The Rivian R1S isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a statement. From the moment you lay eyes on its distinctive styling to the second you experience its exhilarating performance, the R1S makes a lasting impression. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Rivian R1S to the test on a trip to Big Bear, and it quickly became clear why this all-electric SUV is generating so much buzz. It’s not just well-designed; it’s comprehensively engineered to make life, and adventures, effortlessly enjoyable.
Rivian, as a fresh face in the automotive industry, leverages its startup status to its advantage. They aren’t burdened by design legacies or outdated platforms. This clean slate approach is immediately evident in the R1S’s striking aesthetics. In a market saturated with aggressive and imposing SUVs, the R1S stands out with its approachable and almost charming front end. Its proportions are spot-on, the detailing is thoughtfully executed, and the wide fenders and smooth body panels contribute to an overall design that’s both modern and timeless.
The rear three-quarter view is arguably the R1S’s most flattering angle, highlighting the graceful curve of the chrome-accented roofline. Dimensionally, the Rivian R1S is comparable to a Land Rover Defender 110 and slightly smaller than a Chevrolet Tahoe, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 77.3 inches in height. Its wheelbase, at 121.1 inches, is notably shorter than the Rivian R1T pickup, contributing to its more compact overall length of 16.3 inches less than its truck sibling.
The Rivian R1S showcases a charming and unique front fascia, a departure from the aggressive styling trend in SUVs.
Interior Excellence and Practicality
Stepping inside the Rivian R1S reveals an interior that’s not just practical but also genuinely luxurious. The cabin is crafted with impeccable quality, featuring premium vegan leather, genuine metal accents, and beautifully finished open-pore ash wood trim. The dashboard design is fluid and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall sense of sophistication. The driving position is excellent, offering a commanding view of the road, and the door panels are thoughtfully designed for ergonomic comfort, providing perfect resting spots for elbows. The standard panoramic glass roof, which extends to the third row, is a highlight, creating an airy and open ambiance, though it lacks a sunshade which might be a consideration for some. For those seeking an even more visually appealing interior, the optional Ocean Coast white or Forest Edge green color schemes are worth the investment.
The R1S is generously equipped with standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, a high-fidelity 19-speaker Meridian sound system, eight USB-C ports, multiple power outlets, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. A unique touch is the removable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the center console, and a built-in air compressor in the rear cargo area adds to its practicality. While the R1S boasts an impressive array of features, the absence of massaging seats is a notable omission in this luxury SUV segment.
The user-friendly 15.6-inch center touchscreen in the Rivian R1S controls most vehicle functions.
The 15.6-inch center touchscreen is the command center of the R1S, and its interface is remarkably responsive and intuitive. Software glitches, which were reported in earlier Rivian models, seem to be a thing of the past, thanks to consistent over-the-air updates. While Rivian’s infotainment system doesn’t currently support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and likely won’t in the future based on CEO RJ Scaringe’s comments, the native system is well-developed. The navigation is excellent, and integrated apps like Spotify, TuneIn, and Tidal cover most entertainment needs.
Powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, the infotainment system boasts stunning graphics. The screen displays detailed, animated renderings of the R1S, reflecting the exact vehicle configuration, and the visuals dynamically adapt to different drive modes. Navigating the menus is straightforward, and there’s a wealth of vehicle information available through the trip computer and performance pages. However, the lack of a customizable homescreen for displaying multiple app widgets and the integration of climate vent, steering wheel, and mirror adjustments into the touchscreen interface could be less convenient for some users.
Practicality is a key strength of the Rivian R1S. The spacious power-operated front trunk (frunk) and the generous rear cargo area effortlessly accommodated luggage for six adults on our Big Bear trip, without compromising visibility. Even third-row passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, and the inclusion of a separate climate control panel for the second row enhances passenger comfort.
The second and third rows fold down to create a nearly flat load floor, and the split tailgate adds to the ease of loading and unloading cargo. With a 500-pound weight limit, the tailgate is also perfect for tailgating and outdoor activities. While the R1S doesn’t feature the R1T’s gear tunnel, both the cargo area and frunk offer covered storage compartments. Thoughtful touches like armrests, cup holders, and storage cubbies for third-row occupants, clever pockets in door cards and seatbacks, and hidden compartments under the front seats further enhance the R1S’s practicality as a family-friendly SUV.
The Rivian R1S provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for family trips and adventures.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: King of the Road
The Rivian R1S doesn’t just look good; it delivers exhilarating performance to match. Equipped with a quad-motor system, one for each wheel, the R1S produces a staggering 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. This power output makes it the second most powerful SUV currently available, only surpassed by the Tesla Model X Plaid. Acceleration is breathtaking, with the R1S reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 3 seconds. The quad-motor setup also enables advanced torque vectoring, dynamically distributing power to each wheel for optimal handling and control.
Instead of artificial engine sounds, Rivian has focused on amplifying the natural whirring sounds of the electric motors, creating a unique and futuristic auditory experience. The R1S is equally enjoyable for relaxed city driving and spirited cornering. Regenerative braking is strong, enabling true one-pedal driving, and the Conserve drive mode deactivates the rear motors for increased efficiency and a smoother ride.
The optional 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires, bundled with underbody shields and a full-size spare tire for $3,600, are a worthwhile upgrade for those planning to explore off-road trails. Standard models come with 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, while 22-inch wheels with sportier tires are also available. The all-terrain tires, with their aggressive tread pattern and snow rating, proved invaluable in Big Bear, eliminating the need for snow chains. While the all-terrain tires enhance off-road capability, they do slightly impact range, reducing the EPA-estimated range to 289 miles compared to 321 miles with the standard 21-inch wheels.
The optional all-terrain tires on the Rivian R1S enhance its capability in challenging conditions like snow and off-road trails.
Rivian’s over-the-air software updates continue to enhance the R1S’s performance and features. The recently added Snow drive mode significantly improves driving confidence in winter conditions. Snow mode softens pedal response and reduces regenerative braking to minimize wheelspin, resulting in a smoother and more controlled driving experience on snow and ice. Regardless of the drive mode, the R1S feels remarkably planted and stable, making it an ideal vehicle for navigating harsh winter environments.
Standard air suspension provides over six inches of adjustable ride height and automatic leveling for towing. In its highest setting, the R1S boasts an impressive 14.9 inches of ground clearance, exceeding many traditional off-road SUVs. Variable active dampers with two stiffness settings and an electrohydraulic roll control system, replacing traditional anti-roll bars, effectively minimize body roll both on and off-road, contributing to the R1S’s agile handling.
Despite its substantial weight of nearly 7,000 pounds, the Rivian R1S feels surprisingly nimble and responsive. The electronic power steering is well-tuned, offering excellent feedback. However, the R1S does exhibit some ride quality compromises compared to the R1T truck. Over uneven road surfaces and expansion joints, the ride can become somewhat choppy, with occasional floatiness and porpoising.
While generally comfortable, the Rivian R1S ride quality can be slightly less refined than the R1T, especially on rough roads.
Noise insulation is excellent, even at highway speeds with the all-terrain tires, with only minimal wind noise entering the cabin. The Rivian Driver Plus suite of driver-assistance features includes adaptive cruise control with steering assist, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings and lane-keep assist, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, trailer assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems generally perform well, although the Highway Assist function can be overly sensitive at times. Standard parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system are helpful, but the camera image quality could be improved.
The R1S features a Gear Guard sentry mode, similar to Tesla’s Sentry Mode, which monitors and records activity around the vehicle for security purposes. Rivian emphasizes that Gear Guard videos are not shared with the company or third parties, offering enhanced privacy for owners.
Fast charging capability of the Rivian R1S allows for 140 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes at a DC fast charger.
Range estimates for the Rivian R1S are generally accurate and sometimes even conservative. The navigation system intelligently guides drivers to charging stations and optimizes routes for efficiency. Using a DC fast charger, the R1S’s 135kWh battery pack can gain 140 miles of range in about 20 minutes, or charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 45 minutes. Real-world range testing in cold weather conditions showed a reasonable 20-mile range gain overnight when plugged into a standard wall outlet, and a manageable 10 percent charge loss when left unplugged in freezing temperatures.
The Rivian smartphone app provides convenient control over vehicle functions, including locking/unlocking, charge status monitoring, climate preconditioning, and navigation route sending. The key fob, designed as a carabiner, is visually appealing but the buttons can be difficult to use in the dark, making phone-as-a-key a more practical option.
The Rivian R1S interior is crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail.
Real-world range of the Rivian R1S is accurate and dependable, even in varying conditions.
Class-Leading Electric SUV
The Rivian R1S, in its quad-motor configuration, starts at $93,800, including destination charges. With options like the All-Terrain Upgrade and Glacier White paint, the as-tested price of the reviewed model reached $99,150. Rivian is expanding its R1S lineup with dual-motor versions, offering a more accessible entry point. The dual-motor R1S starts at $79,800 and provides 600 horsepower with a 260-mile range battery, while a larger 340-mile range battery is available. A new Performance dual-motor model further enhances the lineup, delivering 700 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
The Rivian R1S currently enjoys a unique position in the market with limited direct competition. While electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQG, Land Rover Range Rover EV, and Range Rover Sport EV are on the horizon, and the GMC Hummer EV SUV exists, none quite match the R1S’s blend of practicality and performance. The BMW iX, while competitively priced, lacks a third row and off-road prowess. The Mercedes EQS SUV, while offering a third row, is positioned as a more luxury-focused and significantly more expensive option. The upcoming Kia EV9 promises affordability and three rows but will likely offer more conservative performance.
The Rivian R1S’s appeal transcends its current lack of direct rivals. Its exceptional combination of on-road dynamics, off-road capability, and thoughtful design is truly remarkable, especially for a debut vehicle from a new automaker. With ongoing development, future R1 variants, and more affordable models planned, Rivian is poised to solidify its position in the EV market. For now, the Rivian R1S reigns supreme as a class-leading electric SUV, capable both on city streets and conquering mountain trails.
Photography by Daniel Golson for The Verge
