Rivian R1S
2022-2024
The R1S breaks new ground as an electric SUV that doesn't compromise between luxury, performance, and adventure capability. It's Tesla Model X performance meets Land Rover capability, wrapped in distinctly American startup innovation.
Quick Take
America's first electric luxury SUV built for adventure, combining Tesla-rivaling performance with genuine off-road capability. Features innovative tank turns, air suspension, and over 400 miles of range with the Large pack.
Best For
Key Strength
Quad-Motor All-Wheel Drive
Watch For
Charging Infrastructure Anxiety
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Rivian emerged from stealth mode in 2018 as Amazon-backed startup focused on electric adventure vehicles. Founded by MIT graduate R.J. Scaringe, the company went public in 2021 with the largest IPO in US history at the time.
Design Philosophy
The R1S embraces 'emotional geometry' with its distinctive stadium headlights and muscular proportions. Every design element serves adventure, from the gear tunnel storage to the quad-motor layout that enables tank turns and precise off-road control.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
Four independent motors deliver instant, whisper-quiet torque with surgical precision to each wheel. The powertrain feels more like controlling electricity itself than traditional propulsion, with seamless power delivery and regenerative braking.
Chassis Dynamics
Air suspension provides luxury car comfort on-road and serious articulation off-road, with multiple ride height settings. The low center of gravity from floor-mounted batteries creates surprisingly composed handling for such a large SUV.
Sound Signature
Nearly silent operation punctuated only by tire noise and wind, with artificial sound generation for pedestrian safety.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The R1S's four independent motors deliver precise power control to each wheel, enabling exceptional traction in all conditions. This setup provides both impressive performance with 0-60 times around 3.0 seconds and remarkable off-road capability with tank turns and precise torque vectoring.
The adaptive air suspension adjusts ride height from sport mode to off-road clearance of over 14 inches. This system transforms the R1S from a comfortable highway cruiser to a serious off-road machine, while maintaining excellent ride quality across all settings.
Honest Tradeoffs
Despite EPA range estimates of 300+ miles, real-world range varies significantly with weather and load. The limited DC fast-charging network, especially for road trips with trailers, creates genuine range anxiety that gas-powered alternatives don't face.
As a startup manufacturer, Rivian has experienced typical new-company issues including panel gaps, software glitches, and service network limitations. While improving rapidly, these teething problems affect the overall ownership experience compared to established manufacturers.
Ideal Owner
Affluent early adopters who want cutting-edge EV technology without sacrificing adventure capability or family practicality.