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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Rivian R1S: A Capable EV SUV
What do our experts think of the 2023 Rivian R1S? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Rivian R1S?
The 2023 Rivian R1S is just the second model year for this all-new vehicle. It sports three rows of seats, two battery sizes, and two motor layouts. Buyers enjoy at least 600 horsepower and a bevy of very tech-forward features including a 16-inch infotainment system, multiple drive modes, an air suspension, and multiple driver aids.
The 2023 version of the R1S continues on without any significant changes. The Launch Edition is long sold out but expect more features to arrive on the Adventure trim via over-the-air software upgrades as time goes on.
2023 Rivian R1S – rivian.com | Shop 2023 Rivian R1S on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Outstanding capability
Dapper styling
Lots of tech
Finicky infotainment
Unpolished driver aids
Limited configurability
The most well-rounded three-row SUV
2023 Rivian Specs
- 600 horsepower from base motor
- 600 lb-ft of torque from base motor
- 2 available trims
- 17.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 104.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- 16-inch infotainment system
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 8-year battery warranty
- Towing capacity of 7,700 lbs
2023 Rivian R1S Powertrain
Under the body of the R1S you’ll find one of two battery packs and one of two motor layouts. The Standard battery pack comes with 105 kWh of juice while a Large pack provides 135 kWh. Each can be paired with either a dual motor setup with one motor on each axle and a total of 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque or a quad motor setup with one motor at each wheel for a total of 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of choice, the R1S comes with an adaptive air suspension that can take it from a somewhat low-slung highway cruiser to a serious off-road performer and that’s what really makes the R1S so special.
The 835 hp version is very quick on the road, and it handles a lot better than one might expect, but it’s the well-rounded capability that’s the story here. From embarrassing sports cars in a straight line to out-rock-crawling a Jeep, the R1S can do it. Maybe the upcoming Kia EV9 can give it a run for its money, but we doubt it.
Towing & Payload
Towing with an EV isn’t exactly as practical as it is with a gas-powered vehicle but those that need to can do it with the R1S. This three-row SUV can tow up to 7,700 pounds which is far more than Tesla offers with the Model X.
2023 Rivian R1S Battery Range
The Rivian R1S gets different mileage based on its tire and wheel combo which is why the 22-inch wheel version gets 73 MPGe in the city and the 20-inch version sees that figure drop to 69. At its most efficient, the EPA estimates that the R1S can go up to 352 miles on a single charge with the Large battery pack. Those who get the standard pack can go up to 260 miles on a single charge. Both work with DC fast charging.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The R1S looks very similar to its pickup sibling the R1T. To that end, it features nicely appointed seats with great detail and support, an upright driving position, and good visibility. The dash is very modern looking and squared off.
There’s storage in between the front seats and of course more in the rear of the vehicle. All three rows offer decent comfort though adults at or above 6-feet-tall won’t love the third row for long trips.
Both of the front two rows get seat heating and the front seats also get ventilation. The interior is relatively quiet, even when the R1S is equipped with the optional All-Terrain package with its big knobby tires. Cargo space is solid with 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row and 104.7 when the seats are folded down. Generally, we think it’s an outstanding first attempt as it looks and feels at least as nice as the Tesla Model X.
Entertainment & Technology
Every Rivian R1S has a 16-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen and a proprietary user interface. Overall, we think it’s a decent first attempt but there are a number of improvements that we’d love to see Rivian make. For now, the screen has expandable tiles for different features, and most of the time it works fine but sometimes it’s very slow or glitchy to respond.
Rivian also doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay so those aren’t available for those that want to navigate around the native system. Nevertheless, we see the direction Rivian is going and for the most part, we like it.
Safety Features
Just as we mentioned in our full review of the R1T pickup truck, Rivian’s all come with a full suite of safety features. That includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and more.
As we said in that previous review, some of these features, like adaptive cruise control, aren’t as smooth as we expected but we’re nevertheless glad to see them included.
2023 Rivian R1S Trims & Pricing
Rivian R1S buyers have the choice of either the dual-motor or quad-motor setup along with either the standard or large battery pack regardless of trim level.
Adventure – $79,800
The base R1S Adventure trim comes with 21-inch wheels, adjustable air suspension, tow hooks, a built-in air compressor, a panoramic glass roof, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, faux leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a microfiber headliner, a 16-inch touchscreen, and a Meridian sound system.
Adventure All-Terrain – $89,400
Stepping up to the All-Terrain version swaps out the 21-inch wheels for 20s with all-terrain tires. It also adds thicker underbody skid plates.
Warranties
Rivian offers a generous five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty along with a powertrain warranty that covers eight years or 175,000 miles. That should be long enough to add value for some in the market. Rivian doesn’t offer any complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Rivian R1S – rivian.com | Shop 2023 Rivian R1S on Carsforsale.com
There’s lots of room for small improvements here and there on the R1S. The infotainment system and driver aids could both use more polish. We’d love to see more options and configurability but certainly, those will come in the future.
Beyond those minor gripes, it’s hard to find fault with the R1S. It’s spacious, nicely finished, and probably the most capable SUV of its kind right now. No other rival can offer this level of power, off-road capability, towing ability, and interior quality for the money. Buyers may even get access to tax credits for buying an EV.
