Video Summary
Here's a summary of the electric car review:- The Rivian R1S is a roomy and practical three-row EV SUV.
- Compared to the Kia EV9, it’s more off-road focused and luxurious with a nicer interior and real wood trim.
- The R1S starts at around $74,900. The EV9 is less expensive.
- The tested R1S is the dual-motor performance version, though it's not the refreshed model.
- This version has 12,500 miles on it.
- Max pack gets 533 horsepower, and the dual-motor version gets 315 miles of range and costs $94,000.
- The dual motor performance model starts at $83,000.
- The most expensive R1S is the dual motor performance version with the max pack.
- The Quad motor version starts at $92,000.
- The reviewer prefers Rivian's direct sales model. However, buying it could be difficult in some areas.
- The key is slower to respond.
- The app functions well.
- The body has held up well, due to paint protection film.
- The power hatch in the rear doesn't always open on the first try.
- There is no powered lower tailgate.
- The quality of interior materials has held up nicely.
- The reviewer notes the vehicle lacks a glove box.
- Software tweaks have been made.
- The reviewer liked the data panel which includes compass and elevation.
- It gets 3.4 second 0-60 times.
- It took 129 feet to stop from 60mph.
- 2.08 m/kWh is the lifetime average.
- 70 dB of cabin noise was observed.
- There is more torque steer in the dual motor model.
- 2025 models have an electric chromatic glass ceiling, which is a good addition.
- The 2025 R1S has new trimotor and updated quad-motor options with in-house designed motors.
- New batteries come with new 2025 models, now NFP. This means to charge it 100% on the regular basis. They recommend you to charge NMC batteries to 80% to extend life of batteries.
- Range is fairly accurate.
- The R1S is more off-road focused than some of its competitors.
- The biggest functional problem is limited third-row headroom.
- In some situations, putting power on the front wheels versus the rear wheels makes more sense.
The Quad-motor delivers more power to a single wheel than the dual motor and is superior for off-roading. The dual motor model gets by in single-motor operation. The lack of a locking front and rear on the R1S is a design oversight. However, the reviewer enjoys the overall design. The Kia EV9 might be a great option at a smaller price point.
Overall, this reviewer likes the R1S.
