2024 Rivian R1T

We’re deeply impressed by the Rivian R1T. It has power and range to compete with anything in its class. It also rides nicely, handles well, takes rough terrain in its stride, and is full of many thoughtful details — like the innovative Gear Tunnel running under the bed. 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. The R1T debuted for the 2022 model year, so it’s still fresh. It was actually the first-ever all-electric truck to go on sale, with Rivian beating the F-150 Lightning to the punch.

 We’ve tested several examples of the Rivian R1T. Pictured here is the first version we tested with the Performance Dual-Motor powertrain and Max pack battery. Including an extra $2,500 for the Rivian Blue paint job, this one barely escaped tipping over into six-figure territory.

Rivian now offers a version capable of going 410 miles between charges. A Performance Dual Motor version also becomes available. And owners will be able to use the Tesla Supercharger network. Rivian has discontinued the pair of 12-volt outlets in the bed.

The 2024 Rivian R1T starts at $71,700. That’s for the Dual Motor version with a standard range of 270 miles. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. A Large battery pack costs $9,100 for a range of 352 miles. Or a Max battery provides 410 miles of range for $19,100, although it isn’t available in the Quad Motor model. Rivian is also offering lease deals.

These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP), including the $1,800 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

The low starting price of the Ford F-150 Lightning (about $50K) doesn’t tell the full story. For example, to match the R1T for equipment, an F-150 Lightning would have to be at least in Lariat trim — add the Extended Range battery pack and it would come in at around $78K. The Tesla Cybertruck with all-wheel drive starts in the region of $80K. The Chevrolet Silverado EV comes in at about $78K, and the GMC Hummer EV Pickup begins at almost $100K.

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. 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 new, 665-horsepower Performance Dual-Motor version is a second faster. The Quad Motor version has a mighty 835 horsepower and blitzes to 60 mph in a mere three seconds. That’s fast for anything, let alone a versatile and capable pickup truck.

But 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 unheard of among common 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. Ride quality is good overall, but you can hear and feel seemingly every road imperfection. A bit more refinement and isolation wouldn’t hurt. And the highway driving assist functionalities aren’t as good as we’ve experienced in the latest Hyundais and Hondas, for instance.

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 three 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

The maximum tow rating of the 2024 R1T is 11,000 pounds. 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 1,760 pounds, which is where the F-150 Lightning strikes back, because it can carry 2,235 pounds.

Range and Charging

The R1T offers three battery sizes for Dual Motor versions, with ranges going from 270 to 410 miles. The Quad Motor model can run for 328 miles, but isn’t eligible for the 410-mile Max battery. For reference, the Ford F-150 Lightning is capable of 240 to 320 miles, depending on configuration. The Tesla Cybertruck with all-wheel drive has a 320-mile range.

A DC fast charger will supply the R1T’s battery with 140 miles of range in 20 minutes, which doesn’t put it among the fastest-charging electric vehicles, but the F-150 Lightning has a similar charging speed. Rivian’s Wall Charger home unit supplies 25 miles each hour. The company is also working on its own charger network, although its vehicles become compatible with Tesla’s Superchargers this year — a grid that’s extensive and reliable.

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. There’s definitely a Volvo-like design sensibility happening.

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.

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.

We love the look of the R1T. In profile, the Rivian R1T looks like an attractive, slightly upsized midsize 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. The tailgate is lowered via a button 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
Cut-resistant lashes and 360-degree video help keep valuable cargo secure.

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

The R1T starts out with a 135 kilowatt-hour battery (kWh), more capacious than the F-150 Lightning and Cybertruck. The pricey Max battery option is rated at 149 kWh. A Dual Motor version with 21-inch wheels can achieve the miles-per-gallon equivalent of 78 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. That beats the F-150 Lightning, whether it has the standard or extended-range battery.

5-Year/60,000-Mile 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). It’s the only pickup truck to earn this designation.

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