The Riviera 395 SUV 2018 vs Riviera 505 SUV 2020 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Riviera 505 SUV 2020 measures 55,1 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 11,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Riviera 395 SUV 2018 at 43,6 feet (2018). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 tips the scales at 54 013 lbs — 26 235 lbs less than the Riviera 395 SUV 2018 at 27 778 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 725 hp, the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 has a 285-hp advantage over the Riviera 395 SUV 2018's 440-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 carries 872 gallons versus 396 gallons in the Riviera 395 SUV 2018. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Riviera 505 SUV 2020 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Riviera 395 SUV 2018 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 55,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Riviera 395 SUV 2018 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.