1. Introduction
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV produced by American electric vehicle startup Rivian. Its development took almost 10 long years, while customer deliveries kicked off in 2022. It offers two motor configurations, including two and four electric motors.
The Rivian R1S is among the most well-designed and well-developed electric vehicle models on the market today. It is currently the only electric SUV in the brand’s portfolio, offering a stylish exterior, powerful performance, and impressive drive quality.
2. New Features in 2023
Rivian has no plans to launch any significant upgrades or changes in the R1S electric SUV’s 2024 model year.
However, it must be noted that Rivian does not follow the common strategy of updating its EVs on a model-year basis. Therefore, the R1S may get changes to features and pricing throughout the year.
3. Design and Aesthetics
A. Exterior design and style
Rivian developed the R1S to carry seven passengers. It sports a sleek and contemporary exterior design, which integrates functionality with a trace of ruggedness. It has capsule-shaped LED projector headlights flanking an aggressive horizontal light bar. It also has an aerodynamic design, with 21-inch or 22-inch wheel options.
Meanwhile, here are the dimensions of the 2024 Rivian R1S:
| Dimensions | |
| Max height (with antenna) | 77.3 in |
| Length | 200.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in |
| Width (side mirrors folded) | 81.8 in |
b. Interior design and materials
The 2024 Rivian R1S comes with a contemporary and functional interior design. Its minimalistic approach offers the cabin a neat and uncluttered look with an emphasis on horizontal lines.
Rivian utilized sustainable materials for the R1S’s interior, including vegan leather, recycled plastics, and renewable bio-polymers.
c. Build quality and fit and finish
Rivian has apparently fixed some of the early quality issues reported in 2021-2022 R1S models, including panel gap alignments. Owners also commend the electric SUV’s smooth paint job.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
The R1S rides on the same platform as the R1T electric truck. It features three rows of seats. It is also available in various configurations, including a five-seat variant with a large cargo area. It comes with comfortable and supportive seats, aligning with the model’s spacious cabin.
The driver’s seat is also power-adjustable with a memory function, enabling owners to easily find their ideal driving position. It also has an adjustable steering wheel.
e. Cargo space and storage
Rivian’s R1S sports a large cargo space, making it an ideal electric SUV model for people who need to carry a lot of loads.
Presented below are the storage capacities of the 2024 Rivian R1S:
| Storage | |
| Front trunk volume | 11.1 cu ft |
| Storage behind the third row (seats up) | 17.6 cu ft |
| Rear storage bin | 5.1 cu ft |
| Total enclosed storage | Up to 105 cu ft |
Apart from these, the R1S also comes with extra storage compartments throughout the cabin, including the following:
- door pockets
- a center console compartment
- under-seat storage
4. Performance and Driving Dynamics:
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
| Dual-Motor (DM) AWD | Performance Dual-Motor (PDM) AWD | Quad-Motor (QM) AWD | |
| Standard (105 kW-hr) | 260 mi (420 km) | N/A | N/A |
| Large (135 kW-hr) | 340 mi (550 km) | 340 mi (550 km) | N/A |
| Max (149 kW-hr) | 400 mi (640 km) | 400 mi (640 km) | N/A |
| Output | 533 hp (397 kW) & 610 lb⋅ft (827 N⋅m) | 665 hp (496 kW) & 829 lb⋅ft (1,124 N⋅m) | 835 hp (623 kW) & 908 lb⋅ft (1,231 N⋅m) |
b. Acceleration and top speed
| Dual-Motor (DM) AWD | Performance Dual-Motor (PDM) AWD | Quad-Motor (QM) AWD | |
| 0–60 mph | 4.5 sec | 3.5 sec | 3.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 MPH | 125 MPH | 125 MPH |
c. Handling and ride quality
The 2023 Rivian R1S has relatively graceful on-road handling. However, it can feel jittery on rough pavement.
As for the ride quality, the Rivian electric SUV offers an adjustable air suspension that enables good ground clearance.
d. Braking performance
The Rivian R1S enables a competitive braking performance owing to its large, vented disc brakes. These components help the car disperse heat, which lowers brake fade during repeated hard stops.
e. Regenerative braking
The regenerative braking is one of the key features of the 2024 Rivian R1S, which helps to extend the SUV’s driving range. The Regenerative Brake Assist also improves the driving experience in various conditions.
5. Range, Charging, and Efficiency:
A. EPA-Estimated Range and Real-world range
| Dual-Motor (DM) AWD | Performance Dual-Motor (PDM) AWD | Quad-Motor (QM) AWD | |
| EPA Range | 260 miles | 352 miles | 321 miles |
| Est. range | 260-400 mi | 352-400 mi | 321 mi |
B. Charging Options and Infrastructure
Listed below are the available charging infrastructures for Rivian R1S:
- Rivian Adventure Network
- Rivian Waypoints
- Rivian Wall Charger
- Rivian Portable Charger
- Tesla Superchargers (via NACS)
- Public charging networks
c. Charging times for various charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging)
| Charging output | |
| Rivian Adventure Network | over 200 kW initially and 300 kW+ in the future |
| Rivian Waypoints | 11.5 kW |
| Rivian Wall Charger | 11.5 kW |
| Public charging networks | Varies |
D. Energy Consumption and Efficiency
The EPA estimates that the Rivian R1S electric SUV will yield a combined real-world energy consumption of 73 MPGe city, 65 MPGe highway, and 69 MPGe.
6. Infotainment and Connectivity:
a. Dashboard and Instrument Cluster
The Rivian R1S offers a clear and functional instrument cluster. Its dashboard features an enormous, horizontally oriented 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls most functions like climate control, and driver settings, among others. It also has a digital instrument cluster that shows key data, including speed, range, and navigation.
B. Infotainment System and Features
As mentioned, the 2024 Rivian R1S features a horizontally mounted 15.6-inch infotainment system. It also comes with the following features:
- Built-in navigation system
- Amazon Alexa Integration
- Wireless Charging
- Six USB Ports
- Premium Sound System (a 23-speaker Meridian sound system)
The Rivian app integration also supports various applications, including keyless entry, charging session management, and trip planning, among others.
C. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
The 2024 Rivian R1S currently does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (yet). It may become available in future software updates.
D. Over-the-Air Software Updates
It receives regular software updates to constantly improve, fix certain issues, and fine-tune the performance of the electric SUV.
7. Safety and Driver Assistance:
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
It comes equipped with Rivian’s Driver+ ADAS, which offers the following:
- Driving Assist: Highway Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist
- Active Safety Assist: Collision warning, Alerts, and Preventative Action
- Lane Safety: Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning
- Light Safety: Automatic High Beams
- Parking and Reverse: Rear Cross-Traffic Warning, Surround Sensors, Trailer Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Dynamic Brake Support
- Gear Guard security with 4 cameras embedded around the EV
8. Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty:
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
Rivian’s all-electric SUV received complaints regarding its fit and finish, panel gaps, and software glitches in the early model years. Nonetheless, the company continues to launch upgrades to improve the model’s reliability and build quality.
b. Maintenance and service requirements
Presented below is the breakdown of the R1S’ service intervals:
- Routine Checks (every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers), including tire pressures and tread depth, brake pad and rotor thickness, suspension wear and fastener torque, general vehicle function check, fluid levels for windshield washer, brake fluid, and coolant, and windshield washer jets and wiper blade condition
- Brake Fluid Flush (every 3 years)
- Coolant Change (every 112,500 miles or 180,000 kilometers)
- Drive Unit Fluid Change (Quad-Motor AWD only, every 112,500 miles or 180,000 kilometers)
c. Warranty coverage and options
| 2024 Rivian R1S | |
| Comprehensive Warranty | Quad-Motor: 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) Dual-Motor: 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) |
| Battery and Drivetrain Warranty | Large pack battery with Quad-Motor: 8 years or 175,000 miles (whichever comes first) Large or Standard pack battery with Dual-Motor: 8 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first) |
| Additional Warranties | Corrosion Perforation: 8 years with unlimited miles Occupant Active Restraint System: 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) Adjustments: 1 year or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) Tires: Covered by the tire manufacturer’s warranty |
D. Insurance Costs and considerations
| 2024 Rivian R1S Trim Level | Annual Premium | Cost Per Month |
| Adventure Dual-Motor Standard | $2,248 | $187 |
| Adventure Dual-Motor Large | $2,324 | $194 |
| Adventure Quad-Motor Large | $2,412 | $201 |
e. Resale Value and Depreciation
Rivian’s 2024 R1S has a resale value of 35.9%, according to iSeeCars.
9. Comparison with Competitors
a. Comparison against competitors
| 2024 Rivian R1S | 2024 Kia EV9 | |
| Price | Starts at $74,900 | Starts at $56,395 (estimated) |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD (standard & performance), Quad-motor AWD | Rear-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional) |
| Horsepower | 533 – 835 hp | 215 horsepower (RWD) 379 horsepower (AWD) |
| Range | 260 – 400 miles | 230 – 304 miles |
| Cargo Space | Up to 18.4 cu ft (behind third row), 105 cu ft (total) | Up to 20.2 cu ft (behind third row), not yet available(total) |
| Seating | 7 passengers | 7 passengers |
| Off-road Capability | Excellent | Good (depending on AWD option) |
| Technology | Advanced driver-assistance systems, air suspension (optional) | Advanced driver-assistance systems, panoramic sunroof |
| Brand Image | Adventure-focused, Luxury | Family-oriented, Modern |
Both the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9 are enticing options in the large electric SUV market. The Rivian R1S is perfect for adventure enthusiasts owing to its focus on performance and off-road prowess. Meanwhile, the Kia EV9 is a better option for families seeking a spacious, cozy, and potentially more affordable e-SUV.
10. Variants and Pricing
A. Available Trims, options, and pricing
| 2024 Rivian R1S | Pricing |
| Adventure | $74,900 |
| Adventure All-Terrain | $87,600 |
| Launch Edition | $93,800 |
The 2024 Rivian R1S is undoubtedly an enticing all-electric SUV with a wide range of features to offer. However, its high pricing and new brand make it a huge investment risk for buyers. Therefore, interested customers must carefully mull the electric SUV’s benefits and disadvantages.
11. Conclusion
Rivian’s 2024 R1S is indeed a competitive electric SUV, especially for customers who prioritize solid performance, off-road capability, and an elegant interior with generous cabin space. However, these remarkable qualities come at a high price.
Choosing the Adventure model, as the standard 533-hp dual-motor powertrain should be sufficient for most drivers. It would also be ideal to add the Large battery pack worth $6,000. It delivers a 352-mile driving range for the Rivian R1S electric SUV.
