2024 Rivian R1S SUV

　　2024 Rivian R1S Review

　　byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　5/24/2023

　　What is the R1S?

　　The Rivian R1S is the SUV version of the brand's R1T electric pickup truck. Brimming with smart design and copious amounts of on- and off-road capability, the Rivian R1S has piqued the interest of not only EV buyers but overlanding and tech enthusiasts as well. Offering three rows of seats, a choice of battery packs, and different motor configurations (the R1S can have up to four motors, one for each wheel), the R1S can be equipped to handle the daily commute or a rocky trail.

　　For 2024 the R1S offers the option of a dual-motor setup (one on each axle) and a new battery option known as the Standard pack. Rivian says the 105-kWh Standard battery pack is good for 260 miles of range. As for power output for the dual-motor setup, Rivian cites 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft, and the Performance Dual-Motor AWD model brings power up to a head-spinning 700 hp. Another change is the elimination of the five-passenger configuration. For 2024, only a three-row seven-passenger will be sold. Rivian is known to make rolling changes, though, so some of this information could change by the time the 2024 R1T becomes available.

　　While the truly off-road-ready electric SUV is still a fairly rare commodity, there are a growing number of electric trucks with the potential to take you nearly as far, or farther, than the R1S. Aside from its sibling, the R1T, there's Ford's F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet's highly anticipated Silverado EV and the outrageous Hummer EV.

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　Learn more about EV charging

　　zzdcar says

　　With a waiting list over a year long, the popularity of the R1S is not in doubt. And with added depth to its lineup for 2024, Rivian should brace itself for even more orders of one of the coolest SUVs you can buy, electric or not. Whether or not Rivian can keep up with the demand is a whole other story, but we'd suggest you place your order now to take delivery by the end of the year.