The 2022 Rivian R1S is one of only two three-row electric vehicles on the market. It is marketed to those with an adventurous, outdoor lifestyle. Is the Rivian R1S right for you?
It is the same frame and format of the highly-rated R1T pickup truck, but wrapped up in a seven-passenger SUV package with three rows of seats, marketed towards people with active lifestyles. The only competition it has in the three-row electric vehicle market is the Tesla Model X.
Rivian R1S quad-motor powertrain and trim levels
The R1S features the same powertrain set up as the R1T pickup. It features a skateboard-type assembly, with the battery under the passenger seat and a separate electric motor for each wheel providing reliable four-wheel drive. The current R1S comes with a 135 kWh battery, but Rivian will be offering both a smaller 105 KWh and a larger 180 kWh battery in the near future.
states the 135 kWh battery pack should result in a range of around 300 miles, and the larger battery, coming in 2022, should deliver around 400 miles of driving range, depending on tire sizes and other factors.
Like the R1T, the R1S offers great all-wheel drive for off-roading, with a low center of gravity, and an adjustable air suspension of 8 inches to 14.5 inches ground clearance. The underside of the vehicle is flat, with no protruding parts, so it won’t snag on rough terrain.
This rugged SUV goes a quick 0-60 in about three seconds, and when properly equipped, can tow around 7,700 pounds. It offers up to 800 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque with the larger battery size and gets about 69 mpg combined gas mileage.
The R1S hasn’t been distributed yet for reviewers, but those who were able to drive the R1T were very complimentary about the cool styling, the fun outdoor adventure gear, the fast acceleration, and great off-road handling.
The R1S trim levels include the Launch edition with the 135 kWh battery. The Explore trim and the top-of-the-line Adventure trim levels will follow in the future. The Launch edition starts around $75,000, but the Explore trim level will be a more affordable option if needed.
MORE: The Rivian R1T Has the Storage for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Rivian driver-assistance technology will come standard in all models with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
One of the best perks of electric vehicles is the fun storage that is available once the standard engine isn’t an issue!
The R1S has 104 cubic feet of storage space, with seats that fold flat, a frunk, and roomy cargo space in the rear. Add in the split tailgate, and the R1S is ready to handle all your outdoor adventure gear!
Inner style
MORE:Where Can You Charge Your Rivian Vehicle?
The beautiful, well-styled cabin of the R1S, is, again, much like the R1T. It has a luxurious, updated feel, cushy vegan leather seats, an all-glass panoramic roof, wood trim and three digital displays—a 15.3-inch display provides the driver information display behind the steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen is for infotainment, and the second-row passengers have a screen at the back of the center console for climate.
pointed out a fun perk that “the rear speakers can be removed so you can keep the music going at a beach bonfire.” Unusual features like this are part of what make Rivian so unique.
reported on Rivian’s shareholder letter from the third quarter of last year, highlighting Rivian’s future plans. The company will be opening a new factory in Georgia soon. It also has plans to build an electric delivery van (EDV) for Amazon.
The first two R1S vehicles were delivered to the Rivian CEO and SFO from their factory in Normal, Illinois, where the three Rivian models are currently produced. By the last quarter of 2021, it had produced approximately 650 vehicles.
Rivian is working toward the full volume production in the Illinois factory of 200,000 a year, and once the Georgia factory is online around 2024, it should be able to produce 400,000 vehicles annually. Expect to see more from this company!
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