The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$83,990 (Dual Large, US; not sold in Australia) Official range: 289–410 miles (EPA) 0–60 mph: from 2.6 seconds (Quad, Rivian figure) Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) Overview The R1S is Rivian's three-row, seven-seat electric SUV, combining luxury-car pricing with genuine off-road ability. A second-generation update in 2024 brought a new electrical architecture, in-house motors and new battery options. It suits well-off families who want space, pace and the ability to tackle rough trails. Rivian is already listing a renamed 2027 range, with the R1S Premium from US$83,990 and a 410-mile EPA estimate. Design & Interior The upright body and distinctive headlights make the R1S easy to recognise. Inside, reviewers describe a cabin that feels upscale but outdoorsy, with heated and ventilated front seats. The central touchscreen runs Rivian's own software, which testers find responsive, and updates arrive over the air. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered. Edmunds notes there is no glovebox and the air vents can only be adjusted through the touchscreen. A removable Bluetooth speaker is a novel touch, though Kelley Blue Book found the audio system underwhelming. Driving Performance is outstanding for a vehicle of this size. Rivian quotes 2.6 seconds to 60 mph for the 1,025-hp Quad, and Edmunds measured 2.9 seconds in a Tri. The adjustable air suspension gives a smooth ride over bumps, according to Edmunds. An electro-hydraulic roll-control system keeps the body flatter in corners than its weight suggests. The R1S still feels heavy when driven hard on a twisting road. Its suspension can raise the body high for off-road driving, and it is rated to tow 7,700 pounds. Range & Charging EPA estimates run from 289 miles for some All-Terrain versions to 410 miles for the Dual Max on 22-inch wheels. In Edmunds' tests, a dual-motor R1S covered 386 miles and a Tri 361 miles, a little below their EPA figures. Efficiency is poor, with EPA ratings of 67–85 MPGe and 43.6 kWh per 100 miles in Edmunds' testing. Reviewers also report that DC fast charging is slower than in many rivals. The R1S has a NACS charging port, so it can use Tesla Superchargers. Practicality The first two rows are roomy, and the second row is comfortable for adults. The third row is best kept for children or shorter adults, and Edmunds found access through the gap tight. Kelley Blue Book measures 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Edmunds quotes 90.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, plus a large front trunk. The missing glovebox is an odd omission in a family car. Safety The 2026 R1S is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It earned Good ratings in the small overlap, updated moderate overlap and updated side crash tests. The rating applies to 2025–27 models built after August 2024, following front structure changes. Headlights and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention were rated Acceptable, and pedestrian crash prevention Good. NHTSA has not issued star ratings for the R1S. It is not sold in Europe or Australia, so it has no Euro NCAP or ANCAP rating. Verdict The R1S is one of the most complete electric three-row SUVs, pairing strong performance with real off-road skill. It rides well, tows usefully and has excellent range in Max battery form. The high price, heavy energy use, tight third row and missing smartphone mirroring are the main reasons to look elsewhere. Buyers should also compare the renamed 2027 line-up, which offers the long-range battery at the entry price. How we rated it Range 4.0 (long official range, heavy consumption, slower charging) · Performance 4.5 (very quick, composed ride, genuine off-road ability) · Safety 4.5 (IIHS Top Safety Pick+, no NHTSA rating) · Comfort 4.0 (smooth and quiet, tight third row) · Overall 4.0 (average of 4.5, lowered half a star for price). Sources EPA range figures (fueleconomy.gov): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49734&id=49733&id=49719&id=49739 Kelley Blue Book review and pricing: https://www.kbb.com/rivian/r1s/ Rivian R1S (current line-up and claims): https://rivian.com/r1s The Weekly Driver, 2026 buyer's guide: https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2026-rivian-r1s-buyer-guide/ Edmunds review: https://www.edmunds.com/rivian/r1s/ IIHS ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/rivian/r1s-4-door-suv/2026 NHTSA listing (2026, not rated): https://api.nhtsa.gov/SafetyRatings/VehicleId/21732