The 2023 Rivian R1S is an electric 3-row SUV. It offers two all-wheel-drive (AWD) options and two battery pack sizes, allowing buyers to tailor an R1S to their needs and budget.
For now, the R1S trim is the well-equipped Adventure. A lower-cost and less well-equipped Explore trim is slated for production later in 2023, but supply chain shortages may delay it further.
With the R1S Adventure, buyers can choose the standard dual-motor layout and battery pack, which develops around 600 horsepower and has a cruising range of about 260 miles. Or they can select the Large Pack battery upgrade, which adds $6,000 to the price and extends the range to 321 miles.
The quad-motor setup places an electric motor at each wheel and develops better than 800 total hp. It’s available only with the Large Pack battery.
The R1S can tow up to 7,700 pounds, although doing so reduces the overall range.
As for the competition, the Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz EQB are the only 3-row electric SUVs somewhat comparable in size. However, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford are all promising similar vehicles in 2024.
Currently, only the base R1S Adventure is priced to qualify for the federal $7,500 tax credit, with a price cap of $80,000 for trucks and SUVs. The situation may change if Rivian can bring more lower-priced trims to market soon or the government loosens the price cap.
Due to continuing supply shortages, some features may be deleted or delayed at production, so check with Rivian before completing your order.
2023 Rivian R1S Adventure: $78,000
The R1S Adventure comes loaded with only a few optional upgrades, such as the larger battery pack and quad-motor setup.
The R1S employs an advanced air suspension allowing for up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance and the ability to wade through water as deep as three feet. The R1S can drop to about 8.8 inches off the ground when not off-roading, making it easier to load kids, dogs, and camping gear.
The short front and rear overhangs create a 35.6-degree approach angle, 34.3-degree departure angle, and 29.6-degree breakover angle for the R1S.
Also standard are active adaptive dampers and hydraulic roll control that replaces traditional mechanical anti-roll bars.
The R1S comes standard with 10 drive modes. They include All-Purpose, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Conserve, as well as five off-road modes: All-Terrain, Soft Sand, Rock Crawl, Rally, and Drift.
The 21-inch wheels have specially designed Pirelli all-season tires. Buyers can opt for 20-inch wheels and Pirelli all-terrain tires or 22-inch wheels with Pirelli sport tires. The dual-motor drive system with the 21-inch all-seasons is the most efficient configuration; the 20-inch and 22-inch upgrades reduce overall range, between 10% and 15% for the all-terrain and 5% to 10% for the sport.
Standard equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, a power-operated split rear tailgate (upper section is power, lower is manual), and power-folding and auto-dimming heated side mirrors.
R1S owners have four options for getting into their vehicle: a remote key fob, a smartphone app, a key card, or a wristband. Once the R1S is unlocked, the exterior door handles automatically present themselves.
Instead of an engine bay, the R1S has a front trunk with a power-operated hood.
Other exterior features include front and rear tow hooks, rear privacy glass, LED headlights, and LED fog lights. Front and rear light bars flash green to indicate charging status and remain solid green when fully charged.
Open the driver’s door, and you’ll find a rechargeable flashlight with a docking cradle inside.
Looking inside the R1S cabin reveals an ultramodern design like what Tesla does, but with more color and texture.
Two large display screens dominate the dash, one for the instrument cluster and the other for handling infotainment, navigation, 3-zone climate controls, and various functions such as wipers, air vent flow, and drive modes.
A Meridian Elevation audio system provides tunes at ridiculous volumes, with 20 speakers powered by a 1,400-watt amp. There’s also a removable Bluetooth speaker for listening to your music outside the vehicle.
New for 2023 are Pet Mode and Camp Mode.
Pet Mode keeps the cabin cool while you’re away with a pet inside the vehicle. Camp Mode contains several features, the most significant being the ability to use the air suspension to level the vehicle on uneven terrain (so you can sleep comfortably inside). Camp Mode also shuts off the display screens, minimizes power usage, and provides exterior campground lighting via the vehicle’s exterior puddle lights.
The R1S comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable front seats with power lumbar support.
Vegan (simulated leather) upholstery covers the seats and various door and dash panels, with Compass Yellow accents and a choice of Ashwood accents or no wood trim. In a nod to greener thinking, the R1S includes a 100% recycled microfiber headliner and Chilewich floor mats.
Other interior features include one-touch up/down power windows, power-release 60/40-split folding second-row seats, and a cargo area utility center with an air compressor and 120-volt outlet. Another 120-volt outlet is located in the front seat area, with eight USB-C charge ports throughout the cabin.
Being a cutting-edge SUV, the R1S comes with the latest safety systems and driver assists. The Driver+ package includes collision mitigation features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Dynamic Brake Support.
Standard assists include a blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic detection, automatic high-beam headlights, a 360-degree parking sensor system, and Trailer Assists that helps with maneuvers while parking with a trailer attached.
The adaptive cruise control maintains a constant safe distance between the R1S and traffic ahead, while Highway Assist can automatically steer, brake, change lanes and accelerate on select highway stretches.
Options beyond wheels and interior color choices include an underbody shield and an at-home wall charger.
With the $1,800 delivery fee, the 2023 Rivian R1S costs $79,800. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to approximately $1,434. See 2023 Rivian R1S Adventure models for sale near you
2023 Rivian R1S Adventure includes:
- Heated and ventilated front seats – These provide year-round comfort regardless of the outside temp.
- Over-the-air updates – In the past, customers had to trade in their old car if they wanted new features and upgrades. But with OTA, Rivian can improve the powertrain and make updates that keep your R1S feeling new no matter how long you own it.
- Driver+ – The R1S semiautonomous driving mode lets you relax while the vehicle does the driving. This system works only on select highways and still requires you to remain alert and with your hands near or on the steering wheel at all times.
Cox Automotive, parent company of Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
