beebs

2023 Rivian R1S review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Rivian R1S highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Excellent real-world range
  • Off-road capable
  • Plenty of passenger and cargo space

Cons

  • Firm ride quality
  • Slow infotainment and no phone integration
  • Driver assists are prone to false alarms

Battery range (EPA estimate)

289 miles

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

The 2023 Rivian R1S is the pick for adventurous eco-warriors

Rivian is a relatively new electric vehicle brand that debuted its R1T pickup truck in 2022. Shortly thereafter, it introduced the R1S, a three-row SUV.

The Rivian R1S specs are impressive. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates models equipped with the Max battery pack will go up to 390 miles on a charge; the four-motor model gets up to 835 horsepower. Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info. The R1S is also wildly capable off-road, though that ability does negatively affect on-road comfort.

There are few electric three-row SUVs that compete with the R1S. Among them are two Teslas, but the Model Y’s third-row seats are comically small and the larger Model X’s seats don’t fold away for more cargo. The pricier Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV puts a greater emphasis on luxury. Altogether, the 2023 Rivian R1S is the pick for outdoor adventurers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

All Rivian R1S years

What is new for the 2023 Rivian R1S?

  • The Explore trim has been discontinued for 2023.
  • R1S trims have been upgraded with Power Seat(s), Memory Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Heated Steering Wheel, Skylight(s), and Meridian Audio as standard equipment this year.
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features are now available as options on select trims.

2023 Rivian R1S trims

Curious how Rivian R1S trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Launch Edition:

Adventure:

  • Includes all features available on the Launch Edition
  • No significant upgrades found on the Adventure

Rivian R1S photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Rivian R1S

What We Like

Solid real-world range: At the low end, the R1S is estimated by the EPA to offer 274 miles of range on a single charge.

That may not sound all that impressive, but it should easily suffice for most drivers. At its maximum, the R1S is estimated at an impressive 390 miles, which should be a great choice for those who often take long road trips. In Edmunds' real-world testing, the R1S was able to slightly exceed its EPA estimate.

Off-road ready: With standard all-wheel drive and a height-adjustable air suspension, the Rivian R1S is already set up for light off-roading. Choose the quad-motor model that gives each wheel its own power, available all-terrain tires, and reinforced underbody skid plates, and you’ll have a very capable all-terrain SUV. The R1S has as much as 15 inches of ground clearance and can ford streams as deep as 3 feet.

Excellent passenger and cargo space: A lot of three-row SUVs skimp on third-row passenger space, intending them for smaller occupants and occasional use. Not the R1S. There’s enough space in the rearmost seats for adults and even taller passengers will be fine for short trips. Behind the seats, there is up to 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space (or roughly 22 grocery bags); there's also a large front trunk. With the third and second rows stowed, the storage capacity expands to 88.2 cubic feet.

What Needs Improvement

Truck-like ride quality: The Rivian R1S’ more rugged styling and off-road capabilities could hint at how comfortable its ride is. Capability on a variety of road surfaces sometimes requires a sacrifice in comfort. On pavement, the R1S feels more like a truck, with a slightly stiffer compliance over bumps in the road. Other luxury electric SUVs ride much smoother, but they can’t match the Rivian’s off-road skills.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Rivian R1S is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

Rivian R1S features and specs

Adventure Quad-Motor Large 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Meridian Audio
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Skylight(s)
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

121.1"

Overall length

200.8"

Width

81.8"

Height

77.3"

Leg room

F 41.4"/M 36.6"/R 32.8"

Head room

F 41.1"/M 39.7"/R 38.6"

Front tires

LT275/55HR21

Rear tires

LT275/55HR21

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

770/7700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Rivian R1S FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.