The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Powerful even in Dual-Motor form
- Off-road capability
- Spacious for up to seven
- A stylish SUV icon, already
- New wealth of powertrain choice
Dislikes
- Skips AM, satellite radio
- Also passes on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Priced like a Range Rover
- Unproven brand resale
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 Rivian R1S brings the concept of the adventure SUV to the EV market with style, power, and incredible capability.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Rivian R1S? What does it compare to?
It’s a battery-powered, three-row SUV with standard dual-motor or quad-motor all-wheel drive and substantial off-road prowess. The competition includes the gas-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover, and electric sport-utes from the Tesla Model Y and X to the Audi Q8 E-Tron.
Is the 2024 Rivian R1S a good SUV?
It’s a great-looking vehicle with plenty of space, awesome performance both on and off road, and good if not great electric efficiency. It earns a chart-topping TCC Rating of 8.8 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Rivian R1S?
New last year, the R1S carries over the latest updates from 2023. The most important brought the R1S less costly dual-motor models and smaller battery packs.
The carried-over goodness begins with the SUV shape, distinctive from that of the R1T truck but graced with the same front end that’s become Rivian’s calling card. Ring-lit headlights sit on a light bar that spans the R1S and cuts through the usual clutter of a grille. Down its sides the R1S has the good sense to mimic the Range Rover while imparting a casual vibe that trades lots of detail for a low-key richness. It’s shorter than the truck, but no less arresting—especially in the cabin, where the signature look melds wood and synthetic leather for a paradox of luxury and rugged cues, all capped by big digital screens.
Last year’s 835-hp, Quad-Motor R1S returns, with its scorching acceleration and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. It’s capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds, has an adaptive air suspension with hydraulic roll mitigation, and lots of brake regen. It’s inarguably as capable or more so off-road than a Grand Cherokee or a Range Rover, though the ride could be more muted on rippled pavement.
This year Rivian’s added two new Dual-Motor models that deliver almost all of the Quad-Motor’s performance. The base model has 260 miles of range and a 105-kwh battery, which translates to 533 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. To that Rivian will add a 135-kwh Large Pack battery or a 149-kwh Max Pack—or it’ll tune up a Performance Dual-Motor model with the Large Pack that delivers 352 miles of range and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. With the Dual-Motor Max Pack powertrain, the R1S can go for 400 miles, Rivian claims. Those models have fewer drive modes, but share an exceptional max of 14.9 inches of ground clearance and excellent approach and departure angles for supreme off-road trail-riding ability.
The R1S has three rows of seats, but could use some more third-row space for those who rely on it as an all-around vehicle. The SUV’s 14.7 inches shorter in wheelbase and 16.3 inches shorter overall than the R1T—which means while its front and middle seats have sublime comfort to go with the sublime surroundings, the third row can lack legroom for tall passengers. With two people aboard, it can haul more than 88 cubic feet of cargo, though.
How much does the 2024 Rivian R1S cost?
This year, a new base R1S carries a sticker of $79,800, including the $1,800 destination fee (as of this writing). With the dual-motor powertrain and base battery pack, it’s flush with synthetic leather upholstery, power features, a panoramic sunroof, 21-inch wheels, and a set of safety equipment which includes automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, a driver-assist function, and a surround-view camera system. The $90,800 Performance Dual-Motor gains more drive modes and a Large Pack battery, with an option for the Max Pack. At the top of the lineup, the $93,800 Quad-Motor R1S fits the Large Pack and adds more drive modes.
Where is the 2024 Rivian R1S made?
In Normal, Illinois.
2024 Rivian R1S Styling
The R1S looks purposeful, rugged, and trendy, all at once.
Is the Rivian R1S a good-looking SUV?
It’s purposeful, unmistakable, and smart to adopt the classic SUV look in its most elegant form. The R1S electric SUV gets two points for its exterior and two for its spare but sensuous interior, for a 9 here.
With its flourish of LED lighting in front, the R1S sets the same visual pace as the R1T pickup. It’s distinctive without grating on the optic nerve, thanks to headlights that look like a two-ring binder and a bar of light that bisects the front end, relieving the need for a grille, which it doesn’t need. The shape sets a pleasing retro theme with its two-box design, and pares it down to the absolute fewest lines it needs. The SUV cues are there, for sure: tow hooks in the front, LED taillights up high, and an overall ride height that implies all the off-road ability it can deliver. An American Range Rover would look like this. (It now does.)
The R1S cabin applies big-screen convenience and dazzle in combination with recycled materials and synthetic upholstery. If it sounds louche, it’s the opposite: Volvo would be proud of the Rivian’s subdued palette and its discreet use of metallic and woodgrain trim. The floors wear a durable but stylish material that can be rinsed off easily.
2024 Rivian R1S Performance
The R1S taps big batteries for lightning-quick acceleration and good to great range.
With its expanded lineup of battery packs and motors, and its well-tuned steering and suspension, the R1S picks up two points for acceleration, one for ride and handling, and one for off-road/towing ability, for a 9 in performance.
Is the Rivian R1S 4WD?
All models come with at least two motors, but Rivian has expanded the lineup from last year’s sole model, the Quad-Motor R1S.
How fast is the Rivian R1S?
This year, the Quad-Motor R1S comes with the 135-kwh Large Pack battery, which can reach up to 321 miles on a full charge by Rivian estimates. Those four motors combine to spit out 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque, and can knock off 0-60 mph runs in the three-second range. This version gets a full set of drive modes as well: All-Purpose, Snow, All-Terrain, Rally, Drift, Rock Crawl and Conserve. Top speed gets capped at 110 mph.
Dual-Motor models can be equipped with the standard 105-kwh battery pack, and are rated at 260 miles of range. That’s good for 533 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. This model offers the first three drive modes, and can be upgraded to the Large Pack or the 149-kwh Max Pack.
The Performance Dual-Motor R1S adds Sport and Soft Sand modes, and drops 0-60 mph time to 3.5 seconds, as fitted with the Large Pack and its 352-mile range. With the available Max Pack, this model tops out at 400 miles on a charge.
All versions scorch pavement by even conventional SUV standards, while Quad-Motors approach and even eclipse SUVs from Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M. Copious torque means a two- or three-vehicle pass is just a nudge of the accelerator away. The R1S’s motors induce more noise than other EVs we’ve driven, but it’s not objectionable.
Regenerative braking starts in Standard mode, which applies more than 0.2 g of braking when off-throttle. High mode lifts that to more than 0.3 g, and both can bring the R1S to a complete stop. Friction brakes back up the substantial regen.
Rivian R1S ride and handling
The R1S adopts a double wishbone front suspension and air springs with a multi-link independent rear, as well as a hydraulic roll-mitigation system to reduce body lean in corners. It also has a maximum of nine drive modes, which work with the suspension to increase ground clearance from the usual 11.5 inches to a maximum of 14.9 inches for off-roading and a low of 9.5 inches, which helps with handling and aerodynamic efficiency.
The R1S rides smoothly, even with the available 22-inch wheels. However, it has a relatively short wheelbase—it’s a foot shorter than the R1T in that respect—so it isn’t always as composed as its pickup-truck kin. That’s the reverse of the usual order of things. Here the R1S has more side to side motion and a somewhat more unsettled ride, which can be filtered off by setting the SUV into Sport mode. The stiffer settings and lower ride height iron out imperfections better in it.
R1S off-road capability
Of all those driving modes, five enable the R1S to cruise more effectively on rocks, sand, snow, gravel, and mud. With its increased ride height and the available All-Terrain package, not to mention an on-board air compressor, the R1S can be configured for moderate to challenging off-road driving without third-party accessories. It can clear high obstacles without the worry of damaging a differential or other gas-powered bits, and its immediate torque can be dialed to finely tuned amounts in Rock Crawl mode, for example, for very precise power delivery. Regenerative braking acts as a crawl mode in a low driving ratio in a gas-powered SUV.
On top of that the R1S has a 29.6-degree breakover angle, and 35.6-degree and 34.3-degree approach and departure angles. That puts it in the range with the best of the Jeep and Range Rover SUVs, and it can ford through more than three feet of water. Tow ratings top 7,700 pounds, but battery-powered vehicles experience dramatic range reduction when strapped to heavy loads. Your mileage will vary.
2024 Rivian R1S Comfort & Quality
The R1S carves out a swanky space for up to seven people.
With its seating for up to two people in front and three in the middle row (plus two more in row three), its excellent use of cargo space, and its trendy interior vibe, the R1S earns a 9 here.
In front, Rivian passengers get lots of spread-out room, thanks to the lack of a drivetrain tunnel. The front seats have power adjustment, heating and cooling, and get clad in synthetic leather. Power seat controls live on the side of the bottom cushion, but some of the other functions—mirrors, vents, and telescoping steering—live in the touchscreen interface.
Row two’s wide enough to seat two or three people. Its generous headroom comes paired with good legroom that can be boosted at the pull of a handle or the touch of a button. Those allow the seat to slide on tracks. The second row can be moved forward to let people clamber into the third-row seat, but with anyone more than medium height, the compromise between legroom in the second and third rows becomes acute. The third row has a low seat cushion, too. It’s useful some of the time, better when folded away most of the time.
Cargo space starts with the 11.1-cubic-foot front trunk and the 17.6 cubic feet afforded behind the third row. Fold that down and the R1S sports 46.7 cubic feet—or with row two down, 88.2 cubic feet. That opens up a vast well for camping gear or shopping runs, all of which can be fastened into place with four moveable tie-downs and loaded via a split tailgate. Rivian also fits twin 120-volt power outlets and an air compressor for off-roading or bike tires, as well as a removable speaker under the deep center console.
The R1S offers a selection of interior themes that pair pale woods with rich colors. It’s a harmonious, handsome place with echoes of Volvo in it.
2024 Rivian R1S Safety
The IIHS thinks a lot of the Rivian R1S.
How safe is the Rivian R1S?
The NHTSA has not crash-tested the R1S SUV yet, but the IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick+. That plus its wide range of standard safety features and its outward vision give it a score of 8 here, with the potential for more once the Feds test it.
The Rivian SUV comes with a wide range of safety features and technology. They include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Outward vision is excellent.
Rivian also installs nine cameras on the R1S’s body, and puts another inside to deliver its driver-assistance features. Like systems from GM and Ford, the Rivian Driver+ setup can maintain direction and speed within well-marked highways, but requires an attentive driver at the wheel.
2024 Rivian R1S Features
Rivian loads up the R1S with technology, capability, and features.
We give the R1S a 9 for features, thanks to its extensive standard equipment, a swell set of options, its infotainment system, and its warranty. If it were less expensive, it might earn the final point for a perfect score.
Ah, but price matters. This year Rivian expanded the lineup of R1S SUVs to include dual-motor drivetrains and smaller and bigger battery packs, while it subbed in an Elevation audio system. All told, the base R1S with the Adventure trim package and the dual-motor drivetrain with the base battery pack now costs $79,800. That includes three-row seating, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, 21-inch wheels, a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a camp speaker, and an onboard air compressor.
Rivian does not offer Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, but has native Spotify integration and navigation, both of which work very well. It doesn’t have satellite or AM radio, either.
Silver paint comes free, with a black interior; fancy wood trim and colors like electric Rivian Blue, not to mention 22-inch wheels, range from $1,750 to $3,500. The Large Pack battery costs $6,000 and the Max Pack, $16,000.
Standard cameras knit together in Rivian’s “Gear Guard” package, which can use four of its cameras to grab video if someone tries to crime it.
Rivian includes a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and covers the batteries with an 8-year/150,000-mile plan. No maintenance is included, but other than tire rotations, little is called for.
Which Rivian R1S should I buy?
We’d opt up to the $90,800 Performance Dual-Motor edition, which gains drive modes and gets quicker. Another $10,000 also brings a maximum of 400 miles of range.
How much is a fully loaded Rivian R1S?
It’s possible to spend more on that version, but the flagship $93,800 Quad-Motor R1S gets Rally, Drift, Rock Crawl and Conserve drive modes. With an all-terrain package, Rivian Blue paint, a roof tent, a wallbox for charging, and other accessories, it tops out at more than $106,000.
2024 Rivian R1S Fuel Economy
With new drivetrain options, the R1S now has more (and less) range.
How far does the Rivian R1S go on a charge?
Rivian now offers three battery packs and two or four electric motors in the R1S, so range varies now from the 316 miles it delivered in 2023’s sole model. EPA figures haven’t been confirmed, so we’ll carry over its rating of 9 until we see some data.
By Rivian estimates, the Performance Dual-Motor model has the highest range—400 miles when paired with the Max Pack. A Large Pack version of this gets 352 miles.
The Quad-Motor R1S has the Large Pack and a 321-mile range estimate, while the Dual-Motor R1S with the base pack checks in at a Rivian-estimated 260 miles.
Wheel and tire choices—Rivian offers all-terrain 20-inch and 22-inch street tires—can cut into range as well.
Rivian promises new battery packs that may be less expensive in the coming year. For now its 400-volt architecture permits 220-kw DC fast-charging for a top-off in under an hour. It can also refuel on a Level 2 240-volt outlet in about 13 hours.
Rivian has adopted the NACS charging standard, though the R1S still has a CCS charge plug. It will offer its owners adapters so they may use Tesla-standard charging.
