2022 Rivian R1T | Review & Road Test

For the latest Rivian R1T pricing and information:

Rivian is an American electric vehicle startup and their first production vehicle is this, the R1T pickup truck.

The 2022 Rivian R1T features an individual motor powering each wheel. According to Rivian it can tow up to 11,000 lbs, it rockets from 0-60 mph in as quick as 3 seconds…depending on the surface of course, and it’ll cover 314 miles with the base 135-kWh battery pack, according to the EPA. A larger 180-kWh battery back is in the pipeline for $10,000 that should deliver more than 400 miles of range.

Inside the Rivian R1T is filled with intriguing textures, subtle splashes of color, open-pore ash wood trim, and these carabiner-inspired elements on the seatback pockets. Nothing feels cheap, there are no unsightly gaps, the cabin conveys quality from top to bottom.

Other clever interior bits include a flashlight built into the driver’s door, this optional removable Bluetooth speaker that charges when stowed and doubles as a camp lantern, supplemental storage beneath the rear seats, a digital driver information screen plus a separate 16-inch screen on infotainment duty.

One unique feature of the R1T is its “gear tunnel”. It’s a secure 11 cu-ft hold for anything you don’t want flopping around in the bed. Plus, the doors can hold up to 400 pounds so you can stand on them or just sit and contemplate the universe.

You can also fill the Gear Tunnel with a $5,000 slide-out Camp Kitchen option complete with a 30-piece cookware set, an inductive stove powered by the truck’s battery pack, a 4-gallon water tank, and yeah, there’s a sink.

According to Rivian, the R1T’s 4 motors cumulatively produce more than 800 horsepower and 900 lb/ft of torque. If the novelty of gut-punch acceleration ever dims, know that Rivian’s truck is also a pleasure to drive at sensible speeds.

Leave the suspension in soft mode and the R1T’S ride quality is outstanding; controlled but never floaty. Key to that pleasing ride is an air suspension featuring adaptive dampers and an electro-hydraulic roll control system standing in for traditional anti-roll bars.

In concert the R1T’s suspension can vary ground clearance from 7.9 inches to 14.4 inches while delivering a plush ride or, depending on the drive mode, keeping the chassis taut and oddly flat in corners.

And yet, you can’t really appreciate its charms until you venture off-road. Over gnarly trails, the R1T just goes. If there’s traction to be found, the Rivian will find and exploit it.

As for price, you’ll need $67,500 to buy a base R1T Explore Package, not including destination charges. (Destination fee: $1,075) For perspective, the upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck will have a base price around $40k. Tesla estimates a similar base price for their upcoming single motor RWD Cybertruck.

While there are cheaper ways to drive electric the Rivian R1T offers a lot even in base form. Standard features include vegan leather seats…heated up front, 5 drive modes, all-wheel drive because 4 motors, an in-bed air compressor with a 20-foot hose to reach each tire, a manual tonneau cover, a panoramic roof that, while well tinted might leave desert dwellers wishing for a sunshade, and Driver+, which is Rivian-speak for their advance driver-assist system featuring 11 cameras, 5 radar units, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

On the pricier $73,000 Adventure model we’re testing you’ll find ventilated front seats, an 18-speaker 1,200-watt Meridian audio system that truly undeniably bangs, and Gear Guard which utilizes a locking 8-foot cut-resistant tether system to help keep your stuff yours. The tethers are supplement by 360-video abilities to capture nefarious behavior. Also, the Gear Guard screen animation is adorable.

As for charging options you can use a standard household outlet if you got nowhere to be, or use a level 2 charger to gain 16-miles per hour charged. Rivian also sells a $500 wall charger that can add up to 25 miles of range per hour. And when covering distance, if you can find a 200 kW DC quick charger 20 minutes can add up to 140 miles of range.

Viewed strictly by the experience it provides, the Rivian R1T is extremely compelling. It’s quick, rugged, capable, and filled with clever usability. Not only is it a new kind of pickup truck, but it’s also a truly excellent pickup truck.

The Rivian R1T is a premium all-electric pickup truck with a high-tech interior, true off-road capabilities, and a refined on-road spirit.

00:00 2022 Rivian R1T Review
1:22 Interior
3:32 Bed Functionality & Features
4:54 Gear Tunnel
5:41 Front Trunk (Frunk)
6:23 Driving Impressions
8:28 Off-Road Driving Impressions
11:21 Price
11:53 Standard & Optional Features
12:58 Charging Options
13:55 Competitors

[UltimateLizard]

Let’s not kid ourselves here, the long wait was definitely worth it. Rivian nailed this

[baddriversofcolga]

This thing is pretty impressive. It's nice to see a modern truck that has clean lines and good proportions.

[Mako-]

The fact that you openly admitted to working with people that invested in this brand is greatly appreciated and we need more of that. My respect.

[TheNegrodamus]

They nailed the interior. Simple yet elegant, luxurious, modern and sleek.

[kevinremsen]

This is pretty damn impressive for a startup. I’m rooting hard for Rivian!

[Smallppstillgethoes]

Okay that side storage door/area is genius. Applause them for adding this and thinking of this!

[jayjuggrnaut]

It's easy to root for these startups when they execute. These older companies stifle innovation with their bureaucratic layers and I won't even start on the historically bad dealership experience. It'll be interesting to see if Rivian can execute on all fronts (technology, manufacturing, sales and service).

[deejnutz]

One thing I'm liking about the Rivian, is that it appears like it will perfectly compliment an off grid large acreage property.

Excellent off roading, portable power, good enough towing for heavy equipment, and no need to worry about oil being nearby.

Assuming you have ample solar, you'd potentially be able to manage a large parcel of land without needing to rely on purchasing gasoline.

[TalismanPHX]

Damn, thats an excellent expression of high-tech American engineering, capabilities and style. I'm very excited! Now to find $70k in between my couch cushions.... great job as always, Micah

[barnhib]

OK, that gear tunnel is one of the coolest things I've ever seen on a vehicle.

[DoctorMotorcycle]

The truck is a home run as far as I'm concerned. Gorgeous interior, and TBH the starting price for what you get is respectable. You can get a Supercrew 4x4 Lariat PowerBoost F150 to the Mid 60's MSRP pretty easily, and I don't doubt the F150 lightning with similar specs will be the same price or more, and that's from an incumbent automaker, not a startup. Go Rivian, Go!

[scottshreffler]

“Tell me you off-road in Colorado without telling me”… I know exactly which trail they went on for this review! 😂 Awesome truck! So great to actually see it out in the world and not just a prototype on Long Way Up!

[Stingray_]

I’m actually surprised to see this thing finally come to light. I’ve been hearing about this since I was in high school lol

[Kevin-cfuu]

Finally! An actual review... with the caveat that KBB owner's invested millions in Rivian...

[unclelink]

Isn't this the same trip where Jerry Rig had to change a tire that a stone slashed?
Huh... small world!

[montechie]

Great job, this is first actual review I've seen on the Rivian! All the others have been advertorials at best. Some awesome features like the gear protection, and some "we'll have to see" aspects like the short wheelbase but ultra wide body on forest roads.

[dirrrrrrr]

Rivian is the underdog of this segment and I’m definitely rooting for them

[oracleoptix]

Longest KBB video ever... Love that they did a long video for once; I always feel like the 3-6min videos they produce are good... But not at all beneficial to the future buyers of the cars they review. Keep making them long KBB

[bryanowen]

THANK YOU for getting into the back seat!!! I have wondered about that and you are the ONLY person on the thousand or so reviews that I have watched who actually did that !!!

[allaboutreptile]

SO BEAUTIFUL! This outdoes the Cyber truck BY FAR. Excited to see these on the road!