Name: 2021 Rivian R1S
Brand: Rivian

Rivian R1S

EPA Range: 316 miles

Rivian R1S First Drive

Summary

Introduction

All-Electric Rivian SUV Take Charge

Startup company to launch upscale, off-road-ready R1S SUV

Overview

Ford Motor Company has become the latest major company to invest in electric-vehicle startup Rivian. The $500 million investment, follows a $700 million round of investment led by Amazon.

Rivian has shown two vehicles meant to open up a new market for upscale, completely electric vehicles: a first-of-its-kind all-electric pickup, the R1T, and a companion SUV, the R1S.

The R1S is a seven passenger, three-row SUV with an upright stance that resembles the Ford Flex or an old Jeep Wagoneer. Like in the R1T, Rivian promises a cabin full of space and premium materials, such as polished wood and leather. As with Tesla models, it has streamlined most controls into a large touch screen—which our testing shows can have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Starting at $70,000 (before the federal tax credit), the seven-passenger R1S won’t be for everyone. And to get the advertised 400-mile range, you’ll have to pay thousands more for the higher-kilowatt battery pack. The highest 180 kWh battery pack can get over 410 miles on a full charge.

"I started Rivian to deliver products that the world didn’t already have, to redefine expectations through the application of technology and innovation,” says Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “Starting with a clean sheet, we have spent years developing the technology to deliver the ideal vehicle."

Impressions

Rivian’s vehicles have a sleek, high-tech look on the outside. They have clean lines and unique lighting—two vertical headlights embedded in a long, horizontal white light bar where the grille would be. The trucks sit high off the ground, and with sealed battery compartments, they’re capable of driving through 3 feet of water.

The R1S incorporates other electric-motor advantages, like accelerating 0-60 mph in a claimed sports-car-like 3 seconds. An electric motor on each wheel delivers power and traction that adjusts to the road conditions, useful for snow or off-road excursions. Multiple drive shafts, multilink rear suspension, and height-adjustable air springs add to off-road capabilities. The vehicle can lower itself for better aerodynamics and easier passenger access.

In another twist over the conventional SUV, Rivian has used its "skateboard" architecture (the battery lays flat along the floor) to open up storage areas.

Ford plans to use the skateboard to create a new vehicle.

The rear of the R1S features a liftgate and small tailgate, with the tailgate providing an area to sit and prep for activities such as gearing up for a mountain climb to tightening skis. The second and third row seats fold flat to provide room for any gear required.