Author: Kyle Edward

2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Exploring key differences

Toyota is on a roll with the 4Runner and Land Cruiser

The legendary Japanese automaker has been releasing redesigned versions of some of its most iconic models. Among the highlights are the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The Land Cruiser was revealed in February 2024, followed by the 2025 Toyota 4Runner in April.

Both models share undeniable similarities, but the differences between them are where things get interesting. Let’s break down how the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2025 Toyota 4Runner differ in terms of luxury, powertrain options, trims, and more.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform

Both the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2025 Toyota 4Runner are built on Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform, which also underpins the latest-gen Tundra, Sequoia, and Tacoma. This platform gives both vehicles a robust foundation for off-roading, durability, and towing capability.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

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Additionally, both SUVs come with a powerful 326-hp hybrid powertrain, known as the i-Force MAX. This setup pairs a turbocharged inline-4 engine with electric assistance to deliver potent performance, while standard 4WD with locking differentials ensures off-road prowess.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Focus on luxury and comfort with off-road capability

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser leans more toward luxury and comfort. It offers a range of high-end features, including leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats with lumbar support and driver memory settings. The Land Cruiser also features reclinable rear seats, adding another layer of comfort for passengers. However, these premium features haven’t been confirmed for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. What we do know is that the high-end Platinum trim of the 2025 4Runner will come with heated second-row seats, providing a touch of luxury at a lower price point.

2025 Toyota 4Runner: The ultimate off-road vehicle within the Toyota portfolio

While the 2024 Land Cruiser sticks to a single powertrain, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers more versatility under the hood. All Land Cruiser models are powered by the same 326-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 hybrid engine. This i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain is standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims of the 2025 4Runner, while it’s optional for the TRD Off-Road and Limited trims.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter exterior.

Toyota

In addition, the 2025 4Runner offers a second, base powertrain. Named i-Force, this engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 278 horsepower. This setup is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades, giving customers a more affordable and traditional engine choice.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Three trims vs. nine trims

Toyota keeps it simple with the 2024 Land Cruiser lineup, offering just three trims: 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition. The base 1958 trim features retro-inspired round LED headlamps, while the mid-spec Land Cruiser trim swaps them out for rectangular headlamps and adds more standard features. The top-of-the-line First Edition builds on the mid-spec trim with extra exterior off-road bits and additional features, making it the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser lineup.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes with a whopping nine trims to choose from, including some familiar names and a few new ones: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.

The new Platinum trim focuses on luxury, featuring unique black exterior styling elements, a head-up display, and other premium touches. Meanwhile, the Trailhunter trim is a factory-built overlanding rig, equipped with Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks from ARB, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, a high-mount air intake, and other off-road-ready components.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Full-time 4WD vs. 2WD and 4WD options

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser offers a full-time 4WD system across all trims. This system comes with standard center and rear locking differentials and a two-speed transfer case, simplifying the drivetrain configuration while ensuring optimal off-road performance.

On the other hand, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner provides more drivetrain options. It will be available in 2WD, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD iterations. The 2WD models come with an automatic limited-slip differential, while the 4WD versions gain an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range gearing. The TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims further benefit from an electronic locking rear differential as standard equipment.

2025 Toyota 4Runner.

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Land Cruiser offers more advanced JBL audio system while 4Runner has a larger touchscreen

Infotainment technology in both vehicles is cutting-edge, with each offering something different. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard in the base variants of both models.

Related: 2025 Toyota 4Runner: After 15 years of waiting, here’s how the new generation raises the bar

However, higher-end trims of the 2024 Land Cruiser come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a premium 14-speaker JBL audio system. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner counters with an even larger 14-inch touchscreen in its top trims, but the audio system is limited to a 10-speaker JBL setup.

Pricing differences between the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2025 Toyota 4Runner

In terms of pricing, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is expected to be significantly more affordable than the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, which starts at $55,950. This makes the 4Runner a more versatile option for buyers looking for a range of trims and drivetrain options at a lower cost.

Final thoughts:

Both the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner bring a lot to the table, but with different focuses. The Land Cruiser offers a more premium experience with a boxy, retro design and high-end features, while the 4Runner emphasizes rugged off-road performance with a more aggressive design and flexible powertrain options. Additionally, the 4Runner is expected to have a lower starting price compared to the Land Cruiser’s $55,950.

Related: 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Transmission failures spark reliability doubts, everything you need to know about the issue

2024 Audi RS3 vs. 2024 BMW M2: An epic battle of German engineering

Based on my real-world experience, the 2024 Audi RS3 and the 2024 BMW M2 are two of the best contemporary German compact cars on green earth. This opinion is mainly rooted in driving experience rather than aspects like comfort, luxury, and aesthetics. Looks are subjective and I acknowledge they may vary from person to person. While I was a fan of the bold, serious demeanor of the previous, first-generation F87 BMW M2, I actually prefer the current generation M2 as it now offers up a GT vibe thanks to an elongated hood, flared rear stance and larger than before cabin.

2024 Audi RS3 exterior.

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RS3 brings amped up A3 styling

On the other hand, the Audi is simply an aggressive Audi. It doesn't stand out much from the usual modern RS design language, which hasn't evolved significantly over the past few years. However, the 2024 RS3 looks proportionate, stylish, and just hardcore enough to convey that it's a high-performance car.

2024 Audi RS3 vs. 2024 BMW M2: Twin-turbo inline-6 vs. turbo inline-5 — two distinct juggernauts

BMW and inline-6 is a harmonious combination appreciated by enthusiasts worldwide. The 2024 BMW M2 sports an inline-6 that is truly monstrous. The M2's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine delivers 453 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, which is substantial for a car of its size. It's the same engine powering the current-gen BMW M4 and M3, though with 20 fewer horses. This powerhouse is undeniably a beast, and having experienced its performance in the M2's elder siblings, I can confidently say that it's most enjoyable in the compact M2.

2024 BMW M2 exterior.

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Powering the 2024 Audi RS3 is a different engine altogether. It’s one cylinder short but certainly not lacking in fun. The award-winning turbocharged 5-cylinder engine of the RS3 is unique yet outstanding — potent, smooth, and sonorous. It churns out 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While it might seem less powerful on paper, you wouldn't notice it from the driver's seat of the RS3.

Related: How the 2025 Corvette ZR1 moved from supercar to hypercar

How do these powertrains actually feel? 

The BMW M2's 6-cylinder is a tried-and-true instrument of high-speed propulsion. It's all-around impressive and represents the best of what BMW offers. The Audi RS3's 5-cylinder, on the other hand, provides a one-of-a-kind experience. It sounds and feels distinct from anything else on the road. Plus, if you opt for the RS3, you get the bragging rights for owning the most powerful 5-cylinder production car.

The 2024 Audi RS3 is faster to 60 MPH, while the 2024 BMW M2 offers a godsend 6-speed manual

The 2024 Audi RS3 comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is among the best in the business. While I noticed a slight hesitation in downshifts during hard braking, this was effectively compensated by the car's strong brakes. This didn't hinder the driving experience to a noticeable extent, and the performance of this dual-clutch unit is truly exceptional. Acceleration to 60 mph takes around 3.3-3.5 seconds, and it feels both ballistic and firmly planted while sprinting.

2024 Audi RS3 interior.

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However, the 2024 BMW M2 offers two transmission options: a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. The one I drove had the manual, and it was as divine as you'd expect. No automated transmission can replicate that mechanical feel, which is exactly why you should go for the manual if you're considering an M2. It is slower to 60 mph, taking around 4 seconds, but that wait is totally worth it. The automatic version might be faster, but even then, the RS3 is likely to be quicker.

2024 Audi RS3 vs. 2024 BMW M2: Rally-redolent all-wheel drive vs. purebred rear-wheel drive

The BMW M2 is like a PB&J sandwich — something you can enjoy every day and also as occasional comfort food. The only downside is the occasional sugar rush, which in this case is butterflies in your stomach. This describes the driving experience of the 2024 BMW M2 perfectly. It's fun, versatile, and can serve as your daily driver, track car, drift machine, or road-trip companion. In its stock form, the M2 can fulfill all these roles elegantly.

2024 BMW M2 interior

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The 2024 Audi RS3 is less of a hooligan. If the M2 is a playful Bimmer, the RS3 is a sharp, controlled Quattro. In its usual RS modes, the RS3 is supremely in control, allowing even novice drivers to push it to the limits. It's more beginner-friendly, but that doesn't mean it lacks thrills for expert enthusiasts. The RS3 is a safe yet exciting car for a novice driver and a precise, thrilling machine for more experienced drivers. You might wonder if it can go sideways like the M2—the answer is yes. Although the RS3 is inherently an AWD car, it has a trick up its sleeve. It sports a rear-biased all-wheel drivetrain with a clever differential. Put it into "drift mode," and you're ready to swing the rear around.

Final thoughts

So, which one suits you better? The choice here boils down to personal preference. Both cars have provided me with the unexplainable pleasure of driving. You really can't go wrong with either. However, I would pick the RS3 for daily driving and the BMW M2 for those times I want an occasional adrenaline rush as it’s simply a little more fun with rear-wheel drive.

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2025 Rivian R1S review: The ultimate adventure-focused EV

Rivian is a California-based EV maker that emerged as a startup and flourished by delivering two of the most groundbreaking electric vehicles of recent times. When the Rivian R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck were first released in 2022, they immediately impressed me. The duo offered an exceptional blend of tech, practicality, on-road handling, and off-road capability — a never-before-seen combination in an electric vehicle.

2025 Rivian R1S exterior.

Kyle Edward

Meet the R1S

My test vehicle came in the optional Midnight shade ($1,750) and was equipped with 22-inch Sport Dark alloys ($1,000). It also featured the optional Darkout Package ($1,000), giving the exterior a bold, blacked-out appearance. The interior was configured with the Black Mountain + Dark Ash Wood trim ($750), completing the stealthy aesthetic. The Dual Max model starts at $89,900, but with these options, my test unit's price was around $94,000.

2025 R1S sheds 44 pounds

As of now, every single component in the Rivian R1S, from the software to the window control switches are custom to Rivian. The 2025 models feature an all-new electrical architecture, shedding over 44 lbs of wiring. After testing the revamped 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Max (dual motor long-range model), I can confidently say that Rivian has polished and perfected this impressive combination.

2025 Rivian R1S exterior.

Kyle Edward

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400 miles of range means you don’t need to worry

The 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Max is the mid-spec, most capable dual-motor version of the electric SUV, offering the highest range figure in the lineup. It sits above the base dual-motor variants and below the tri-motor and quad-motor models. Powered by two electric motors, it delivers 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. 

Related: 2025 Rivian R1S range guide: How far an EV crossover will take you on a full charge

However, you can unlock a performance upgrade for $5,000 that pushes the power figures to 655 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque. The EPA-estimated range is 410 miles, while I experienced a real-world range of around 400 miles in mixed driving conditions, including high-speed cruising, 0-60 tests, and regular grocery runs. Charging the battery from 10% to 80% took about 45 minutes using a DC fast charger, which is quite reasonable.

The 2025 Rivian R1S impresses with dynamic handling

The driving experience in the R1S is as enjoyable as ever. On the road, it feels compliant and composed, and off-road, it's impressively capable. Despite being a large, full-size SUV, the R1S manages corners with surprising confidence and minimal body roll. Its precision and agility are commendable, allowing it to change direction with ease. These dynamic attributes complement the robust powertrain of this EV. Power is readily available, with abundant torque throughout the range.

Rivian logo on 2025 R1S.

Kyle Edward

Comfort and versatility in the 2025 R1S

While the R1S showcases impressive performance, Rivian hasn't compromised on comfort. The standard air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable travel experience for all occupants. Passengers remain largely unaffected by enthusiastic driving, even at higher speeds. This was particularly noticeable during mild off-roading, even my co-passenger found the ride remarkably smooth. Bad roads and large potholes are absorbed well, despite the large 22-inch wheels and the absence of the optional All-Terrain Package. For those seeking more off-road capability, the package adds 20-inch all-terrain wheels and enhanced underbody protection. However, even without it, the R1S embodies the California adventure lifestyle.

Retro-inspired design and advanced technology define the 2025 Rivian R1S

I've always admired the retro-inspired design of the R1S. A standout exterior feature is the new "Adaptive Drive Beam" headlamps, offering excellent nighttime visibility without blinding oncoming traffic. This tech, which I've appreciated in high-end Audis, adds a high level of functionality. The rest of the exterior remains stunning. In the all-black spec, the R1S evokes a bold, stealthy demeanor.

2025 Rivian R1S interior.

Kyle Edward

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A high-end interior lacking only physical buttons

Inside, the 2025 Rivian R1S continues to impress. The seats are both comfortable and stylish, while the central touchscreen is one of the best I’ve used recently. The software is clean, intuitive, and user-friendly. The accompanying digital app rivals the Tesla app in terms of convenience, connectivity, and performance. 

However, the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity might bother some, though I didn’t find it an issue. A more significant drawback is the complete absence of physical buttons. While the touchscreen is excellent, having a few buttons for frequently used functions like trunk opening and audio controls would enhance usability. Despite this, the R1S interior is well-designed, practical, and comfortable.

Final thoughts on the 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Max

In essence, the 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Max is an outstanding family SUV and the best overall trim of this sporty, rugged EV. It is attractive, powerful, engaging to drive, exceptionally comfortable, and spacious for both passengers and cargo. It's also packed with tech and offers impressive range and charging times. Moreover, it's ready for off-road adventures. I recommend this mid-spec model for most people. Unless you're a speed enthusiast seeking blistering acceleration, spending extra on the tri-motor or quad-motor models seems unnecessary.

Related: 2025 Rivian R1S: Blistering acceleration, new batteries, and prices to match

2025 Rivian R1S: Blistering acceleration, new batteries, and prices to match

Surprisingly elegant and versatile for a 7,000-pound three-row SUV, the Rivian R1S is one of the top choices for adventure-oriented enthusiasts seeking a capable off-roader and daily family hauler, all in one. 

It's been remarkable to witness the Rivian brand come to life and evolve since its founding in 2009, and the quality of their product continues to improve each year. Such is the case with the 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2. 

Related: 2025 Rivian R1S range guide: How far an EV crossover will take you on a full charge

The large all-electric SUV received a host of upgrades this year, including significant improvements in performance and battery life, as well as a redesigned user interface with a particular emphasis on audio. So, let's take a deeper dive into some of its pros and cons.

Behold: The 2025 Rivian R1S.

Kyle Edward

2025 Rivian R1S Pros

New battery packs and more range

The 2025 Rivian R1S introduces an all-new battery chemistry for its trio of battery packs, reducing their capacities without significantly impacting range. The Standard battery pack is now a smaller 92.5-kWh unit, down from the previous 106-kWh, but still provides the same 270-mile range with a 200-kW maximum charging capacity. The Large 109.4-kWh battery pack replaces the 135-kWh unit and offers up to 330 miles of range with a 220-kW maximum charging rate, a slight drop from the 352 miles offered the previous year. Finally, the 2025 Rivian R1S now features a 141.5-kWh Max battery pack, replacing the outgoing 149-kWh unit. The maximum charging rate remains at 220 kW, as does the range of 410 miles.

Wide array of models and performance choices

While the Dual-motor setup paired with a Standard battery pack continues to deliver the same 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque, upgrading the battery packs now instantly yields 665 horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque, something that required a special Performance upgrade back in 2024. 

All-new for 2025, the Tri-motor setup places two electric motors on the rear axle, while one drives the front wheels. This setup pairs exclusively with the Max battery pack and generates an impressive 850 horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet of torque. 

Coming later in 2025, the range-topping Quad-motor setup raises a ludicrous 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, which is 215 horsepower and 290 pound-feet more than the 2024 Quad-motor R1S. More importantly, each of the four electric motors in Quad models drives a separate wheel, providing power at all times and greatly improving the R1S's off-road capabilities, much like front and rear differential locks in conventional gas-powered rock crawlers.

2025 Rivian R1S.

Kyle Edward

Subtle yet premium cabin

Much like Tesla, Rivian takes a minimalist approach to designing the interiors of its models. Design cues are traditional, with plenty of right-angle bends across the dash and center console, as well as leather inserts and wood accents. Everything else is contemporary, however, as the R1S heavily relies on touchscreen displays. With no physical controls to speak of, the traditional approach quickly turns into a futuristic one. While some might not appreciate the overly contemporary solution, there is much to love about the cabin in general. All three rows are filled with premium materials, and there is plenty of space for both passengers and their cargo.

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Contemporary and retro design

The Rivian R1S makes a bold statement with its striking design, blending contemporary elements with nods to classic off-road icons. Its bold, angular silhouette and distinctive front fascia set it apart, giving it a menacing yet refined presence on the road. The front light bar, paired with vertical headlights, provides a futuristic look that contrasts with the vehicle's rugged, almost utilitarian shape, reminiscent of old Land Cruisers and Land Rovers. 

This combination of sharp angles, smooth surfaces, and minimalistic detailing creates a modern tribute to overland vehicles of the past, deserving recognition for its unique approach to blending tradition with innovation.

2025 Rivian R1S.

Kyle Edward

Blistering acceleration

For a 7,000-pound SUV with a 200-inch-long frame, the 2025 Rivian R1S moves exceptionally well. Even the base model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, a feat that most SUVs can't match. The Dual-motor setups equipped with the Large and Max battery packs accelerate to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, while the new Tri-motor setup achieves this in 2.9 seconds. And the forthcoming Quad-motor R1S is reportedly capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 2.5 seconds.

2025 Rivian R1S.

Kyle Edward

2025 Rivian R1S Cons

Over-reliance on touchscreens

The disappearance of physical controls in modern cars is becoming more common, especially among EV-focused automakers. Rivian is no exception, so it's not surprising that the R1S relies heavily on touchscreens. While the user interface is intuitive and offers many advanced options that traditional knobs and buttons can't match, and the 15.6-inch infotainment display is impressively large, physical controls are still simpler to use and more accessible for a broader range of drivers.

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Despite offering some unique connectivity and streaming options, the Rivian infotainment system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. That seems like a missed opportunity.

2025 Rivian R1S interior.

Kyle Edward

Increasing cost

Gone are the days of the $70,000 Founders Edition Rivian. As Tesla slashes prices and more affordable three-row electric vehicle alternatives emerge, the 2025 Rivian R1S hits an all-time high price. Base models now start at $75,900, which is $1,000 more than the previous year, while the Large and Max battery packs cost an additional $7,000 and $14,000, respectively. The Tri-motor models start at $105,900, with pricing for the flagship Quad-motor R1S models yet to be disclosed. Considering that the 2025 Tri-motor already costs significantly more than the 2024 Quad-motor models, the new Quad-motor R1S is unlikely to be affordable.

Final thoughts on the Rivian R1S

The 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2 is an improvement in many ways over its predecessor. The fledgling California-based automaker has managed to iron out some of its lineup's issues more quickly than Tesla did in its early days, but there is still room for improvement. Elegant, refined, and powerful, the R1S plays to its strengths. Its drawbacks, while present, are more annoyances than dealbreakers. Overall, the R1S stands out as one of the better, though more expensive, EV SUV's on the market.

Related: How the 2025 Corvette ZR1 moved from supercar to hypercar

2025 Rivian R1S range guide

Before the all-new generation of large all-electric SUVs came into existence, prospective shoppers in the segment had minimal choices regarding certain characteristics: they could either opt for a powerful or relatively fuel-efficient SUV, but not both. 

The introduction of the large, three-row EV crossovers — one of which is the unique-in-many-ways Rivian R1S — finally provides the luxury of having both. 

2025 Rivian R1S range guide.

Rivian

For a 7,000-pound, 200-inch-long behemoth, the 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2 is surprisingly potent and quick off the mark, as well as correspondingly capable of embarking on long-distance trips with no range anxiety affecting its owners. Needless to say, the adventure-focused California-based EV automaker offers the R1S in different configurations with diverse ranges and price points to accommodate varying degrees of adventuring needs and other everyday requirements. 

The 2025 Rivian R1S comes in either dual, tri, or quad-motor setups (all with exclusive all-wheel drive), four different sets of tunes, and no fewer than five different range estimates. 

Let's take a look at what each of the available 2025 Rivian R1S models provides in terms of power and range, as well as how much each of the particular privileges costs.

Dual Standard Range: 270 miles MSRP: $75,900

The entry-level 2025 R1S dubbed the Dual Standard is powered by a dual-motor setup capable of generating 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque — more than enough for most drivers, especially since 0 to 60 time clocks in at 4.5 seconds. However, with "only" 270 miles of range on a single charge, the Standard 92.5-kWh battery pack trails behind the other available options within the Rivian portfolio and those of most of its competitors too. Rivian's pricing for this performance tier begins at $75,900, excluding destination and other applicable charges.

Interior of the 2025 Rivian R1S.

Rivian

Dual Large Range: 330 miles MSRP: $82,900

Opting for the Large 109.4-kWh battery pack-powered model will extend the range of an R1S by a meaningful 60 miles to 330 miles total. Percentage-wise, that translates to around 22 percent. But, wait, it's even better. The 22-percent range extension is accompanied by less than a 10-percent increase in pricing, making the Large model a no-brainer compared to their entry-level counterparts. Furthermore, the power output also gets a boost via a software tweak as the Large battery pack unlocks the full dual-motor setup’s potential of 665 horsepower and 829 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration follows suit as 0 to 60 times drop from 4.5 seconds to 3.4 seconds.

Dual Max Range: 410 miles MSRP: $89,900

The Max upgrades the 109.4-kWh battery pack to a 141.5-kWh unit and consequently raises the total expected range to 410 miles. The pricing, meanwhile, increases by $7,000 compared to Dual Large R1S. The horsepower ratings, meanwhile, remain at 655 ponies. The same goes for the acceleration.

The dash inside the 2025 Rivian R1S.

Rivian

Tri Max Range: 371 miles MSRP: $105,900

All-new for 2025, the 100-percent Rivian-built tri-motor setup consists of two rear motors and one front motor, generating a combined 850 horsepower and a whopping 1,103 pound-feet of torque. As its name suggests, it utilizes the largest currently available battery pack but fails to match the dual-motor setup’s range. In the tri-motor configuration, the R1S’s range drops by around 10 percent to 371 miles. However, those willing to compromise have the option to utilize Conservative mode, which effectively disconnects the rear axle from the rear motors, boosting the expected range to 405 miles. Unleashing the full potential of the tri-motor setup, on the other hand, provides blistering acceleration, with 0 to 60 times dropping to 2.9 seconds.

Quad Max Range: TBA MSRP: TBA

The ultimate iteration of the 2025 Rivian R1S, with four electric motors, now cranks out a blistering 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, representing a 215-horsepower and 290-pound-feet increase over the outgoing models. Even more importantly, each wheel will be powered by its own electric motor, similar to systems with front and rear locking differentials, significantly enhancing the SUV’s off-roading capabilities. Rivian has yet to release the range estimates and pricing for the new range-topping R1S Quad Max, which is set to go on sale later in 2025. What we do know is that the new in-house-built setup will be enough to propel the 7,000-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.

Exterior of the 2025 Rivian R1S EV SUV.

Rivian

Final thoughts

The 2025 Rivian R1S is a capable, versatile, and luxurious all-electric family SUV. Its spacious, upscale cabin, go-anywhere, do-anything demeanor, and impressive range and efficiency are hard to match, even among its longer-standing California counterparts like the Tesla Model X. To top it all off, Rivian offers its largest SUV in various levels of performance and range with corresponding pricing. It's a three-row EV that can embark on even the most demanding adventures and, as such, stands as one of the finest advocates of electric mobility. Rivian’s unique approach to outdoor recreation and adventuring in refined, environmentally friendly vehicles really shines through in the R1S, which is not only one of the most capable upscale SUVs but also one of the quickest and most powerful.

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