The electric vehicle landscape is buzzing, especially with the recent Cybertruck noise, but let’s not forget about a truck that’s already making waves and, crucially, available now: the Rivian R1T. Having spent a week each with both the Rivian R1S SUV and the R1T pickup, most recently the 2024 R1T, I can offer a firsthand perspective beyond the hype.
Like the Tesla Cybertruck, the R1T enters the electric pickup arena with a focus on ruggedness and off-road prowess. And yes, similar to the Cybertruck (at least in its current form), it commands a premium price. However, where the Cybertruck grabs attention with its polarizing, futuristic aesthetic, the Rivian R1T carves its own path with a design that blends sophistication and capability. While some might argue the Cybertruck has a “funky edge,” I contend that Rivian brings a refined aesthetic edge to the table, one that, personally, I find more appealing. Plus, the simple fact remains: you can actually buy an R1T without joining a years-long waitlist.
What truly stands out about the R1T (and its SUV sibling, the R1S) is its remarkable fusion of elegance and power – a sense that you can confidently tackle any adventure, anywhere, without sacrificing style. To put this to the test, I ventured deep into California’s Mojave Desert with the 2024 R1T. This wasn’t just a scenic drive; it was a journey into a remote area where getting stuck would mean being truly stranded, far from cell service and civilization. But before delving into the off-road exploits, let’s cover some essential, everyday aspects of this impressive electric pickup.
(Note: This is an initial review highlighting the features of the R1T that impressed me most during my week-long experience, not an exhaustive, comprehensive evaluation.)
Highway Assist: Effortless Highway Cruising
The Rivian R1T is brimming with advanced technology, as expected in a premium electric vehicle, placing it in a similar tech-forward category as the Tesla Model Y, which I also have extensive driving experience with.
The Highway Assist system in the R1T functions much like Tesla’s Autopilot, enabling the vehicle to largely navigate major highways autonomously. While not flawless (neither is Tesla’s Autopilot), I found it incredibly valuable during the long haul to the Mojave Desert. Those endless, ruler-straight stretches of highway can truly test driver alertness, and Highway Assist significantly mitigated fatigue.
However, it’s worth noting that Highway Assist prioritizes caution. In ambiguous situations, it promptly disengages, handing control back to the driver. Occasionally, it exhibited a tendency to drift towards the right side of the lane, which could become unnerving when passing large trucks. In such instances, manual override was necessary.
Performance and Speed: Unleashing Electric Torque
For a vehicle weighing in at approximately 7,000 pounds, the Rivian R1T is undeniably quick. Instant torque is readily available, providing exhilarating acceleration on demand. While it may not match the blistering speed of a Tesla Model S Plaid, the torque delivery for a truck of this size is nothing short of remarkable. In fact, it’s faster than a Mustang Shelby GT500. My test vehicle was the quad-motor configuration, which elevates the price point to around $90,000. I didn’t have the opportunity to test the more affordable dual-motor variant, which starts at approximately $74,000 and is a new offering this year.
Charging and Range: Desert Charging Success
As an EV owner, the mantra “always be charging” is ingrained. While modern EVs have alleviated the extreme range anxiety of early models like the 80-mile Chevy Spark EV (which I drove back in 2017), range remains a key consideration, especially in remote areas. The current concern with third-generation EVs revolves around access to reliable public charging infrastructure. In the Mojave Desert, this concern is amplified. Furthermore, the reliability of public chargers can be unpredictable. (In my local Santa Clarita, California, using a public CCS fast charger is often a gamble.)
Fortunately, the Electrify America fast charging station in Mojave, California, proved to be both functional and rapid. The R1T achieved peak charging rates exceeding 400 miles per hour, replenishing the battery from approximately 50 miles to a full charge (over 300 miles) in just over 30 minutes.
Interestingly, while charging, an identical R1T pulled up next to me. Its owner was towing a substantial trailer and mentioned that the R1T handled heavy loads effortlessly.
Off-Road Prowess: Mojave Desert Domination
The R1T’s off-road capabilities were, without a doubt, the most impressive aspect of my experience. Reflecting on my youth spent driving a Jeep Wrangler on Nantucket’s notoriously soft sand (where 4WD is essential for accessing certain areas), I found the Mojave Desert sand to be similarly challenging in places.
The R1T navigated the soft sand with remarkable ease, akin to a hot knife through butter. This instilled immense confidence, encouraging me to venture deeper into the desert without fear of getting stuck. I spent the remainder of the day exploring the remote desert landscape (as depicted in the images below), tackling steep inclines, precarious angles, and extensive stretches of soft sand. Despite the demanding off-road conditions, the R1T remained unfazed and emerged unscathed at the end of the day.
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Rivian R1T electric pickup truck deep in the Mojave Desert, showcasing its off-road capabilities and 300+ mile range in a Rivian R1t Review.]
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Rivian R1T effortlessly navigates soft sand in the Mojave Desert, demonstrating its superior off-road performance in this Rivian R1T review.]
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Rivian R1T tackles a steep incline during an off-road test in the Mojave Desert, highlighting its robust design in this Rivian R1T review.]
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Rivian R1T charging at an Electrify America station next to a GMC Hummer EV, comparing the size of electric pickups in a Rivian R1T review.]
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Rivian R1T parked in a residential area of Los Angeles, showing its suitability for both city and off-road environments, as seen in this Rivian R1T review.]
Summary: A Groundbreaking EV, Limited by Price
Rivian’s inaugural electric vehicle is truly a remarkable achievement. Driving the R1T instills a sense of solid construction and quality. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, and the suspension adeptly handles even the poorly maintained roads prevalent in areas like Los Angeles. In essence, the R1T is a well-engineered, high-caliber vehicle, earning my strong recommendation based on this experience.
However, a significant hurdle remains: the price. With a price range of $75,000 to $90,000, the R1T remains accessible only to a small segment of American car buyers, positioning it as an elitist vehicle, seemingly at odds with Rivian’s stated aspiration to build “for a future that includes everyone.” While financing, debt, or leasing could potentially make it attainable for some, the price tag undeniably limits its reach.
The promise of a more affordable Rivian on the R2 platform, slated for 2026, offers a glimmer of hope. However, 2026 is a considerable wait for a more accessible Rivian. One can only hope that CEO RJ Scaringe will under-promise and over-deliver on this crucial goal of affordability.
Notes: The Rivian R1T tested was a Red Canyon, Quad Motor, Large Pack configuration with Black Mountain Interior and 22″ Dark Sport Wheels.
