Toyota Tacoma vs Rivian R1T

The look and feel of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma did not represent a radical departure from its predecessor despite being all-new. The hexagonal grille provided an aggressive and menacing appearance while maintaining Toyota's recognizable truck design. Blockier and more angular lines were evident, though the overall ethos remained unmistakably Tacoma. The base SR trim featured standard 17-inch “steelies,” with higher trims like the TRD Sport and Limited showcasing either 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tacoma saw significant updates. The new design was heavily influenced by the Ford F-Series, with more squared-off areas on the dash and a bulkier, geometric gear shift knob. This reinforced the truck's utilitarian nature, further emphasized by the MOLLE panels, which were scattered throughout the cabin, championing function over form. Even the top-tier Limited trim, equipped with heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, retained large plastic grids rather than luxurious soft-touch materials. The MOLLE panels were strategically placed to hold various accessories, reflecting Toyota's commitment to practicality.

As for the 2024 Rivian R1T, it certainly commanded attention with its substantial and boxy design. Measuring 217 inches in length and 78 inches in height, the truck was large but managed to look balanced due to its 135.8-inch wheelbase. The front wheels were pushed forward, nicely complementing the several alloy wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches. The 20-inch alloys were part of the All-Terrain package, adding underbody skid plates and a full-size spare tire.

The R1T came in eight exterior colors, with only LA Silver at no additional cost while others added between $1,750 to $2,500. The Rivian Blue we tested, a $2,500 option, was universally praised, although opinions differed regarding the grille-less front end with its two illuminated ovals housing the headlights and an illuminated light bar spanning the front. The taillights mimicked the style but generated less controversy. The black spoiler and plastic cladding added to its rugged aesthetic, ensuring the R1T stood out on the road.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma was exclusively turbocharged, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine branded "i-FORCE." It produced 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque on most trims. The base Tacoma SR variant delivered 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque—a noticeable upgrade from its predecessor’s 159 hp and 180 lb-ft. The Tacoma offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions, with an eight-speed automatic transmission replacing the older six-speed auto. Though smooth and timely in gear changes, some turbo lag was observed during sudden acceleration from a stop.

Toyota’s differentiation among trims was a major highlight. Different configurations featured varied suspension setups, like sport-tuned shocks for the TRD Sport and Bilstein shocks for the TRD Off-Road. The Limited trim offered an adaptive variable suspension, significantly improving ride comfort. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain remained under wraps, but we noted that the TRD Pro featured FOX QS3 adjustable shocks, and the Trailhunter included hardware from Old Man Emu.

On the other hand, the 2024 Rivian R1T excelled with speed, smoothness, and near-silence. Rivian's single "Adventure" trim came with three battery sizes, supporting two drivetrain options—Dual-Motor AWD and Quad-Motor AWD. The entry-level dual-motor produced 533 horsepower and enabled a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,760 pounds. Upgrading to the Performance version boosted power to 665 hp.

The Quad-Motor setup, paired with a Large battery, produced a staggering 835 horsepower. Rivian claimed a 0-60 mph time of just 3 seconds and an EPA-rated range of 341 miles. The adaptive suspension and multiple drive modes combined with 15 inches of ground clearance made the R1T highly capable on rugged terrains. On paved roads, the handling was smooth and predictable, although parking required some finesse due to its 45-foot turning diameter.

Toyota eliminated the Access Cab, introducing the XtraCab two-door configuration that lacked rear seats, instead offering lockable cargo storage. This layout was easily accessible on the passenger’s side, enhancing practicality for solo drivers. The Double Cab models offered more accessible seating and increased storage beneath the flat-folding rear seats by three times compared to the previous generation. Front legroom was slightly reduced to enhance rear legroom, improving overall comfort.

Tacoma provided a choice of a 5-foot or 6-foot bed for the Double Cab, while the XtraCab was only offered with the longer bed. The bed depth increased, raising volume by seven percent for more practical use, such as fitting a camp fridge under the optional tonneau cover.

The Rivian R1T presented mixed results concerning functionality. The bed was only 4 feet 5 inches long, akin to the compact Ford Maverick. Enhanced by clever touches like integrated air compressors, 120-volt outlets, and a Gear Tunnel behind the passenger cabin, Rivian's bed solutions catered to varied needs. This tunnel could also double as seating while loading heavier items. The bed featured hidden storage, with a clunky yet practical manual panel swing-up feature. Up front, the “frunk” offered 11 cubic feet of storage, though accessibility was challenging given the high, fixed front end.

Technology in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma showed substantial improvement. The base model received a standard 8-inch touchscreen (upgraded from 7 inches), while higher trims boasted a 14-inch center display. Though minimalist, the new Audio Multimedia system was responsive and featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional front-row USB-C ports. The optional 10-speaker JBL sound system included a removable, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. Other noteworthy technologies included pre-wired auxiliary switches and available trailer brake controllers.

The 2024 Rivian R1T was a haven for tech enthusiasts, featuring a 12-inch digital instrument display and a 16-inch center touchscreen. Despite a lack of physical buttons, the interface was user-friendly with clear, large icons. Standard tech included wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, six USB ports, navigation, a 19-speaker Meridian stereo, and over-the-air updates. However, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a noticeable gap. Charging capabilities were robust, with fast recharging times and options for home charging stations.

Enhanced safety features marked the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The truck now included standard electric power steering and added more advanced TSS 3.0 features such as Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. New systems like road-sign assist and an emergency stop system also debuted, along with adaptive cruise control enhancements and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2024 Rivian R1T offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, ensuring it lacked for nothing. Equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, late-keeping assist, among other features, the R1T earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for 2023. Its excellent crash test ratings and effective front crash prevention tech were expected to carry over to 2024.