Rivian R1T Review: Should you buy it?

Rivian’s claim of invigorating the e-car sphere has
certainly caught attention as gasoline, diesel and hybrid cars are becoming
quickly outdated with their high emissions output alongside many restrictions
imposed on them from governments worldwide; while these subpar alternatives are
slowly being phased out, people have started looking for feasible replacements
which offer comparable if not better results – and this is where Rivian
presents itself as an ideal choice by uniting design excellence along with
lofty functional abilities able to traverse those extra miles without worrying
about any hindrances.

With so much anticipation surrounding the brand, one can’t
help but wonder what prospects will be brought forward through this investment
that further ascend boundaries which had been previously thought impossible to
traverse. To answer all of these questions, the following article will venture
to explore every nook and cranny of Rivian R1T – from its pricing variations to
feature set diversity – in order to ensure that everyone understands what this
game-changer has brought forward for consumers across the globe.

Design

The Rivian R1T is
an enormous machine compared to European-sized cars, with a smooth yet
restrained and neatly proportioned design. Its vertical headlamps provide the
biggest talking point up front, while its lack of grille, running boards and
steps create a clean look. Inside it has a chunky simplicity to its layout with
two landscape format screens as well as a blocky dashboard frame with wood effect
finish. Interacting via touchscreen is necessary for seat adjustment, mirrors
etc., though some physical controls remain for lights/wipers etc.

A unique feature
of the R1T is the ‘Gear Tunnel’ – essentially a full width storage space behind
the passenger cell which can be accessed by various panels on either side of
passengers’ feet. The gear tunnel will be big enough to hold enough kit for
even large camping expeditions and can feasibly be kitted out further with
various sliding kitchen units or what have you.

Battery range and charging

The Rivian R1T is
an electric truck offered in two battery sizes – a standard 105kWh battery pack
and a long range 135kWh battery pack. The long range model has EPA range rating
of 314 miles compared to the 77kWh Volkswagen ID.4’s 322 miles, which is
impressive considering that it’s fitted with more powerful motors, and can tow
up to 11K lbs.

Rivian will be
releasing the Max Pack version which features a 180kWh battery offering more
than 370 miles of range on full charge plus performance specs that would
challenge some V8 pickup trucks. Besides these configurations, the R1T also
offers DC fast charging which means you can get 125 miles from just 20 minutes
when hooked up to suitable charger at 200 kW or higher power output.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

The Rivian R1T is
available in range-topping models that boast a quad-motor system for increased
power and torque. This setup generates an impressive 840bhp and 1100Nm of
torque, allowing it to get from 0–62mph in around 3 seconds – making it one of
the fastest electric vehicles on the market.

Entry-level
models have a less powerful dual motor set up but come with air suspension and
four driving modes, so you can tailor your ride for different terrains. The
transmission is completely silent and gives no clunking like old diesel
engines; instead its smoothness makes this heavy SUV feel much more
manoeuvrable than cars twice its size.

In spite of its
abilities as a fast off-road vehicle, the R1T offers surprisingly comfortable
rides too; ideal for long trips or city commuting – both equally enjoyable
experiences!

Learn More: Tesla Model S Review: Will this decade-old EV still hold up?

Entertainment features

The Rivian R1T
offers a satisfying blend of tech, minimalist design and ruggedness to the
interior with eco-friendly materials like vegan leather and open-pore wood. The
infotainment system is clean, crisp menu layout with intuitive controls and
sharp graphics but unfortunately there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto yet.

Standard features
for the cabin include a 16″ touch screen display, 12″ digital gauge
cluster linked to Alexa voice control as well as navigation via Google Maps.
Wireless charging is standard on the R1T so you can keep your mobile devices
powered up at all times while out on the road. Other standard items include
dual zone climate control plus an expansive panoramic sunroof for those warm
days in summer! There are also air compressor LED flashlight & power
outlets integrated into rear cargo area – both convenient touches!

Safety Features

The 2023 Rivian
R1T has earned high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS). The electric pickup truck earned a Good rating in all crash
tests and headlights illumination category. It also gets an Advanced rating in
front-crash prevention, giving it the highest vehicle-to-vehicle/pedestrian
front crash prevention system rating from IIHS, Superior. For these reasons, it
received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the 2023 R1T at
time of writing.  But we expect there
will be plenty of advanced driver assistance features such as rearview camera,
forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking and pedestrian
detection. Other features that may come with this model include blind spot
monitoring, rear cross traffic alert lane departure warning and lane keep
assist along with adaptive cruise control for more convenience and comfort
during drives.

Learn More: The Rebirth of Hyundai’s Pony Coupe Concept: A Journey Through Time

Is it worth it to buy Rivian
R1T?

The Rivian R1T is
an excellent high-end choice for those looking for an electric pick-up truck
that combines power, efficiency, utility and style.  But a word to the wise: comparative to other
competitors in its class, it is expensive.

If you prioritise
hauling sizeable loads or long items such as planks of wood but still need the
eco-friendliness of an electric vehicle, then you should consider Ford’s F-150
Lightning.

For buyers
wanting a similarly refined option at a much lower price point but with
comparable handling capabilities, they could look into Honda’s Ridgeline.
However, it must be kept in mind that this will not offer the same level of
luxury trappings or power sufficient to meet heavy-duty needs like what the
Rivian can provide.