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2025 Rivian R1S review: The ultimate adventure-focused EV

2025 / R1S / Reviews / Rivian / Rivian R1S
September 17, 2024

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

2025 / luxury SUV / R1S / Reviews / Rivian / Rivian R1S
September 15, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

2025 Rivian R1S range guide

2024 / Cars / R1S / Reviews / Rivian / Rivian R1S
September 13, 2024

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.

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.

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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