2022 Rivian R1T: Americans are familiar with pickup trucks; popular models include those from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis’ Ram brand, which consistently top sales lists. However, the Illinois-built 2022 Rivian R1T, an electric truck that completely redefines what a pickup may be, is unlike anything America has ever seen. The Rivian’s four electric motors, one for each wheel, provide an incredible 835 horsepower, which allows it to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds.
That is significantly faster than any showroom truck in history, as well as faster than the majority of sports automobiles. No truck tuner, including the TRX, F-150 Raptor, and Hennessey VelociRaptor, can equal the R1T’s acceleration in a straight line, and the Rivian’s handling is the best among trucks. Thanks in part to an ingenious hydraulic system that reduces body roll, it handles bends with the agility and assurance of a high-end performance sedan.
This is true even with its intimidating curb weight of 7,150 pounds, which is more typical of large heavy-duty vehicles than midsize transporters like this one. One of the leading causes of the importance is a large 135 kWh battery pack. The Rivian’s towing capability is a remarkable 11,000 pounds, surpassing the capacity of much bigger half-ton trucks; however, its range is reduced while towing a heavy load. We haven’t tested it with a towing attachment yet, so we’re unsure how much it suffers.
Because of its adjustable air suspension, which not only improves ride quality but also gives the midsize Rivian 15 inches of ground clearance—more than any other 4×4 in today’s showrooms—it is the perfect vehicle for Americans who are itching to escape during pandemics.
Beneath its all-encompassing, sleek design, which is centred by circular LED headlights evoking an anime robot, the Rivian incorporates a plethora of unique and creative features: There is a vast “frunk” and a “Gear Tunnel” of storage space that is drilled through the sides, along with an onboard air compressor, motorized tailgate, and tonneau cover, a portable Bluetooth speaker, and a flashlight. A camper’s or tailgater’s dream, the tunnel has an optional $5,000 Camp Kitchen that includes a 30-piece Snow Peak cooking set, a foldable sink, a two-burner convection stove, a water tank, and a sprayer.
A 16-inch central touchscreen dominates the minimalistic but spacious and well-finished cabin, yet similar to many other EV companies, Rivian routes an excessive number of functions via the screen. For simple operations like adjusting vents, more tactile controls would be helpful. The R1T is only available as a crew-cab short-bed truck, which is suitable for the company’s adventurous, affluent clientele but may turn off those who need a larger bed for tasks or work because of its small 4.5-foot cargo bed.
Performance: Rivian R1T
Regarding acceleration, handling, and braking, the Rivian will outperform any modern pickup, and it rides just as well as the most opulent SUVs or trucks. With 835 electric horsepower going to each of its four wheels, the R1T can do a variety of “torque vectoring” manoeuvres, such as accelerating or decelerating specific wheels to enhance grip and handling. It just takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph in a whisper-quiet frolic.
Supercar manufacturer McLaren uses a hydraulic system to reduce body roll in bends, and this technique contributes to the car’s unique, agile handling that belies its massive 7,150-pound curb weight. The Rivian’s all-independent suspension and adaptive dampers allow it to ride as smoothly as many high-end sedans. With its clever tuning, regenerative braking includes a driver-selectable option that enables seamless one-pedal driving without requiring the driver to touch the brake pedal.
The Rivian is amazing off-road, where its four off-road modes (Auto, Rock, Rally, and Drift) and adjustable air suspension combine to give it up to 15 inches of ground clearance and the power to tackle even the most challenging terrain. Thanks to its independent motors, the Rivian gives precise control that no other truck or SUV can match in the mud unless equipped with specially designed gear.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
The EPA credits the Rivian with a respectable 314 miles on 21-inch wheels; however, the manufacturer has postponed (until 2023) the release of a bigger optional battery pack that costs $10,000 and is projected to have a range of around 400 miles. The R1T achieves 70 mpg overall, 66 mpg on the interstate, and 74 mpg in the city—the electric equivalent of a gallon of gasoline. By EV sedan standards, the R1T’s range is respectable, and considering its size and weight, it is even more remarkable.
Compared to GMC’s 9,000-pound Hummer EV, which the firm predicts would use electrons at only 47 mpg, 70 mpg represents roughly a 50% increase in efficiency. By the end of 2023, the business hopes to have 600 locations with more than 3,500 DC fast chargers as part of its Rivian Adventure Network construction project. It takes 20 minutes to add 140 miles of driving range using those chargers.
Driver assistance and safety:
Standard features of Rivian’s Driver+ system will be updated over the air via software upgrades. Currently, the system offers autonomous steering on certain roads and adaptive cruise control with assisted lane changes. In addition, there are automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alerts, 360-degree object recognition for more straightforward parking, lane-keeping assistance with lane departure and blind-spot warnings, and front collision warning with automated emergency braking.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t yet examined it, despite the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) naming it a Top Safety Pick+ in December—the highest classification.
Coziness & Space:Rivian R1T
The Rivian is shorter than most full-size pickups at a little over 217 inches but longer than most midrange pickups. The closest equivalent is the Gladiator from Jeep, a comparable ‘tweener with an overall length of one inch and a wheelbase that is 1.5 inches larger. Like the Jeep, the Rivian has an outstanding passenger room with a rear seat that accommodates up to three people.
In contrast to the boisterous and sometimes jittery Gladiator, everything in the Rivian is delightfully quiet and comforting. Along with the adaptive dampers with adjustable performance and stiffness settings and the creamy air suspension, the Rivian is being acclaimed as the most modest truck in the world when driven. These features all contribute to a serene interior. Large amounts of sound deadening, with a low-slung skateboard chassis and battery pack, enhance the overall sensation of solidity.
Infotainment: Rivian R1T
Like a Tesla, the Rivian’s nerve centre consists mainly of screens, with a 16-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster that monitors neighbouring cars in real time. A cloud-based navigation system is included on the main screen, but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is available. Of course, users may use Bluetooth to link their cell phones and applications. A powerful 18-speaker Meridian audio system incorporates other programs, like Spotify. In addition to LTE and WiFi, there are six USB ports, four 120-volt outlets, a wireless charger, voice commands for Alexa and over-the-air upgrades.
While all these features are great, the screen-based controls may be a little tricky since they include too many functionalities better operated by physical buttons, such as vent adjustments, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and external mirrors. As Rivian points out, it’s true that most drivers only adjust mirrors and steering wheels once before forgetting about them. Drivers may also save customized macro settings on the R1T according to their preferences.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With a total capacity of 68 cubic feet, the Rivian excels in functional storage even with its small 4.5-foot cargo bed (which has a stylish motorized tonneau cover). There’s a vast 11-cubic-foot frunk up front, an even more giant 14.3 cube concealed beneath the bed (complete with a drain plug that can be used as an ice chest), and the renowned Gear Tunnel—a side-to-side space behind the bed with hinged doors that can be used as bed steps and accommodates skis, golf clubs, luggage, and other oversized items.
The $5,000 optional Camp Kitchen, with its two-burner convection stove, sink, water tank, sprayer, and a lovely 30-piece cookware set, is another fantastic item in the Gear Tunnel. Some outdoor enthusiasts or tailgaters will glance at that Camp Kitchen and instantly write a check.
Design: Rivian R1T
The Rivian is a welcome change from many pickups’ hyper-macho looks and threatening demeanour. Its sleek and approachable design includes features like its blunt snout and transparent, oval LED eyes that resemble those of a friendly robot. Although some onlookers aren’t fans, people will eventually grow accustomed to it. Front and rear full-width light bars highlight the contemporary EV aesthetic.
Despite being simple inside, the vehicle is luxurious by truck standards, with features like a panoramic roof, optional open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting, and vegan leather seats. Numerous features are part of the knockout design, such as a powerful, portable Bluetooth speaker that plugs and charges in the centre console, an onboard 150 psi air compressor, a lockable cable to secure bikes and other valuables, and a 1000-lumen flashlight in the driver’s door that is powered by one of the same lithium-ion cells that make up the battery pack.
Is the 2022 Rivian R1T Worth It?
Even after a 12-year trip to the market and billions of dollars in funding from businesses like Ford and Amazon, Irvine, California-based Rivian is still a relatively obscure and underdog firm. Like Tesla, this startup will have some early difficulties as it builds a network of customer-facing service centres and mobile repair vans.
By 2023, Rivian plans to operationalise 1,000 mobility vans and over 100 service sites. A careful shopper may want to hold off on purchasing an electric vehicle until brands like Ford or GM are more well-known. Nevertheless, the Rivian R1T is an incredible vehicle that no gasoline truck can match because of its fast performance, 4×4 adventure prowess, plush ride, and clever features (not to mention zero tailpipe emissions).
Regarding model selection, the R1T is only now offered in its Adventure configuration, with a starting price of $68,575. Cargo bars for the roof and the Camp Kitchen are a few choices. The Rivian’s acceleration, handling, quietness, adaptability, energy economy, and pollution levels are unmatched by any full-size gasoline pickup truck, even though its $68,575 price is comparable to those of other vehicles.
Even so, the cost varies: The starting price of GMC’s Hummer EV pickup is $110,295 for the base model. Considering any standard of contemporary EVs or high-performance adventure vehicles, the Rivian will seem like an absolute steal to some EV hopefuls.
How Much Does Insurance for the Rivian R1T Cost?
With a brand-new model from a new manufacturer, it might be challenging to determine how much long-term insurance would cost. Our analysis indicates that, on average, a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should pay a yearly premium of $1,970 in all 50 states. In contrast, a Chevrolet Colorado costs $1,726; a Jeep Gladiator costs $2,020; a Ram 1500 TRX costs $2,030; and a Ford F-150 costs $1,961. Interestingly, however, none of them are direct rivals.
Rivian R1T Generations
2022’s First Generation
2018 Rivian debuted the R1T, formerly the A1T, and a corresponding SUV. The prototype was intended to be quick and off-road capabilities; according to the manufacturer, it could climb a 45-degree incline, cross 43 inches of water, and reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. The production of R1T arrived after three years, and customer deliveries started in late 2021.
The truck can accomplish much of what was promised, with a range of up to 314 miles—a respectable number even for much smaller EV sedans—and reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The R1T delivers an incredible 853 system horsepower and the type of precise off-road control that locking diffs will never equal because of its four electric motors—one in each wheel.
Verdict
The first utterly electric pickup truck that people may purchase is the 2022 Rivian R1T. Founded in 2009, Rivian is a California-based business that has outpaced competitors like Ford, Tesla, and General Motors to enter showrooms. Even better, the R1T is expected to provide performance that will blow away trucks powered by fossil fuels, including excellent acceleration, deft handling, and incredible off-road prowess. The vehicle also exudes charm with its clean design, lovely and tranquil interior, and several well-considered accessories. The R1T has a range of 314 miles, and a variant with even more content is anticipated in 2023. The key disadvantages are the automaker’s lack of experience and the unanswered concerns about the towing range.
