Electric trucks are redefining perceptions, especially when it comes to performance. Forget the stereotypes of lumbering giants; the Rivian R1T Performance is here to challenge those notions head-on. While trucks might not traditionally be synonymous with agility and rapid stops, the R1T Performance, as its name suggests, aims to rewrite the rulebook. Let’s dive into the numbers and on-track impressions to see how this electric pickup truly performs, focusing on metrics beyond just the 0-60 sprint, and exploring its braking and handling capabilities.
When it comes to stopping power, the Rivian R1T Performance certainly makes a statement:
- 60-0 mph: 126 feet
This figure is remarkable for a vehicle weighing in at a substantial 6,760 pounds. To put this into perspective, many smaller sedans require a longer distance to come to a halt from 60 mph. The braking feel is also noteworthy, offering superior feedback and responsiveness compared to conventional trucks. Engaging Sport mode and firming up the suspension minimizes the nosedive effect during hard braking, enhancing stability and driver confidence.
It’s interesting to note a slight variance when comparing this performance to a previously tested Rivian R1T Launch Edition. That earlier model, weighing even more at 7,148 pounds, achieved a 60-0 mph stop in an even shorter 117 feet under similar testing conditions. The difference, as pointed out in the original test, likely boils down to the tires. Despite sharing size and brand, the Pirelli tires on the R1T Performance model differ in construction and model from those on the Launch Edition, impacting their ultimate grip and braking performance.
Moving beyond straight-line braking, let’s explore the Rivian R1T Performance’s handling prowess on the skidpad:
- Skidpad: 0.85 g
This lateral acceleration figure demonstrates the R1T’s surprising agility. While physics always sets the ultimate limits, the Rivian R1T Performance exhibits handling capabilities that surpass most trucks on the market, with the exception of the slightly better performing R1T Launch Edition. Navigating the skidpad in the R1T feels almost effortless, a testament to the vehicle’s engineering working behind the scenes to enhance driver control.
The steering in the R1T contributes significantly to this nimble feel. Featuring a relatively slim rim by modern standards and a quicker steering rack than typically found in trucks, it offers enhanced responsiveness upon initial turn-in. Even in the default All-Purpose drive mode, the stability control system effectively manages dynamics without intrusive interventions. Body roll is also surprisingly well-contained for a vehicle of this type in this mode.
Switching to Sport mode unlocks even more of the R1T’s handling potential. Lowering the ride height and disengaging the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) allows drivers to push the truck slightly harder. While understeer remains the primary handling characteristic when pushed to its limits, the Rivian R1T maintains a stable and secure feel throughout. The potential for even greater handling performance is evident; with true torque vectoring, enabled by its quad-motor setup, and even stickier tires, the Rivian R1T could achieve truly exceptional handling figures for its class.
The tires equipped on the Rivian R1T Performance during this test were Pirelli Scorpion Zero Elects, sized 275/50R22, with a 500 treadwear rating. These all-season tires carry an HL (High Load) rating, a designation specifically developed for heavier electric vehicles. This HL rating ensures the tires can handle the substantial weight of EVs without requiring excessively high tire pressures that could compromise ride comfort and increase tire noise. However, these tires prioritize low rolling resistance for improved energy efficiency and load management over outright performance grip. This design choice inevitably leads to a trade-off, where ultimate performance, like 0-60 acceleration, braking, and handling, takes a secondary role compared to range and load-carrying capacity, even on a vehicle designated as “Performance”.
To further illustrate the impact of tire choice, consider the tire specifications of the Rivian R1T Launch Edition, which achieved slightly better braking and skidpad results. The Launch Edition was fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Verde all-season tires in size 275/55R21. These tires had a higher 600 treadwear rating and did not carry the HL designation. It’s also worth recalling that the Launch Edition weighed more than the Performance model.
For a clearer comparison, let’s look at the performance figures of other trucks in the same category:
Performance Metrics Compared
| Model | 60-0 mph (feet) | Skidpad (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T Launch Edition (Quad-Motor) | 117 | 0.87 |
| Rivian R1T Performance | 126 | 0.85 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum | 127 | 0.78 |
| Ford F-150 Raptor R | 147 | 0.72 |
This comparison highlights that even with a slight dip in performance compared to the Launch Edition, the Rivian R1T Performance remains a standout in the truck segment, outperforming both the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum and the Ford F-150 Raptor R in braking and handling tests.
While this test focused on braking and handling, the topic of range is always relevant for electric vehicles. The EPA estimates for the Rivian R1T Performance Dual-Motor vary based on wheel and tire configurations: 307 miles with 20-inch all-terrain tires, 352 miles with 21-inch wheels, and 341 miles with the 22-inch wheels as tested here. As with performance, tire selection significantly impacts driving range. The 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires introduce greater rolling resistance compared to the 21-inch and 22-inch options. Furthermore, the lighter weight of the 21-inch wheel package can contribute to improved range by reducing the energy required to rotate the wheels.
In conclusion, the Rivian R1T Performance delivers a compelling blend of performance for an electric truck. While the focus of this evaluation was not explicitly on the 0-60 mph time, the braking and handling tests reveal a vehicle that defies truck stereotypes. The 60-0 mph stopping distance and skidpad performance demonstrate a level of agility and control rarely seen in this vehicle class. The choice of tires plays a crucial role in fine-tuning these performance metrics, highlighting the delicate balance between performance, range, and load capacity in modern electric vehicles. For those seeking an EV truck that offers surprising dynamism alongside practicality, the Rivian R1T Performance is undoubtedly a strong contender.
