By Special Contributor Kimatni D. Rawlins
It’s no secret that Rivian Automotive, the premium electric vehicle startup, is experiencing financial woes due to many marketplace issues. Even with the Volkswagen Group investing billions into the brand, making each sale profitable has been challenging. Regardless, I hope the manufacturer weathers the storm because its products are cleverly designed, pack impressive power, and offer extended range.
“We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise. Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO.
My press loaner was the second-generation 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure model with the Dual-Motor package. At 100% charge, the R1S delivers an impressive 400-plus mile range – more than enough for a week of driving activities. Depending on your battery selection and model configuration, the three-row R1S’ range can vary from 285 to 420 miles. Since I have a Level-2 ChargePoint Home Flex installed in my garage, it was never an issue re-energizing. Wall charger units can also be purchased directly from Rivian.
The updates and software enhancements for the latest set of Rivians, including the R1T pickups, are pivotal since early adopters complained about Rivian’s quality control, be it software bugs or fit and finish issues. When a vehicle is all-electric, it is engineered with complex digital and software-based technologies. The new R1 incorporates hundreds of hardware improvements, fully redesigned software, performance upgrades, and new in-house drive systems. For example, typical adjustments such as the side view mirrors, tailgate, steering wheel, air vents, and front storage area are executed through touchscreen commands, not physical knobs or buttons.
Operating the R1S was fun and engaging. The e-SUV’s profile is stunning and simultaneously rugged, especially when you add the $3,700 all-terrain package and $1,000 dark wheels outfitted with Pirelli Scorpion A/T tires. The signature vertical LED headlights are distinctive and add a rejuvenating expression to this performance e-SUV. Its split-opening tailgate is convenient for storage and the air compressor accessory is always helpful when you venture off-road.
Moreover, the panoramic glass roof perfectly fits the R1S’ rounded silhouette. MSRP for the R1S starts at $75,900 and tops off at $102,100 due to the upgraded battery selection. My tester included the $5,000 Dual-Motor Performance AWD and the $14,000 Max Battery.
New Rivian motors offer increased acceleration from the vehicle’s 665-horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for the R1T’s Quad-Motor platform with 1,025 horsepower, it will launch from 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds with Launch Mode engaged. That’s what you call a memorable performance! The Tri-Motor drivetrain offers 850-horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet of torque for a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. The R1S can also tow 7,700 pounds and wade in 43.2” of water. Various Drive Modes include All-Purpose, Sport, Snow, All-Terrain, and Soft-Sand. Each mode has a different impact on your range. For example, Sport Mode reduced the overall range by 40 miles.
The interior is spacious, minimalistic, and feels unique and earthy. My favorite interior feature is the integration of Rivian Premium Audio with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos for elevated listening experiences. You can access 100 million songs and over 30,000 playlists with an Apple Music subscription and Rivian Connect+. The R1S also features a built-in drive camera with playback directly through the 15.6” infotainment screen, as well as a 12.3” driver display.
I enjoyed the playful skillsets of the R1S as well as its technical features. Additional attributes include regenerative braking to recapture small amounts of battery energy, utilizing Apple Wallet as your key, a hydraulic roll control suspension system for high-speed stability, and three battery sizes using cylindrical cells. More importantly, every Rivian can restore 140 miles of range in 20 minutes from Level 3 high-speed chargers, whether it’s the Rivian Adventure Network or Tesla Superchargers.
Rivian Automotive is set on reducing the carbon footprint of its vehicles. The R1S Adventure is a great step towards that goal.
