2025 Rivian R1S

There are so many well-known names in the car business, yet we suggest keeping this relative newcomer in mind when looking for a new all-electric 3-row SUV. In the R1S, Rivian has created a top-class contender. Crucially, it will travel for an appreciable distance between charges. During those miles on the road (or off it), the R1S is comfortable and capable, safe and serene, while delivering acceleration that’s either zesty or phenomenal, depending on which drivetrain is chosen.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Rivian R1S.

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

The R1S came out in 2022 (like its R1T truck sibling), so it might be jumping the gun a little for Rivian to call the 2025 model the second generation. There are many changes, however, most of which aren’t visible. There are new Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations, making 850 and 1,025 horsepower respectively. The adaptive air suspension (a standard feature) receives improvements for ride quality, and Ascend is a new trim level with the 3-motor and 4-motor setups. Variants with dual motors and the Max battery add another 10 miles to the R1S’ previous 400-mile maximum range.

Rivian has reduced the number of electronic control units (ECUs) from 17 to seven, while removing 1.6 miles of copper wiring from every R1S, saving a lot weight. Each onboard camera has more pixels, the exterior lighting has been upgraded, the panoramic sunroof gains an electronic tinting feature, Storm Blue is a new paint color available with Ascend models, and an optional premium audio system comes with the fantastic Dolby Atmos sound enhancement. One more item — some existing Rivian owners have experienced a phantom battery power drain, which the company says it has now addressed.

The Lucid Gravity launches for 2025, priced similarly to the R1S and the Tesla Model X. The BMW iX, Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV, and GMC Hummer SUV all start higher. Although it’s not a luxury name, we also suggest looking at the excellent Kia EV9, which is much more affordable.

Before buying a new R1S electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Model X tends to have the strongest resale values in this class, but we expect the R1S to do well once it becomes more of a known quantity. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The R1S is built in Normal, Illinois, so it may be eligible for a federal tax credit — see if you qualify.

The R1S electric SUV is quick, smooth, stable, and fun. It’s also powerful. The entry-level Dual-Motor model develops a meaty 533 horsepower and will blast from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Only a tenth shy of the base BMW iX, and less than a second behind the equivalent Tesla Model X.

We’ve driven Dual-Motor, the new 850-horsepower Tri-Motor, and Quad-Motor versions, and can confirm that most drivers will be happy with the Dual — it’s easy to recommend. The updated-for-2025 Quad is a ton of fun, though, sprinting to 60 mph in an incredible 2.6 seconds thanks to a massive 1,025 horsepower. Remember that frequent dips into this well of power will affect range.

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. Rivian has worked on improving ride quality while preserving this SUV’s impressive off-road abilities. 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. Smooth stops are easy. The brake pedal, which actuates only the hydraulic braking system, feels completely normal.

We’ve found that outward vision is good. And even at freeway speeds, the cabin stays hushed, with barely any road noise or wind noise. When there isn’t a road, the R1S still impresses immensely — especially the Quad-Motor version and its multiple terrain modes. The R1S can creep at slow speeds in a one-pedal function that’s ideal for tricky conditions. It can also wade through 3 feet of water.

Maximum tow rating for the R1S is 7,700 pounds. That’s pretty impressive, since most gasoline-powered midsize SUVs are rated at 5,000 pounds.

For its upholstery, Rivian uses a 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 (with updated graphics this year), which isn’t the largest among electric vehicles but big enough in our opinion, and it helps keep the amount of switchgear to a minimum. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital driver information display.

The RS1 is a 3-row SUV, able to seat up to seven occupants. Second-row seats fold in a 60/40 fashion and the third row splits 50/50. Those rear rows fold flat (power operated) to create a large area for cargo or perhaps for intrepid types to set up a bed.

Legroom in the last row isn’t especially impressive, although we’ve found it fine for younger family members. Cargo space is great, however, starting at 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row. There’s also a large storage area under the hood.

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 to us.

None of that “SUV coupe” malarkey here, the Rivian R1S has a practical, squared-off shape similar to the Range Rover or GMC Hummer EV SUV. We always think something interesting happens whenever function dominates the design process. The twist comes in the form of those unusual headlights — upgraded this year, yet still with their distinct look. Although less visible to the casual observer, the R1S also has a huge panoramic glass roof. This gains an electronic tinting function for 2025.

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 an incredible 14.9 inches.

All Purpose driving mode
We reckon 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 few occasions when there might be a bit of range anxiety, this Conserve mode engages just front-wheel drive and keeps the ride height low.

Driver+
We’re pleased to report that this set of driver assistance features comes as standard in every new Rivian R1S electric SUV. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The overall system has 11 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Underbody protection
For those who want to exploit the considerable off-roading abilities of the R1S, we’d say this optional package would 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. Camp mode gives the R1S the ability to level its suspension if it’s parked on a slope and someone plans to sleep in it — or on it.

Pet Comfort
This feature keeps the cabin at a preset temperature if Fido has to be left in the vehicle for a while.

The standard battery in the Dual-Motor R1S is capable of 270 miles before needing a recharge. Compare that with the Tesla Model X’s 335 miles and the 309 miles of the BMW iX xDrive50. We’d be inclined to go for the Large battery pack providing 330 miles, unless a 410-mile range is non-negotiable (and the max in the appropriately named Dual Max variant).

Energy consumption 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 don’t have such low rolling resistance. Bigger wheels also tend to degrade the ride quality.

A DC fast charger takes the standard battery from 10% to 80% capacity in 30 minutes, an acceptable amount of time, if not the quickest. The Max battery requires 41 minutes. Rivian is working on its own network of chargers, but the R1S can also be replenished by others, including Tesla’s Superchargers. A Rivian Wall Charger for home use provides 25 miles of range per hour.

Warranty

Rivian’s new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — unless it’s the Quad-Motor version, in which case the warranty is for five years or 60,000 miles. Batteries and drivetrains are covered for eight years or 150,000 miles, with the exception being the Quad-Motor variant again — same time span, but 175,000 miles. These terms are better than those offered by Tesla.

Safety Ratings

The R1S has been named a Top Safety Pick, the second-highest accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).