Alt Text: rivian electric truck review on-road and off-road driving
Some vehicles whisper into the market; others crash in like thunder. Rivian? It arrived with a roar that silenced skeptics and electrified enthusiasts. I’ve been behind the wheel of the R1T and R1S, navigating forest trails, urban chaos, and rugged backcountry roads. And let me tell you, this isn’t your average electric vehicle — it’s a revelation.
Rivian has sparked interest not just for what it does but what it represents: adventure-ready innovation, unshackled by the gas pump. If you’ve ever wondered whether a truck could feel like a spaceship on wheels, you’re about to find out.
Overview of Rivian
Rivian is more than just a car company. It’s a bold experiment that’s proving successful. Founded in 2009, the brand leaped into the spotlight with the R1T — the world’s first electric adventure pickup — followed closely by the R1S SUV.
The startup didn’t come to play it safe. It came to innovate — combining advanced technology, sustainable design, and off-road prowess.
Key Features:
- Range: Up to 400 miles depending on battery pack
- 0–60 mph: As quick as 3 seconds
- Powertrain: Quad-motor setup with torque vectoring
- Towing Capacity: 11,000 lbs (R1T)
- Ground Clearance: Adjustable up to 14.5 inches
- Drive Modes: All-purpose, Sport, Off-Road, Conserve
Watch this full review video:
In-Depth Analysis of Rivian
Alt Text: rivian electric truck review advanced driving systems
Let’s dive into what makes this electric truck brand a serious contender. I spent two thrilling weeks alternating between the R1T and R1S, putting them through their paces on muddy Colorado trails and in the relentless crawl of LA traffic. Here’s what stood out.
Design
The first thing that caught my eye? Those stadium-shaped LED headlights. Distinctive and futuristic, they lend the front end a signature look you won’t confuse with anything else on the road. Love it or obsess over it—either way, it’s unforgettable.
Inside, things only get better. The interior feels like a Scandinavian spa on wheels—natural wood accents, vegan leather seats, and a panoramic roof that floods the cabin with light. Compared to some competitors, especially Tesla’s minimalism, this feels warmer and more intentional.
Best of all, it’s made with people in mind. Whether you’re tall, hauling gear, or wrangling a family of five, there’s room for everyone and everything.
Functionality
From clever storage to smart accessories, this machine doesn’t just look good—it works hard. The mid-body gear tunnel is pure genius. Perfect for stashing snowboards, fishing rods, or folding chairs, it even doubles as a seat when tailgating.
One of my favorite features? The optional Camp Kitchen that slides out from that tunnel. I didn’t expect to flip burgers in the middle of nowhere with that kind of convenience, but it made backcountry camping feel five-star.
Other thoughtful touches include a built-in air compressor in the truck bed—handy when airing down for off-roading—and a flashlight discreetly tucked into the driver-side door. Every inch feels engineered for real adventure.
Performance
835 horsepower sounds insane on paper, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. With four motors independently powering each wheel, you get torque distribution so precise, it almost feels like the vehicle is reading your mind.
I tested this on a rain-slick decline in the Rockies. Where most trucks would fishtail or shudder, this one felt rooted, steady, and in control. And on pavement? It launches from 0–60 in a heart-racing three seconds—faster than many sports cars.
It corners with confidence and maneuvers tight urban spaces like a compact crossover. This isn’t just a fast truck. It’s an agile, responsive, thrill machine.
Technology
The user interface runs on a custom Linux-based system. It’s sleek, intuitive, and quick to respond. The integrated app lets you manage charging, remote climate control, and security features right from your phone.
One drawback: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (yet). It’s an omission that feels out of place in such a high-tech ride and may frustrate die-hard smartphone integration fans.
That said, the Driver+ suite impressed me. It keeps the vehicle centered in its lane, adapts speed smoothly, and takes some pressure off during long highway stretches. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid co-pilot with room to grow through over-the-air updates.
Comfort
Driving from Denver to Aspen, I was struck by how relaxing the ride was. The air suspension floats over potholes, and the cabin insulation creates a cocoon of calm. No rattles, no road noise—just peace.
It doesn’t feel like a truck. It feels like a premium luxury car that just happens to conquer dirt trails and snowy inclines with ease.
Advanced Safety
Safety is handled with the same thoughtfulness as everything else. A suite of sensors—including radar, LIDAR, and 11 cameras—keeps an eye on everything around you.
The system handled lane changes, adaptive cruise, and emergency braking with quiet confidence. It’s the kind of tech that doesn’t nag, but gently steps in when needed. Reassuring, not overbearing.
Rivian Comparison
Rivian doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s jostling against heavyweights like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and GMC Hummer EV.
Alt Text: rivian electric truck review vs ford tesla gmc
| Feature | Rivian R1T | Ford F-150 Lightning | Tesla Cybertruck | GMC Hummer EV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Range (miles) | 400 | 320 | ~500 | 350 |
| 0–60 mph | 3 sec | 4.5 sec | <2.9 sec | 3 sec |
| Towing Capacity | 11,000 lbs | 10,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs (est.) | 7,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 14.5 in | 8.9 in | 16 in (est.) | 13 in |
| Unique Feature | Gear Tunnel | Mega Power Frunk | Armor Glass | Crab Walk Mode |
| Price Range | $73K – $100K | $55K – $90K | $60K – $120K | $80K – $112K |
Rivian Pros and Cons
Here’s the honest truth, plain and simple:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning design | High price tag |
| Blistering performance | Charging network still growing |
| Amazing off-road capabilities | Limited physical dealerships |
| Spacious and smart interior | Long delivery times |
| Innovative gear tunnel and add-ons | Heavy curb weight |
Conclusion
Rivian is not just an EV. It’s a lifestyle upgrade. For outdoor lovers, early adopters, or anyone looking for a truck with tech trends and trail grit — this is it. With some growing pains around availability and connectivity, it’s not perfect. But it’s authentic, innovative, and incredibly exciting.
The new inventions and clever engineering make it a standout in a crowded market. While Tesla dazzles with specs and Ford plays the utility card, Rivian blends both worlds with craftsmanship and soul.
Would I buy one? If I had the budget — in a heartbeat.
Rivian Rating
Having test-driven the R1T and R1S, and absorbed insights from engineers and actual users, here’s my rating:
- Design: ★★★★★
- Performance: ★★★★★
- Practicality: ★★★★☆
- Charging Infrastructure: ★★★☆☆
- Overall: ★★★★☆ 4.5 out of 5 stars
FAQs
What makes Rivian different from Tesla Cybertruck?
While both aim at the electric truck market, Rivian leans heavily into real-world off-road use with a quad-motor setup and sophisticated suspension, whereas Cybertruck emphasizes futuristic design and extreme specs.
Is the Rivian R1T worth its high price?
If you’re after performance, utility, and style, absolutely. With advanced technology, long range, and unique features like the gear tunnel, it offers value beyond numbers.
How long does Rivian take to charge?
With DC fast charging, you can regain up to 140 miles in 20 minutes. However, home charging on Level 2 takes around 11–13 hours depending on the battery.
Resources
- YouTube. Rivian R1T Review (video)
- Car and Driver. Rivian R1T Review
- Rivian Official Website. R1S SUV Overview
- InsideEVs. 2025 Rivian R1T Deep Dive
- X. Hands-on Impression by Out of Spec
