Watch Rivian's R1T Teach This Land Cruiser An Off-Roading Lesson

Nov. 27, 2021 8:17 AM ET byMichael Butler Off-Road /16 Comments

The future of off-roading is here.

Rivian might have seen its fair share of drama in the past few months, but when one looks past all the court cases and company valuations, this EV startup is building some brilliant cars. TheRivian R1Ttruck was recently nominated as one of theNorth American Truck ofthe Year Finalists, and has been making headlines for its impressive off-road capability. We recently covered a stock Rivian R1T taking on the notoriousHell's Gate in Utah. The R1T managed to clear the intimidating obstacle without breaking a sweat, and now a new video has emerged of the R1T challenging a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser up a seriously steep embankment known as the "Diablo Drop-Off."

JonDZ Adventuring/YouTube

This steep incline is usually meant for cars to test their descent control, but in this video, both vehicles see how far they can make it up, starting from the very bottom. The challenger to the Rivian is a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser Series 100 which features a rear and center locking differential. Unlike the Rivian, there are no fancy traction systems to aid the Toyota up the steep hill. In the video, the Toyota can be seen struggling with the first set of axle twisters and after a few attempts decides to take the easier route up, which it does with ease. Next up is the Rivian truck.

JonDZ Adventuring/YouTube

The Rivian R1T is powered by four electric motors grouped into two twin-motor drive units with a total power output of 800 horsepower, and a massive torque output of 908 lb-ft of torque. What makes it so great off-road is that each electric motor can be controlled individually. The Rivian can adjust its suspension, ride height, throttle sensitivity, and steering feel at the touch of a button. With up to 14.4 inches of ground clearance, this EV truck is ready to take on anything. The R1T in the video makes its way up the easier route without flinching. The Land Cruiser will always have a place in the hearts of off-road fans, but the Rivian R1T is clearly the future.