Overview
The seven-passenger 2022 Rivian R1S sport-utility vehicle will be the second production vehicle from Rivian, a new electric-vehicle manufacturer based in Michigan. The Rivian R1S takes direct aim at the Tesla Model X, which is the only other three-row all-electric SUV currently available. The R1S will be also cheaper than the Model X when it goes on sale. The company has disclosed that the R1S shares many of its attributes with the R1T pickup. Like the R1T, it offers a 135.0-kWh battery pack that Rivian says is good for around 300 miles of driving per charge.
What’s New for 2022?
Both the R1S and the Rivian brand itself are new entrants in the SUV marketplace. The company says it’ll start delivering R1S models to customers in fall 2021. It kicks off with a Launch Edition that starts at $75,500, but a more affordable Explore trim level will soon join the lineup alongside a more expensive Adventure model. 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.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Launch Edition will be the only R1S available at first but you should snag one if you can. It features an array of standard driver assists, an all-glass panoramic roof, and Wi-Fi capability for over-the-air updates. If you can’t manage to reserve one of the Launch Edition models, wait for the upcoming Adventure trim, which is similarly equipped.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 R1S shares its battery pack, powertrains, much of its styling, and many of its specs with its R1T pickup sibling. With up to 800-hp 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. The R1S has an electric motor at each wheel, giving it all-wheel drive and impressive off-road capability. All models will ship with adjustable air suspension at launch and can vary their ground clearance 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.
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 driving range, so those who plan to do this regularly should consider the model with the largest battery. The R1S has a payload capacity of 1800 pounds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Rivian will eventually offer two different battery packs on the R1S, but the Launch Edition comes with a 135-kWh pack. Rivian says this pack should deliver around 300 miles of driving range. A larger, 180-kWh battery pack will be available as an option starting in 2022 and it will come with a claimed driving range of about 400 miles.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA 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 highway fuel economy test. When we’re able to conduct that test, we’ll update this story with results.
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 deliveries of the R1S begin.
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. Rivian hasn’t released information on other infotainment features, but we expect Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 R1S hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Rivian says every model will be outfitted with hands-free driver-assistance technology, with the suite called Driver+. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard 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 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 175,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance