“The Rivian is fun to drive and has new features that you normally don't get in a vehicle. It is a different experience that may take a couple of weeks to get comfortable with it.”
Rivian R1S: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Rivian R1S is a seven-seat electric SUV with three rows, standard all-wheel drive, and an emphasis on both family practicality and trail capability. It is known for combining roomy seating, strong towing, quick electric performance, and adjustable air suspension in one vehicle.
The R1S has blended everyday family duty with outdoor capability since its 2022 debut. Its consistent formula is a quiet, quick electric drivetrain paired with three-row space, substantial cargo room, and hardware suited to difficult trails. The second generation arrived for 2025 with extensive electrical, computing, battery, suspension, and driver-assistance updates while keeping that same basic mission.
Strengths
- The three-row cabin seats seven and leaves the R1S well suited to family travel.
- Standard all-wheel drive, adjustable air suspension, and high ground clearance give it capability beyond paved roads.
- It can handle substantial towing, with the 2026 model rated to pull up to 7,700 pounds.
- Different 2026 configurations were rated for 258 to 371 miles of electric driving range.
- Its electric power delivers quiet operation and quick performance without giving up SUV practicality.
Who it's for
The R1S suits families who want one electric SUV for commuting, trips with up to seven people, towing, and outdoor travel. It is especially relevant to shoppers who need a third row but do not want a road-focused SUV that feels out of place on difficult trails.
Rivian R1S lineup
In the current lineup, Dual Standard is the straightforward starting point, while Dual keeps the two-motor layout as the core all-around choice. Step up to Tri for a stronger performance focus and, in recent years, a more premium cabin treatment. Quad sits at the top for maximum road and trail performance, using one motor at each wheel; the Quad Launch Edition is a limited version tied to the second-generation Quad introduction. Earlier R1S models used the Adventure name more broadly, including the original quad-motor launch setup and later dual-motor versions.
Rivian R1S generations
From 2022 to 2026, the R1S spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2025, following the 1st Generation (2022–2024).
2nd Generation (2025–Present)
The second-generation R1S keeps the familiar shape but is extensively reengineered underneath. It has a new electrical system, more computing power, revised batteries and suspension, a heat-pump climate system, and new driver-assistance sensors.
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2026Trim changes
The Quad-Motor model and limited Launch Edition join the lineup. Every R1S also gains a built-in NACS charging port.
2025New generation
A major redesign brings new electrical and computing systems, reworked battery packs and suspension, a heat pump, and new driver-assistance hardware.
1st Generation (2022–2024)
The original R1S launched as Rivian’s first three-row electric SUV. Early models paired a large battery with four-motor AWD, adjustable air suspension, and Driver+ assistance hardware, while later years expanded the battery and motor lineup.
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2024Trim changes
Standard and Standard+ battery packs expand the Dual-Motor lineup. The rest of the R1S carries over without a major redesign.
2023
Rivian-built dual-motor versions become more widely available, and software updates add functions without changing the body.
2022New generation
The all-new R1S launches as Rivian’s first three-row electric SUV.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Rivian R1S.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rivian R1S fully electric?
Yes. Every R1S is fully electric. Depending on the era and version, it uses two, three, or four motors, and every R1S has all-wheel drive.
Does the Rivian R1S have a third row?
Yes. The R1S is a three-row SUV with seating for seven. That makes it useful for families that need more passenger space but still want an electric vehicle with strong trail ability.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the Rivian R1S?
Yes. Every R1S uses all-wheel drive. Dual-Motor versions power the front and rear axles, while Tri- and Quad-Motor versions add more power and more precise control for performance driving and difficult terrain.
How much can the Rivian R1S tow?
The R1S has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds in the configurations covered here. Actual capability depends on the individual vehicle and towing setup, and pulling a trailer will reduce driving range.
Is the Rivian R1S actually suited to off-road driving?
Yes. The R1S combines standard all-wheel drive with adjustable air suspension, raised ride heights, and substantial ground clearance. Certain Quad, Tri, and special-edition models add more terrain modes or reinforced underbody protection.
Who is the Rivian R1S a good fit for?
The R1S suits families wanting one electric SUV for commuting, road trips, towing, and trail travel. Its seven seats and roomy cargo area add everyday usefulness, while its size may be more vehicle than a small household needs.
How do first- and second-generation Rivian R1S models differ?
There are two generations. The 2022–2024 R1S uses the original platform. The second generation began for 2025 with reworked electrical and battery systems, more computing power, a heat pump, revised suspension hardware, and new driver-assistance sensors.
Rivian R1S Reviews
What owners are saying about the Rivian R1S.
4.4
Rivian R1S
(463 reviews)
“Great 0-60 performance, can beat the fastest SUV on roads today. Software leaves quite a bit to be desired but they are releasing upgrades frequently. Seats can be a bit more comfortable, specially with the extension for under the knee support. Cabin storage is lacking.”
“One pedal driving feature is not amazing- should have option to turn off. The map interface needs to be changed so you can select your own charging stations and not be selected for you. The audio is amazing. However, normal radio cuts in and out and is terrible.”
“I love the electric vehicle and it is perfect for around town, but the network for charging across the country isn't ready yet for long distance traveling.”
“Over all it's pretty cool. Love the speed and power. Problem is, the driver's seat is so uncomfortable. Just way too stiff and tight. I honestly am getting rid of it because of that.”
“Getting an EV with at least Dual motors (or more) and large battery. AWD is very essential as EV tends to burn tires so often due to high torque. Rivian offers air suspension that renders the drive soft and gentle. Nice options are important for your new 2023-2024 vehicle. Rivian got all of that covered. So far! I am waiting for a smaller version of their SUV. I might strongly consider buying.”