The electric Rivian R1S SUV ships to customers later this summer.
Tim Levin/Insider
- The Rivian R1S is almost here. I got up close and personal with the startup’s stylish electric SUV.
- The R1S is a beast both on-road and off, packing more than 800 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
- Its frunk, expansive cargo area, and seven seats make it a supremely functional daily driver.
Shopping for an SUV that can carry seven people, blast to highway speeds in a flash, tackle boulders like they’re speedbumps, and do it all without using a drop of gas?
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
There’s precisely one model that fits the bill: the 2022 Rivian R1S.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
After months of delays, Rivian is finally gearing up to start delivering the SUV to customers later this summer.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
The California startup invited me to get up close and personal with the R1S — and drive it both on-road and off. I can confirm it’s fabulous.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
I found it extremely capable, comfortable, and spacious. Plus, the R1S packs plenty of impressive features.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Here’s a full tour of what the R1S has to offer, from its wildly useful frunk to its third-row seats.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
First, some background: The R1S follows up the R1T pickup truck as Rivian’s second consumer vehicle. It’s also making a delivery van for Amazon.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: Rivian squandered a 12-year lead in the race to make the first great electric pickup. Here’s what that means for the startup’s future.
Rivian’s luxurious trucks target Patagonia-wearing, outdoorsy folks who have a bit of extra money to spend. The first SUVs available now start at $90,000.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Source: Rivian
The R1S Launch Edition (the first model out and the one I tested) has all-wheel drive by way of four motors — one powering each wheel.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
It promises a whopping 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque, making it much, much quicker and more agile than its size suggests.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Rivian says the R1S will launch to 60 mph from a standstill in three seconds flat, which feels downright bizarre in such a large SUV.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
The EPA pegs range at 316 miles, which places the R1S among the longest-range electric vehicles you can buy.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: The 15 longest-range electric cars you can buy in 2022 from Kia, Tesla, Ford and more
The SUV shines off-road, too. There are several drive modes that dial in the suspension, throttle, and ground clearance for different types of terrain.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Set the R1S to Rock Crawl or All Terrain mode and jack up its ground clearance to the max — 15 inches — and the R1S makes light work of treacherous boulders, water crossings, and impossibly steep grades.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read our review of the Rivian R1T here.
Most owners won’t push the limits of their R1S on a regular basis. But the SUV excels at the everyday stuff too.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Instead of the R1T’s truck bed, the R1S gets a third row, which means seating for seven.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
The way-back is a bit tight for big adults, but it’ll work in a pinch if you scoot the second row forward.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Overall, the interior feels super spacious and open, thanks in part to the R1S’s two expansive sunroofs.
The Rivian R1S electric SUV.
Tim Levin/Insider
It feels high-end and solidly built, too. The Launch Edition has stylish gray wood trim on the dash, doors, and elsewhere.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Up front, the driver gets a 16-inch touchscreen that controls practically everything in the vehicle.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: The 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy in 2022 from the Nissan Leaf to Ford F-150 Lightning
It can get a little annoying to not have things like a physical volume knob or tabs to direct the air vents. But overall, the user interface is beautifully designed and snappy.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
The cabin is jam-packed with little storage cubbies and USB-C ports, so nobody’s left wanting for a spot to stick their phone or a way to charge it.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
One thing the R1S isn’t lacking is cargo space.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Folding down both rows of seats reveals a giant cargo area that looks like it could fit a full-size refrigerator.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
I forgot to pack my fridge, so I had to make do with what I had. I’m 6’1″ and could stretch out just fine.
The Rivian R1S.
Steve DaSilva
Lift up a panel and you’ll find some extra nooks and crannies that fit a first-aid kit and a hose for the built-in air compressor.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Yep, there’s a compressor built into the side of the R1S’s trunk. Owners will no doubt find it useful for filling up like inflatable kayaks, air beds, mountain bike tires, or the SUV’s tires after an off-road adventure.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
There’s no engine up front, so instead you get a frunk.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: The Ford F-150 Lightning’s massive frunk is packed with useful features — take a closer look
It’s big enough for a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of carry-ons.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
It’s also where you find the R1S’s home charging cable.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
The R1S packs a bunch of other neat features you won’t find anywhere else.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: Take a closer look at the electric Rivian R1T pickup’s coolest option — the $5,000 Camp Kitchen
There’s a bluetooth speaker that slides out from underneath the center console, where it charges.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
It has a built-in lantern and a USB-C plug for charging devices.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
There’s a 1,000-lumen flashlight …
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
… that pops out of the driver’s door.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Read more: The 15 coolest features of the Rivian R1T, the electric pickup built for hanging outdoors
And you have four options for unlocking the R1S. I got to use a carabiner-style key and a card. Owners will also be able to opt for a wristband and a smartphone app.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
If this all sounds great to you, you’re not alone.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
Rivian is working through thousands of R1S preorders, so you’ll have to wait in line until at least 2023 if you plunk down a $1,000 deposit today.
The Rivian R1S.
Tim Levin/Insider
