Used 2023 Rivian R1S

This is where personal transport is heading. Electric SUVs. The driving public is in love with SUVs and their raised driving positions, while the future is looking increasingly electric. Tesla has already shown that a new company can take on the old guard and succeed. Rivian is forging its own path.

The R1S is one of two all-electric vehicles from Rivian so far, the other being the R1T pickup. This SUV launched last year, the truck debuted for 2021. Rivian is based in Irvine, California, with a production facility in Normal, Illinois. The R1S is far from normal, though.

Large electric SUVs are still a rarity, despite Kia’s new EV9. And large electric SUVs with serious off-road abilities are even rarer. But that’s the Rivian R1S, enhanced with luxury appointments.

Having tested the Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor versions of the Rivian R1S, we can confirm that most drivers will be more than content with a dual-motor model. You can get an estimated maximum range of up to 390 miles while achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds (4.5 seconds with the non-Performance model), so the dual-motor powertrain doesn’t feel like much of a compromise.

The Quad-Motor is still more fun in a straight-line launch sprinting from 0-60 mph in three seconds flat, and it has more drive modes. However, both on-road and off, we found the dual-motor setup easy to recommend.

The R1S has an air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and an electro-hydraulic roll control system that does away with traditional anti-roll bars. The suspension raises and lowers the vehicle up to 5.5 inches as needed, while accomplishing a supple yet well-controlled ride.

In Comfort mode, the R1S is just that, comfortable. And smooth stops are easy. The brake pedal, which actuates only the hydraulic braking system, feels completely normal.

Outward vision is good. And even at freeway speeds, the cabin stays hushed — barely any road noise or wind noise. This electric SUV is quick, comfortable, stable, and fun.

This is also true in the dirt, where the R1S can creep at slow speeds in a one-pedal mode without having to left-foot brake, which is what skilled off-road drivers often do in tricky conditions. The R1S can also wade through 3 feet of water.

Vegan leather is a contradiction in terms. What Rivian means is convincing simulated leather whose means of production hasn’t harmed any animal directly. Along with real wood, this material adds a significant touch of class to the cabin.

The minimal dashboard plays host to a 15.6-infotainment touchscreen, which isn’t the largest among electric vehicles but big enough, and it helps keep the amount of switchgear to a minimum. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital driver information display.

Almost everyone has an Apple iPhone these days, or maybe an Android device. So not installing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration into the R1S seems like a mistake.

The R1S is a 3-row SUV, unusual for something with an electric drivetrain — for the time being, at least. So the 2023 R1S can take up to seven occupants. Second-row seats fold in a 60/40 fashion and the third row splits 50/50. Each of those rows folds flat (power operated) to create a large area for cargo or perhaps for intrepid types to set up a bed.

Legroom in those back rows isn’t especially impressive, although OK for younger family members. Cargo space is great, however, starting at 17.7 cubic feet (enough for four golf bags) behind the third row. There’s also a large storage area under the hood.

None of that “SUV Coupe” malarkey here. The 2023 Rivian R1S has a practical, squared-off shape similar to the Range Rover or GMC Hummer EV SUV. The twist comes in the form of those unusual headlights. Although less visible to the casual observer, the R1S also has a huge panoramic glass roof.

Subtle, but incredibly useful for off-roading, is the way the R1S has been designed to incorporate advantageous approach and departure angles, plus a maximum ground clearance of 14.9 inches.

Heated/ventilated front seats
Standard equipment, which is not always the case with luxury SUVs.

Heated steering wheel
This is also standard. Great to have when you’re setting out on those harsh winter mornings.

Underbody protection
For those who want to exploit the considerable off-roading abilities of the R1S, this optional package will be money well spent.

3-person roof tent
One of Rivian’s optional accessories. Considering how good the R1S is at going into the wild, things like this (accompanied by a ladder) make more adventures possible.

All Purpose driving mode
This is the mode most R1S drivers will be using the majority of the time. The suspension adjusts itself to suit the conditions, lowering the ride height for optimum aerodynamics on the freeway.

Conserve driving mode
For those times when there might be a bit of range anxiety, this Conserve mode engages just front-wheel drive and keeps the ride height low.

Every 2023 Rivian R1S has all-wheel drive as standard. It just depends on how many electric motors there are.

The Dual-Motor versions have, predictably, two motors. That’s one per axle. In similar news, the Quad-Motor model has a motor for each wheel, enabling an extremely precise version of torque vectoring — where varying amounts of power drives individual wheels to optimize grip and traction.

Notice that energy consumption in the Quad-Motor model differs according to wheel size, with 21-inch wheels being the most efficient. Logic might suggest that 20-inch wheels would be better, but those are the ones wearing all-terrain tires for optimum off-road performance and therefore have a higher rolling resistance.

The maximum tow rating for the R1S is 7,700 pounds.

Dual-Motor
533 combined horsepower
610 lb-ft of combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
Rivian-estimated range: 260 miles (Standard Pack), 340 miles (Large Pack), 390 miles (Max Pack)

Performance Dual-Motor
665 combined horsepower
829 lb-ft of combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
Rivian-estimated range: 340 miles (Large Pack), 390 miles (Max Pack)

Quad-Motor
835 combined horsepower
908 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy (large battery): 69/60 MPGe (20-inch wheels), 75/66 MPGe (21-inch wheels), 73/63 MPGe (22-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range: 289 miles (20-inch wheels), 321 miles (21-inch wheels), 303 miles (22-inch wheels)

More Rivian R1S range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Rivian’s new-vehicle warranty is for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Batteries and drivetrains are covered for eight years or 175,000 miles. This is impressive coverage.

Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book, is a minority investor in Rivian.