Electric SUV vs Electric Truck: Unveiling the Ultimate Winner - Rivian R1S Review

Key Takeaways

Experience the versatility of the Rivian R1S, an exceptional all-electric SUV designed to tackle every adventure. With its advanced quad-motor AWD technology, impressive range of up to 321 miles, and exceptional towing capacity of up to 7,700lbs, the R1S is fully equipped for limitless possibilities.

The R1S boasts a roomy interior equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring a convenient birds-eye camera view for parking. Nonetheless, the legroom in the third row may feel cramped for adults.

In addition to its luxurious rear hatch lift gate and ample storage capacity, the R1S currently features a CCS charging port, which may prove less convenient compared to the upcoming NACS ports slated for 2024.

Trying to make a choice between two different electric vehicle brands can be a bit challenging, but it becomes even more difficult when it comes to deciding between Rivian's comparable all-electric SUV and truck models. Although the R1S (SUV) and R1T (truck) EVs share many similarities, there are noteworthy differences that may have an impact. Personally, having driven both vehicles, I have some insights and considerations when trying to make a decision between the two, as well as when comparing the R1S to other available electric vehicle options.

Rivian R1S

From bustling city streets to remote trails, you can conquer any terrain in any weather with the R1S. No matter what your idea of adventure is, the R1S is fully equipped for it.

Featuring a powerful Quad-Motor AWD, the R1S delivers an impressive 835 horsepower and a torque of 908lb-ft. With a range of up to 321 miles, it ensures you can travel long distances without any worries. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, this vehicle offers exhilarating speed. Additionally, it boasts a towing capacity of up to 7,700lbs, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads.

With a ground clearance of up to 14.9 inches, the R1S can easily maneuver over rugged terrain. It is even submersible in water up to 3+ feet, making it capable of tackling watery obstacles without any issues.

Furthermore, the R1S features a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to 5 people.

In summary, the R1S is the ultimate adventure vehicle, offering power, versatility, and comfort for all your escapades.

Lots of modern technology integrated throughout

Birds-eye camera view is helpful for parking

Cons Third-row legroom may still be cramped for adults

CCS plug on current models even though Rivian is planning to switch to NACS

See at Rivian

R1S Price and Availability

The Rivian R1S is priced starting at $78,000 and comes with a range of 260 miles, offering seating for up to seven passengers. During my test of the quad-motor AWD trim, I found that it had an impressive top range of 303 miles, thanks to the addition of a larger battery pack. It's worth noting that the range is slightly affected by the presence of 22-inch sport wheels. The review unit I had the opportunity to test had a retail price of $95,500.

R1S External Design and Features

Tyler Hayes

The distinction between the R1T and R1S is unmistakable when parked side by side. The R1T stands out as a truck, equipped with an open bed for efficient transportation of goods, while the R1S offers complete coverage and is more suited for accommodating passengers. Although closely related, the deciding factor between the two lies in their exterior design. Are you prioritizing the transportation of people or objects?

Both vehicles have identical front trunk storage space and a powered hood that can be raised and lowered effortlessly. Regrettably, the R1S lacks a gear tunnel for storage, unlike its truck counterpart.

To be honest, the inclusion of the storage tunnel significantly enhanced the practicality of the vehicle, making it a noteworthy feature to be taken into account. The tunnel's side doors, one on each side, provided an extra function as a convenient step or seat. They were quite impressive!

The storage area of the R1S is positioned at the rear, located behind the third row of seats, giving it a more conventional design. Adding a unique touch to this SUV is its rear hatch lift gate, which differs from the standard single door. Instead, three-fourths of the door lifts upwards while the bottom quarter section folds down, resembling a tailgate.

Tyler Hayes

This opulent feature ensures the secure containment of items upon customary opening of the rear door. However, conceivably, the lower portion may also function as a seating area. It afforded a pleasant space for my legs to leisurely sway. Solely the upper segment possessed automated control, while the lesser lower division required manual adjustment for lowering or raising.

Interior Design: (Mostly) Comfortable Seating With a Third Row

Tyler Hayes

The R1S's driver's cockpit closely resembles that of the R1T, to the point where I occasionally mistook the SUV for the truck while behind the wheel. This similarity extends to the driving experience as well. When seated in the driver's seat and facing forward, distinguishing between the two Rivian vehicles became nearly impossible.

The seats were covered in vegan leather with perforations, ensuring ventilation during hot days and warmth on cooler mornings. Although the ash wood accents appeared aesthetically pleasing, they had a rough texture when touched.

At the forefront, a large 15.3-inch center screen commands attention, while a 12.3-inch screen sits behind the steering wheel to display essential information for the driver. In addition, a smaller screen situated in the middle row offers climate control options for passengers.

The third-row armrests of Tyler Hayes Storage now come with built-in storage compartments and USB-C charging ports. However, like many vehicles with a third-row seating arrangement, the seats in the far back are somewhat compromised. While they are comfortable to sit on and provide convenient storage and charging options, legroom may be limited depending on the positioning of the middle-row seats. Ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers in the rearmost seats may require some negotiation among all rows, particularly on longer trips. Carrying up to five adults shouldn't pose any issues, but accommodating seven adults could potentially present challenges. On the bright side, there were no complaints from my children when they occupied the far back seats.

Tyler Hayes Glimpsing into the back seats

The middle row of seats featured convenient sliding buttons on both sides, allowing passengers to easily access the third row. This feature is quite commonplace when compared to other vehicles equipped with seven seats. Furthermore, folding down the rear row creates a generous amount of cargo space, while folding down all the seats results in a truly immense storage capacity.

Positioned on the top control panel are the Power and Seat-release buttons, while the air compressor rests underneath.

Within the trunk space, a concealed air compressor and a 120V power outlet are carefully packed. A sliding cover safeguards each item, effortlessly concealing them from view. Tucked beneath the false trunk floorboard, where additional storage capacity awaits, is also where the compressor's hose is stowed. Although I didn't have the opportunity to use the compressor on this occasion, I had previously found it remarkably useful for inflating the tires of the bicycles I transported in the truck bed.

Driving: A Quick and Nimble 7-Seater

Tyler Hayes

The Rivian R1S provided an enjoyable driving experience, with its responsive and agile nature. Despite its substantial size, comparable to a Kia Telluride or Chevy Tahoe, it maintained impressive maneuverability and visibility. The inclusion of numerous video feeds and safety features ensured confident navigation.

Equipped with quad-motors, the high-end R1S that I had the pleasure of driving boasted an impressive 0 to 60MPH speed of just three seconds. Although the pedal required a firm press, it did not compromise the overall driving experience. Surprisingly, the vehicle often felt slower than it actually was, a result of its weight, larger size, and the subdued hum of the electric motor when tackling uphill terrain.

The vehicle offers various driving modes based on its trim level. In my Adventure Series, I had access to Conserve, All Purpose, Sport, Snow, Off-Road, and Tow modes. Personally, I mainly used the extreme ends of Sport and Conserve. These modes are likely to be popular among other drivers as well. When operating the R1S, I either desired maximum torque and power or prioritized prolonging the battery life.

Depending on the selected mode, the R1S adjusts its ride height automatically, although it can also be manually adjusted. It felt quite unusual to experience the car raising and lowering itself at traffic lights or during the activation of different modes.

Accelerating is only a part of driving; the other crucial aspect is stopping. Similar to its truck counterpart, the R1S boasts aggressive regenerative braking. Those unfamiliar with electric vehicles may need a substantial amount of time to rewire their brains and become completely at ease with Rivian's unique driving style. Even as an enthusiastic electric vehicle driver, it took me a few trips around the block to fully adapt.

One of the remarkable features of the R1S's robust regenerative braking is its seamless integration with one-pedal driving. In hindsight, it made me yearn for Tesla to offer a slightly stronger regenerative braking option at its highest setting.

R1S Technology and Infotainment

Tyler Hayes

The R1S excels in terms of comfort, driving experience, and exterior design. However, it's important not to overlook its impressive technology. While Rivian doesn't quite match the abundance of technical features offered by Tesla vehicles, it is not far behind. In fact, there is at least one significant feature that surpasses what Tesla offers.

When it comes to entertainment, the R1S falls short. While it does provide built-in access to newer sources like Spotify and streaming radio, most users will likely need to rely on Bluetooth for streaming their music or podcasts. Unfortunately, CarPlay or Android Auto support is lacking.

There are no available streaming video services, which may not appear significant. However, having the convenience of built-in Netflix and Disney+ can prove helpful during moments parked at a charging station or even during children's sports practices. (Keep in mind, these video services are not intended for use while driving.)

The main 15.3-inch touchscreen allows for easy access to mapping and navigation. Charging stations can be displayed or hidden on the maps as you drive. Additionally, the 12.3-inch driver's screen provides a seamless blend of navigation, car visualization, and speed information.

The car's visual display would indicate my position in the lane and the location of other vehicles in relation to me. This allowed me to see approaching cars from behind on either side as they appeared on the screen, similar to Tesla's visualization system. This capability is made possible by the sensors and cameras installed around the exterior of the R1S.

Cameras play a significant role in various safety aspects. In addition to eliminating blind spots, they also provide surveillance for the vehicle. The Gear Guard security feature combines both a dash cam and an activity monitor, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Video footage can be recorded and stored in case of any driving incidents. Additionally, the system can automatically capture events that occur when you are not present. When the R1S detects any person or object in close proximity, it can record and save video clips of the situation. I had a positive experience with this feature when it captured my neighbor admiring the vehicle. Tesla also offers a similar feature, which has proven to be both helpful and unfortunate in the past, as it showed the exact moment when a shopping cart collided with my car.

The birds-eye camera view of the R1S, which is not exclusive to Rivian or this model, was truly impressive. Although the backup camera was satisfactory, it appeared slightly distorted on the 15-inch screen. Additionally, the presence of a front camera proved advantageous in avoiding curbs in parking lots. However, it was the combination of all the cameras providing an overhead view that made parallel parking effortless. When comparing this to my Tesla, where the side mirrors angle down in reverse for better visibility of curbs and objects on the ground, I found that the R1S's overhead view was still a superior experience. It was indeed one of the most difficult features to give up upon returning the vehicle.

Although I don’t have a pet and Tesla has the same feature, I would be remiss not to mention the Dog Mode feature. When enabled, it keeps the climate set to a comfortable temperature for as long as you need it to and also alerts passersby to the fact that the dog left inside is safe and not too hot or cold. I've heard it makes traveling with pets so much better.

Rivian also offers a similar feature called Dog Mode. It ensures that the climate is adjusted to a pleasant temperature for as long as required and notifies observers that the dog inside is secure and not exposed to extreme heat or cold. This remarkable feature has significantly enhanced the experience of traveling with pets.

I had to utilize a keyfob in order to conduct this review due to difficulties accessing the Rivian app – which is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. However, in my previous review, I was able to employ the app as my vehicle key and it performed exceptionally well. This advanced app offers a wide range of remote capabilities for your car, such as establishing a charging schedule, setting a charging limit, unlocking the vehicle, opening the hood, regulating the climate, and more. Unlike the myVW app provided for the ID.4, this app is designed to be cutting-edge, resembling Tesla's renowned vehicle app.

R1S Charging: Stuck Between Now and the Future

Tyler Hayes

The R1S comes with a Combined Charging Standard (CCS) charging port, but Rivian has announced plans to transition to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) by 2024. While there are a limited number of DC fast chargers near my location, I noticed that there are over 30 Tesla fast chargers in the same area, which utilize NASC connectors. This highlights the current challenge for R1S owners as they experience a scarcity of charging options. If you can wait until the port is changed, it would be ideal. However, for those who cannot wait, Rivian will offer an adapter that converts the CCS port to NASC chargers at a later date.

The current popular CCS fast chargers are offered by Electrify America or possibly EVGo. I have personally used an EVGo station and was able to significantly increase my range in a short amount of time. I haven't come across a Rivian fast charger in real life yet, but the company claims it can provide around 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes. However, the charging experience can vary depending on the location, based on my experience with Tesla and other public chargers.

To be honest, as time goes by, I am becoming less enthusiastic about using the slower level 2 public chargers, especially for vehicles with long-range capabilities like the R1S. When I plugged the R1S into a couple of different level 2 chargers while running errands, I only managed to add a few miles of range in 15 or 20 minutes. However, using a slower charger at home to charge overnight works perfectly fine.

Tyler Hayes

What impressed me the most about the Rivian charging experience was its proactive approach in delivering comprehensive charging information. It not only displayed the charging speed and estimated completion time but also provided real-time updates on the number of miles added and the final range for various driving modes. In stark contrast, VW's ID.4 was disappointingly unhelpful when it came to charging.

In addition to the information displayed on the vehicle's screen,

Head-to-Head: R1T vs. R1S

The R1T and R1S bear a striking resemblance, boasting a majority of shared features. Additionally, the electric vehicles offer a near indistinguishable driving experience. However, variations arise in terms of size, towing capacity, and storage space for these two models.

R1T (Truck)

Max height (with antenna): 78.2in

Length: 217.1in

Wheelbase: 135.8in

Towing: Up to 11,000lbs

Storage space: 62cu-ft

Outlets: Four 120V outlets

R1S (SUV)

Max height (with antenna): 77.3in [shorter]

Length: 200.8in [shorter]

Wheelbase - 121.1in [narrower]

Towing: Up to 7,700lbs [less]

Storage space: 104cu-ft [more]

Outlets: Two 120V outlets [fewer]

R1S Price and Availability

The R1S can be ordered through Rivian’s website. Ordering a new build typically involves a wait of about four months, while new inventory vehicles can be available within a timeframe of one to six weeks.

Should You Buy the Rivian R1S or R1T?

Tyler Hayes

If you’re considering the Rivian R1S, you've likely also pondered over the possibilities of owning a Tesla Model X or Y, and perhaps even one from Lucid or Polestar. In my personal experience, when it comes to technical advancements and a plethora of entertainment choices, Tesla still reigns supreme. Nonetheless, there are valid reasons why a Tesla vehicle may not align with your preferences. In such cases, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Rivian option. The truth is, there's simply a scarcity of electric vehicles with seating for seven available in the current market.

When choosing between a Rivian truck and SUV, the main factor to consider is whether you require more than five seats. If not, the R1T is the ideal choice, offering a convenient gear tunnel and the ability to transport bulky items occasionally. However, for those who do need more than five seats, the R1S is the recommended option. It provides a comfortable and spacious driving experience, accommodating both passengers and their belongings without feeling overly large. In my opinion, the R1S is the perfect embodiment of a contemporary American vehicle.

Introducing the Rivian R1S, a versatile vehicle designed to conquer any type of terrain, from bustling city streets to remote trails. No matter what kind of adventure you seek, the R1S is fully equipped and prepared to take on any challenge.

See at Rivian