2025 Rivian R1S – Performance & Power in an Electric SUV
By Sue Mead
Photography By Gustav Schmiege III
Sponsored by Hall and Hall
In the year 2000, if you wanted an American vehicle, your choices were Ford or General Motors. Chrysler was now German-owned DaimlerChrysler, and the first new major American car company in decades, Tesla, was still years away. But 25 years later, American innovation has come roaring back, and no carmaker is likely more daring or innovative than Rivian; the automaker has just unveiled its second-generation all-electric R1S SUV, featuring extensive upgrades that blend iconic design and cutting-edge technology. With the 2025 model, you can get the best of both worlds: Fresh, elegant interiors, bold styling, cutting-edge tech, world-class off-roading capability and, with Rivian’s in-house-developed Tri-Motor and optional Quad-Motor drive systems and Max battery options, up to 1,025 horsepower and 410 miles of range—with the new Max battery options.
Rivian’s Journey: Innovation Meets Sustainability
Rivian was founded in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology-educated engineer with a vision to create sustainable transportation solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Rivian currently produces both the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, with five more models on the way, and the company’s commitment to sustainability and American manufacturing sets it apart in the electric vehicle market. All Rivian models let owners decide which level of power and range they want, and come with both standard and optional features for both work and play. We sampled the R1S in the picturesque Berkshires of Massachusetts and enjoyed our forays over the river and through the woods at the Woodlife Ranch.
The Second Gen 2025 Rivian models are built with sustainability in mind and achieve a 15 percent lower carbon footprint compared to the previous generation. Rivian’s new zonal electrical architecture has simplified the complex systems that every EV needs, reducing the number of ECUs from 17 to 7, and removing 1.6 miles of wiring from each vehicle.
Unmatched Range and Off-Road Performance
- Extreme Off-Road Capabilities
Built for adventure with a robust wheel and tire package, the R1S has 14.9 inches of ground clearance and an astonishing wading depth up to 43 inches, which beats even a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon—with any available factory package. A redesigned thermal system and aerodynamic improvements enhance efficiency and performance. - Powerful On-Road Performance
On road, for 2025 the new range-topping R1S Quad model brings a 2.5-second 0-60 time, although you’ll pay a range penalty over the R1S Dual, which offers up 410 miles of range with a mere 665 horses, comparable to a 12-cylinder Bentley Continental. - Warranty and Reliability
All Rivians have an impressive four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, and eight years/150,000 miles for the powertrain and battery—the same as or better than a Toyota Prius.
A Modern and Luxurious Interior
Inside, the R1S is crafted for long journeys, giving drivers an elevated experience with Rivian Premium Audio and Dolby Atmos, a panoramic electronic-dimming Dynamic Glass Roof, and an innovative software interface powered by Unreal Engine. New connectivity options include digital car keys and Apple Music integration, while the Rivian-developed Rivian Autonomy Platform uses 11 cameras, five radars, and AI prediction for advanced driver assistance with 360-degree top-down visibility.
Price Range
Priced from $77,700 to $117,700.
Rivian R1S: Key Specs, Performance Details, and FAQs
- What Year Was Rivian Founded?
Rivian was founded in 2009. - Who is the CEO of Rivian?
J. Scaringe is the CEO of Rivian. - How much horsepower does the Rivian R1S have?
The new Quad motor has 1,050 horsepower; tri motors have 850; and dual motors have 655 (performance version) and 533 for the regular. - How fast does a Rivian go 0-60?
Rivian claims a sub-2.5 seconds for the top model. - What is the range of Rivian?
Estimates are 258 to 410 miles. - What’s the difference between a R1S and R1T?
The R1S is an SUV, while the R1T is a pickup truck.