In case you suppose that the Rivian R1S is simply the SUV model of the R1T pickup, you’re proper. That doesn’t change how nice it’s. Principally.
At a look
- Quirky however not the odd man out
- Over 1,000 HP within the Quad-Motor mannequin
- Very balanced and well-designed
After I drove the R1T last year, I used to be amazed at how glorious that truck is. There have been some issues I’m not a fan of, such because the “want an app to do something” setup, however I might dwell with out having Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on faucet. Many of the oddities that make up the motive force’s portion of the cabin can ultimately be simply dismissed as quirks that I received used to after spending a while within the Rivian.
The R1S has all of those self same foibles.
Within the more and more crowded luxurious EV utility car section, the R1S stands aside as a result of it doesn’t appear designed round suburban valet lanes or golf membership parking heaps. It feels purpose-built for individuals who personal mountain climbing boots with precise dust on them, however not a lot in order that it’s undriveable every single day. That authenticity issues. You possibly can faux luxurious. You possibly can faux efficiency. However it’s arduous to faux usefulness. The R1S is helpful in the identical approach a Leatherman instrument is helpful, assuming that Leatherman additionally occurs to do 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in underneath three seconds.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Relying on configuration, the 2026 R1S provides anyplace from 533 horsepower (392 kW) within the Twin Commonplace mannequin to a deeply unreasonable 1,025 horsepower (754 kW) within the new Quad-Motor model. That top-spec Quad hits 60 mph in round 2.6 seconds, which is the sort of acceleration usually reserved for curler coasters with legal responsibility waivers. And it’s in a seven-seat SUV.
What’s exceptional, although, is how approachable the R1S feels regardless of these numbers. The Rivian feels calmer, extra polished, extra mature when in comparison with many sport-oriented luxurious SUVs. The suspension tuning is noticeably improved in comparison with the truck, particularly in each day driving. This in all probability has as a lot to do with the R1S’ physique weight distribution because it does with suspension modifications to accommodate.
That issues as a result of the R1S inevitably will spend most of its life doing regular SUV issues. Faculty runs, Costco journeys, interstate drives, and hauling canine and youngsters that shed sufficient to reupholster each week.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The cabin stays the most effective interiors within the EV enterprise. Rivian properly avoids the sterile “tech startup ready room” vibe infecting many rivals, however nonetheless manages some “I’m an iPhone on wheels” touches. But there’s heat right here, due to wooden trim, woven textiles, and considerate storage. Like most actually good household haulers, precise people frolicked with this car and created a structure that feels deliberately helpful and cozy. It leans minimalist, however not aggressively so.
The large central show stays the nerve heart for practically every little thing, and Rivian’s software program continues bettering via over-the-air updates. In comparison with simply final yr, for instance, I famous that the Driver+ help tech has matured. The newest Rivian Autonomy Platform provides higher sensor integration and extra confidence throughout freeway driving.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Vary is now reaching the purpose the place road-trip anxiousness turns into principally theoretical. Relying on battery and motor setup, the R1S can now stretch to roughly 410 miles (660 km) per cost (base mannequin with added battery). Actual-world testing tends to land considerably decrease, with my Quad mannequin getting extra within the space of 300 miles (483 km), however that’s fairly dang spectacular for an enormous SUV with A/T tires and over 1k in HP.
An enormous new addition for 2026 is that each Rivian now has a local NACS charging port. Which means entry to Tesla’s Supercharger community with out adapter gymnastics or sacrificial rituals carried out beside Electrify America stalls to hope for some juice. This can be a large enchancment for Rivian house owners, and the corporate is within the means of upgrading its personal charging community to make use of each the earlier J1772/CCS1 and the NACS plugs.
Charging speeds themselves stay merely aggressive reasonably than class-leading, although, peaking round 300 kW underneath preferrred circumstances. My expertise, as standard, noticed nowhere close to that with each the Rivian and Tesla chargers right here in Wyoming outputting about half that more often than not. Rivian’s battery packs are enormous, so replenishing them nonetheless takes a while. Assume “seize lunch” reasonably than “lavatory break” if you happen to’re on the quick charger. At house, my 50-amp stage two charger took about 12 hours to fill the R1S from about 40% to just about 100%.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Effectivity additionally stays a weak spot. The R1S is formed like a Borg starship and weighs roughly the identical as a collapsed solar. However truthfully, no one buys a three-row, off-road-capable, electrical SUV anticipating Prius numbers. This factor has the aerodynamic profile of an REI storefront. Count on to get about 2 miles (3.2 km) per kiloWatt hour.
Simply bear in mind, although, that off-road functionality stays the place the Rivian completely embarrasses most rivals. Adjustable air suspension, substantial (and adjustable) floor clearance, superior torque vectoring, and intelligent software program tuning make the R1S really feel astonishingly succesful in tough terrain. Particularly within the Tri- and Quad-Motor fashions. The Quad-Motor model particularly advantages from Rivian’s particular person wheel management. Options like Kick Flip, which is basically managed spinning on unfastened terrain, proceed proving that Rivian engineers actually thought this via.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
But in contrast to many hardcore off-roaders, the R1S by no means punishes you for driving it on pavement afterward. That steadiness is the car’s secret sauce.
There are rivals that supply one thing completely different, however none which are equal to the Rivian R1S. A Mercedes EQS SUV feels softer and extra luxurious. A Tesla Model X feels faster in that bizarre Silicon Valley approach. The Kia EV9 provides higher worth. However the Rivian blends functionality, velocity, practicality, and persona higher than any of them.
It has character. And I really feel that’s more and more uncommon.
Like most three-row EVs, the 2026 R1S isn’t low cost. Costs can climb effectively into six-figure territory when absolutely loaded.
Product web page: 2026 Rivian R1S
