Rivian R1S Review

Rivian R1S range, battery and charging

When it comes to range, there’s either a standard battery with 260 miles of range or a large battery with up to 321 miles of range. Either way, that’s range aplenty to cover an average day. The R1S charges quickly with a Level 2 charger adding 25 miles per hour and a Level 3 DC fast charger adding 140 miles of range in only 20 minutes.

Rivian R1S Performance

The R1S is stupidly quick with acceleration that presses you back in your seat when you mash on the pedal, but it’s also well-mannered. This isn’t a gruff, unwieldy performance vehicle that sacrifices everything in the name of speed and handling. This is an SUV with the versatility to manage cargo and people and the capability to go off-road.

All-wheel drive is standard with three setups to choose from. There’s dual-motor all-wheel drive with one motor at each axle. A performance dual-motor option adds horsepower and shaves one second off the 0-60 mph time. The quickest and most responsive version of the all-wheel drive system features four motors, one at each wheel, for the most exhilarating acceleration.

There are also six drive modes that change how the R1S drives depending on the terrain beneath the tyres whether it’s Tarmac or dirt. Everything from ride height to suspension to throttle response all subtly alter to keep you in control. There’s All-Purpose, Sport, and Conserve to cover you in everyday driving on the road. There’s also a Tow mode for taking advantage of this SUV’s maximum tow rating of 3,500kg. Choose Snow mode when winter weather arrives and Off-Road mode when you hit the dirt.

Off-road, the R1S is impressive with the ability to ford 900mm. It can also handle crawling over rocks with 380mm of ground clearance for uneven terrain. It’s equally suited to an adventure where there’s no road at all, taking the kids to school, or managing the daily commute.

This is a large SUV with three rows of seating, so it’s not the kind of thing known for being quick, but this is an electric vehicle. There’s no slow build-up of power like there is in an internal combustion engined vehicle, even a powerful one. 

Hit the pedal in the R1S and it moves, defying you not to smile. The least powerful version of the RS delivers 600 horsepower with 600 lb-ft of torque. The performance dual-motor setup takes both those numbers up to 700 while going with the quad-motor jumps even higher to 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. That’s ridiculous and brilliant at once.

No one needs that kind of power in an SUV. Heck, no one needs that kind of power in any car, but just because you don’t need it doesn’t mean it’s not fantastic. The R1S is fun to drive instead of just being a boring family vehicle. It handles its power well with responsive steering and a minimum of body roll, but make a quick lane change at highway speeds and you will feel a little bit of sway.

Rivian R1S refinement and interior

There’s the quiet that comes only from driving an EV, but the Rivian also keeps the rumble and vibration of rough pavement to a minimum. The adjustable air suspension gets lots of credit for keeping what could be an unwieldy, awkward SUV a controlled, easy drive. Wind noise was a bit more noticeable – this isn’t the most aerodynamic vehicle – but highway noise is kept nicely outside the glass.

Inside, the R1S is minimalist luxury with a focus on sustainability and seating for seven. The third row fits two, but it’s a bit short on legroom so you’ll need to plan accordingly and keep it for smaller kids. 

Trims are attractive with ash wood accents and perforated vegan leather seats that look and feel like the real deal rather than like some vinyl holdover from the seventies. It’s attractive, comfortable, and streamlined with the durability to stand up to the mud and muck that comes along with off-roading. It’s also ready to handle the messes and sticky everything that comes with a crew of kids.

Rivian R1S technology

One of the standout elements of the interior is the infotainment screen, which measures 16 inches. It’s a hub for controlling everything from audio to drive modes to climate control. That last one we have a little issue with as it’s the only way to move the air vents. While it looks snazzy, just physically adjusting the vent would be so much easier and faster.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the gimmickier features of the R1S that aren’t necessary, but sure to make things fun. Unlocking your Rivian doesn’t require a key fob, but we love this one. It’s a carabiner so you can clip it to your bag or whatever and have it ready. In addition, there’s a waterproof wristlet so you can go on those outdoor adventures and not worry about ruining your fancy tech.

Also on the list of fun things is a Bluetooth speaker that stows underneath the centre console. It charges when it’s tucked in its little cubby so no need for cables and it’s always ready to go when you want some music. Sure, there’s an audio system, but if you’re off the grid camping, this little speaker is great. It even glows a soft orange like a campfire. 

When it comes to range, there’s either a standard battery with 260 miles of range or a large battery with up to 321 miles of range. Either way, that’s range aplenty to cover an average day. The R1S charges quickly with a Level 2 charger adding 25 miles per hour and a Level 3 DC fast charger adding 140 miles of range in only 20 minutes.

Rivian R1S verdict

The Rivian R1S has yet to go on sale in the UK and is currently available only in Canada and the US where it starts at just under £63,000. It’s not the most affordable option, but it does deliver a premium experience with a beautiful interior, off-road capability, and room for the whole family.