The 2025 Rivian R1S isn’t just an EV—it’s a seven-seat, all-terrain beast that makes a Tesla Model X look like a mall crawler. But with a starting price of $78,000, is it worth ditching your gas-guzzling SUV? We took it off-road, through school runs, and into the charging desert to find out.
Power & Performance: Silent But Deadly
Quad-Motor Setup: 835 hp and 908 lb-ft torque—0-60 mph in 3.0 secs (faster than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo).
Max Range: 340 miles (Large Pack) or extend to 400+ miles with the new Max+ battery ($$$).
Off-Road Prowess: 16” ground clearance, tank turn (for flexing), and wading depth up to 3+ feet.
Downside? The stiff suspension will rattle your teeth on potholes.
Interior: Part Spaceship, Part REI Store
Sustainable materials (vegan leather, recycled plastics).
Gigantic frunk (fits a full cooler) + rear gear tunnel.
Third-row seats: Still tight for adults (better than a Model X, though).
Annoyances: The touchscreen lag persists, and door handles still freeze in winter.
Charging & Real-World Range
Fast charging: 220 kW peak (10-80% in ~30 mins)—slower than a Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Towing = Range Killer: 180 miles max with a 7,000-lb trailer.
Rivian Adventure Network: Growing, but still nowhere near Tesla.
Verdict: 8.5/10 – The Ultimate Electric Adventuremobile (If You Can Afford It)
Buy if: You want the best blend of luxury + off-road capability in an EV.
Skip if: You need efficient road trips or hate beta-testing quirks.