2025 Rivian R1S review
The Rivian R1S is a powerful electric three-row SUV from an American startup. It offers two-, three-, or four-motor powertrains with a horsepower rating as high as 1,025. The R1S comes standard with an air suspension that lets it rise as high as 15 inches off the ground, providing outstanding off-road capability.
Explore the evolution of the Rivian R1S
Get our expert take on used Rivian R1S models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Rivian R1S
The R1S is the second vehicle from the Rivian EV startup automaker based in California. It shares its platform, motors, and batteries—as well as its adventurous character—with the larger R1T pickup truck.
Rivian launched the R1S in late 2021 with an all-wheel-drive four-motor powertrain good for 835 horsepower and a 128.9-kWh battery that provided 316 miles of EPA-estimated range
. Since then it has expanded to three batteries and Dual, Tri, and Quad powertrains. The Dual powertrain comes with 533 horsepower or 665 horsepower, the Tri has 850 horsepower, and the Quad cranks it up to 1,025 horsepower. Zero to 60 mph times are as low as 2.6 seconds, but even the three-motor powertrain has a 2.9-second 0-60 mph time.As of 2025, battery sizes are 92.5 kWh, 109.4 kWh, and 141.5 kWh, and EPA range estimates vary from 258 miles to 410 miles
. While the R1S is big and heavy, efficiency ratings are as high as 2.56 miles per kWh, though that figure falls with more power and off-road tires.Off-roading is one of the R1S' strengths. A standard air suspension provides up to 15 inches of ground clearance to help this seven-passenger beast clear the toughest off-road obstacles.
Model highlights
Dual-, tri-, and quad-motor powertrains
533 horsepower to 1,025 horsepower
Standard, Large, and Max battery packs that have 92.5-kWh, 109.4-kWh, and 141.5-kWh capacities
Three rows of seats for seven-passenger capacity
Standard air suspension with as much as 15 inches of ground clearance
Linked hydraulic anti-roll system fights body lean
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2022 - present
2025 Rivian R1S
Highlights
Updated under the skin with new in-house motors and fewer electronic control modules
850-horsepower tri-motor configuration joins lineup
New Ascend trim level
Quad-motor powertrain up to 1,025 horsepower
Updated infotainment includes Apple Music streaming
New battery chemistry with 92.5-kWh, 109.4-kWh, and 141.5-kWh battery sizes
Learn more
2024 Rivian R1S
Highlights
New 106-kWh Standard battery back and 121-kWh Standard Plus battery pack
Learn more
2023 Rivian R1S
Highlights
New Dual-Motor and Dual-Motor Performance powertrains with 533 horsepower and 665 horsepower
New 141-kWh Max battery pack with 400 miles of range
Learn more
2022 Rivian R1S
Highlights
New electric luxury SUV with 835 horsepower
135-kWh battery pack
316 miles of EPA-estimated range
Based on same platform as Rivian R1T
7,700 pounds of towing capacity
Learn more
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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