Rivian is a newcomer to the electric vehicle (EV) market, but their R1S SUV is already making waves. This powerful EV silences EV naysayers with its 316-mile range and 835-hp quad-motor powertrain.
But the R1S has competition from established EVs. And the price tag is a little high, too.
It’s Less Expensive
The Rivian R1S is a compelling entry into the luxury all-electric SUV market. It has a fresh, distinct look sets it apart from its more established rivals and a powerful electric drivetrain that offers a smooth, sporty ride with plenty of torque.
The spacious interior is made from vegan leather and ash wood accents, and the large windshield helps provide excellent visibility. A driver-facing touchscreen is used for most functions, including setting the climate control and adjusting side mirrors, though some settings can also be changed with physical dials. The system is a bit laggy, but recent over-the-air updates have improved the responsiveness.
Other features include an oversized power-operated tonneau cover and a camping kitchen. Rivian recently notified buyers of trucks already in the assembly pipeline that these features would be discontinued. Those drivers can choose to have their vehicles built without them for a lower price or give up their place in line and wait until the feature is ready for production again.
A bumper-to-bumper limited warranty covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, and an extended battery pack warranty lasts eight years or 175,000 miles. A mobile app, a toll-free support line, and OTA diagnostics are also available to help owners with maintenance needs.
It’s More Versatile
The used Rivian R1S for sale is a powerful, versatile SUV that offers an indisputable advantage over its ICE competitors. It is a vehicle that can be used to tackle any off-road adventure, and its ability to traverse rough terrain with ease makes it the perfect companion for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.
With its potent 835-hp quad-motor powertrain, the R1S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds. It’s also equipped with many advanced safety features, part of Rivian’s driver+ suite. These include lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam assist, and more.
Rivian has worked hard to improve the R1S’s build quality and interior design over the past few years. As such, the company’s vehicles have a premium European feel and can compete with some of the top luxury electric SUVs.
In addition to its excellent on-road and off-road capabilities, the Rivian R1S offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for seven. With its front trunk, rear storage bin, under-seat compartments, center console, and gear tunnel, the R1S has over 62 cubic feet of storage space for all your gear. As a bonus, every R1S comes with a CCS plug for easy charging, and it can get up to a 310-mile range on a single charge.
It’s More Reliable
Regarding off-road capabilities, the Rivian is in a league of its own. The truck combines four electric motors—one at each wheel—with an adjustable air suspension to deliver one of the most capable SUVs on the market. Plus, it can shift into off-road mode and lower its ride height to improve ground clearance and wading depth.
The R1S also has many other cool features, making it unique among electric vehicles. Its standard safety and driver-aid technology suite, 04 driver+, includes 11 cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, surround-view monitoring, and more. And thanks to over-the-air updates, the SUV can add and improve new functions. For example, Rivian recently rolled out camp and pet modes, allowing owners to configure the vehicle for specific uses.
Rivian also offers one of the best warranties in the industry. The car has a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and eight years/175,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Moreover, the company’s membership program provides mobile vans to service and maintain vehicles at owners’ homes or workplaces.
While the R1S’s starting price of $78,000 might scare off some EV naysayers, its 316-mile range should silence them for good. In addition, its luxurious interior and off-road capability should convince them that electric cars can be just as luxurious as their favorite luxury nameplates.
It’s More Affordable
The Rivian R1S is a serious EV with a powerful quad-motor system that delivers 835 horsepower and an estimated 321-mile range. But its price tag is also seriously steep. The base dual-motor version costs $78,000, while the uber-fast quad-motor version costs $92,000.
Fortunately, buying a used Rivian R1S is an excellent way to experience the company’s flagship SUV without dropping a fortune. According to to Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids, most used Rivian models sold on those marketplaces over the last seven months have fallen below $100k (plus the buyer fee).
Another big plus of purchasing a used Rivian is taking advantage of a federal tax credit. After the US Treasury Department shared guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act’s critical battery and mineral sourcing requirements, several automakers, including Rivian, worried they would lose access to the $7,500 tax credit.
But Rivian has figured out a solution: a new configuration option that allows for a smaller, less expensive battery pack, allowing the company to qualify for the full tax credit. And according to Rivian, the company is asking existing and prospective customers who order the Adventure Package if they’d like to switch to this version. Those who do will pay an adjusted price that reflects the change but will get a refund of their initial deposit.
