2023 Rivian R1T Review: The Best Luxury Electric Truck (So Far)

It seems like in the last few years, we’ve driven more new vehicles than ever from automakers that didn’t exist just a few years ago. This is the latest one: the 2023 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck. It’s the first vehicle from upstart automaker Rivian, designed in the U.S., built in Illinois and available for sale online only (just like EV automakers Tesla, Lucid and Fisker). It’s been out for more than a year now, but this was our first opportunity to get behind the wheel of one — and it was worth the wait.

On paper, the R1T (and its companion, the just-released R1S SUV) is incredibly impressive: You can get two- or four-motor all-wheel-drive versions, up to 835 horsepower, an off-road package with chunky tires and underbody protection for trail running, and a big battery with a range of up to 400 miles on a charge. But it’s the attention to detail and unique innovations that make the Rivian really extraordinary — for example, the gear tunnel that extends from body side to body side between the cabin and the bed that lets you store muddy gear, or the sizable frunk that can store plenty of luggage. It has a perfectly laid-out interior, features genuinely luxurious materials and is comfortable for up to five people.

It’s also stellar to drive, with explosive acceleration when you want it, a compliant ride, communicative steering and great outward visibility. As the first example of an expensive luxury truck from a brand-new automaker, the R1T is an incredible achievement.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Would you just look at it?
0:55 Gettin’ frunky
1:28 Gear tunnel
1:52 Bedtime
2:35 Perfect size
2:56 Luxury interior
3:23 Touchscreen only
4:11 Ergonomic quirks
4:45 Comfort and space
5:17 Powertrain options
6:25 Battery and range
7:00 Good to drive
8:15 Handling
9:09 Quality issues?
9:46 Pricing

Editorial mission:

[sworks]

I got mine 6/1/2023 and it is flawless. Build quality was spot on and it is the best vehicle I have owned out of 36 cars and trucks.

[brandonpollard]

"What happen to the round numbers" lol right! I love that 😂

[IsraellDFend]

This was the absolute best auto review I’ve ever seen…and I watch a ton. Great job my friend…
GREAT JOB!

[sheri]

Was driving through Indiana and saw one of these! It was so neat looking. Hubs was like what truck is that? So we googled it. Very cool. The price is crazy though. Lol, It looks cool on the road.

[petebarbagalas]

Good job explaining the pros and cons of it . I'm putting a deposit on it . Thank you.

[justinkeefe]

Fantastic review, and just a pleasure to watch you because of your demeanor. Well done brother, and awesome truck! (Someone buy me one!) haha. Wonder how it off-roads?

[justinkeefe]

Fantastic review, and just a pleasure to watch you because of your demeanor. Well done brother, and awesome truck! (Someone buy me one) haha, kidding. Wonder how it off-roads?

[solasoul]

The Rivian really looks good and the lights are very attractive. It would be lovely to drive, I'm sure. People don't realise that without the weight it's actually going to be so much faster. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

[michaelriecher]

For 90k I would get F150 lightening. One thing Rivian got going for it is no dealerships.

[MrMannyhw]

This is a beautiful truck. Loving these new EV trucks!

[MooseMeus]

i really like the headlights. brings back that old miata viba where the car had a face.

[vinnym]

You say it’s bigger than the ranger but how does this compare to the Tacoma in size? What are the cons and things you don’t like? Do you think that bed is too small?

[Joeblk]

Good review but honestly no different than year and a half old reviews. Little late to the party. Oh, and they dropped the camp kitchen six months ago or so that's dated info.

[SirDiesAlot]

My understanding the camp kitchen has been canceled.

[DomsBackYard]

Something tells me this man has never really daily driven AT tires.

[gregvalunas]

"You have to hunt for the volume control"... Seriously? It's right there for the passenger. But, if that's somehow too confusing, don't touch anything and just say "Alexa, turn up the volume". Cupholders hold 24 oz Thermos bottles with no issues. This really is an amazing piece of engineering. A drive mode for every occasion. 14 months in ours so far and foresee 150 more months before we have to hang up the fobs, or the kids take them away. That'll be a sad day.

[samkeino]

See InsideEVs story from 12/26/2023: "Rivian R1T Owner Says His Truck Has Been Out For Repairs For Eight Months for a damaged side camera"

[CarverLenz]

This is close to what Tesla would’ve made if Elon hadn’t lost his mind

[gutstompenrocker]

A guy had a dent in his Rivian at the back left taillight. They wanted 40k to fix that small dent.

[volkris]

I laugh that his definition of "perfect size pickup" doesn't actually involve the pickup :-)

Personally I would give up the full size back seats for a larger truck bed... because it's a truck.