Rivian R1S

Rivian R1S at a glance

The R1S uses the same "skateboard" platform as the R1T, with batteries, motors and chassis components packaged in a flat base. Because its wheelbase and rear overhang are shorter than the pickup's, it has even better off-road angles. The first two cars went to Rivian's chief executive and chief financial officer in December 2021, and customer deliveries started in August 2022. The 2023 model earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. More about the brand is in our Rivian catalogue.

Exterior

The R1S makes a strong impression. It is a large vehicle, with many square elements that make it look as if nothing about it is rounded. The front sits high but is short, so the wheel arches almost reach the height of the bonnet. The bonnet has gentle sculpting, and below it runs a light bar flanked by the brand's signature vertical oval headlights, outlined by LED running lights. The lower bumper has a modest intake, fog-light recesses and plastic and metal protection for driving on rough roads.

From the side, there are almost no changes in surface height, so all the elements merge into one. The windows are separated by very thin black pillars, the doors have a slight step low down and flush handles that pop out when pressed, and there is plastic cladding along the bottom. Large wheels up to 22 inches fill the arches. Standard ground clearance is about 205 mm, and in off-road mode the air suspension raises it to 380 mm. The R1S can wade through 1.09 m of water and, according to published figures, climb 45-degree slopes.

The rear is simple and clean, with a relatively small window and a long light strip that wraps slightly onto the sides, a number-plate recess and a plastic bumper with a metal skid plate and towing-eye openings. There is no exhaust.

Interior and practicality

If the exterior is more functional than flashy, the cabin is a different story. It is trimmed in leather or vegan leather with wood and metal inserts and has a minimalist style. Almost everything is controlled through a large central touchscreen; apart from the seat controls there are hardly any physical buttons. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel is another screen that serves as the digital instrument display and can show a wide range of information. Instead of a conventional centre tunnel there is a tall console with storage and an armrest with cupholders.

The R1S seats seven. The front seats are fairly flat with modest side support, better suited to relaxed driving, but they offer heating, ventilation and extensive electric adjustment. The second row is also heated, while the third row is best for shorter trips. The front trunk under the bonnet holds about 314 litres, and with the second and third rows folded the total cargo volume reaches about 2,965 litres.

Motors, batteries and range

In the Quad-Motor version each wheel has its own motor and controller, which allows precise torque vectoring and can imitate locking differentials. Dual-Motor versions have one motor per axle. Rivian claims 0–100 km/h in about 3 seconds for the quickest version, and Motor Trend measured 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1 seconds on all-season tyres. The Standard pack uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, while the larger packs use other chemistries for greater range.

Chassis

All versions have air suspension with adjustable ride height and adaptive dampers, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear axle. The skateboard platform keeps the centre of gravity low. Early prototypes drew some criticism for a firm ride and handling that did not match their straight-line speed, and Rivian refined the chassis before production.

Safety and technology

The R1S offers a range of driver-assistance systems based on cameras and radar, including adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping on motorways, and its software is updated over the air. In 2023 it earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Strengths and weaknesses

The R1S combines strong performance, genuine off-road ability, seven seats and a high-quality, technology-rich cabin. Its weaknesses are the high price, heavy weight, a third row that is best for shorter people and range that drops noticeably with large wheels or towing. Its main rivals are the Tesla Model X, Audi e-tron (Q8 e-tron), Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and BMW iX.