2025 Rivian R1T

There’s some tough competition in the electric truck world, but the Rivian R1T remains at the top of our must-consider list. We like how it drives (on-road and off), how far it drives (great ranges), and how fast it drives (plenty of power available). The technology is superb (except for the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), its abilities are strong, and then there are clever details like the Gear Tunnel. It’s clear that Rivian has not only put a lot of thought into the R1T, but also plenty of imagination. Just like it has with the closely related R1S midsize electric SUV.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this collection of electric pickup trucks, including the Rivian R1T.

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

There are so many changes that Rivian is calling the 2025 R1T the second generation of its all-electric truck. We’d call it an extensive revamp. Firstly, there are new three-motor and four-motor setups. The former makes a massive 850 horsepower, the latter generates 1,025 horsepower. The standard air suspension has received attention to improve ride quality without compromising the truck’s excellent off-road prowess. Ascend is a new trim level offering either the Tri-Motor or Quad-Motor configurations, each with the biggest Max battery.

The number of electronic control units (ECUs) has been reduced from 17 to seven, and Rivian has taken out 1.6 miles of copper wiring from each R1T, which saves a lot of weight. There are more camera pixels, plus improved exterior lighting, an optional premium audio system with the superb Dolby Atmos feature, and the large sunroof can be tinted electronically with the touch of a button. Storm Blue is a new exterior color choice. One last thing — some existing Rivian owners have noticed a phantom power drain, which the company says it has now addressed.

The 2025 Rivian R1T starts at $71,700. That’s for a Dual-Motor version in Adventure trim. The priciest version passes the $100,000 mark.

The Ford F-150 Lightning starts much lower, but matching the R1T for equipment means choosing Lariat trim, plus the Extended Range battery, which puts things on a more equal financial footing. The Rivian R1T is about $10K less than a Tesla Cybertruck with all-wheel drive. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is similar in price to the R1T, while the GMC Hummer EV Pickup begins much higher.

Before buying a new R1T electric truck, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. We reckon the R1T will have robust resale values, close to the F-150 Lightning. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one. Because it’s built in the United States, the R1T may be eligible for a federal tax credit — see if you qualify.

The R1T is one of the most fun, most capable pickup trucks we’ve ever driven. Even the entry-level model is quick, running from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, courtesy of 533 horsepower. The 665-horsepower Dual-Motor/Large battery model is more than a second faster, which we’ve found addictive, while feeling more at liberty to exploit that power thanks to the greater battery capacity. The new-for-2025 Quad-Motor/Max battery version has a mighty 1,025 horsepower and blitzes to 60 mph in a breathtaking 2.5 seconds. Keep in mind, though, that flexing the right foot during those super-fast acceleration sprints will run the battery down at a quicker than normal rate.

Straight-line speed isn’t the only R1T party trick. Rivian has also endowed it with an adaptive air suspension as standard. It tackles corners with composure and a lack of body lean previously unheard of among pickup trucks. With the suspension set to its lowest and firmest setting, the R1T could shame some sports cars. Drive with a less adventurous spirit and the Rivian R1T still has its charms. In its most forgiving mode, the suspension absorbs road imperfections without making the driver feel too isolated. Rivian has tweaked the suspension this year to enhance ride quality.

Venture off-road and the R1T shines in a different way. The suspension can raise the ride height for a ground clearance of 14.9 inches and has the ability to wade through 3 feet of water. The steering is lively, giving the driver a feel for the terrain beneath the tires. We also found the R1T’s midsize proportions to be an asset when navigating narrow trails.

Towing and Payload

Maximum tow rating of the 2025 R1T is 11,000 pounds (using the Large or Max battery). That’s the same as the Tesla Cybertruck and 1,000 pounds more than the Ford F-150 Lightning. Bear in mind that range will be affected. Total payload is 1,764 pounds (using the standard battery), which is where the F-150 Lightning strikes back, because it can carry 2,235 pounds.

The Rivian R1T’s interior manages to be rugged and luxurious, fashionable and functional. There’s a Volvo-esque air to it, which is fine by us. Premium materials abound and build quality appears to be excellent. The natural-grained ash wood trim, tasteful splashes of color, and fancy Chilewich (a hard-wearing textile) mats would look just right in a loft-style apartment.

A 15.9-inch infotainment touchscreen (with updated graphics this year) is the dashboard’s dominant feature, through which most vehicle functions are managed. The driver has a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This place would be perfect if it also integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but that’s not in the offering.

The cab itself is smaller than a typical crew cab, with seating for five (well, four would be more comfortable), and two smaller doors for the rear passengers. Those riding in the rear seats may wish for better lumbar support, along with a little more than the 36.6 inches of legroom. The panoramic glass roof gains an electronic tinting option this year.

Storage space is extremely generous — more than 62 cubic feet in total. There’s the front trunk, Gear Tunnel, truck bed, and an under-bed storage area that can take an optional full-size spare tire.

Elsewhere, the cabin offers abundant storage nooks, an optional flashlight stowed in the driver’s door, simulated leather seating surfaces (vegan-friendly), and a removable Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a lamp.

The R1T is more in the midsize truck category than, say, the full-size Ford F-150 Lightning — which is about a foot longer and slightly wider. In profile, the Rivian R1T looks like a traditional pickup, but its distinct headlights give it an appearance like nothing else — except for the Rivian R1S SUV. Offered in a range of vibrant colors (with new Ascend trim eligible for Storm Blue), the R1T sure packs a visual punch. There are new wheel designs this year as well.

From a functionality standpoint, owners can lower the tailgate or deploy the available powered tonneau cover using buttons in the driver’s-side bed rail. The two doors for the Gear Tunnel can each bear 250 pounds when lowered, functioning as chairs or steps for loading items onto the roof.

For bulky stuff, Rivian offers a rail system with crossbars for mounting bikes or even a tent. Another clever feature is Gear Guard, which includes a pair of 8-foot cut-resistant tethers that lash around gear and lock into the bed.

Gear Tunnel
Only an electric pickup could do this, because there’s no driveshaft connecting the engine to the rear axle. It’s an 11-cubic foot storage compartment between the back of the cabin and the rear wheel arches.

Driver+
Every new Rivian R1T electric truck comes with this set of driver assistance features as standard. 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.

360-degree camera system
When maneuvering in tight spaces, it’s reassuring to see all around the vehicle. This is a standard system in the Rivian R1T.

All Purpose driving mode
The mode we don’t have to think about. It will lower the ride height to achieve the best aerodynamics on the freeway, and generally make automatic adjustments for optimum performance.

Gear Guard
As well as the cut-resistant lashes, this standard feature employs 360-degree video to capture any would-be thieves on camera.

Underbody protection
We recommend that anyone planning to exploit and enjoy the R1T’s considerable off-roading abilities should select this optional package.

The R1T offers three battery sizes for Dual-Motor versions, with ranges going from 270 to 420 miles (10 more than last year). For reference, the Ford F-150 Lightning is capable of 240 to 320 miles, depending on battery size. The Tesla Cybertruck with all-wheel drive has a 340-mile range.

A DC fast charger takes the R1T’s standard battery from 10% capacity to 80% in 30 minutes, which doesn’t put it among the fastest-charging electric vehicles, but the F-150 Lightning has a similar charging speed. The Max battery needs 40 minutes. Rivian’s Wall Charger home unit supplies 25 miles each hour. The company is also working on its own charger network, although its vehicles are also compatible with Tesla’s Superchargers — a grid that’s extensive and reliable.

Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a Rivian R1T 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.

Safety Ratings

The R1T has been named a Top Safety Pick+, the highest accolade of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.