Introduction

The automotive industry is in the midst of a seismic shift towards electric vehicles, and emerging from the shadows of established automakers is Rivian, a company that has quickly made a name for itself with the Rivian R1S electric SUV. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the R1S, highlighting its design, interior, driving experience, and overall value proposition.

Design That Defies Convention

Rivian’s R1S is a testament to the creative freedom that comes with being a new entrant in the automotive world. Devoid of legacy design constraints, the R1S stands out as one of the most visually appealing SUVs on the market. The SUV’s design exudes confidence with its perfect proportions, subtle detailing, and a face that rejects the intimidating trends seen in other trucks and SUVs.

The R1S’s most captivating angle is undoubtedly the rear three-quarter view, where the chrome-accented roofline elegantly curves. Measuring 200.8 inches in length and 77.3 inches in height, the R1S finds itself in the same size class as the Land Rover Defender 110 and slightly smaller than the Chevrolet Tahoe. Its 121.1-inch wheelbase offers a balanced ride, and with a total length reduction of 16.3 inches compared to the R1T pickup, it retains practicality without sacrificing style.

Interior Excellence and Practicality

Step inside the R1S, and you’re greeted with a cabin that oozes quality. Rivian spares no expense with high-quality vegan leather, real metal accents, and open-pore ash wood trim. The flowing dashboard design is not only visually appealing but also ergonomic, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The optional Ocean Coast white or Forest Edge green interior color schemes add a touch of uniqueness to the cabin.

The R1S caters to both comfort and convenience. It boasts heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a second-row bench for added warmth during cold weather. An impressive 19-speaker Meridian sound system, eight USB-C ports, multiple power outlets, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity come standard. An integrated Bluetooth speaker and a rear cargo area air compressor demonstrate Rivian’s commitment to practicality.

Infotainment and Technology

The R1S’s 15.6-inch center touchscreen is a seamless interface that provides snappy performance without glitches. Rivian consistently releases updates, ensuring a smooth user experience. While the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might concern some, Rivian’s native navigation system is robust, and the integration of Spotify, TuneIn, and Tidal adds to its appeal.

Rivian’s infotainment, powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, offers stunning graphics and fully rendered images of the vehicle in its current specification. The interface is user-friendly, although a customizable home screen could enhance multitasking. Climate control and other adjustments are managed through the touchscreen, which, while functional, may be less intuitive for some users.

Seating and Cargo Space

The R1S boasts impressive seating and cargo versatility. With ample space provided by the power-operated front trunk (frunk) and rear cargo area, the R1S accommodates six passengers comfortably. Even in the third row, passengers enjoy sufficient headroom and legroom.

The second and third rows fold nearly flat, while the split tailgate simplifies loading and unloading. A 500-pound weight limit on the tailgate makes it ideal for tailgating activities. While the R1S lacks the gear tunnel seen in the R1T pickup, it compensates with cleverly designed storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The Powerhouse Beneath the Hood

The Rivian R1S’s performance credentials are nothing short of remarkable. Equipped with an electric motor at each wheel, it delivers a combined 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque, positioning it as the second most powerful SUV on the market, second only to the Tesla Model X Plaid. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes a mere three seconds, and the quad-motor setup allows for precise torque vectoring to individual wheels.

Unlike some electric vehicles that simulate engine noise, Rivian embraces the natural whirrs produced by its motors, enhancing the driving experience. The R1S shines not only in spirited driving but also in city commuting, thanks to robust regenerative braking and a serene Conserve drive mode.

Off-Road Prowess

The R1S’s capabilities extend off the pavement. Equipped with 20-inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires (a $3,600 option), it is well-prepared for off-road adventures. These snow-rated all-terrain tires provide grip even in challenging conditions, eliminating the need for tire chains in the snowy terrain. However, opting for these tires reduces the estimated range from 321 miles to 289 miles, according to EPA figures.

All-Weather Confidence

Rivian recently introduced a Snow drive mode via an over-the-air update, significantly improving winter driving. The Snow mode fine-tunes pedal response and regenerative braking to ensure stability in slippery conditions. Whether facing slush or steep slopes, the R1S remains composed, making it a reliable choice for winter driving.

Suspension and Handling

The R1S features air suspension as standard, offering more than six inches of height adjustment and automatic leveling for towing purposes. In its highest setting, the R1S boasts an impressive 14.9 inches of ground clearance, suitable for navigating challenging terrain. Variable active dampers with two stiffness settings and an electrohydraulic roll control system contribute to confident on-road and off-road handling.

While the R1S’s electronic power steering provides excellent feedback, its ride quality can be slightly compromised over rough roads, with occasional floatiness and porpoising.

Safety and Technology Features

The R1S includes Rivian’s standard Driver Plus suite of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system are standard as well, although the image quality of the latter could be improved.

Rivian also offers a Tesla-like motion-activated Gear Guard sentry function, which records external activity around the vehicle without sharing videos with the company or third parties, enhancing privacy.

Charging and Range

The R1S’s range estimates prove to be accurate, albeit slightly conservative. The navigation system intelligently directs drivers to charging stations and offers alternative routes for improved efficiency. Using a DC fast charger, the R1S’s 135kWh battery pack can gain 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes approximately 45 minutes.

Remote Control and Key Features

Rivian’s smartphone app provides convenient control over various vehicle functions, from locking and unlocking to preconditioning climate control. The app’s cabin preconditioning feature is particularly valuable in winter, preventing frozen door handles. The key fob, designed as a carabiner, is aesthetically pleasing but may be challenging to use in the dark. Many users may prefer the simplicity of using their smartphones for keyless entry.

Pricing and Competitors

The quad-motor R1S starts at $93,800 (including a $1,800 destination charge), with additional options and customizations available. Rivian’s lineup also includes a dual-motor R1S starting at $79,800, with various battery pack options. A Performance dual-motor model, offering 700hp, is available as well.

At present, the R1S faces limited direct competition in the electric SUV market, with upcoming offerings from established automakers still in development. Its unique blend of performance, off-road capabilities, and thoughtful design place it in a class of its own.

Conclusion

The Rivian R1S is a shining example of what an ambitious newcomer can achieve in the electric vehicle landscape. With stunning design, impeccable interior quality, exceptional performance, and genuine off-road prowess, the R1S proves its mettle in multiple arenas. While some ride quality concerns and infotainment limitations exist, these are outweighed by the R1S’s strengths.

As Rivian continues to refine its offerings and expand its lineup, the R1S will remain a formidable contender, reigning as the king of both the literal and figurative mountain in the electric SUV world.