2025 Rivian R1S – Review, Specs, Range, Interior & Price

Rivian may be a fairly new automaker but the company has taken the World by storm with its all-electric lineup. The company launched with a pickup truck called the R1T and then later expanded with a very similar SUV called the R1S, which we are driving today.

Now Rivian has some exciting new products on the horizon including a smaller crossover called the R2 and an even smaller one than that called the R3. But before those models arrive, the original R1T and R1S have gotten a second generation. That’s what Rivian calls it at least.

Looking at it, it really isn’t visually all that much different but there are some really big changes that we’re going to talk about, which is why Rivian has flown me out to Seattle, Washington so I can be one of the first people to drive the all-new R1S.

Exterior Design

Let’s start with an exterior walk around of the R1S. Honestly, there’s not a whole lot that you’re going to notice visually here unless you’re one of those people that posts on the Rivian forums and knows every color and trim change and all of that.

Headlights and Wheels

We’ve got some updates in the headlights here. Now there are actually some cool RGB lights down here so that means including being able to light up in white to be a headlight, you can also have it be a bunch of different colors so they can do some cool things with hazard effects and they’re going to throw in some Easter eggs and stuff like that as well.

It’s going to be really, really cool. There’s actually a cool feature they showed us where the lights will actually show if you’re stopped in the middle of the road and you want people to go around specifically to the right of you, you can have the lights showing that, which is really cool.

One of the updates visually is going to be these new 22-inch wheels. They replaced the old 21-inch wheels that actually came standard.

I apologize for them being a little bit dirty, we’ve been doing a little bit of light off-roading so far. This is an aero wheel that is going to get you the max range which is about 410 miles on this R1S model. Really good for an electric SUV partially due to these wheels which have this nice aero cap.

You can actually remove the cap, it requires no tools to do so. I think it looks really good both ways but if you want the max range, you’re going to have to leave those caps off.

Visual Accents and Calipers

Now other than that we don’t have too many changes back here. The R1S is a very boxy-looking vehicle. I think it looks fantastic so I’m not really mad that they didn’t have to do too many visual changes.

One thing that I should talk about, it’s a little bit hard to see here on this wheel but you’ll see that we have yellow brake calipers underneath here.

If you’re going to get the dual motor version, we’re going to talk about all these motors a little bit later, all of the accents are going to be silver. When you upgrade to a tri motor, which is the one you’re seeing right here, all the accents are going to be yellow which is what they were for the quad motor.

Differentiating Motor Options

Currently, they have a new color for the quad motor that is like this baby blue. I’ll try to get some B-roll of that as well so you can differentiate the models on the outside, the dual, tri, and quad motors by the colors. So here we have R1S with a little yellow.

If you get the quad motor you get kind of like a blue thing that says quad and you also get Gary the gear guard, their little Sasquatch-like creature on the back. You only get that if you get the quad motor.

Interior Features

Inside, Rivian die-hards won’t notice too many substantial differences in the cabin. It mostly looks the same, but there are some things we should talk about here.

The seats are still a highlight—very comfortable and very cool-looking. Some new color pathways are available, including a bluish-gray option on this second-generation model, though the standard black looks really nice too. With heated and ventilated seats, albeit no massage function, comfort is still a priority. The little Rivian logo adds a nice touch.

There’s something new down here too. In addition to the bath mat-like mats, you can now get a really cool plaid floor mat, which is a nice touch.

Storage underneath the seat is a little Easter egg. Plus, there’s a handy flashlight that ejects off the door, perfect for camping. But that’s not the only surprise; there’s also a portable Bluetooth speaker that pops out of the center console, ideal for outdoor adventures. The abundance of storage is another practical feature worth mentioning.

The absence of a traditional start button is notable; instead, starting the vehicle is as simple as putting your foot on the brake. Shifting gears and controlling other functions are done through intuitive buttons, though they do have multiple functions that change around.

The digital gauge cluster is clear and informative, displaying speed and map details. The screen is a standout feature, boasting incredible resolution and the ability to watch YouTube. Rivian claims it has the most megapixels of any brand-new vehicle on sale today.

While there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system offers various apps like Spotify and benefits from a built-in Dolby system, enhancing the audio experience.

Air vent adjustment is controlled via the screen, similar to Tesla’s setup, and there’s even a pet mode for leaving the system running while running errands.

The new panoramic roof introduces an electrochromic feature, allowing you to dim the light coming into the cabin. This functionality is particularly useful since there’s no physical shade, offering control over sunlight exposure. It’s a feature that adds both convenience and comfort to the interior.

Towing Capacity

Towing and payload capacity are crucial considerations for the 2025 Rivian R1S. Rivian maintains the R1S can tow up to 7,700 pounds, offering versatility for various hauling needs. Additionally, Rivian expresses confidence in a payload capacity of 1,764 pounds, pending final confirmation.

Family-Friendly Features

Now the R1S is a three-row SUV built for families, and it is very accommodating if you intend to use it as such. These seats are designed with comfort in mind, resembling the front ones.

Notably, there’s a convenient armrest with cup holders, providing added comfort for passengers. Children are catered to with amenities such as a dedicated screen for controlling audio functions and heated seats.

Moreover, parents have the option to restrict access to certain features, ensuring a peaceful road trip. Innovative storage solutions and USB ports integrated into the top offer practicality and convenience for all occupants.

Third-Row Access and Comfort

Getting into the third row is made simple with the one-click button, which effortlessly tips and slides the seats forward. While accessing the third row might require a bit of effort, once seated, passengers are provided with decent comfort.

The availability of air vents and individual storage compartments enhances the overall experience. Additionally, each passenger in the third row gets their own separate sunroof, although it lacks some advanced features found in other areas of the vehicle.

Cargo Space and Utility

The R1S boasts impressive cargo space and utility features, akin to a Range Rover. The split tailgate, with a powered top portion and manual lower portion, offers versatility and convenience.

Beneath the floor, there’s additional storage space, complemented by buttons to fold down the second-row seats. For maximum storage, the third-row seats can be manually folded down, albeit with some effort.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a 1,500-watt max outlet behind a discreet door adds to the SUV’s practicality, allowing for various outdoor activities.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Significant changes in the powertrain options of the R1S enhance its performance capabilities. The dual motor version delivers 533 horsepower, while the performance variant boosts it to 665 horsepower.

However, it’s the tri-motor variant that truly impresses with 850 horsepower, enabling a remarkable 0 to 60 acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds.

Furthermore, the quad motor setup takes performance to another level, delivering 1,025 horsepower and a mind-blowing acceleration experience, comparable to high-performance sports cars.

Range and Efficiency

The R1S offers impressive range figures across its different configurations, with the tri-motor setup offering the highest range. With the option for a max battery pack, drivers can expect between 380 to 410 miles of range, making it one of the leaders in its segment.

While the dual motor variant may offer slightly less range due to its standard battery pack, it still provides a respectable driving range suitable for most needs.

Suspension and Handling Enhancements

Rivian has made notable improvements to the suspension system of the R1S, particularly addressing comfort concerns. The introduction of a new soft mode, along with hydraulic roll control, enhances ride quality and stability.

While the soft mode may feel too soft for some, the firm mode offers a balanced driving experience, especially on winding roads. Despite its size, the R1S exhibits impressive handling characteristics, making it surprisingly agile for an SUV of its stature.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, our experience with the Rivian R1S has left us thoroughly impressed. The changes made to the vehicle, especially in terms of performance and handling, have exceeded my expectations.

If I were in the market for one, I would likely opt for either the dual motor performance or the tri-motor variant, as they offer exceptional power and capabilities.

However, I acknowledge that the quad motor option may come with a hefty price tag. Speaking of pricing, the R1S starts at just under $76,000, making it a premium choice in the electric SUV market.