Take a Tour of the Fabulous New Electric SUV

After months of delays, Rivian is finally delivering the SUV to customers.

I found it extremely capable, comfortable, and spacious. Plus, the R1S packs plenty of impressive features.

The R1S Launch Edition (the first model out and the one I tested) has all-wheel drive by way of four motors — one powering each wheel.

It promises a whopping 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque, making it much, much quicker and more agile than its size suggests.

The SUV shines off-road, too. There are several drive modes that dial in the suspension, throttle, and ground clearance for different types of terrain.

Set the R1S to Rock Crawl or All Terrain mode and jack up its ground clearance to the max — 15 inches — and the R1S makes light work of treacherous boulders, water crossings, and impossibly steep grades.

Read our review of the Rivian R1T here. 

Most owners won’t push the limits of their R1S on a regular basis. But the SUV excels at the everyday stuff too.

The way-back is a bit tight for big adults, but it’ll work in a pinch if you scoot the second row forward.

Overall, the interior feels super spacious and open, thanks in part to the R1S’s two expansive sunroofs.

It feels high-end and solidly built, too. The Launch Edition has stylish gray wood trim on the dash, doors, and elsewhere.

It can get a little annoying to not have things like a physical volume knob or tabs to direct the air vents. But overall, the user interface is beautifully designed and snappy.

The cabin is jam-packed with little storage cubbies and USB-C ports, so nobody’s left wanting for a spot to stick their phone or a way to charge it.

After months of delays, Rivian is finally delivering the SUV to customers.

I found it extremely capable, comfortable, and spacious. Plus, the R1S packs plenty of impressive features.

The R1S Launch Edition (the first model out and the one I tested) has all-wheel drive by way of four motors — one powering each wheel.

It promises a whopping 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque, making it much, much quicker and more agile than its size suggests.

The SUV shines off-road, too. There are several drive modes that dial in the suspension, throttle, and ground clearance for different types of terrain.

Set the R1S to Rock Crawl or All Terrain mode and jack up its ground clearance to the max — 15 inches — and the R1S makes light work of treacherous boulders, water crossings, and impossibly steep grades.

Read our review of the Rivian R1T here. 

Most owners won’t push the limits of their R1S on a regular basis. But the SUV excels at the everyday stuff too.

The way-back is a bit tight for big adults, but it’ll work in a pinch if you scoot the second row forward.

Overall, the interior feels super spacious and open, thanks in part to the R1S’s two expansive sunroofs.

It feels high-end and solidly built, too. The Launch Edition has stylish gray wood trim on the dash, doors, and elsewhere.

It can get a little annoying to not have things like a physical volume knob or tabs to direct the air vents. But overall, the user interface is beautifully designed and snappy.

The cabin is jam-packed with little storage cubbies and USB-C ports, so nobody’s left wanting for a spot to stick their phone or a way to charge it.