2025 Rivian R1S Review: Specs, Range, and Off-Road Test
2025 Rivian R1S Review: Specs, Range, and Off-Road Test
The 2025 Rivian R1S is more than just an electric SUV—it's a bold redefinition of what a luxury, off-road-capable, all-electric vehicle can achieve. With striking design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on sustainable adventure, Rivian has carved a niche in the EV market that blends performance, utility, and environmental consciousness. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the 2025 Rivian R1S’s specs, driving range, real-world off-road capabilities, interior features, and how it stacks up against its closest competitors. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a tech-savvy driver, or simply looking for a premium electric SUV, this in-depth analysis will help you decide if the 2025 R1S is the right choice for your needs.
Exterior Design: Rugged Elegance Meets Aerodynamic Efficiency
The 2025 Rivian R1S continues the brand’s signature design language—a blend of modern minimalism and outdoor-ready ruggedness. Its boxy silhouette pays homage to classic SUVs while maintaining sleek aerodynamic curves that enhance efficiency. The front fascia features a bold, illuminated Rivian light bar that stretches across the grille-less face, a hallmark of electric vehicles. Flush door handles, a panoramic glass roof, and integrated roof rails contribute to a clean, futuristic look while reducing drag.
Measuring roughly 194.6 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 73.5 inches tall, the R1S strikes a balance between maneuverability and interior space. It rides on 21- or 22-inch wheels (depending on trim), with off-road-focused packages offering 18-inch all-terrain wheels for improved traction. The approach, departure, and breakover angles are optimized for trail performance, with an approach angle of 34.1 degrees and departure angle of 31.1 degrees—impressive figures for a luxury electric SUV.
Available in multiple exterior colors including Slate, Blue Jay, and Forest Green, the 2025 R1S offers both understated elegance and adventurous flair. Optional Adventure Package enhancements include a front skid plate, underbody protection, and a reinforced front bumper, further solidifying its off-road credentials.
Interior and Comfort: Luxury with an Outdoor Touch
Step inside the 2025 Rivian R1S, and you’re greeted with a minimalist, tech-forward cabin that prioritizes both comfort and durability. Rivian uses sustainable materials throughout, including vegan leather upholstery, natural fiber carpets, and FSC-certified wood trim. The seats are ergonomically designed with excellent lateral support, and the standard seven-passenger seating (with optional six-passenger configuration featuring captain’s chairs in the second row) ensures ample room for adults in all three rows.
The front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functionality on higher trims. Second-row seats feature reclining capability, sliding adjustment, and climate control vents, while third-row access is facilitated by a walk-in mechanism that slides and tilts the second row forward with the touch of a button. Cargo space is generous, with 17.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. An underfloor storage compartment and front trunk (frunk) with 11.9 cubic feet of space add extra utility—perfect for gear, groceries, or camping supplies.
The panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light and enhances the sense of openness. Ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and advanced noise-dampening materials ensure a serene and luxurious ride, even on rough terrain.
Infotainment and Technology
At the heart of the R1S’s interior is a 16-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen mounted in the center console. This high-resolution display runs Rivian’s custom software interface, offering intuitive navigation, vehicle settings, media controls, and connectivity options. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates—ensuring your vehicle stays current with the latest features and improvements.
A second 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel displays driving data, navigation prompts, and driver assistance alerts. Rivian also integrates a heads-up display (HUD) that projects key information onto the windshield, minimizing distractions.
The R1S features a 17-speaker Meridian audio system (optional upgrade), delivering crisp, immersive sound. Built-in Wi-Fi, 4G LTE connectivity, and a robust app ecosystem allow remote monitoring of battery levels, charging status, climate control, and vehicle location. Rivian’s mobile app also enables keyless entry and remote locking/unlocking.
One standout feature is the Adventure Network—a community-driven platform that maps charging stations, off-road trails, and service points across North America. It’s particularly useful for long-range trips or off-grid expeditions, helping drivers plan routes with confidence.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2025 Rivian R1S delivers exhilarating performance thanks to its quad-motor or dual-motor electric powertrains. The top-tier Quad-Motor AWD version produces a staggering 835 horsepower and 896 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of just 3.0 seconds. This makes the R1S one of the quickest SUVs on the market—electric or otherwise.
The more accessible Dual-Motor AWD trim generates 665 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, still offering a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds. Both configurations feature intelligent torque vectoring, allowing precise control of each wheel’s power delivery for optimal traction in all conditions.
Underpinning the R1S’s dynamic handling is an adaptive air suspension system with up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance in “Max Ground Clearance” mode. The suspension automatically adjusts ride height based on speed, terrain, and driver preferences. Drivers can switch between various modes—including “Sport,” “All-Purpose,” “Off-Road,” and “Conserve”—to tailor the driving experience to their needs.
Rivian’s “Tank Turn” feature—available on quad-motor models—uses opposing torque on left and right wheels to enable the vehicle to rotate in place on low-traction surfaces. While not intended for regular use, it’s a fascinating demonstration of the R1S’s advanced torque vectoring capabilities and can be a lifesaver when navigating tight off-road spots.
Battery and Range: Real-World EV Endurance
Battery range is a critical factor for any electric vehicle, and the 2025 Rivian R1S impresses with its long-distance capabilities. The Dual-Motor AWD variant, equipped with a 149 kWh battery pack (largest in any production SUV), achieves an EPA-estimated range of up to 406 miles on a full charge. This range makes it ideal for cross-country road trips without frequent charging stops.
The Quad-Motor AWD model, while more performance-focused, still delivers an EPA-estimated 321 miles of range. The trade-off in range is expected due to increased power output and energy consumption, especially in aggressive driving conditions.
Rivian supports fast DC charging at up to 200 kW, allowing the R1S to gain approximately 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes under optimal conditions. The vehicle is compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network (via adapter), significantly expanding charging accessibility across the U.S. Rivian also operates its own network of Adventure Charging stations in remote areas, catering specifically to outdoor enthusiasts.
Regenerative braking is highly effective, with adjustable levels allowing drivers to fine-tune one-pedal driving behavior. In “Strong” regen mode, the R1S can nearly come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal, improving efficiency and reducing brake wear.
Off-Road Test: Conquering the Wild with Electric Power
The 2025 Rivian R1S isn’t just built for paved roads—it’s engineered to dominate off-road terrain. During our off-road testing in Moab, Utah—a proving ground for serious SUVs—the R1S demonstrated remarkable capability across rocky trails, steep inclines, river crossings, and loose sand.
In “Rock Crawl” mode, the vehicle lowers speed and maximizes torque control, allowing precise maneuvering over uneven terrain. The adaptive air suspension lifted the chassis to its maximum height, clearing boulders and deep ruts without scratching underbody components. The standard underbody protection and sealed battery pack provided peace of mind during water fording, with a maximum depth of 3 feet 9 inches—impressive for any SUV.
On a steep, loose gravel climb, the R1S’s traction control system seamlessly distributed power to wheels with grip, preventing wheel spin and maintaining steady momentum. Downhill, the regenerative braking system supplemented traditional brakes, managing descent speed without overheating.
We tested the R1S in “Mud/Ruts” and “Sand” modes, each optimizing power delivery and suspension damping for the surface. In sand dunes, the dual-motor model exhibited excellent floatation and agility, while the quad-motor version provided instant throttle response for climbing dunes.
One of the standout features during the off-road test was the “Off-Camber” stability. Even when one side of the vehicle was significantly higher than the other, the R1S maintained composure thanks to its wide track and advanced stability control. The 360-degree camera system with “Off-Road View” provided real-time underbody imaging, helping drivers avoid obstacles and navigate tight spots.
Despite its nearly 7,000-pound curb weight, the R1S felt agile and responsive. The low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery pack enhanced stability, reducing body roll and improving cornering on uneven trails.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2025 Rivian R1S is packed with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades expand the suite to include:
- Hands-free highway driving (Rivian Pilot)
- Active lane-keeping assist
- Intersection assist (detects cross-traffic when turning)
- Driver attention monitoring
- 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines
Rivian Pilot, the brand’s semi-autonomous driving system, enables hands-free travel on mapped highways. It combines adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and navigation-based routing to reduce driver fatigue on long trips. While not fully autonomous, it performs admirably in highway conditions and automatically disengages if driver attention is not detected.
The R1S also features a comprehensive airbag system, reinforced aluminum frame, and battery pack protection designed to meet or exceed federal safety standards. Although official IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the 2025 model are still pending, early crash test data from previous model years suggest excellent structural integrity.
Charging Infrastructure and Ownership Experience
One of the biggest concerns for EV buyers is charging convenience, and Rivian addresses this with a multi-pronged approach. The R1S can be charged at home using a Level 2 wall charger (240V), which fully replenishes the battery in about 12–14 hours. For faster charging, public DC fast chargers (including Tesla Superchargers via adapter) provide up to 200 kW charging speeds.
Rivian’s proprietary Adventure Network includes over 600 charging stations across scenic and remote locations—national parks, hiking trails, and mountain resorts. These stations are solar-powered and equipped with dual chargers, reducing strain on the grid and supporting sustainable travel.
Ownership perks include complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles, mobile service appointments, and access to Rivian’s roadside assistance program. The brand also offers a mobile app that provides real-time charging station availability, route planning with charging stops, and remote climate control activation.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Rivian R1S is available in three main trim levels, each catering to different lifestyles and budgets:
R1S Explore
Starting at $74,500, the Explore trim offers the dual-motor AWD powertrain, 20-inch wheels, vegan leather seats, panoramic roof, and the 16-inch touchscreen. It’s ideal for buyers prioritizing range and efficiency over extreme performance.
R1S Adventure
Priced from $79,500, the Adventure trim adds off-road enhancements like the Adventure Package (skid plates, all-terrain tires), upgraded interior materials, and enhanced driver assistance features. This is the most popular configuration among outdoor enthusiasts.
R1S Launch Edition (Limited Availability)
Priced around $90,000, the Launch Edition features the quad-motor AWD system, 22-inch wheels, exclusive badging, premium audio, and full Rivian Pilot capability. Limited production and high demand make this trim difficult to acquire, often through Rivian’s reservation system.
Additional options include a rooftop tent ($5,000), off-road recovery kit, and exterior gear tunnels—perfect for stashing bikes, skis, or climbing gear.