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Rivian R1S Specifications & Features
The 2023 Rivian R1S SUV, the second design from upstart Rivian, has three rows of seating, a luxurious interior, and an all-electric drivetrain. The R1S is blazingly fast, reaching 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds, just like other EVs, including its sibling, the R1T pickup truck. Although the R1S handles well on the road for an SUV, we wish it drove more like the R1T pickup with which it shares its mechanicals. The R1S delivers genuine off-road prowess that equals many gasoline-powered competitors, including the Land Rover Discovery, unlike other EVs. The Quad-Motor model has an electric motor for each wheel, which maximizes the driver’s control in a range of terrains. The basic air suspension can be changed to give up to 15 inches of ground clearance. The Tesla Model X hopes it could perform half as well.
What’s New?
The R1S was introduced before the end of the 2022 model year and will remain unchanged in 2023. Rivian has already released several over-the-air software updates that turned on functions including Camp Mode, Pet Mode, and Soft Sand and Snow driving modes. Like the R1T, the R1S has a gorgeously crafted inside with modern styling, opulent leather, wood trim, and two sizable displays—one for infotainment and the other for the driver’s gauge panel. The R1S’s utility is increased with a split tailboard, a spacious rear load compartment, a 12-cubic-foot front trunk, and a third row of seats.
Rivian R1S Motor, Battery, Range & Performance
The R1S and R1T pickups share numerous specifications, including a battery pack, a powertrain, and a large portion of their aesthetics. The Dual-Motor powertrain with standard AWD and a combined output of 600 horsepower is the industry standard. The R1S is extremely rapid, reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with the optional Quad-Motor powerplant, which has an output of 835 horsepower. The R1S has an electric motor at each wheel with this enhanced drivetrain, enabling AWD and outstanding off-road performance. With adjustable air suspension on all versions, the range of ground clearance is eight to fifteen inches.
Both the R1S’s inconsistent steering reactions and its bad ride control, which occasionally feels overly floaty and other times results in strange front-to-rear porpoising. We know that this chassis has the potential to be considerably better behaved because the R1T pickup is significantly improved in these areas. The Standard and Large battery packs, which give 260 and 316 miles of driving range, respectively, are the only ones included with the R1S as of right now. Rivian will eventually offer three additional battery packs for the R1S. Next year, a Max battery pack with the greatest range is anticipated to be added.
Rivian R1S Mileage
| 2023 Rivian R1S Mileage | City | Highway |
| R1S | 73 MPGe | 65 MPGe |
According to the EPA, the R1S SUV will achieve 73 MPGe in the city, 65 MPGe on the highway, and 69 MPGe overall. These figures are much below the Model X’s best projections, but they are quite close to the Audi Q8 e- trans.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Rivian R1S Dimensions | |
| Length | 200.8 in |
| Width | 79.3 in |
| Height | 77.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 18 ft3 |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags |
The expanding tiles used by the horizontally mounted infotainment system for specific features are always available at the bottom of the display, where the primary options (navigation, media, and climate controls) are located. To simplify the system, options slip out of the sides of tiles rather than appearing in submenus. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant are all standard features but neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is.
Pricing
| 2023 Rivian R1S Trims | Price (USD) |
| Adventure | $79,800 |
| Launch Edition | $91,800 |
Currently, just the Adventure trim is offered, though a more affordable Explore trim should soon be added to the roster. To unlock the R1S’s maximum 316-mile driving range, we’d upgrade to the Large battery pack for $6000; otherwise, the Adventure trim comes with all the SUV’s best features as standard.
Specifications, Quarter Mile, 0-60 Mph & Top-Speed
| 2023 Rivian R1S Specifications | Specs |
| Motor | 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 835 hp |
| Torque | 908 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.1 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 8.1 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 11.6 sec |
| Top-Speed | 111 mph |
Conclusion
The Quad-Motor model is a rocket with a posh cabin and excellent off-road performance. Starting price is high, the ride and handling are sloppy, and it sorely needs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the R1S, a three-row electric Vehicle with real off-road prowess, the entire family can go on a carbon-free adventure through the woods.