2024 Rivian R1S Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The electric revolution is still in its early stages, and certain corners of the automotive market remain overlooked. One such niche is the three-row SUV, and not only is the Rivian R1S one of the few competitors in that space, but it is also a well-rounded machine with a host of talents. The range-topping Quad-Motor variant provides eye-watering performance, shooting to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds in our testing. Yet it can also comfortably carry seven passengers in its high-end cabin. Its on-road handling is fairly nimble for a vehicle of its size, although the ride can be flinty and unsettled over rough pavement. But venture off the beaten path and the R1S is just as impressive as its R1T pickup truck sibling, its standard air-spring suspension system providing up to 15 inches of ground clearance. Quad-Motor models also benefit from an electric motor at each wheel, allowing the SUV to maximize traction on a range of surfaces and making it far more adept at off-roading than its closest rival, the Tesla Model X. And despite the boxy body, a variety of battery options provide good driving range, with the Standard battery allowing for an estimated 260 miles per charge. Upgrading to the Large pack boosts that number up to 352 miles, while the Max pack is rated at up to 400 miles.

What's New for 2024?

The Rivian R1S isn’t expected to undergo any major changes for the 2024 model year. Rivian, however, doesn’t use the usual method of updating its vehicles on a model-year basis, so there may be changes to pricing and features throughout the year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd recommend sticking with the Adventure model and would reckon the standard 533-hp dual-motor powertrain would be plenty powerful for almost every driver. We would, however, add the Large battery pack. It's a costly $6000 option, but it gives the R1S a longer 352-mile driving range. Otherwise, the Adventure trim comes with most of the R1S's best features as standard.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The R1S shares its battery packs, powertrain, much of its styling, and many of its specs with its R1T pickup sibling. The standard powertrain is the Dual-Motor setup which makes a combined 600 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive. With 835 horsepower on tap, the available Quad-Motor powertrain makes the R1S mighty quick, hitting 60 mph in 3.1 seconds at our test track. With this upgraded powertrain, the R1S has an electric motor at each wheel, providing all-wheel drive and impressive off-road capability. All models feature an adjustable air-spring suspension, which allows ground clearance to vary from eight to 15.0 inches. In our testing, we were put off by both the R1S’s out-of-synch steering responses and its poor ride control, which at times was excessively floaty and in other situations caused odd front-to-rear porpoising. The R1T pickup is far superior in these areas, so we know that this chassis can be much better behaved.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rivian offers three different battery packs on the R1S. The entry-level battery provides a Rivian-estimated 260 miles of driving range and is only offered with the base dual-motor powertrain. The optional Large battery pack increases that number to an EPA-estimated 352 miles per charge, while the EPA rates the Max battery pack, an expensive option, at 400 miles per charge. The Quad-Motor powertrain is only available with the Large battery and has an EPA-rated 321 miles of range. In our testing, the R1S with the Large battery and Quad-Motor powertrain managed only 230 miles of highway driving before needing to be recharged.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates that the R1S SUV will deliver 73 MPGe city, 65 MPGe highway, and 69 MPGe combined. Those numbers are well below the Model X's best estimates but close to those of the Audi Q8 e-tron. For more information about the R1S's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the R1T, the R1S boasts a beautifully designed cabin with contemporary styling, fancy leather, wood trim, and two large displays—one for infotainment and one for the driver's gauge display. A 12-cubic-foot front trunk, a large rear cargo area, a split tailgate, and a third row of seats add to the utility of the R1S. While not as roomy as a Chevrolet Suburban inside, the R1S offers enough space for a family and their gear, with the third row serving as seating for occasional guest adventurers. With the second and third rows folded, the R1S's cargo-carrying capability is fully realized and benefits from a flat load floor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The horizontally mounted 15.6-inch infotainment system uses expandable tiles for individual features with the main options (navigation, media, and climate controls) available at all times at the bottom of the display. Instead of delving into submenus, options slide out of the side of tiles to reduce the complexity of the system. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is included, but an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and Amazon's Alexa voice assistant are all standard features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every R1S is outfitted with a suite of driver-assistance technology called Driver+. That package is comprehensive and includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, and more. For more information about the R1S's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

All Rivian models come with a generous standard warranty which includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles as well as a battery and drivetrain policy that goes on for eight years or 175,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 175,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs