Rivian R1T: The Pickup Reinvented
Rivian R1T
When the Rivian R1T was first revealed at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show it gave us a glimpse of how the pickup truck could evolve in the years ahead. At the time, this was a pretty wild design that was not only distinctive but also futuristic. Fast forward a few years and the Rivian actually made it into production. It also become the very first electric pickup available, beating Ford to the market. This American startup wasn’t just satisfied with launching the first EV truck, they wanted have legacy companies like Ford, GM and fellow startup Tesla chase them for years. It’s crazy to think that a brand with no previous automotive experience was able to step in and create an absolute game changing product. Rivian was able to make a pickup that is insanely quick, comfortable, handsome and loaded to the gills with tech. Trucks and SUVs are all the rage these days and Rivian is cashing in on this trend. If a well built, entertaining pickup truck interests you, then I’d say look no further than the excellent Rivian R1T.
Exterior Design: Distinct and Unique
The Rivian R1T is unique for many reasons and one aspect that helps it stand out is its size. It’s larger than midsize pickups like the Toyota Tacoma, yet its smaller than traditional full-size trucks such as the Ford F-150. It comes only in crew cab configuration and has a standard 4.5-foot bed. Design wise, Rivian has been able to create a visually distinct truck. Some newer and flashier competitors have since entered the fray but the Rivian still holds its own with its striking and modern look. For comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning looks like a regular F-150, nothing too special on the outside, while the Tesla Cybertruck is outlandish and weird.
The R1T sure stands out
Like the Rivian R1S, the R1T has two pill shaped headlights and a large light bar in place of a grille. It has a wide stance and smooth body panels. The truck has modern simple lines and an athletic profile when viewed from the side. Out back, a one-piece tail light will light up the night and a power operated tailgate comes standard. The Rivian R1T is more of a lifestyle vehicle than a hardcore work truck, but then again that’s what makes this vehicle so appealing. Basically, Rivian has made a truck that will attract non truck guys. In my opinion, the R1T reminds me of a really cool Hot wheels vehicle that you would always wish was real. Now that vehicle is right in front of me, Amazing! Futuristic, well-proportioned, I believe the R1T is the best look pickup in the entire industry and I’m super excited that it’s here.
Interior Design: Endless storage possibilities
The dash of the R1T is exactly the same as the R1S that I tested earlier. It features a simple, clean design, with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls almost all functions, including climate controls. Just like in the R1S, the brain of this vehicle performs well. The infotainment system is informative, quick to respond and has beautiful graphics. As this is my second time driving a Rivian product, I have become more familiar with how things work. While physical buttons are nice, the way that Rivian lays out controls via the massive infotainment system is logical and easy to navigate, especially the second time over. All Rivian’s come with a nice 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that looks great and displays all vital information. A steering wheel stalk that acts as a gear selector is present in the R1T. This type of gear shifter always takes time getting used to but it just seems to fit Rivian’s identity nicely. With the shifter moved to the steering wheel, more space is opened up in the front passenger area. the driver’s seat is made of vegan leather and is extremely comfortable. Thankfully physical buttons control the seat so you can find that perfect position easily. Useful items are included with the Rivian that can be helpful when going on a camping trip. A flashlight is concealed within the driver’s side door and a removable Bluetooth camp speaker is found bellow the center console.
Rivian camp speaker can be found under center console
The R1T seats 5 occupants and those in the rear are treated to a very pleasant space. Seats are well bolstered with good amounts of both leg and head room. Rear seat passengers are treated to their own climate controls and air vents, which are controlled by a small touchscreen. On the back of the front seats on the headrest area, a USB port can be found as well as a coat rack. With the R1T being a pickup truck, it has a lot of unique storage features. The rear seats can fold upwards, revealing a large hidden and secure storage space underneath the seats. Rivian also offers a large 11.7 cubic foot gear pass through cargo tunnel in the R1T. This is a standout feature in this vehicle that is truly impressive. It’s so different and difficult to design in a production vehicle, an absolute highlight in the R1T. Up front a large frunk can be found under a power opening hood. In the rear under the bed more storage can be found in the form of a trunk. This is very similar to what is offered in the Honda Ridgeline. Sticking with the bed, the R1T has a built in air compressor with a power operating tailgate. A power tonneau cover is available along with cargo rails that can be mounted on the bed or the roof.
The R1T proves to be a great product from Rivian. Fit and finish is excellent and materials are high end. The cabin is quiet and well insulated from outside noises. The truck is extremely comfortable and the interior has an attractive yet functional design. Rivian is continually thinking outside the box and the R1T’s storage possibilities are unique and fun. From the inside the R1T is an innovate product and is overall very likeable.
Under seat storage compartment
How it drives: Sports car quick and capable off-road
My R1T tester was the quad-motor version that generates 415 HP to the front wheels and 420 HP for the rear wheels. Together they total 835 HP and 908 lb-ft of torque. That’s an immense amount of power to move this vehicle. Bear in mind that for 2025 Rivian has upgraded the R1T and has increased power to a jaw dropping 1,025 HP for the quad motor version. Sticking with the 2024 model, an entry-level R1T makes 533 HP and a new performance dual motor will make a superb 665 HP. My tester can go from a standstill to 60 mph in around 3 seconds. That’s fast for any vehicle let alone a pickup truck.
In terms of towing capacity, the R1T can tow a maximum 11,000 pounds. This matches the Tesla Cybertruck and beats the F-150 Lightning. Total payload is 1,760 pounds which is decent but bested by the Ford Lightning truck that has a 2,235 pound payload capacity.
Decent payload and towing allows the R1T to do truck things
So we know that the R1T is quick but it’s also great at doing normal driving too. For starters the R1T has standard air-suspension that does a really good job at absorbing bumps and minimizing road surface flaws. The vehicle is smooth and easy to drive around town. Its size also makes it more manageable than larger trucks in busy, dense parts of the city. There’s a nice feel to the steering, its direct and has a good weight to it. Since this is an EV, the R1T moves around silently, however some wind and road noise can be heard while highway driving. Another aspect where this vehicle excels is in the handling department. Let’s be clear, The Rivian R1T is an absolute stand out when it comes to handling. It can take on tight corners with great confidence and composure. It does things that trucks shouldn’t be doing. Body roll is minimal and this pickup truck drives and feels like a sports car with excellent throttle response. One-pedal driving is standard and the regen braking can be adjusted to different levels but not turned off. The R1T has many different drive modes that offer a slightly different feel. This includes an off-road mode that raises the suspension to its max height. With plenty of ground clearance, short overhangs and AWD, this Rivian is more than capable to tackle off-road adventures.
R1T with height maximized, perfect for off-roading
The Rivian R1T offers a host of safety features under the Driver+ moniker. This includes collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and blind spot monitor warning. The R1T is available with many sensors and cameras that will beep and alert the driver of any potential problems. Lastly, the R1T is a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Variety of camera angles is nice to have!
Range: More adventure out of every charge
Dual motor R1T’s can travel between 270 miles and 410 miles based on the EPA estimations or 435 km to 660 km. Depending on how you drive, the quad-motor R1T can go around 350 miles or 563 km on a single charge. This is definitely pretty good and is on par and better than both the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck.
Charging port hidden within the front panel
Final Thoughts: The bar has been raised
Rivian has yet again raised the bar, reinventing the pickup truck and redefining what a pickup truck is meant to be. Not long ago, these vehicles were the workhorses of America. If you needed to haul or carry something a truck was perfect for that task but wasn’t the most comfortable, nimble or invigorating ride. Well Rivian has changed that by offering a truck that is super quick and can handle like a sports car. It’s comfortable on the road, yet capable off the pavement. It has tons of technology, cool features and unique storage areas that will make any truck person happy. It has a great design, inside and out and has collected a prestigious safety award. I can go on and on but the Rivian R1T is the real deal. Most importantly it’s better than EV truck competitors from Ford, Tesla and Chevrolet. So go ahead check out the R1T, you’ll be amazed by what this truck can do.
Pricing and Specifications:
AWD - Quad-Motor (one at each wheel) - 835 HP
AWD - Performance Dual-Motor - 665 HP
AWD - Dual Motor - 533 HP
Canada:
Dual Motor AWD - $105,000
Performance Dual Motor AWD- $118,000
Quad-Motor - $132,000
US:
Dual Motor AWD- $71,700
Performance Dual Motor AWD - $79,800
Quad-Motor - $88,800
Main Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Sierra EV Denali, GMC Hummer Pickup, Tesla Cybertruck, Scout Pickup (2026)
Rivian logo illuminates when you enter/exit the vehicle
