Rivian R1S: Strong Blueprint for the R2S

The idea was indeed compelling: The 1500 pick-ups like the Ford F-150 boast enormous sales figures in the USA, with 400,000 (Ram 1500) to over 600,000 (Ford F-150) units annually. Especially since these models are also available as SUVs, then called Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe. Making the whole thing purely electric and slightly smaller in size – should become a success, right?

Rivian significantly increased production and sales in 2023

Well, almost! The three major US corporations quickly followed suit with electric pick-ups, and outside California, electric mobility has yet to resonate as widely. Nevertheless, by 2023, over 57,000 Rivian R1T and R1S had been produced, with over 50,000 units delivered. In California, it's now a common sight – easily recognizable by the characteristic daytime running LEDs composed of a strip and two ovals.

While in 2022 we had to search for Rivians like needles in a haystack, now you can definitely see some in private hands, meaning there was already a “background noise” in terms of distribution in the greater L.A. area.  

We visited the dealer in Newport Beach, where they immediately unlocked an R1S for us. First impression: well-built for a start-up and, very importantly: the R1S smells good inside! Not cheap, not like plastics or glue, and the design and workmanship withstand further scrutiny: THIS is how the interior of a US pick-up or off-roader should look! All panel gaps are even, and the few buttons and switches are haptically pleasing.

The seats also score points for their firmness and ample adjustment range – as a 1.9-meter European, one quickly finds an ergonomically suitable position. They are always vegan and can be heated or cooled. A heated steering wheel is also standard. There's also enough space in the second row, but the third row is somewhat tight – despite the steep rear end and 3,075 mm wheelbase. To get in, the second row must move forward – if not only small children are to ride in the back, the middle row needs to move forward a bit... it's not a van, after all.

Well-utilized interior space, thoughtful details

At the front under the hood, there's a really large frunk (Rivian claims 312 liters) and a split tailgate that makes loading easier. However, behind the third row, there's only 142 liters of space, which can be expanded to 1,832 liters by folding down all rear seats. The large center screen is easy to use, although some menu items can be hard to find. Centrally located is a big 15.6-inch touchscreen, complemented by a clear 12.3-inch instrument display. At least the large touchscreen is bright, clear, and responsive. You control driving modes, climate control, media, and navigation through it. We were somewhat surprised that it neither supports Apple Carplay nor Android Auto, as Rivian prefers not to integrate this technology into their self-programmed operating system. Ten exterior cameras aid in improving visibility while maneuvering.

Cool: The charging flap and the self-leveling camping mode

What also amazed us: Despite the optional hardcore setup with coarse Pirelli All-Terrain tires, the R1S typically features an electric charging flap at the front fender corner that gracefully raises at the press of a button. Speaking of raising: It can also raise itself in self-leveling camp mode, to prevent you from rolling out of your rooftop tent, should you have one mounted. This matches well with the detachable Bluetooth speaker, video security system, and integrated air compressor. However, the R1S lacks the clever storage compartment located directly in front of the rear wheels on the R1T pickup.

But what the all-terrain tires already suggest: On the road, others respond more directly. Our US colleagues have already conducted comparison tests with the BMW iX60 and the Pick-Up R1T and were astonished in both cases at how clumsy the R1S drove in direct comparison. Clearly, since it comes more from a hardcore corner, it can't and doesn't want to offer the driving dynamics of a BMW iX, but the fact that it drove comparatively nervously compared to the well-tuned Pick-Up R1T with a longer wheelbase surprised the colleagues, especially since they tested both cars directly one after the other. On the other hand, the battery helps lower the center of gravity, and if you put on street tires, a lot changes towards being more direct.  

The prices are reasonable: In the US, the "Adventure" starts before taxes at $74,900, for which you already get 533 hp, allowing the R1T to zoom to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds if needed – for which we would put on street tires. The Performance Dual-Motor AWD costs only $5,000 more and then already drives with 665 hp and can reach 100 km/h in under four seconds. The top model is the 835 hp Quad-Motor, which shoots to 100 km/h in a good three seconds.

Decent ranges thanks to huge batteries

There are also several battery sizes: The "Standard" offers 270 miles (just over 430 km, realistically more like 300 km), Standard + for an additional $3,100 offers 315 miles (just over 506 km, realistically more like 400 km), Large (an extra $9,100) can go up to 352 miles (just over 566 km, realistically more like 450 km), and Max (attention: $19,100 extra!) can go up to 400 miles, which is just over 643 km, of which realistically just under 500 km are likely to remain.

However, this is backed by huge battery capacities offering 105, 135, and 180 kWh. Rivian states the charging power as up to 160 kW, but up to 300 kW is expected in the future. Nevertheless, it quickly becomes clear: The 5.10-meter-long and 3.2-ton R1S is not really efficient. However, payload (over 600 kg) and the 3.5-ton towing capacity are impressive. The width of 2015 mm with the mirrors folded is too much for Europe, as is the almost 5.08-meter length, which is why a smaller R2S is said to be in development.