Upgrading a Top-Rated Electric Pickup and SUV
The Rivian R1T pickup and Rivian R1S SUV have won praise from owners for their distinctive style, adventure-ready capability, sports-car performance, and impressive suite of tech features. Even as it ramps up for the launch of the smaller R2, Rivian knew it couldn’t rest on its laurels with its flagship vehicles, which have now been on sale for three years.
The R1S and R1T have received a comprehensive makeover that’s touched almost every aspect of the vehicle – from its motors to its batteries to its on-board tech – while ensuring they remain recognizably Rivians.
Rivian R1S and R1T: Design
At first glance, the latest R1S and R1T are very familiar, sharing their basic dimensions and design with the models they replace. They are clean, smooth, and minimalist, with a modern, high-tech aesthetic.
Look closer, though, and you start to notice the differences. The Rivian lighting signature up front has been enhanced with adaptive beam technology, which adjusts individual LEDs to reduce glare for oncoming drivers, while still providing optimal visibility. The front and rear light bars also, thanks to new RGB LEDs, act as large, highly-visible charging indicators when the vehicle is plugged in – providing an instant status update.
You will also notice new wheels and tires across the lineup – including a redesigned 22-inch aerodynamic wheel with a specially-developed Pirelli tire for maximum range, as well as a new 20-inch off-road wheel wearing unique Goodyear ADV tires developed just for Rivian. Soon to come is a new 22-inch high-performance Michelin tire for quad-motor models. These new wheels and tires look great, increase range, and contribute to a smoother ride, something customers have been requesting.
New exterior paint choices are complemented by available blacked-out trim options, and a new electronically-tinted glass roof. There are also two completely new interior trim choices, including a stylish “black mountain” premium interior with dark ash wood. The interior has been enhanced with new digital interfaces and an improved wireless phone charger.
2025 Rivian Powertrain Options
One of the biggest changes for the updated R1S and R1T models is that they replace the previous Bosch-supplied drive modules with new ones that have been designed and are produced in-house at Rivian. Three options are available to R1S and R1T buyers:
- The base setup uses two motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear, to deliver standard all-wheel drive capability. Depending on trim level, system output is as much as 665 hp and the 0-60 mph time is as quick as 3.4 seconds in Performance models.
- One step up is a tri-motor arrangement, which has one motor in the front, and two motors in the rear. The three-motor setup allows more control of torque distribution across the rear axle, as well as improved power. System output rises to 850 hp and 0-60 mph drops to 2.9 seconds.
- Top spec models now get a 1,025-hp quad motor setup, which has two motors in the front and two in the rear – providing individual control of power and torque to each wheel. In the R1T, this setup delivers 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds when using “launch mode.” The superior control of individual motors for each wheel also improves off-road capability and on-road handling.
Another new innovation in Rivian’s drive units is oil cooling, which the company says significantly improves the thermal performance of the motors during high-torque, low speed maneuvers – while also improving efficiency and range during high-speed cruising.
Rivian R1S and R1T Range and Charging
Rivian has also simplified its offering of battery packs down to three smaller, simpler, and much more efficient batteries than before. The standard range battery pack has 92.5 kWh of usable capacity, down from 105.9 kWh, and has switched to lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. Yet it still provides up to 270 miles of range, according to EPA estimates. The number of components has been reduced, construction is simplified, and Rivian says you can add up to 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
One step up from the standard pack is the 109-kWh large battery pack, which Rivian says will deliver up to 330 miles of range according to EPA estimates, despite being smaller than the previous 128.9-kWh large pack. The large pack uses nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry and has cylindrical cells enclosed in a high-pressure, die-cast shell, making it simpler to manufacture and much lighter and more efficient.
At the top of the range, Rivian offers a max battery pack which also uses nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry but with 141.5 kWh of capacity – enough to deliver 420 miles of range, according to the EPA. Improved software helps the more efficient drive units get more out of every drop of battery capacity. For instance, in tri-motor and quad-motor variants, Conserve mode automatically disconnects the rear axle until it’s needed to maximize range.
2025 Rivian Models: Tech
Tying the motors, batteries, and all of the other vehicle sensors and systems together is an all-new electrical architecture that Rivian says makes the vehicles more robust, simpler, and easier to service, all while providing an improved user experience. The number of electronic control modules have been reduced from 17 to just 7, with fewer but more powerful processors doing more of the work. Over 1.6 miles of wiring have been removed from the R1S and R1T, shedding over 40 pounds of weight.
Inside, the infotainment system has been redesigned around AI-based computer vision software. There’s a new user interface, faster response times, and greater functionality, keeping you and your passengers entertained on the go. Rivian’s Connect+ subscription supports streaming video and access to more than 3,000 apps – bringing your favorite content right to your R1’s display from your phone or tablet. Apple music has been fully integrated into Connect+ as well, giving access to over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists – in Dolby Atmos quality. Spotify, Tidal, and Alexa are also included, and there’s a built-in wi-fi hotspot for up to eight devices.
The same technology platform also underpins Rivian’s updated safety and driver assistance suite. There are 11 high-resolution cameras providing 360-degree visibility, and which allow the R1S and R1T to see 10 seconds down the road at highway speeds. Better lenses and software mean clear vision for the vehicles even in tunnel entrances and exits, and in low-light conditions like fog or night driving. There’s even a driver-facing camera to detect fatigue and distraction.
The 11 cameras ae also backed by five separate radars. Front imaging radar can detect objects up to a thousand feet away even in challenging weather, and corner radars work with the surround-view cameras, providing overlap and backup. All told, the system has the ability to perform over 250 trillion operations per second – working with built-in AI software to anticipate, plan, and react to evolving road and traffic conditions in real time.
Like all previous R1S and R1T models, the 2025 versions will come with highway assist, which can automatically steer, brake, and accelerate the vehicle when engaged, as well as a number of all new features. Lane change on command will be available by software update this summer, followed by enhanced highway assist, which offers even greater functionality and road coverage.
Rivian R1S and R1T: Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Rivian R1T pickup has a starting MSRP of $69,900 with dual motors and the standard range battery, while the R1S SUV has a starting MSRP of $75,900 in the same configuration. They are available to order now on Rivian’s website, with first deliveries to customers happening later this summer.
