Used 2023 Rivian R1T

Rivian is still a new company. The R1T truck launched only in 2021 and its R1S all-electric 7-seater SUV made its debut in 2022. But the world of electric vehicles is not so set in its ways as the old-school combustion companies.

So a Rivian could be just as appealing as a Tesla or a Lucid. This operation — based in Irvine, California, yet with a production facility in Normal, Illinois — has actually beaten Tesla to the punch by creating the R1T and bringing it to market before the almost-mythical Cybertruck, whose production keeps being delayed.

The R1T can also stand wheel-to-wheel with rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Buyers wanting to look beyond the established marques for some fresh thinking will find they have a few interesting choices, the R1T being one of them.

Electric motors are their own thing, with particular characteristics. These include being able to supply big power that would have taken many cylinders and many gallons of gasoline back in the golden age of combustion. They can also deliver their maximum thrust from a virtual standstill.

Having tested the Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor versions of the Rivian R1T, we can confirm that most drivers will be more than content with a dual-motor model. You can get an estimated maximum range of up to 390 miles while achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds (4.5 seconds with the non-Performance model), so the dual-motor powertrain doesn’t feel like much of a compromise.

The Quad-Motor is still more fun in a straight-line launch sprinting to 60 mph in three seconds flat, and it has more drive modes. However, both on-road and off, we were dazzled by the dual-motor setup.

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.

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

The Rivian R1T’s interior manages to be both rugged and luxurious at the same time. 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 is the dashboard’s dominant feature, through which most vehicle functions are managed. The driver has a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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. We also wonder how desert dwellers will feel about the panoramic roof’s lack of a sunshade. But those issues aside, the interior of Rivian’s pickup is fashionable and functional.

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 small 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.

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, the R1T sure packs a visual punch.

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. The bed also has two 120-volt outlets.

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 Guard also employs 360-degree video abilities to dissuade any would-be thieves.

Heated/ventilated front seats
Even Californians will be happy with the heated element after they’ve finished their early-morning surfing session. Standard equipment, which is far from typical.

Heated steering wheel
Another standard feature. A joy to experience during those freezing winter months.

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

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, accessed from either side of the vehicle.

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.

Camp Kitchen
The aforementioned Gear Tunnel can house an optional $5,000 pull-out Camp Kitchen complete with a 30-piece cookware set, induction stove (powered by the truck’s battery), and even a sink.

All-wheel drive is standard in every 2023 R1T electric truck. It’s just achieved in a different way, according to how many electric motors are on board.

There’s one per axle in the Dual-Motor versions. The Quad-Motor variant has a motor for each wheel, with a mighty 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque once all those outputs are totaled. This setup also allows a precise form of torque vectoring where drive can be optimized between front and rear and side to side.

Wheel size has a bearing on energy efficiency. On the Quad-Motor model, the best range is obtained with 21-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels are part of an off-roading package and therefore have tires made for tackling tough terrain rather than rolling resistance. The 22-inch wheels are more for on-road handling and performance.

Dual-Motor
533 combined horsepower
610 lb-ft of combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
Rivian-estimated range: 270 miles (Standard Pack), 350 miles (Large Pack), 400 miles (Max Pack)

Performance Dual-Motor
665 combined horsepower
829 lb-ft of combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
Rivian-estimated range: 350 miles (Large Pack), 400 miles (Max Pack)

Quad-Motor
835 combined horsepower
908 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy (large battery): 69/60 MPGe (20-inch wheels), 76/69 MPGe (21-inch wheels), 73/63 MPGe (22-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range (large battery): 289 miles (20-inch wheels), 328 miles (21-inch wheels), 303 miles (22-inch wheels)

More Rivian R1T fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a Rivian R1T lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Batteries and drivetrains are covered for eight years or 175,000 miles. These are great warranties.

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