Rivian R1T Review Video: Is it the Best Electric Pickup Truck?

The Rivian R1T is a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles (EVs), offering an impressive blend of ruggedness, luxury, and cutting-edge technology in a pickup truck. As one of the first all-electric pickup trucks on the market, the Rivian R1T has caught the attention of both truck enthusiasts and environmentally conscious drivers. But does it live up to the hype? Is it the best electric pickup truck on the market?  We’ll dive deep into the Rivian R1T’s specs, performance, design, and what sets it apart from the competition—both electric and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks to determine if the R1T is the right fit for you.

What Exactly Is the Rivian R1T Anyway?

The Rivian R1T is a fully electric, all-terrain pickup truck from Rivian, an American electric vehicle startup. Rivian aims to disrupt the automotive industry with high-performance electric vehicles that are as capable off-road as they are on-road. The R1T represents a bold new step forward in the electric truck segment, combining robust off-road features, powerful performance, and innovative technology in a sleek, modern package.

Key Specifications

• Powertrain: Dual, Tri or Quad-motor electric system
• Battery Capacity: 135 kWh (Standard) or 180 kWh (Large)
• Range: 314 miles (Standard) / 400+ miles (Large battery option)
• Horsepower: 835 horsepower (for the quad-motor)
• Torque: 908 lb-ft (for the quad-motor)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in UNDER 3 seconds (in the Launch Edition – Quad Motor)
• Towing Capacity: Up to 11,000 pounds
• Drive Modes: All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Off-Road, Tow, and Sport modes
• Charging Time: 140 miles in 20 minutes using a fast charger
• Infotainment: 15.0-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa integration, Rivian’s proprietary OS
• Seating Capacity: 5 lucky passengers
• Price: Starting at around $67,500 (Although varies based on configurations)

Performance & Driving Experience

The Rivian R1T is built for performance, and it delivers in spades. Its quad-motor system gives it immense torque and acceleration, making this electric truck a thrill to drive and a sleeper car on the street. But it’s not just about speed—Rivian has crafted the R1T to be equally comfortable off-road, with some pretty advanced features that make it perform well in both urban streets and rugged trails.

Powertrain & Acceleration

• The R1T can come with a quad-motor setup, which means one motor at each wheel, giving it unparalleled control and torque distribution. This is a significant step up from traditional trucks that rely on a single engine or rear-wheel drive.
• With up to 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque make the R1T one of the most powerful electric trucks on the market. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, which is quicker than many supercar—let alone other pickup trucks.
• Whether you’re looking to haul heavy loads or blast through trails, the R1T’s powertrain ensures it can handle almost anything you throw at it.

Towing and Payload Capacity

• The Rivian R1T boasts a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most recreational activities like boat towing, RV hauling, or transporting construction equipment.
• With a payload capacity of 1,760 pounds, the R1T can carry some pretty heavy gear, making it an excellent choice for overlanding or worksite duties.

Off-Road Capabilities

• The R1T is designed with rugged off-road capabilities. Thanks to its adjustable air suspension, it has a ground clearance of up to 14.9 inches, allowing it to tackle a variety of off-road challenges.
• Rivian’s Drive Modes—including Off-Road and Rock Crawl—let you tailor the truck’s behavior for different environments. Whether you’re on dirt, sand, snow, or mud, the R1T can adapt to the conditions and keep you moving.
• Four-wheel independent suspension ensures superior handling on rough terrains, allowing for a smooth ride despite challenging conditions.

Range and Charging

• Range is another key feature of the R1T. With the 135 kWh battery, you get up to 314 miles of range on a full charge, and with the 180 kWh battery, that range increases to more than 400 miles.
• Rivian’s fast-charging network is expanding, and with DC fast charging, you can recover up to 140 miles of range in 20 minutes. This is a major advantage over many electric vehicles, which can take hours to charge fully.

Interior & Comfort

• The interior of the Rivian R1T blends luxury with utility. The five-passenger cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring high-quality materials like leather, wood, and metal accents.
• A 15.0-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the cabin, providing access to all of Rivian’s infotainment, navigation, and climate control features. The system is responsive and easy to use, with intuitive controls and Amazon Alexa integration for voice commands.
• There’s also a really cool “gear tunnel”, a storage compartment between the bed and the cab that’s perfect for keeping camping gear, tools, or other bulky items out of the main cabin.

Rivian R1T Competitors

While the Rivian R1T is undoubtedly a top contender in the electric truck market, it’s not alone. There are other electric pickups on the horizon, and traditional gas-powered trucks are also tough competition. Let’s take a quick look at some of the main competitors.

1. Ford F-150 Lightning

• Powertrain: Dual-motor electric system
• Horsepower: 563 hp
• Torque: 775 lb-ft
• Range: Up to 300 miles
• Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
• Starting Price: Around $40,000
• The F-150 Lightning is Ford’s entry into the electric truck market, and it’s a strong contender with solid performance and a familiar nameplate. It offers impressive towing and payload capacities, but its range and acceleration lag behind the Rivian.

2. Chevrolet Silverado EV

• Powertrain: Dual-motor electric system
• Horsepower: 664 hp
• Torque: 780 lb-ft
• Range: 400 miles
• Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
• Starting Price: Around $40,000
• The Silverado EV brings Chevy’s renowned truck expertise to the electric world. It promises impressive power and range, but it’s still not as capable as the R1T when it comes to off-road capabilities.

3. Tesla Cybertruck

• Powertrain: Tri-motor electric system (quad-motor available)
• Horsepower: Estimated 800 hp
• Torque: Estimated 1,000 lb-ft
• Range: Over 500 miles
• Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds
• Starting Price: Around $39,900
• Tesla’s Cybertruck is one of the most anticipated electric trucks on the market, known for its polarizing design and jaw-dropping performance specs. Its towing capacity and range may be unmatched, but the Cybertruck’s futuristic looks may not appeal to all buyers.

4. GMC Hummer EV

• Powertrain: Tri-motor electric system
• Horsepower: 1,000 hp
• Torque: 11,500 lb-ft
• Range: 329 miles
• Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds
• Starting Price: $112,595
• The Hummer EV is an ultra-luxury electric truck that combines insane power with impressive off-road capabilities. It’s ideal for extreme off-roading but comes at a hefty price tag.

Should You Stay with a Traditional (ICE) Pickup Truck or Opt for an Electric Truck?

While electric trucks like the Rivian R1T are gaining some popularity, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks are still the backbone of the pickup truck market. So how does the R1T compare to its gas-powered competitors? Let’s take a quick look.

Fuel Efficiency

• Rivian R1T: As an electric vehicle, the R1T offers zero emissions, making it a more eco-friendly option. It’s also more efficient in terms of energy consumption per mile, meaning lower “fuel” costs.
• Traditional Pickup Trucks: Gas-powered trucks tend to have lower fuel efficiency, with many of the popular models averaging 15–20 mpg in the city and on highways. Over time, this can add up to significantly higher fuel costs.

Power & Towing

• Rivian R1T: With 835 hp and 11,000 pounds of towing capacity, the R1T is competitive with many gas-powered trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram 1500 in terms of performance.
• Traditional Pickup Trucks: While high-performance models like the Ford F-250 or Ram 3500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds or more, they don’t offer the same immediate torque and acceleration that an electric truck like the R1T can provide.

Maintenance

• Rivian R1T: Electric trucks have fewer moving parts compared to traditional trucks, meaning less maintenance overall. There are no oil changes, and fewer parts are subject to wear and tear.  Unfortunately, according to Consumer Reports, Rivian’s EVs are among the least reliable on the market.  Let’s hope that improves!
• Traditional Pickup Trucks: Gas-powered trucks require regular maintenance, including oil changes, transmission fluid checks, and more. Over time, this can add up in both cost and inconvenience.

SO, Is the Rivian R1T the Future of Pickup Trucks?

The 2022 Rivian R1T is a groundbreaking vehicle that blends advanced electric powertrain technology, luxury, and off-road capability into a single, highly impressive package. With incredible acceleration, industry-leading towing capacity, and a range that can compete with traditional gas-powered trucks, the R1T is helping to redefine what we expect from pickup trucks nowadays.

Compared to electric competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV, the R1T can hold its own, offering superior off-road capabilities and a more luxurious interior. When compared to traditional ICE trucks, the R1T excels in performance, efficiency, (and its long-term cost savings), although it may not yet match the highest towing capacities of the heaviest-duty pickups.  It could face some challenges in charging during the cold, the range decreasing drastically while towing and general reliability.

So, would you take the Rivian R1T over its electric competitors or traditional trucks? With its incredible tech, power, and style, it’s hard not to be excited about the future of electric pickups. Let us know your thoughts—would you make the switch to an electric truck today?