Rivian vs. Lucid: Which EV Stock Has More Upside Heading into 2026, According to Analysts?

Lucid Group (LCID) and Rivian Automotive (RIVN) are two U.S. electric vehicle makers that investors are watching closely as 2026 approaches. Both companies are still losing money and spending heavily, but each is counting on new vehicles and technology to improve results over time. Using TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool, we compare Lucid and Rivian to see which EV stock Wall Street analysts currently prefer.Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium and Invest with Confidence Unlock hedge-fund level data and powerful investing tools designed to help you make smarter, sharper decisions Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis so your portfolio is always positioned for maximum potential Is Lucid Stock a Buy Now? Lucid remains a high-risk EV name, known for its premium vehicles and strong technology. The stock has fallen about 62% so far this year, weighed down by weak demand and heavy cash burn. The company is focused on cutting costs, improving production efficiency, and expanding beyond luxury sedans, with the Gravity SUV seen as a key near-term product. That said, analysts remain cautious. Many believe Lucid's path to profitability depends on whether it can successfully launch and scale a more affordable midsize platform, which is still several years away. Ongoing losses and the need for future funding continue to keep Wall Street on the sidelines. Reflecting this view, Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco recently downgraded Lucid to Sell and cut his price target to $10, citing a tough EV market and a long road to profits. While he acknowledged Lucid's strong technology and premium positioning, Percoco said the company is unlikely to reach gross profitability before 2028 and warned that Lucid may need to raise additional equity, increasing dilution risk for shareholders. Is RIVN Stock a Buy or Sell Now? Rivian shares have gained about 52% year to date. More recently, the company has shared updates on its plans around autonomy and AI and confirmed that the R2 model remains on track for launch in the first half of 2026. Many investors see the R2 as a key step in widening Rivian's customer base and supporting longer-term growth. Still, analysts are divided. While Rivian's technology roadmap and vehicle design are often praised, concerns remain around R2 demand, high spending levels, and the time it will take for the company to reach profitability. These risks have kept expectations in check, even as Rivian works to strengthen its position in the EV market. In a new note, Morgan Stanley acknowledged Rivian's strong technology roadmap but warned that several challenges lie ahead. The firm flagged uncertain demand for the R2, higher capital needs tied to in-house chip development, and ongoing losses as key risks. As a result, Percoco has maintained a Sell rating on the stock. LCID vs. RIVN: Which EV Stock Offers Higher Upside, According to Analysts? Using TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool, we compared Lucid and Rivian to see which EV stock analysts currently favor. Both stocks carry a Hold consensus rating. Analysts see more downside risk for Rivian, with an average price target of $15.78, implying about 22% downside from current levels. In contrast, Lucid's average price target of $17.00 points to roughly 48% upside, reflecting higher potential gains ahead.