2022 Rivian R1T: Pros and Cons Review - Everything You Should Know
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Pros
- Drives like a sports car
- Quiet and capable off-road
- Clever interior
Cons
- Tricky touchscreen menus
- Most trims won't be available until 2022
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Expert Review of Rivian R1T
The R1T is part of the new Rivian brand's mission to offer adventure-oriented utility vehicles equipped with powerful electric motors and a long range on a single charge. As is the case with many other electric vehicles, the 2022 Rivian R1T is built on a skateboard platform, which places the battery beneath the passenger compartment to reduce the vehicle's centre of gravity. The 14.5-inch ground clearance is quite generous.
Rivian R1T cost will begin at approximately $70,000 before to incentives. Trucks in the Launch Edition are scheduled to debut in September 2021, while additional variations are scheduled to arrive in January 2022.
What We Think
To put it simply, we adore this truck. We described it as "the most spectacular pickup we've ever driven" in our First Drive review. It rides nicely on the pavement, is speedy, and is a fun to ride through twisting roads. Off the main road, it is capable of overcoming challenges that would give the Jeep Wrangler pause. And it does so quietly and effortlessly. We can thank the Rivian's revolutionary four-motor 4WD technology for delivering power directly where it is needed. There are no crawler gear ratios, differentials, or anti-roll bars to engage or disengage. The truck's excellent visibility makes it even easier to drive.
We lauded the R1spacious T's cargo bay and soft, supportive front seats. However, it's less comfortable in the tiny rear seats. And, while we admired the beautiful graphics on the system's huge primary touchscreen, we discovered the device had a steep learning curve. Because our test vehicle was a pre-production model, this may vary on the final model.
We're certain that the Rivian R1T is the electric truck of the future after driving it. No other truck on the market matches its combination of on- and off-road agility and capability.
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Rivian R1T: MotorTrend's Truck of the Year for 2022
This year's competition for the 2022 Truck of the Year was a little unusual. A strong collection of newcomers advanced to the finalist stage, including the Ford Maverick, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, it was the Rivian R1T that eventually stole our golden callipers. We stated, "By reimagining how a pickup truck may be made, powered, and driven, as well as how its spaces might be used, how we might connect with it, and how to widen its target demographic, Rivian has compelled both the industry and the consumer to reevaluate expectations. The R1T, on the other hand, is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is also a decent truck by conventional standards."
Our Historically Significant Transcontinental Journey in the Rivian R1T
When we were given the opportunity to drive the world's first modern electric pickup truck, we understood that a basic road test would not enough. Rather than that, we took the Rivian R1T on a historic 5,000-plus mile overlanding excursion from Nags Head, North Carolina, to Port Orford, Oregon, over the Trans-America Trail. It would be the world's first off-road electric transcontinental journey. Part 1 and Part 2 of our journey are available.
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Range and performance
Three battery capacities will be available: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh. The smallest battery is expected to have a range of 230 miles, followed by a range of 314 miles for the medium-sized battery and more than 400 miles for the largest battery.
The vehicle is equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel. Our Rivian tester's medium-sized battery produced a total of 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque. Rivian claims the truck can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, but in our tests, we were only able to bring it down to 3.1 seconds, which still makes it the quickest vehicle we've ever tested.
Cargo Room, Towing Capability, and Capability
The 2022 Rivian R1front T's truck, or "frunk," measures 11.0-cubic-feet and can accommodate a surprising lot of goods. As mentioned in our assessment of the frunk, we were able to stow three duffel bags and a snack bag around the size of a large backpack. A huge container is located beneath the floor for the storage of additional objects. Because the trunk is powered, it can be opened and closed through the infotainment screen, remote key, or button on the vehicle's front.
That, however, is not all. Between the bed and the passenger compartment of the R1T is an 11.6-cubic-foot storage tunnel. We were able to cram a fair amount of material inside this storage tunnel: a couple duffel bags, two carry-on-sized suitcases, a backpack, and a briefcase. Additionally, the spare tyre well serves as a 7.0-cubic-foot in-bed trunk.
When correctly outfitted, the R1T is capable of towing up to 11,000 pounds and carrying a payload of up to 1,760 pounds. The R1T will be available with accessory racks put on top of the bed cover and an in-bed tent for added versatility. All Rivians will come complete with an inbuilt air compressor, which should make it easier to air down and back up while off-roading.
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Technology
Two huge displays dominate the dash of the 2022 Rivian R1T. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the usual analogue gauges, while a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment, climate, and navigation. In the rear seat section, a 6.8-inch screen is located on the back of the centre console. Additionally, a rechargeable LED flashlight concealed in the driver's door, a wireless charging pad, and a rechargeable portable Bluetooth speaker concealed beneath the centre console are included.
Trim Levels
Rivian has introduced three R1T trim levels. The Launch Edition, which is based on the Adventure Package, is sold out.
The Explore Package includes a standard medium-sized battery, vegan leather upholstery, heated seats, driver lumbar adjustment, and black interior accents.
Adventure Package includes a motorised tonneau cover, Meridian's Rivian Elevation audio system, natural-grain ash wood inside finishes, perforated leather, ventilated seats, yellow interior highlights, and passenger lumbar adjustment.
Launch Edition features include a unique green paint option, 20-inch all-terrain or 22-inch sport wheels, and Launch Edition interior badges.
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Significant Competitors:
- Tesla Cybertruck
- GMC Hummer EV
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Bollinger B2
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