By Kimatni D. Rawlins
It’s no secret that Rivian Automotive, the premium electric vehicle startup from California is experiencing financial woes due to a myriad of marketplace issues. Even with Volkswagen 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.
My press loaner was delivered in Maryland in the form of the second-generation 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure model with the Dual-Motor package and a light Limestone hue. At 100% charge, I received an astounding 400-plus mile range, which was more than enough for a week of driving activities. Depending on your battery selection and model configuration the three-row R1S’ electric mileage can range from 285 to 420. Since I have a level-2 ChargePoint Home Flex installed in my garage, it is never an issue re-energizing. Wall charger units can also be purchased directly from Rivian if you become an owner.
“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 CEO and founder.
The updates and software enhancements for the latest set of Rivians, including the R1T pickups, are pivotal since early adapters had complaints with Rivian’s quality control, whether it was software bugs or fit and finishes. When a vehicle is all-electric, it is engineered with a profuse amount of 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 frunk are done through touchscreen commands, not physical knobs or buttons. The same goes for Lucid vehicles. Thus, first-time EV owners must become acquainted with the distinctions in this mobility sector.
Operating the R1S was fun, engaging, and adventurous. The e-SUV’s profile is stunning and simultaneously rugged, especially when you add the $3,700 all-terrain package and $1,000 dark rims outfitted with Pirelli Scorpion A/T tires. The signature vertical LED headlights are distinctive and add a rejuvenating expression to this performance e-SUV. I hit the trails a few times with my Specialized Stumpjumper MTB and the R1S felt right at home in the wild. Its split-opening tailgate is convenient for storage and the air compressor accessory is always helpful when you venture outside of civilization.
Moreover, the panoramic glass roof perfectly fits the e-SUV’s rounded silhouette. MSRP for the R1S starts at $75,900 but tops off at $102,100 due to the upgraded battery selection. My ride included the $5,000 Dual-Motor Performance AWD and the $14,000 Max Battery.
New Rivian motors offer both increased acceleration and efficiency, so I was moving rather quickly on the highway from the vehicle’s 665-horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque. Yet, if you opt for the R1T’s Quad-Motor platform with 1,025 horsepower, it will explode 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 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. The R1S can also tow 7,700 pounds and swim in 43.2” of water. Various Drive Modes include All-Purpose, Sport, Snow, All-Terrain, and Soft-Sand. Yet, each has a different impact on your range. For example, Sport Mode reduced my mileage by 40.
The interior is spacious, minimalistic, and organic. Inside feels unique and earthy, and you will find hidden storage and cupholders within the center console. My favorite 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 cam with playback directly through the 15.6” infotainment screen. A 12.3” driver display hovering over the steering wheel is your second-in-command information center.
I enjoyed the playful skillsets of the R1S as well as its technical features. A few other attributes instilled in the e-SUV are regen braking to recapture small amounts of battery energy, utilizing Apple Wallet as your key, the reduction of 17 ECUs to just seven, 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 SUVs, trucks, and Mother Earth. The platform is electrifying, but will the EV and adventure company start making a profit to survive in the immediate future? Let’s hope so!
