I Just Bought One of The First Lucid Gravity SUVs, Tesla and Rivian Are About to Face Their Toughest Competition Yet

The SUV is the modern family car, the suburban chariot, the status symbol of tech bros and soccer parents alike. Look at Ford’s lineup, the Bronco, the Explorer, the Expedition, all SUVs. Tesla’s top sellers? Not the Model 3. It’s the Model Y and the Cybertruck, that rolling wedge of stainless steel that’s somehow both sci-fi and sandbox toy. In this ecosystem, the sedan is a niche product, and the crossover is the cash cow. Which is why the Lucid Gravity, an all-electric three-row SUV from a California EV startup, matters more than anything Lucid has built before.

If it fails, it won’t just hurt,  it could kneecap the entire brand. But after spending time with a rare early owner review, it looks like Lucid’s aiming not just to survive, but to lead.

The SUV Paradox

• Many Americans favor larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks due to their spacious interiors, higher seating positions, and the perception of increased safety. These vehicles offer ample room for passengers and cargo, making them suitable for families and individuals with active lifestyles. The elevated driving position provides better road visibility, which contributes to a sense of security among drivers. 
• Historically, U.S. fuel economy and emissions regulations have been more lenient for light trucks, a category that includes many SUVs and pickups. This regulatory environment has incentivized automakers to produce and market larger vehicles, which often yield higher profit margins.
• The American lifestyle, which often involves longer commutes, road trips, and outdoor activities, aligns well with the capabilities of SUVs and trucks. These vehicles are perceived as versatile and capable of handling diverse driving conditions, from urban environments to rugged terrains. 

Right now, the Gravity exists in that twilight zone between buzz and deliverability. Deliveries have technically begun, but the vehicle remains more myth than material for most. You won’t spot one on every block, yet. 

Early Owners Trickling In

As the early owners trickle in, so do their impressions, and none more vivid or thorough than Annie, the wife of forum regular @borski, who’s posted a detailed, thoughtful account of living with the Gravity. 

“Getting behind the wheel has been truly special,” 

She writes. 

“Borski can tell you I keep calling it my 'spaceship'! 😉

It is definitely a unique and impressive vehicle, and I fully understand all the excitement around it.” 

From someone already driving a Lucid Air Dream Edition, that’s high praise. 

And what she reports is compelling. 

“First off, when it comes to acceleration and regenerative braking, it honestly feels very much like @borski's Air Dream Edition. You get that instant Lucid pickup and the smooth, predictable regen,”

She says. That continuity is important,  especially for a brand trying to create its own DNA. But the Gravity isn't just a lifted Air. 

“Where things feel pretty different is the handling, turning, and just how easy it is to move around. That rear-wheel steering makes a huge difference here. The turning radius is fantastic.” 

In a vehicle this size, maneuverability isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And based on Annie’s experience, Lucid nailed it.

The real ace up the Gravity’s sleeve might be its size, or rather, how it hides it. 

“Wow. I was already impressed with the Air's space, but the Gravity is on another level,” she writes. “It's kind of like one of those ‘Harry Potter’ tents! Seems way bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.” 

That illusion of compactness paired with real-world space is what separates a great SUV from a bloated one. And it’s not just about stretch-out room, it’s about usability. 

“We folded down the second and third rows, and managed to stuff the Gravity practically floor to ceiling with cardboard,” 

Annie explains. If it can haul flat-packs like a Home Depot work truck and offer heated second-row seats and ambient lighting that syncs with your navigation, it’s doing the job of two cars in one.

Then there are the thoughtful details that elevate it beyond the tech bro dreamscape of the Cybertruck. 

“Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite features... frunking! I genuinely love it,” 

Annie writes, referring to Lucid’s padded, power-lifted front trunk that doubles as a picnic bench with 110V power and drainage. It sounds trivial until you’re watching the sunset over Big Sur with a cup of coffee and nowhere else to sit. It’s an answer to a question no one thought to ask, the kind of creativity you usually only see from Honda in its weirdest years or the second-gen Range Rover.

Lucid Motors Ramping Up Production 

• To accommodate the Gravity's production, Lucid expanded its Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-1) in Casa Grande, Arizona, by approximately 3 million square feet, totaling over 3.85 million square feet. This expansion includes a new General Assembly line, Quality and Semi-Knock Down centers, expanded Body and Paint shops, a relocated Logistics center, and an expanded Powertrain facility. The facility also houses one of the world's most advanced stamping facilities, enhancing quality and reducing costs through vertical integration. ​
• Lucid has vertically integrated the production of its proprietary powertrain technology within the AMP-1 facility. This includes in-house manufacturing of electric motors, inverters, and battery packs, allowing for greater control over quality and performance. The integration supports Lucid's emphasis on efficiency and innovation in its vehicle lineup. ​
• In response to global supply chain challenges, Lucid has taken steps to localize its supply chain, particularly for critical materials like graphite used in EV batteries. The company has secured agreements with suppliers to produce battery cells and graphite in the United States, aiming to reduce production risks and enhance sustainability. This move supports Lucid's broader strategy to maintain technology leadership and ensure a resilient supply chain.

Of course, no SUV exists in a vacuum. The Gravity’s obvious rivals are the Tesla Model X,  whose best days are arguably behind it, and the Rivian R1S, which leans outdoorsy where Lucid leans luxury. And Lucid, wisely, is not trying to undercut them on price. Instead, it’s going for the kind of polish that seduces long-term. 

“I think the interior of the Gravity is absolutely gorgeous,” 

Annie says. 

“It might even look and feel a bit better than the Air.” 

She’s also impressed by the UI: 

“Everything is more responsive and boots up much faster.” 

Thanks to Lucid’s new UX 3.0. Even the massage seats get a nod,

“Almost every passenger’s favorite feature,”

She says.

And here’s the part that should make other EV makers nervous, the Gravity platform can be spun off to create a pickup truck or another crossover coupe. 

Tesla spun the Model Y off the 3’s chassis. Rivian used the same skateboard to make both the R1S and R1T. And Lucid’s Gravity already shows signs of that modularity. A Gravity-based pickup would be a logical next move, and with Lucid’s build quality and on-road poise, it might be the Cybertruck’s worst nightmare.

Is The Lucid Gravity Perfect? 

Is it perfect? No. Annie points out the deeply recessed USB-C ports in the third row, and says the second-row seatbacks require a bit more muscle than expected to lift. 

“I think I’m a reasonably strong woman!” 

She jokes. But these are not existential issues. They’re the sort of everyday annoyances that get ironed out in early production. What matters is that the Gravity, from a first-hand account, feels finished, thought-out, refined, and real. 

As Annie puts it, 

“I'm incredibly happy with the car!”

And if enough people feel that way once the deliveries ramp up, Tesla and Rivian won’t just have competition. They’ll have a real fight on their hands.



Are you a fan of the Lucid Gravity and the growing trend of SUVs becoming the most popular vehicles on the road?

If so, or even if you're not, let us know why in the comments. Do you love the space and style, or miss the days of smaller, sportier rides? We’re curious to hear your take.

Image Sources: Lucid Motors Media, Lucid Owners Forum

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.