2024 Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S doesn’t only check a lot of boxes, it checks them emphatically. It’s among the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market, remarkably capable off-road, and has a gorgeous, comfortable passenger cabin blending technology, quality and design. Rivian is a newer and less established automaker, which has its advantages and disadvantages, but the R1S is indeed a very impressive SUV.

Rivian’s R1S SUV and R1T all-electric truck are able to use the Tesla Supercharger network. And the Max battery now delivers a maximum range of 400 miles, an impressive bump of 79 miles.

The 2024 Rivian R1S starts at $78,000. That’s for the Dual Motor version with a standard battery providing 260 miles of range. An optional Large battery results in a 352-mile range for $6,000. Or the Max battery costs $16,000 (ouch) but supplies 400 miles of range. All-wheel drive is standard in every R1S.

Rivian is also offering lease deals.

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,800 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

The electric 3-row luxury SUV class is heating up nicely, with the Lucid Gravity coming for the 2025 model year (probably starting at around $80K), joining the good old Tesla Model X (from $80K), and the Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV (starting at around $105K). But the Rivian R1S is also comparable in other ways to 2-row electric SUVs like the Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV and the BMW iX.

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 the class, but we expect the R1S to do well once it becomes more of a known quantity. 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 533 horsepower and will blast from standstill to 60 mph in 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 both Dual Motor and Quad Motor versions, and can confirm that most drivers will be happy with the former — it’s easy to recommend. The latter is a lot of fun, though, sprinting to 60 mph in an incredible three seconds flat.

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. 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 three feet of water.

Maximum tow rating for the R1S is 7,700 pounds.

Range and Charging

The standard battery in the Dual Motor R1S is capable of 290 miles before needing a recharge. Compare that with the Tesla Model X’s 335 miles and the 305 miles of the BMW iX xDrive50. We’d be inclined to go for the Large battery pack providing 325 miles. But 400 miles of range can be had for another $16,000.

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. Also keep in mind that bigger wheels will degrade the ride quality.

A DC fast charger can supply 140 miles of range in 20 minutes, which is in the range of typical, not exceptional. Rivian is planning to establish its own network of chargers, but the R1S becomes compatible with the extensive and reliable Tesla Supercharger network this year. A Rivian Wall Charger for home use provides 25 miles of range per hour.

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, 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.

The R1S is a 3-row SUV, able to 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 it’s OK 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.

We do wish the R1S offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

None of that “SUV Coupe” malarkey here, the 2024 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. 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 useful maximum ground clearance of 14.9 inches.

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 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+
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, 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. 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 capacity of the standard battery in the R1S is rated at 135 kilowatt-hours (kWh), more than the Model X and BMW iX. The R1S with the Large battery achieves 78 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined city/highway driving, whereas the Model X manages 102 MPGe combined, and the BMW iX returns 86 MPGe combined. The Max battery has a 149-kWh capacity.

5-Year/60,000-Mile 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 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 highest accolade of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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