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Electric SUV

Rivian R1S

Three-row family SUV that can also climb a mountain.

Starting price (MSRP)
$78,000
EPA range
410 mi
Body style
SUV / crossover
Tow capacity
7,700 lbs
Budget tier
$55,000 – $80,000

Who it's for

Adventure-minded family buyers who'll actually take their SUV off-road. Best for buyers who would otherwise consider a high-end Subaru Outback, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Range Rover.

What works

  • · Genuinely capable off-road — air suspension, multiple drive modes, and real ground clearance
  • · Three-row family seating with proper space for adults in the third row
  • · Tank Turn and other tech features work as advertised
  • · Cabin design and materials are class-leading — the gear tunnel and interior storage are genuinely thoughtful

What doesn't

  • · Range is 410 miles EPA but drops significantly with heavy loads or off-road driving
  • · Rivian dealer service is concentrated — long drives to a service center if you're not in a major metro
  • · Build quality issues continue to be reported (suspension issues, software glitches) more than legacy automakers
  • · Pricing has gradually crept up over the launch period

Context

Rivian's flagship and the model that defines the brand. The Dual-Motor variants make the value math better than the Quad-Motor; the Quad is faster and more capable but the Dual gets 90% of the experience for 70% of the price. Service network has expanded but still has real gaps outside California, the Pacific Northwest, and major East Coast metros. Owners who treat the R1S as their primary off-road vehicle are generally happy; owners who bought it as a status symbol are more mixed.

Owner reviews

No owner reviews yet. If you own a Rivian R1S, we'd love to publish your honest take — email spencerdstone@gmail.com.

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