Written By 
Reviewed By Amirah Alison
Introduction
The Rivian R1S 2025 is the latest all-electric SUV aiming to redefine what a large electric vehicle (EV) can do. Boasting off-road capability, luxury touches, and a long driving range, it blends adventure with family-friendly utility. In this review, we dive into the R1S’s pricing, technical specifications, performance, charging, interior features, and real-world usability. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or a family seeking a zero-emission people-mover, the 2025 Rivian R1S offers a compelling package that deserves a closer look.
Design and Build Quality
1. Exterior Styling
- Bold Lines: The R1S features a boxy, muscular stance with squared wheel arches and a high hood, hinting at rugged capability.
- Signature Lighting: Thin LED light bars wrap around the front and rear, creating a distinctive “stadium” effect at night.
- Aerodynamic Elements: Flush door handles and subtle air channels reduce drag, helping maximize range.
2. Off-Road Readiness
- Skid Plates: Underbody protection shields battery packs and motors.
- Adjustable Air Suspension: Raises up to 14 inches of ground clearance for rough trails, then lowers at highway speeds for better efficiency.
- All-Terrain Tires: Standard 20-inch wheels with optional 22-inch for on-road grip or 18-inch for extreme off-roading.
The R1S’s design balances style and off-road utility, making it as at-home on pavement as it is on dirt.
Interior Comfort and Technology
1. Spacious Cabin
- Seven-Seat Layout: Three rows of seating; the third row folds flat to expand cargo space.
- Premium Materials: Vegan leather, open-pore wood trim, and soft-touch plastics feel upscale and durable.
- Panoramic Roof: A massive glass roof floods the cabin with light and offers sky views.
2. Tech Features
- 15.6-Inch Touchscreen: Center infotainment display with responsive controls for navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
- 12.3-Inch Digital Gauge Cluster: Customizable readouts for speed, battery status, and off-road metrics like pitch and roll.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Rivian regularly pushes software updates to add features and refine ride tuning.
- 360-Degree Camera: Surround-view system helps with parking and trail navigation.
Family-friendly touches like built-in USB-C ports in every row and wireless smartphone charging make long trips more pleasant.
Performance and Driving Experience
1. Powertrain Options
- Quad-Motor AWD (Top Trim): Each wheel gets its own electric motor, delivering up to 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque.
- Dual-Motor AWD (Standard): A front and rear motor setup offers around 600 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque.
2. On-Road Behavior
- 0–60 mph in ~3.5 Seconds: The quad-motor R1S accelerates with shocking smoothness for a three-row SUV.
- Precise Handling: Air suspension and torque vectoring keep body roll in check through corners.
- Quiet Ride: Electric powertrain and acoustic glass ensure a peaceful cabin.
3. Off-Road Capability
- Low-Range Mode: Simulates 4×4 low gearing for steep climbs and descents.
- Rock-Crawl Mode: Slows wheel speed and maximizes torque for boulder-hopping.
- Water Fording: Sealed battery pack allows up to 3-foot deep water crossings.
The Rivian R1S delivers sports-car acceleration on pavement, yet tackles tough trails with confidence.
Range and Charging
1. Driving Range
- Standard Battery Pack (105 kWh): Estimated EPA range of 260 miles.
- Large Battery Pack (135 kWh): Estimated EPA range of 328 miles.
- Max Battery Pack (150 kWh): Estimated EPA range up to 370 miles on a single charge.
Actual range varies with driving style, weather, and use of off-road settings, but most owners report real-world figures close to EPA estimates.
2. Charging Infrastructure
- Rivian Adventure Network: Company-built DC fast chargers offering up to 200 kW, adding 140 miles in 20 minutes.
- Third-Party DC Fast Charging: CCS Combo access at Electrify America and other networks (up to 250 kW).
- Home Charging: 11.5 kW Level 2 charger adds ~30 miles per hour of charge on a 240V outlet.
Rivian’s focus on a robust charging network and fast charge rates makes long trips more convenient.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
1. Standard Safety Tech
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects pedestrians and vehicles.
- Lane-Keep Assist and Lane-Departure Warning: Keeps you centered on highways.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains distance from the car ahead.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts for vehicles in adjacent lanes.
2. Advanced Driver Assistance (Optional)
- Rivian Driver+ (Beta): Hands-free driving on mapped highways, similar to Tesla Autopilot.
- Trailer Assist: Automated backing and straightening for trailers using sensors and cameras.
The R1S’s safety suite covers all bases, from collision avoidance to semi-autonomous highway driving.
Pricing and Trim Levels
| Trim | Powertrain | Battery Pack | Starting MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explore | Dual-Motor AWD | Standard (105 kWh) | $75,000 |
| Adventure | Dual-Motor AWD | Large (135 kWh) | $85,000 |
| Launch Edition | Quad-Motor AWD | Max (150 kWh) | $98,000 |
| R1S Limited | Quad-Motor AWD | Max (150 kWh) | $105,000 |
Prices exclude destination fees and potential federal/state EV tax credits of up to $7,500.
Ownership Experience
1. Warranty and Maintenance
- Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles.
- Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years/175,000 miles.
- Free Maintenance: First 4 years/50,000 miles of service for brake pads and other wear items.
2. Customer Service
- Mobile Service Vans: Rivian technicians come to your home or office for common repairs.
- Rivian Hubs: Service centers in major metro areas handle complex work.
- App Integration: Monitor charge status, schedule service, and receive over-the-air updates via the Rivian smartphone app.
Owners praise Rivian’s focus on customer care and seamless digital integration.
Comparison to Competitors
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Tesla Model X | Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–60 mph (Top Trim) | ~3.5 sec | ~2.6 sec | ~4.5 sec |
| EPA Range (Max Battery) | 370 miles | 330 miles | 300 miles |
| Off-Road Capability | Excellent | Limited | Minimal |
| Starting Price | $75,000 | $98,000 | $105,000 |
The R1S stands out for off-road prowess and realistic range in a luxury three-row package.
Conclusion
The Rivian R1S 2025 offers a rare blend of luxury, performance, and true off-road capability in an all-electric SUV. With competitive pricing, multiple battery pack options delivering up to 370 miles, rapid charging, and a family-friendly interior, it meets the needs of adventure seekers and daily drivers alike. Rivian’s strong customer service, robust warranty, and innovative Driver+ system add further value. If you’re in the market for a versatile electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on ruggedness or refinement, the R1S deserves a top spot on your test-drive list. Experience its electric future today and take every road—paved or dirt—by storm.
