Today, two of the most popular class of vehicles that are trending right now are EVs and Crossover/SUVs. Well, the terms crossover and SUV are often used interchangeably, but a true blue SUV is one that you wouldn't hesitate to take off the pavement. Throw in EV power and you truly have a vehicle that is fitting for the time.

Enter the Rivian R1S, which is an all-electric rugged and not a crossover, that's set to revolutionize the three-row SUV space. Rivian, the Californian EV startup intends to disrupt the all-electric SUV segment, just like it managed to shake up the pickup truck market with its R1T. Here's taking a look at one of the most innovative and competent all-electric SUVs in recent times.

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Rivian R1S

9.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Rugged Exterior Design
  • 8 Selectable Drive Modes
  • 7,700 - 11,000 LBS Towing Capacity
  • 14.9 Inch Clearance, 3+ ft Wading Depth
  • Vegan Leather Interior
  • Flexible Seating With Fold Flat Seats
  • Meridian Audio With Removable Bluetooth Speaker
  • Panoramic Roof
  • Driver + Safety
  • Access To Rivian Adventure Charging Network
Pros
  • Ballistic On-Road Acceleration
  • Genuine Off-Road Capability
  • High-Quality Cabin With Seating For Seven
Cons
  • Steep Staring Price / Long Waiting Period
  • Missing Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Compatibility
  • Third Row Seating, Usable But Tight

2022 Rivian R1S Performance And Capability

Blue Rivian R1S
Rivian

We first saw the Rivian R1S concept as early as 2018. Now, after close to four years, the final production variant is around the corner. From the B-Pillar forward, the R1S is identical to the R1T pickup, with which it shares its underpinnings. The skateboard platform packs everything from the battery pack, drive units, and motors.

The R1S comes in three trims:

  • Explore Package
  • Adventure Package
  • Launch Edition

For the moment, all R1S' will feature a quad-motor setup, i.e an electric motor for each wheel, that draws power from a nine-module 135 kWh 'Large Pack' battery with an output of 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. This gives the R1S, all-wheel drive traction.

While it's not Model X Plaid quick, the R1S should still get to 60 MPH in about three seconds, which is impressive for something that weighs close to 6,000 pounds. This is despite featuring lightweight materials like carbon fiber in its construction. A more affordable dual motor model with a 'STANDARD' battery pack will eventually join the lineup sometime down the road.

With the Large battery pack, the R1S has an EPA estimated range of 316 miles. That number drops to around 260+ miles if you choose the smaller battery pack. An even bigger 'MAX' battery pack, exclusive to the R1T pickup offers up to 400 miles of range. In real-world testing, CarandDriver was able to get 230 miles of range.

Coming to charging, every Rivian comes standard with a portable charger that either plugs into your typical 120V or 240V outlet, adding about 16 miles of range per hour. If you install a dedicated Rivian Wall Charger ($750), you can bump up that speed to 25 miles of range added per hour.

2022 Rivian R1S charging
Rivian

Finally, you can also fast charge your Rivian across the growing charging Rivian Adventure network (3500 fast chargers at 600 locations) in the U.S. and Canada, adding 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Rivian is also working toward expanding its charging infrastructure in remote locations like national parks, across the country.

With a low center of gravity, expect similar on-road manners to its pickup truck sibling. The R1T pickup has already proved its worth for those who've doubted its off-road capability. But the R1S SUV takes it one step further with a better approach, departure, and break-over angles, thanks in part to the shorter wheelbase as opposed to the pickup.

You have a bunch of driving modes that alter both the drivetrain and powertrain characteristics of the R1S.

They include:

  • All Purpose
  • Sport
  • Conserve
  • Off-Road (Rock Crawl, Rally, Drift)
  • Tow Mode

The R1S features independent air suspension at all four corners which allows you to raise or lower the ride height depending on the drive mode you choose. If you want to tackle steep gradients, you can raise the R1S to offer 14.9 inches of ground clearance. The wading depth on the R1S is an impressive three feet. An optional reinforced underbody shield ($2,000) adds further protection while off-roading.

If you choose the Conserve mode, the rear motors disengage, and the ride height drops to 8.8 inches for a more hunkered-down position to maximize driving range. Towing capacity on the R1S stands at 7,700 pounds as opposed to 11,000 pounds on the R1T.

2022 Rivian R1S Specs

Horsepower

835 hp

Torque

908 lb-ft

0-60

~3.0s

Top Speed

124.9 mph

Drive

Quad-Motor AWD

Range

320+ miles

Towing Capacity

7,700 lbs

RELATED: Why the Electric Rivian R1S is Going to Be Hard to Beat

Exterior Design

A white Rivian R1S
Rivian

Let's talk exterior styling and in keeping with the times, the Rivian R1S has a squared-off boxy profile, which really isn't ideal for an EV, along with the obligatory plastic cladding that buyers these days are after.

The front end is similar to the R1T pickup. While the facia is not particularly imposing, with its full-width lightbar and elongated vertical headlight cluster, the R1S is certainly quite distinctive and unlike anything else on the road today. Also, the R1S has a shorter wheelbase compared to the pickup, but thanks to the flat sides, it still ends up looking pretty long.

The body-colored C-Pillar, contrasting roof along with a prominent chrome strip that runs all the way from the windscreen to the tailgate, is unique to the SUV. Rim sizes start at 20-inches and go all the way up to 22-inches ($2,500 - $3,500) and you can get them in a range of finishes.

Rivian R1S / R1T
Rivian

In the back, the obvious difference from the R1T is the inclusion of the extra sheet metal. Styling-wise, it's pretty uneventful back here with the same full-width tail light bar that also shows your charge indicator when you plug in your Rivian.

Also, depending on the trim you choose, you also get tow hooks in the bumpers. As for exterior colors, aside from silver, you'll have to shell out more cash if you wish to paint your R1S in another shade.

Exterior Colors

Standard

LA Silver

-

Optional

Glacier White

$1,750

Exterior Dimensions

Length

200.8 in

Width

81.8 in

Height

77.3 in

Wheelbase

121.1 in

Ground Clearance

14.9 in

Approach angle

35.6º

Departure angle

29.6º

Max ground clearance


14.9 in

Curb Weight

5,842 lbs

RELATED: Rivian's Next Model Will Shake Legacy Automakers to Their Core

Interior Quality And Technology

2022 Rivian R1S Dashboard
Rivian

Climb onboard the R1S and you'll be happy to note that the rugged theme carries over to the inside as well. But what'll really surprise you, is how Rivian has managed to tie in a host of luxury touches with the outdoorsy theme. You can choose between three color schemes:

  • Black Mountain
  • Ocean Coast ($2,000)
  • Forest Edge ($2,000)

Pretty much everywhere you look and touch, you're surrounded by some truly fantastic materials, like real open-pore wood on the dash, aluminum trim, and vegan leather on the seats. What also adds to the feeling of luxury on this EV, is the lack of engine noise inside the upscale cabin.

Also, just like Tesla, for a more clutter-free look, Rivian has chosen to take the minimalist route by moving most functionality, including basics like HVAC and radio controls, to the large central display. Thankfully, there is also a separate driver information display.

The central infotainment screen is quite responsive and runs Rivian's proprietary software. Unfortunately, you'll have to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth if you wish to listen to your tunes as the Rivian neither supports Apple Carplay nor Android Auto.

However, the tech package is still impressive with the Meridian premium audio system and the removable and rechargeable Bluetooth speaker, that lives under the large central binnacle. All three rows have enough USB C ports to keep your gadgetry all juiced up. As standard, every R1S gets:

  • LTE and Wi-Fi capability
  • Bluetooth pairing
  • wireless inductive charger
  • Up to 8 USB
  • Three 12V and Two 120V outlets
  • Alexa voice commands
  • Gear Guard (360 video capture system)

All but the base model features heated and ventilated front seats. Given the all-electric platform, space really was never going to be an issue on the R1S. Interior accommodations are similar to the pickup, but things are different from the second row onwards. The legroom is decent and you get a 40/20/40 split-folding bench that gives you added flexibility.

Rivian R1S rear seats
Rivian 

The third row is what distinguishes the R1S from the pickup. Legroom should be adequate for anybody under six feet tall, but you wouldn't want to put adults back there for long stints on the road. The middle-row seats also recline, which further impedes the legroom for third-row passengers. Thankfully it's bright and airy back there with a separate moon roof aside from a bigger fixed panoramic unit that covers the first two rows.

Access the small but usable cargo room via the automatic split tailgate in the back. Here, you'll find an onboard air compressor, in case you aired down your tires while on your off-road excursion. Also back here, you'll find a household-style three-pin power outlet, more storage under the third-row seats, tie-down points, along with controls for folding down the second row. With all three rows down, you get a flat and usable load floor to haul stuff.

Rivian R1S trunk
Rivian

As the R1S is an EV, under the hood you'll find up to 11 cubic feet of lockable storage instead of an internal combustion engine. Now, this might not be the biggest frunk around, but hey, it adds to the practicality by giving you more storage, in case you run out of space behind the third row. Overall, the R1S offers 104 cubic feet of secure storage.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity

7

Headroom (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

41.1 in, 39.7 in, 38.6 in

Legroom (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

41.2 in, 36.6 in, 32.8 in

Shoulder room (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

60.6 in, 58.9 in, 51.1 in

Cargo Room

17.6 cu-ft

RELATED: This Vertical Climb Shows You Exactly How Impressive The Rivian R1S Is Off The Road!

2022 Rivian R1S Price and Availability

Blue Rivian R1S
Rivian

The 2022 Rivian R1S in Adventure trim with dual motor AWD and the 'Standard Pack' battery will set you back $78,000. The Quad Motor AWD is an extra $8,000 and if you want the 'Large Pack' battery with the 316-mile range, you'll need to shell out another $6,000. With options, you should easily be looking at a sticker price north of $90,000. To soften the blow, the Rivian R1S qualifies for the $7,500 Federal Tax Incentive. According to insideevs, deliveries of the R1S should start in August or September this year.

You can further customize your rig by diving into the optional accessories like tents ($3,100), Bike racks, MAXTRAX recovery boards ($500) Cargo cross bars ($500), Off-road recovery kit ($600) and so much more from the Rivian Gear Shop.

Visualize and configure your Rivian R1S here.

RELATED: Reasons Why You Should (And Shouldn’t) Buy A Rivian R1S Electric Family SUV

Safety

The Rivian R1S has active and passive safety built-in across all trims along with their Driver+ Assistant, which employs 11 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to build a 360-degree field of vision around the R1S.

The driver assistance features include:

  • Highway Assist
  • Adaptive Cruis Control
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Park Assist
  • Trailer Assist
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking

Dynamic Brake Support

Every Rivian also comes standard with an interior camera that monitors driver alertness. While complete hands-free autonomous driving isn't available yet, you should eventually get it at some point in the future via an over-the-air update from Rivian.

Main Competition

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The Rivian R1S' main competitor is the Tesla Model X. While the Model X is an established EV in its own right, it is a crossover at best and doesn't really work off-road. That's where the Rivian R1S has an edge over the Tesla. It is an EV that can take both you and your family, out into the wilderness.

Other potential rivals to the R1S include the recently launched BMW iX, the Audi E-Tron SUV, and the Cadillac LYRIQ. One upcoming all-electric SUV that can take on the R1S head-on in an off-road challenge, is the upcoming GMC Hummer EV SUV. However, the Humvee doesn't offer three-row seating and costs well north of $100,000. This puts the R1S in a sweet spot of sorts.

To sum it up, if you don't really need the bed of the R1T to haul stuff, the SUV should be more than up to the task of handling pretty much anything you can throw at it. While it loses out on that trick gear tunnel found on the pickup, the R1S has that additional third row and is better off-road.

FAQ

Q: How much does a Rivian R1S cost?

Depending on the model and battery pack you choose, the Rivian R1S SUV costs between $78,000 and $92,000.

Q: Is the Rivian R1S as good as a Tesla?

Both automakers have their pros and cons. The Rivian R1s can tow up to 11,000 pounds which is greater than the Tesla Model X at 5,000 pounds. Tesla has a much more expansive charging network, but Rivan is expanding its adventure network across in national parks across the country.

Q: Is Rivian R1S in production?

The Rivian R1S is in production. However, customers will have to wait until 2023 for deliveries of the long-range 400-mile, model.

Q: When can I buy a Rivian R1S?

You can place an order for a Rivian R1S on their website by paying $1,000. Deliveries for the launch edition are set to commence in late 2022 or first half of 2023.

Q: How fast does the Rivian R1S charge?

With support for fast charging, you can add 140 miles of range in 20 minutes at a DC fast charger.