Rivian R1S, which starts at $75,900.
The Rivian R1S offers more seating capacity (7) compared to the Cadillac LYRIQ (5).
The Rivian R1S provides significantly more cargo space, especially with the second and third rows folded down, and includes a frunk.
The Rivian R1S has a higher towing capacity (7,700 lbs) compared to the Cadillac LYRIQ (3,500 lbs for AWD models only).
The Cadillac LYRIQ offers faster charging times with its optional 19.2 kW charging module.
The Rivian R1S boasts quicker acceleration, with the Quad-Motor version achieving 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds.
The Cadillac LYRIQ features a larger 33-inch curved LED touchscreen compared to the Rivian R1S's 15.6-inch screen.
The Cadillac LYRIQ offers Super Cruise hands-free driving mode, while the Rivian R1S features the Rivian Autonomy Platform.
The Rivian R1S is designed with off-road capabilities in mind, while the Cadillac LYRIQ is more suited for on-road driving.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Rivian R1S	Cadillac LYRIQ
Starting MSRP	$78,450 (Dual Standard model starts at $75,900)	$58,595 - $68,890
EPA-estimated range (miles)	258-410 (Standard battery: ~270 miles, Max pack: up to 410 miles)	RWD: Up to 326, AWD: Up to 319 (11.5 kW charging) or 303 (19.2 kW module)
Seating capacity	7	5
Cargo space	Behind 3rd row: 17.6-17.7 cubic feet, Behind 2nd row: 48.6 cubic feet, Max (2nd and 3rd rows folded): 104.7-105.8 cubic feet, Frunk: 11.1 cubic feet	Behind 2nd Row: 28 cubic feet, Max (2nd row folded): 60.8 cubic feet
Towing capacity (lbs)	7,700 (some Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1T models with specific battery packs can tow up to 11,000 lbs)	3,500 (AWD models only)
All-wheel drive availability	Standard	Available
Charging time (240V)	Approximately 12-15 hours	11.5 kW: Up to 31 miles of range per hour (approx. 10 hours to full), 19.2 kW: Up to 51 miles of range per hour (approx. 6 hours to full)
0-60 mph acceleration (seconds)	2.6-4.5 (Tri-Motor: 2.8, Quad-Motor: under 2.5)	RWD: 5.7, AWD: 4.6, Lyriq-V (AWD): 3.3
Infotainment screen size (inches)	15.6	33-inch curved LED touchscreen
Driver-assistance features	Rivian Autonomy Platform (11 cameras, five radars, AI prediction), adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist	Standard: Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Available: Adaptive cruise control with Super Cruise
Warranty	Comprehensive: 4 years/50,000 miles, Standard pack: 8 years/120,000 miles, Large/Max packs: 8 years/150,000 miles	Limited: 4/50,000, EV Propulsion Battery: 8/100,000, Roadside assistance: 6/70,000
Availability	Currently available	Currently available

Overall Comparison

The Rivian R1S offers 7 seats, up to 410 miles of range, and a towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, while the Cadillac LYRIQ seats 5, offers up to 326 miles of range, and tows 3,500 lbs. The LYRIQ starts at $58,595, significantly less than the R1S's $75,900.

Pros and Cons

Rivian R1S

Pros:

Impressive off-road capabilities (up to 15 inches of ground clearance)
Spacious front trunk, large rear cargo area, and a split tailgate
Comfortable seating in all three rows
High-performance sound system (Meridian premium option)
Distinctive exterior styling
Tech-forward and outdoorsy interior
Superior adaptive cruise control on highways

Cons:

Infotainment system "takes some getting used to"
Infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Third row may be a bit of a squeeze for some adults

Cadillac LYRIQ

Pros:

Spacious interior with ample legroom
Upscale and stylish interior design
Futuristic exterior design
Available 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system
Reasonably straightforward infotainment system
Available Super Cruise hands-free driving mode

Cons:

Real-world range may vary from EPA estimates
Not designed for off-road use
No under-hood storage

User Experiences and Feedback

Rivian R1S

What Users Love

Real-world range can exceed EPA estimates
Effective driver-assistance features

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Edmunds tested a 2022 R1S and achieved 330 miles on a single charge, exceeding the EPA estimate, even with all-terrain tires.
A real-world highway test of a Gen 2 Rivian R1S equipped with the LFP battery achieved over 240 miles at an average speed of 70 mph.

Cadillac LYRIQ

What Users Love

Spacious interior
User-friendly infotainment system
Stylish design

Common Complaints

Real-world range can be lower than EPA estimates

Value Perception

Complimentary maintenance for the first visit
Access to Tesla Superchargers with an available adapter

User Recommendations

Boulevard cruiser
Infotainment system is reasonably straightforward to use