- Brand elevates a minimalistic approach to a luxury experience
- Pricing starts at $77,700 including desination charge | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Rivian R1S models for sale near you
After a bit of a rocky start — not unusual for automotive startups — electric vehicle (EV) maker Rivian has found its footing, and its 2025 R1S reflects that success. The company’s approach to the premium 3-row SUV was to marry advanced technology with green, organic materials wherever possible. The result is a uniquely attractive and luxurious vehicle.
The R1S comes in five trims: Dual Standard, Dual Large, Dual Max, California Dune Limited Edition, and Tri Max. However, a new Quad Launch Edition released in July. While Rivian’s hallmark may be impressive power, the company has allocated plenty of resources to ensure its interiors can take on rivals like the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV, GMC Hummer EV SUV, and the newly available Lucid Gravity.
Let’s take a look at what the Rivian R1S offers inside.
Passenger Room and Comfort
With three rows, the R1S can carry up to seven passengers. The second row splits 60/40 making access to the third row much easier. The wayback row splits 50/50. While the first two rows offer plenty of space, those relegated to the back seats better have short legs as the legroom back there isn’t overwhelming.
Rivian claims “every inch is intentional,” which is marketing speak for “we made the interior comfortable and a nice place to be,” which it should be — and it is — because it’s a luxury vehicle. Heated and cooled seats are available for the first two rows, while the third row enjoys just heated seats.
Features and Tech
The R1S is a compelling contradiction with its use of reclaimed materials that surround a massive 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The driver gets a 12.3-inch screen for the necessary gauges and other information. One might expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be a given, but not so on the R1S. The company offers its Explore Connect+ system, which allows you to create a system just for you using third-party apps, such as Apple Music, Audible, Spotify, and more — for a fee.
Also, if you’re looking for a big-name audio company to have its equipment front and center, you’d be mistaken. Rivian’s 12-speaker, 600-watt audio system was developed in-house as a customized setup just for the R1S. You can upgrade, however, to Rivian Premium Audio, which includes Dolby Atmos for a rich, clear sound still custom-developed for the R1S.
Rivian’s advanced driver assistance technology is impressive. Dubbed Driver+, it comes standard for all models. It features forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. This impressive setup uses 11 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to ensure all of the tech works harmoniously.
Materials and Design
Rivian’s distinctive interiors are a function of their use of organic and ethically sourced materials. This means the simulated leather used on the seats is not only a breeze to clean, but also no animals are harmed in the production of the material. Rivian designers match those materials to real wood accents throughout the vehicle.
The company’s interior offers some of the most compelling color combinations, all inspired by nature. Additionally, this big space feels even larger courtesy of the panoramic tinted-glass roof. It can be upgraded to a Dynamic Glass Roof, which can turn opaque at the press of a button.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
If you’re hauling as many as seven people, you’re going to need space for their stuff. Cargo space is great, however, starting at 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row. There’s also a large front trunk, or frunk, capable of hauling 9.9 cubic feet of stuff — that’s a full-size golf bag.
Gaining access to the rear cargo space is aided by the available power liftgate. Additionally, the second and third rows fold flat to allow you to carry a massive amount of gear or stuff an inflatable mattress back there to camp in your car. When the third row is down, you get 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and that jumps to 90.7 cubic feet with all three rows flat. Rivian offers a split hatch, meaning you don’t need to open the entire liftgate to gain access to the cargo area.
Build and price your version of the 2025 Rivian R1S to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out Rivian R1S models for sale near you.
Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
