Rivian R1T Dual-Motor Large

Overview

The Rivian R1T is the electric pickup truck that rewrote the rulebook, blending rugged off-road prowess with blistering on-road performance and cutting-edge tech. The Dual-Motor Large pack version, produced until early 2024, represents a sweet spot in the lineup, offering potent all-wheel-drive performance and a substantial battery for serious adventures. It’s a true do-it-all machine, equally at home on the school run or a remote mountain trail. While not officially sold in Europe, its unique combination of utility and futuristic design makes it a highly anticipated vehicle for the region.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, Rivian has evolved its powertrain offerings. This specific Dual-Motor "Large" pack configuration was a key part of the lineup until it was phased out mid-year, making way for new battery and motor combinations. This model features Rivian's excellent in-house 'Enduro' motors, which deliver impressive efficiency and power. Like all Rivians, it benefits from continuous over-the-air software updates, which regularly introduce new features and enhance performance, meaning the truck you drive today gets even better over time without a trip to a service centre.

Design & Exterior

The R1T's design is unmistakable. Its friendly yet tough front end is defined by the signature vertical "stadium" headlights and a full-width daytime running light bar. The overall silhouette is clean and athletic, avoiding the aggressive angles of some rivals. At 5514 mm long, 2014 mm wide, and 1986 mm tall, it has a commanding presence. A standout feature is the ingenious "Gear Tunnel," a 330-litre pass-through storage compartment located between the cab and the bed, perfect for stashing muddy gear, skis, or charging cables securely.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the R1T boasts a minimalist, premium cabin with a focus on sustainable materials like vegan leather and recycled textiles. A massive central touchscreen controls nearly all vehicle functions, complemented by a crisp digital driver's display. While this tech-forward approach means no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the native infotainment system is fast and intuitive. There's ample room for five adults, and storage is epic: a huge 314-litre frunk, an 821-litre load bed, and the clever Gear Tunnel make it one of the most practical vehicles on the market.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let the size fool you; this truck is seriously quick. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor on each axle, unleashes a combined 397 kW and a colossal 827 Nm of torque. This translates to a stunning 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds. The standard air suspension provides a comfortable, quiet ride on the motorway but can raise for impressive off-road clearance. Strong, one-pedal driving is easily managed through adjustable regenerative braking, making city driving a breeze and recovering energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powered by a substantial 131 kWh (usable) battery pack, this R1T delivers an impressive real-world range of 538 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare, with an efficiency of 4.11 km/kWh. For European use, it would feature a CCS Type 2 port. It can handle DC fast charging at speeds up to 215 kW, replenishing the battery from 10-80% in well under 40 minutes. For home charging, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger is perfectly adequate. It also boasts impressive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, with standard plugs to power tools or campsites.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the R1T has not been tested by Euro NCAP as it's not sold in Europe, its strong frame and safety-first design have earned it top marks in US-based safety tests. Every R1T comes standard with the comprehensive 'Driver+' assistance suite. This includes Highway Assist (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering), lane change assist, blind-spot warnings, and automatic emergency braking. The system is designed to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys and provide an extra layer of protection in a wide variety of traffic scenarios.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Rivian backs its vehicles with a solid warranty package. Owners can expect a comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" warranty for 5 years or 96,000 km. More importantly, the expensive bits—the battery pack and drivetrain components—are covered for an impressive 8 years or 280,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive battery degradation. As a modern EV, maintenance is minimal, revolving around tyres, wiper blades, and cabin air filters. Most software issues and enhancements are handled conveniently through over-the-air updates, minimising the need for service visits.