It’s December 2023, and while the buzz around the Cybertruck is deafening, let’s shift our focus to another compelling electric pickup: the Rivian R1T. Having spent a week each with both the Rivian R1S SUV and the R1T pickup, most recently the 2024 R1T, I’m ready to share my experience.
Like the Tesla Cybertruck, the Rivian R1T enters the electric pickup arena with a design geared towards robust off-road performance. And mirroring the Cybertruck, particularly in its current form, the R1T occupies the premium price bracket.
However, it’s distinctly not a Cybertruck. While some might argue it lacks the Cybertruck’s “funky edge,” as described by the Wall Street Journal, I contend that Rivian brings its own aesthetic appeal to the table. Personally, I find the R1T more visually appealing. Crucially, unlike the long Cybertruck waitlists, you can actually purchase an R1T now.
What truly stands out about the R1T, and its SUV sibling the R1S, is its remarkable blend of elegance and rugged capability. It evokes a sense that you can confidently tackle any terrain while doing it in style.
To put this to the test, I ventured deep into California’s Mojave Desert with the R1T. This wasn’t an extreme endurance challenge, but a real-world exploration into a remote area where getting stranded would mean isolation – no cell service, no nearby help.
But before diving into the off-road adventures, let’s cover some essential, everyday aspects of this electric pickup.
(Note: This is an initial review focusing on the features I utilized most extensively during my week with the R1T, not an exhaustive, comprehensive evaluation.)
Highway Assist: The R1T is brimming with advanced technology expected in a high-end electric vehicle, placing it in a similar tech sphere as a Tesla Model Y, which I also have considerable driving experience with.
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The Highway Assist system operates much like Tesla’s Autopilot, enabling the vehicle to largely drive itself on major highways. While not flawless (neither is Tesla’s system), I found it incredibly helpful on the long, monotonous stretches of highway leading to the Mojave Desert, where maintaining alertness can be challenging.
However, Highway Assist isn’t always available when desired, erring on the side of caution. In ambiguous situations, it disengages promptly, returning control to the driver. Occasionally, I noticed a tendency to drift towards the right lane marker, not maintaining perfect center, which could feel unsettling when passing large trucks. In such instances, manual deactivation was necessary.
Performance and Acceleration: Despite its substantial 7,000-pound weight, the R1T boasts impressive speed. The instant torque is readily available and abundant. While it may not match the blistering acceleration of a Model S Plaid, for a truck of its size, the torque is phenomenal. It’s even reported to be quicker than a Mustang Shelby GT500. My test vehicle was the quad-motor variant, pushing the price near $90,000. I didn’t have the opportunity to test the new, more affordable dual-motor version, which starts around $74,000 for 2024.
Charging and Range: As an EV owner, the mantra “always be charging” becomes ingrained. While modern EVs have overcome the range anxiety of early models like the 80-mile Chevy Spark EV I drove in 2017, a new concern emerges: access to reliable public charging. In remote locations like the Mojave Desert, this is a genuine worry. Adding to this is the unpredictability of public chargers, which can often be unreliable or out of service. (In my local Santa Clarita, California, finding a functioning public CCS fast charger is often a gamble.)
Fortunately, the Electrify America fast charging station in Mojave, California, was operational and delivered rapid charging. The R1T indicated peak charging rates exceeding 400 miles per hour. I achieved a full charge, gaining over 300 miles from a starting point of about 50 miles, in just over 30 minutes.
Interestingly, while charging, an identical R1T pulled up beside me. Its owner was towing a large trailer and remarked that the R1T handled heavy loads effortlessly.
Off-Road Prowess: This is where the R1T truly shone for me. Recalling summers spent driving a Jeep Wrangler on Nantucket’s soft sand beaches, I have a benchmark for off-road capability in sand. The Mojave Desert sand, in certain areas, presents similar challenges.
The R1T navigated the soft sand with remarkable ease, like “a hot knife through butter.” This instilled the confidence to venture deeper into the desert without fear of getting stuck. I spent the day exploring remote desert landscapes, tackling steep inclines and precarious angles, often in very soft sand. Despite the challenging conditions, the R1T remained composed and emerged unscathed.
Overall Rivian R1T Review Summary: Rivian’s debut electric vehicle is truly impressive. Driving the R1T conveys a sense of solid construction and quality. The cabin is remarkably quiet, and the suspension adeptly handles rough, poorly maintained roads – a common sight in Los Angeles. In essence, it’s a well-built, high-quality vehicle. Based on my experience, I highly recommend the Rivian R1T.
However, a significant drawback exists: the price. A $75,000 – $90,000 vehicle is out of reach for most American car buyers, positioning the R1T as an exclusive vehicle for affluent individuals. This seems at odds with Rivian’s stated aim to build “for a future that includes everyone.” While financing or leasing might make it attainable for some, it requires considerable financial commitment.
The more affordable R2 platform is anticipated in 2026, a considerable wait for a more accessible Rivian. There’s hope that CEO RJ Scaringe will exceed expectations and deliver on this timeline.
Notes: The Rivian R1T tested was the Red Canyon, Quad Motor, Large Pack R1T with Black Mountain Interior and 22″ Dark Sport Wheels.
The Mojave Desert day trip was remarkable for its solitude – not a single person encountered all day.
