The Rivian R1S isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a statement. After spending considerable time with this vehicle, the most significant praise I can offer is its seamless integration into daily life, simplifying routines and elevating experiences. A recent excursion to Big Bear with friends, before the region was blanketed in historic snowfalls, perfectly highlighted the R1S’s comprehensive design and engineering excellence. It stands out as one of the most thoughtfully crafted vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, and this Rivian Suv Review will delve into why.
Rivian’s fresh perspective as a startup automaker is immediately apparent in the R1S’s striking styling. Unburdened by legacy designs or outdated platforms, Rivian has created an SUV that is both modern and timeless. This clean-slate approach is a major advantage, allowing for innovation without compromise.
The R1S confidently asserts itself as one of the most visually appealing SUVs available today, perhaps ever. Its proportions are perfectly balanced, and the detailing is intriguingly unique. The front fascia, endearingly described as “oh-so-cute,” directly contrasts the increasingly aggressive and imposing aesthetics adopted by many trucks and SUVs. Broad fenders and smooth body panels further enhance its robust yet refined appearance.
The rear three-quarter view of the R1S is arguably its most captivating angle, showcasing the graceful curvature of the chrome-accented roofline. Dimensions-wise, the R1S measures 200.8 inches in length and 77.3 inches in height, placing it in similar territory to the Land Rover Defender 110 and slightly smaller than a Chevrolet Tahoe. Its wheelbase of 121.1 inches is notably shorter than the Rivian R1T pickup by 14.7 inches, contributing to an overall length reduction of 16.3 inches.
The uniquely styled front of the Rivian R1S electric SUV challenges the aggressive SUV design trend, offering a friendlier aesthetic. This is a key design element highlighted in many Rivian SUV reviews.
Interior Design and Practicality: Where Function Meets Premium Comfort
Moving inside, the Rivian R1S continues to impress with its impeccable interior quality. The cabin is adorned with premium vegan leather, genuine metal accents, and open-pore ash wood trim, all harmoniously integrated into the dashboard’s flowing design. The driving position is commanding, offering excellent visibility, and the door panels are ergonomically sculpted for optimal elbow support, whether resting on the door top or the armrest. The expansive tinted panoramic glass roof, a personal favorite, bathes the cabin in natural light, extending all the way to the standard third row. While some might miss a sunshade, the airy feel it provides is a significant plus. Opting for the Ocean Coast white or Forest Edge green interior color schemes, though a $2,000 upgrade, is highly recommended to further enhance the cabin’s visual appeal and unique character.
Standard comfort and convenience features are abundant, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and second-row bench, and a high-fidelity 19-speaker Meridian sound system. Connectivity is well-covered with eight USB-C ports, multiple power outlets, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi. A unique touch is the removable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the center console, and an onboard air compressor in the rear cargo area adds a layer of practicality. While the feature list is extensive, the only notable omission is massaging seats, a feature not currently offered by Rivian.
The centerpiece of the tech-forward cabin is the 15.6-inch center touchscreen. The interface is remarkably responsive and intuitive, and during my time with the vehicle, I experienced no software glitches or issues, a testament to Rivian’s consistent monthly updates. While Rivian’s infotainment system currently lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and CEO RJ Scaringe has indicated this is unlikely to change, the native system is compelling enough to stand on its own. The integrated navigation is robust, and Rivian offers built-in Spotify, TuneIn, and Tidal apps.
The 15.6-inch touchscreen in the Rivian R1S is praised in Rivian SUV reviews for its user-friendly interface and responsiveness. It controls many vehicle functions, contributing to a minimalist dashboard design.
The infotainment system’s graphics, powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, are visually stunning. Unlike many other vehicles, the screen displays fully rendered, animated images of the R1S, accurately reflecting the vehicle’s configuration. The visuals dynamically change based on the selected drive mode, adding a touch of visual flair. Menus are logically organized and easy to navigate, and the trip computer and performance pages provide a wealth of data for the tech-savvy driver. However, the absence of a customizable homescreen to display a combination of apps simultaneously is a minor inconvenience. Furthermore, climate vent, steering wheel, and mirror adjustments are all controlled through the touchscreen, which some users may find less convenient than physical controls.
Practicality is a key strength of the R1S. The generously sized power-operated frunk and the ample rear cargo area easily accommodated luggage for six occupants on our weekend trip without compromising visibility. Even third-row passengers enjoyed sufficient headroom and legroom and appreciated the dedicated climate control panel for the second row.
Both the second and third rows fold nearly flat, maximizing cargo space when needed. The split tailgate enhances loading and unloading convenience and boasts a 500-pound weight limit, making it ideal for tailgating. While the R1S forgoes the gear tunnel found in the R1T pickup, both the cargo area and frunk offer covered storage compartments. Thoughtful details abound, including armrests, cup holders, and storage cubbies for third-row occupants, clever pockets in the door cards and seatbacks, and hidden storage compartments beneath the front seats.
Ample cargo space and seating for up to seven adults are highlighted in numerous Rivian R1S reviews, showcasing its practicality as a family-friendly electric SUV.
Driving Dynamics: Power and Poise on Any Terrain
The impressive design and interior are matched by an equally compelling driving experience. The Rivian R1S boasts a quad-motor setup, with an electric motor powering each wheel, resulting in a combined output of 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the second most powerful SUV currently on the market, trailing only the Tesla Model X Plaid. Acceleration is breathtaking, with the R1S reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 3.0 seconds. The quad-motor system also enables sophisticated torque vectoring, dynamically distributing power to individual wheels for enhanced handling and control.
The R1S eschews artificial engine noise, instead allowing the natural whirs of the electric motors to be heard, creating a unique and futuristic soundscape. Whether navigating city streets or unleashing its power on open roads, the R1S is equally engaging. Regenerative braking is strong enough for comfortable one-pedal driving, and the Conserve drive mode deactivates the rear motors for increased efficiency and a more relaxed driving experience.
For those seeking enhanced off-road prowess, 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 investment. (Standard are 21-inch wheels with all-season tires, while 22-inch wheels with sportier tires are also available for $2,500.) The all-terrain tires feature an aggressive tread pattern and are snow-rated, eliminating the need for chains in snowy conditions and providing ample grip for most off-road adventures. However, opting for all-terrain tires does impact range, reducing the EPA-estimated range to 289 miles compared to 321 miles with the standard 21-inch wheels.
Off-road capability is a significant selling point, and Rivian SUV reviews often highlight the available all-terrain tires and advanced drive modes for tackling challenging terrains.
Rivian has further enhanced the R1S’s winter driving capabilities with a recent over-the-air software update introducing a Snow drive mode. This mode noticeably improves driving in snowy conditions by softening pedal response and implementing a low regenerative braking setting to minimize wheelspin. With Snow mode activated, the R1S maintains excellent traction and stability, even in slushy and hilly terrain. Regardless of the selected drive mode, the R1S consistently feels planted and secure, making it an ideal choice for navigating challenging winter conditions.
Standard air suspension provides over six inches of adjustable height, along with automatic leveling for towing. In its highest setting, the R1S offers an impressive 14.9 inches of ground clearance, more than sufficient for clearing snowdrifts or navigating rocky trails. Variable active dampers offer two stiffness settings, and an electrohydraulic roll control system replaces traditional anti-roll bars, minimizing body roll both on and off-road.
Despite its substantial curb weight of nearly 7,000 pounds, the R1S feels surprisingly agile and nimble. The electronic power steering is exceptionally well-tuned, providing excellent feedback. However, the R1S does exhibit some ride quality compromises compared to its R1T truck counterpart. Over rough surfaces or expansion joints, the ride can become somewhat choppy, occasionally exhibiting unsettling floatiness and porpoising.
While generally praised, some Rivian SUV reviews point out minor ride quality issues on uneven surfaces, particularly when compared to the Rivian R1T pickup.
Despite the all-terrain tires, the R1S maintains a well-insulated and quiet cabin at highway speeds, with only minimal wind noise intrusion. Rivian’s Driver Plus suite of driver-assistance features is standard, including 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 function effectively, although the Highway Assist function, which manages steering, acceleration, and braking on designated freeways, can be overly sensitive at times. Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system are standard, but the image quality of the camera system is noted as being below par compared to competitors.
The R1S incorporates a Tesla-esque motion-activated Gear Guard sentry function, monitoring and recording exterior activity and storing videos onboard. This system includes a playful Sasquatch mascot. In light of recent lawsuits against Tesla regarding privacy concerns with vehicle camera footage, Rivian assures that Gear Guard videos are not shared with the company or third parties, and owners can enhance privacy by restricting location data.
Charging speed and range are crucial aspects of electric vehicle ownership, and Rivian SUV reviews often discuss the R1S’s charging capabilities and real-world range performance.
Real-world range estimates for the R1S are generally accurate, if slightly conservative. The navigation system intelligently guides drivers to charging stations and can optimize routes for efficiency. Utilizing a DC fast charger, the R1S’s 135kWh battery pack can gain approximately 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes or charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 45 minutes.
During my test, charging overnight using a standard wall outlet in sub-freezing snowy conditions added 20 miles of range. Conversely, leaving the R1S unplugged in similar conditions resulted in about a 10 percent battery charge loss overnight.
The Rivian smartphone app provides comprehensive remote control over vehicle functions, including locking and unlocking, charge status monitoring, climate preconditioning, and navigation route sending. Cabin preconditioning is particularly beneficial in winter, as the R1S’s flush door handles can sometimes freeze shut. The key fob, featuring a carabiner-style design, is aesthetically pleasing, but the buttons are not easily legible in low light, and its orientation can be confusing. Using the smartphone app as a key is often a more convenient alternative.
Premium materials and thoughtful design are consistently praised in Rivian R1S interior reviews, highlighting the luxurious and functional cabin environment.
Real-world range performance of the Rivian R1S often exceeds EPA estimates, as noted in many independent Rivian SUV reviews, adding to its appeal for long journeys.
Class-Leading and Without Direct Rivals (For Now)
The quad-motor Rivian R1S starts at $93,800, including a $1,800 destination charge. The All-Terrain Upgrade and Glacier White paint on the test vehicle brought the as-tested price to $99,150. Rivian has recently begun deliveries of the dual-motor R1S, equipped with in-house developed electric motors. The 600hp dual-motor R1S starts at $79,800 and utilizes a smaller battery pack with a 260-mile maximum range. However, the larger 340-mile range battery pack, standard on the quad-motor R1S, is available as a $6,000 upgrade for the dual-motor version. A new Performance dual-motor model, offering 700hp and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, is also available for a $5,000 premium over the standard large pack dual-motor model.
The Rivian R1S currently operates in a class of its own, lacking direct competitors in the electric SUV segment. While the electric Mercedes-Benz EQG and Land Rover’s Range Rover and Range Rover Sport EVs are anticipated next year, and the GMC Hummer EV SUV leans more towards supercar territory than practical SUV, the R1S stands apart. The Hummer EV SUV also lacks a third row, a feature the EQG is also expected to forgo. The BMW iX, while competitively priced, is a two-row SUV with limited off-road capabilities and polarizing aesthetics. The Mercedes EQS SUV offers a third row but is significantly more luxury-focused and pricier, with a starting price exceeding $105,000. Kia’s upcoming three-row EV9 is poised to be more affordable, but its performance will be less potent and its launch is still months away.
However, the emergence of future competitors is unlikely to diminish the Rivian R1S’s appeal. Its unique blend of on-road performance, off-road capability, and thoughtful design is truly remarkable, especially considering it’s the inaugural effort from a new automaker. Rivian plans to introduce further R1 variants and updates, encompassing both hardware and software enhancements, in the near future. The company is also developing new, more affordable model lines to be manufactured in Georgia. For now, the Rivian R1S reigns supreme, both on and off the beaten path, truly deserving of its title as king of the mountain in the electric SUV landscape.
Photography by Daniel Golson for The Verge
See More:
