2022 Rivian R1S

Overview

The seven-passenger 2022 Rivian R1S sport-utility vehicle will be the second production model from Rivian, an upstart electric vehicle manufacturer based in California. The first-ever R1S takes direct aim at the Tesla Model X, which is the only other three-row all-electric SUV currently available. The R1S will also be less expensive than the Model X when it goes on sale. The R1S shares many of its attributes with the R1T pickup. Like the R1T, it offers a 128.9-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates is good for 316 miles of driving per charge. The R1S will be sold directly to consumers, although Rivian says that it also will set up a network of service centers and Tesla-like stores.

What’s New for 2022?

Rivian is starting off by delivering orders of the Launch Edition. For 2022, the R1S is only offered with a quad-motor setup and a 128.9-kWh “Large” battery. Rivian also significantly raised the price of 2022 R1S models, a move that initially impacted people who made reservations before March 1, 2022, but the company later backtracked that specific decision in the wake of customer backlash. Next year, a more affordable, entry-level Explore model is expected to join the lineup. A new dual-motor configuration making over 600 horsepower will enter production, too, alongside a smaller standard battery (dual-motor models only) and a larger “Max” battery pack (quad-motor models only).

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With the R1S Launch Edition no longer available to order on Rivian’s consumer site, that leaves the Adventure model as the only other option for 2022. The default configuration for this first model year is the all-wheel-drive, quad-motor setup paired with the 128.9-kWh “Large” battery pack. Next year, it’ll be offered with an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup and with up to three different battery sizes. Among the multiple wheel-and-tire options and interior color choices, there’s a selection of upgradeable features.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The R1S shares its battery pack, powertrain, much of its styling, and many of its specs with its R1T pickup sibling. With 835 horsepower on tap, the R1S boasts a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 3.0 seconds, so we can’t wait to take one for a test drive. Every 2022 R1S has an electric motor at each wheel, providing all-wheel drive and impressive off-road capability. However, a dual-motor version with all-wheel drive and more than 600 horsepower will eventually be offered, too. All models feature an adjustable air suspension at launch, which allows ground clearance to vary from eight to 14.5 inches. When we get a chance to test the R1S out, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.

More on the R1S SUV

Towing and Payload Capacity

Every version of the R1S has all-wheel drive, with an electric motor at each wheel; they’ll all be able to tow more than 7700 pounds. We expect towing will severely impact its driving range, so those who plan to do this regularly should consider the model with the largest available battery. The R1S has a payload capacity of 1800 pounds.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rivian will eventually offer three different battery packs on the R1S, but for the first model year, it only comes with a 128.9-kWh pack. The EPA estimates it provides a range of 316 miles (2 miles more than its R1t equivalent). A smaller standard battery is expected to be offered next year along with a range-topping “Max” battery. The former will only be compatible with dual-motor models and the latter will be reserved for quad-motor examples. Rivian estimates they’ll deliver at least 260 and 400 miles, respectively, of driving range.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The government estimates that the R1S SUV will deliver 73 MPGe city, 65 MPGe highway, and 69 MPGe combined. Those numbers are well-below the Model X’s best estimates but close to those of the Audi e-tron. We haven’t had a chance to test drive an R1S yet, let alone put one through our 75-mph real-world highway test. For more information about the R1S’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the R1T, the R1S boasts a beautifully designed cabin with contemporary styling, fancy leather, wood trim, and two large displays—one for infotainment and one for the driver’s gauge display. A 12-cubic-foot front trunk, a large rear cargo area, a split tailgate, and a spacious-looking third row add to the utility of the R1S. What you see here is the production model, so the futuristic exterior design and modern interior will remain intact when the R1S reaches your driveway.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The horizontally mounted infotainment system uses expandable tiles for individual features with the main options (navigation, media, and climate controls) available at all times at the bottom of the display. Instead of delving into submenus, options slide out of the side of tiles to reduce the complexity of the system. Since neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is currently offered on its pickup-truck counterpart, it’s like the R1S won’t have them either, unless they’re eventually added via an over-the-air update.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Rivian says every model will be outfitted with hands-free driver-assistance technology, with the suite called Driver+. For more information about the R1T’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warningStandard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

All Rivian models come with a generous standard warranty which includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles as well as a battery and drivetrain policy that goes on for eight years or 175,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 milesPowertrain warranty covers eight years or 175,000 milesNo complimentary scheduled maintenance