2026 Rivian R1S

Sometimes, a new generation of a vehicle is a dramatic overhaul in the styling department, adding eye-catching flair while changing very little underneath. The 2026 Rivian R1S is not that car. Almost every single improvement to this second-generation electric SUV is invisible to the untrained eye, but they are deeply important. By swapping the core electrical architecture, simplifying the wiring, and moving to native Tesla Supercharger access with a NACS port, Rivian has taken an already great, adventurous electric family vehicle and improved on nearly every aspect. It continues to position itself as a highly disruptive, premium alternative to traditional luxury SUVs.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the 2026 Rivian R1S. Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.

The Rivian R1S gets a host of changes this year. The biggest updates are the revised, 1,025-horsepower Quad model, a native NACS charge port, and the discontinuation of the Standard battery option, which bumps up the base price by about $5,000.

The R1S Dual with Rivian’s Large battery starts at $85,885. Upgrading to the Max battery adds $7,000 to the price tag. The R1S Tri starts at 108,885, while the new Quad model begins at $123,885.

Fortunately for value-conscious buyers, unless absolute straight-line velocity is a prerequisite, the premium interior tech, comfort details, and off-road capability of the flagship R1S Quad transfer down to the highly competent, longer-range lower trims. The Rivian R1S is priced in the same neighborhood as the GMC Hummer EV SUV, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Lucid Gravity.

Outstanding Resale Value

Before buying an R1S, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Rivian R1S resale value is toward the top of its class, beaten only by the pricier Mercedes-Benz G-Class EQ. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Stomp the accelerator pedal to the beautiful plaid floor mat on a Quad-Motor variant, and the R1S delivers a comically fast zero-to-60 mph sprint of 2.6 seconds. That puts this 7,000-pound 3-row SUV in line with some exotic supercars. But straight-line performance is only half the party trick. Rivian improved the suspension tuning for this generation, resulting in greater on-road comfort and crucially addressing previous complaints. It also retains the sophisticated electro-hydraulic roll-control system for sporty driving, allowing for quicker cornering than you’d think physics would allow. Ground clearance reaches a massive 14.9 inches, with 6.5 inches of vertical suspension travel, giving it articulation metrics that rival those of hardcore off-road trucks.

Around town, the throttle calibration and regenerative braking blend flawlessly. On the open highway, small pavement undulations still make their way into the cabin, a firm characteristic that is exacerbated if you opt for lower-profile street tires. Take it past where the pavement ends, however, and the R1S shows its true off-road prowess. The native torque vectoring of the four independent electric motors acts as an ultra-precise digital locking differential, allowing the SUV to conquer ruts, sand, and steep grades with impressive confidence.

Below the range-topping Quad model, the Dual and Tri variants also pack an impressive punch from behind the wheel. There’s no such thing as a slow 2026 R1S; even the base model hits a 60-mph sprint in as little as 3.4 seconds. What they all have in common is a satisfying blend of on-road serenity and off-road capability with little compromise.

Powertrain

Step inside, and the 3-row/7-passenger R1S features an elegant, somewhat Scandinavian interior design. Various colorways, such as the Slate Sky and premium Walnut Wood palette, feel upscale yet distinctly outdoorsy. Ergonomically, the cabin is highly intuitive, though physical controls are practically non-existent, leaving even the dashboard air vents to be adjusted electronically via the high-resolution central display. While it’s not as easy as adjusting manual vents, saving the settings for each driver profile can be immensely helpful for multiple drivers with different preferences.

The native infotainment software runs on the ultra-responsive Unreal Engine, bypassing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a custom map interface that plans charging stops on road trips, supports full user profiling, and integrates media apps like Spotify or Apple Music with Dolby Atmos.

Cabin space is massive, offering usable volume in all seat configurations. A 40/20/40 split on the second row gives maximum cargo flexibility, especially when paired with flat-folding floor transitions and a generous sub-trunk storage bin. Additionally, there’s a large frunk up front, allowing lockable exterior storage to the tune of 9.9 cubic feet. With all seats down and cubbies accounted for, it reaches an impressive 105.8 cubic feet of total space.

The front seats are heated and ventilated; the rear rows are heated only. Parents should note that the rear side doors don’t open ultra-wide, which can complicate installing bulkier rear-facing child seats.

Massive frunk (front trunk)
Providing 9.9 cubic feet of weatherized, lockable storage under the hood, it serves as a secondary trunk that completely separates dirty trail gear from the main cabin.

Integrated air compressor
Neatly hidden in the rear cargo area side panel, this onboard system makes it effortless to air down your tire pressure for maximum traction on sand or rocks, then pump them back up before heading home.

Advanced phone and app integration
Serving as one of five distinct digital key types (alongside fobs, cards, and smartwatches), the Rivian smartphone app provides seamless cabin preconditioning, real-time range tracking, and a dedicated pet-safety monitor screen.