Rivian Automotive has created much buzz with its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The company’s all-electric EVs aim to silence EV naysayers with 316 miles of range and a premium interior.
But the starting price is eye-watering for many buyers. Thankfully, used Rivian vehicles are available for about half that cost.
Engine
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV designed to haul people and cargo. It shares a battery pack, powertrain, and styling with the company’s R1T pickup truck. Rivian’s standard dual-motor setup makes for a quick EV, capable of reaching 60 mph in less than four seconds and offering up to 321 miles of EPA-estimated range. Rivian’s Quad Motor configuration adds an extra electric motor per wheel for additional off-road capability and power.
The SUV’s impressive specs should silence EV naysayers and impress seasoned drivers. Rivian says its 316-mile driving range is enough to get you across the country and back with plenty of content left to spare. Its 835-hp quad-motor powertrain and independent air suspension make the R1S a formidable off-road machine.
As of this writing, the cheapest used Rivian R1S on the market is priced at just under, with prices on the Cars and Bids auction site dipping below that mark in recent months. It’s worth noting that the cost of a Rivian R1S includes Membership, which offers DC fast charging on Rivian’s Adventure Network, and perks like free LTE connectivity and roadside assistance.
If you want to see a Rivian R1S in person before you buy, the company has a showroom. The company is planning more hubs where people can view and drive Rivian vehicles. It also has a mobile service center that will travel to your home to diagnose and repair issues.
Transmission
The R1S shares its powertrain, motors, and many other aspects of its design with its R1T pickup sibling. It’s a luxury vehicle with a 316-mile driving range that can silence EV naysayers. Rivian’s Quad-Motor powertrain provides 835 horsepower and all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. The R1S also features a spacious interior, a 12.2 cubic-foot front trunk, and a flexible cargo bay with an adjustable air suspension that can raise ground clearance to 15.0 inches.
A spare tire is under the rear floor, and the battery pack is underneath the front seat. Rivian offers a variety of charging options to suit your lifestyle. Most miniature battery packs give you up to 260 miles of range, while the larger ones provide up to 352 miles. Rivian is also building a network of “Waypoints” that will offer Level 2 AC charging at off-the-beaten-path locations, making it easy to get to the coast or explore a new city.
You’ll need a Membership to access the vehicle, but that includes unlimited DC fast-charging at all Waypoints and other Rivian-branded sites. It also gives you free LTE connectivity, community events, and access to nationwide DC-to-gas charging stations. Once you complete the digital ownership transfer, the seller won’t have access to your Rivian app or vehicle.
Exterior
Rivian is one of the hottest new electric vehicle brands in the industry. Its SUV, the R1S, has a range of 316 miles and a Quad-Motor powertrain capable of producing 835 horsepower. It has an independent air suspension and is surprisingly off-road-capable for a luxury model. The R1S is also a blast to drive, with zero to 60 in 3.1 seconds and top speeds of 145 mph. With its impressive spec sheet, the R1S has silenced many EV naysayers and attracted even some high-end automakers’ attention.
Rivian skips the traditional dealership model in favour of a direct-sales approach, letting consumers order the exact configuration they want on the company website. Rivian Guides connect with shoppers initially and remain with them throughout the ordering and service process. Shoppers may know first where to buy a used Rivian R1S before purchasing it.
A used model is an excellent option for those who can’t afford a new Rivian. There are 79 Rivian R1Ses for sale, and their average price tag is around a hundred dollars. Since this is a luxury vehicle, its label will likely increase your car insurance rates. But you can save money on your policy, which gathers affordable quotes and provides end-to-end support.
Interior
The 2023 Rivian R1S is where the future of personal transport is headed. It’s a luxury midsize SUV with seven seats and a maximum range of 321 miles. a Dual-Motor variant is available to add extra content to that number.
The R1S drives like a truck, with the front wheels driven by electric motors. The rear wheels are powered by another pair of electric motors, enabling torque vectoring for added grip and off-road capability. Rivian also adds driving modes such as Snow and Sand for optimum performance in bad weather. There’s also a Pet Comfort mode to keep the cabin at a preset temperature in case Fido gets left inside; Camp mode levels the suspension if the vehicle is parked on a slope and someone plans to sleep in it; and Kneel and Roomy modes adjust ride heights and steering wheel/driver’s seat positions for easy entries and exits.
Rivian’s battery packs have a warranty that lasts five years or 60,000 miles, and the drivetrain is covered for eight years or 175,000 miles. That’s excellent coverage compared to other luxury EVs.
Rivian doesn’t sell or lease the R1S, but it has several hubs where you can view one in person and take it for a spin (referred to as a “drive experience”). You can also check out an R1S at an auto show or a dealership. It’s worth checking with your local insurance providers to see if you can save on coverage. Jerry is an end-to-end car insurance broker that can help you find affordable quotes and switch plans.