Is the 2025 Rivian R1S a better SUV to BUY than a Cadillac Escalade IQ?

FIRST DRIVE: The R1S is getting some updates from Rivian for 2025. On the outside you will discover new wheels. On the inside you will be greeted to an improved infotainment system and A/C. Powering the Rivian R1S performance dual-motor producing 665HP and a MAX Battery pack. Is the 2025 Rivian R1S a better SUV to BUY than a Cadillac Escalade IQ?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@omarcortes5754]

I'm not into electrics but I actually like what Rivian has been doing. Nice designs and great performance.

[@mrtoast0421]

It’s basically a tesla

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head Omar

[@RaitisRides]

@@mrtoast0421not at all

[@Locke-b2w]

@@mrtoast0421 Only in Elon's wet dreams. If Tesla tried to charge $70k+ for their cheap plasticy EVs they would have gone bankrupt a long time ago

[@InsighterofTech]

@@Locke-b2w they already do charge 80k for the base model x lol

[@urgetodrive]

3rd row USB-C in the armrests. Open 'em up, homie.

[@watchreport]

He did and he specifically said there was connectivity in there. Edit- he originally says there is connectivity when he’s opening those arm rests, then when he’s in cargo he says he wishes there was USB’s in the third row. I think he forgot he saw them in the arm rest cubby. 🤷‍♂️ 😊

[@LarsDennert]

@@watchreport Could be an editing thing how the video was shot

[@rickjames6867]

I saw one of these the other day at the Safeway parking lot. When the lady stepped out of her Rivian. I told her she has a nice car. She replied that she loves it. True story.

[@winexprt]

Sweet story my man.

[@Aegisx5]

We've had ours almost a year, it's great. Love the company too.

[@Reaperguy67]

I like the new color they have called storm blue. Personally my choice is the r1t duel motor performance. When it comes to color, my choice is this blue with dark accents.

[@2021PorscheTaycanTurboS]

I agree I like the color too! I would probably choose the r1t lfp battery standard range trim or tri motor trim depending on my needs because I really like those trims personally. But I would also choose this blue color with dark accents too.

[@Reaperguy67]

@@2021PorscheTaycanTurboS nice choice

[@2021PorscheTaycanTurboS]

@@Reaperguy67 thank you so much!

[@Reaperguy67]

@@2021PorscheTaycanTurboS you are welcome

[@cblue3581]

As a Quad R1T owner, I can tell you its the best car I've every owned. My previous toy was a Widebody Scatpack Charger. This is miles ahead of Dodge on style and performance.

[@JZirn]

This is such a beautiful thought out and designed vehicle. I really can’t wait for the R2 and R3 and hope Rivian is here to stay long term.

[@Darkgudda]

Excellent review and video Joe and Lori. So, during the first phase of R1S I did pre-order one but that was during the period they had issues with material, and they had to increase the price to compensate for material and labor I think. Rivian was very professional during that time. I recieved the personable letter from RJ sent out to all the pre-order customers explaining why the price increase and delays. Now I did cancel it due to several delays and not knowing when it will arrive. Additioanlly the price increase was also a concern even with $77K and my wife looking at me cross-eyed that bump from $77K was getting crazy. I had it priced at $77K at the time with a trim above the base I believe, but it increased to $87K. Anyway Rivian was very professional and they have improved from when they started. Well, I went with the Jeep Gladiator based on Joe's reviews and Lori's videography which I am extremely satisfied, but that R2 looks pretty sweet.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for letting me share all the cars with you!

[@Matt.e_Black]

After owning 3 Teslas, 2 Model S and 1 Model X, I now have a Rivian R1S and will NEVER go back!! Rivian FTW!!!

[@Austindallexirsiub62]

Why

[@Matt.e_Black]

@@Austindallexirsiub62 build quality and overall vehicle quality is much better

[@Hosk17]

@@Matt.e_Black how would you say the sw experience is comparatively? Ive owned a model 3 for 5 years, looking to get a bigger vehicle for another car now and don't think the X or Y really offer what I'm looking for but I love the tesla sw eco system. also, I've heard the highway noise is loud on the rivians comparatively

[@Matt.e_Black]

@@Hosk17 sw?

[@JJ18_]

​@Matt.e_Black I think he meant software

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@michaelsheedy]

I saw one in the parking lot the other day. Impressive fit and finish. And it is a big vehicle in person. A Rivian delivery Van comes down our street everyday and it should save Rivian if they can increase production as Amazon has ordered 100,000 of them.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that experience with us Michael!

[@RickMentore]

Can't wait for an American EV auto company to pass Tesla in popularity! This is a fantastic offering from Rivian, I particularly like the interior!

[@RickMentore]

@@jamesh1641 Agreed! It is in the interest of consumers that Tesla have a close rival!

[@kstar1956]

I think Rivian can certainly be that company. They make some good looking products and the quality has been good for the most part.

[@ernestfagan8817]

Tesla is American too

[@RickMentore]

@@ernestfagan8817 but their CEO is a jerk!

[@tonyn3227]

They will never pass tesla with popularity, I wouldn't count on that, especially with these prices

[@MicahBratt]

Love the look of Rivian. It's modern, sleek and fresh.

[@FrankGallagherr]

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is pretty sick! I’ll get one in a couple years when it’s $75k!

[@RaitisRides]

That sounds like a plan Frank!

[@LandryChristianRubicon]

Like the blue

[@flubberlane8437]

Good Afternoon I can’t wait to watch this drive 😀

[@Rx100Vx]

Love the dark out package R1S 2025 .

[@armyavi8tor]

Not an electric car guy, but the rivian is definitely changing my mind on possibly owning one when my lease is up. It’s more palatable than Tesla for sure.

[@seabicuit7247]

While I never cared for the headlight/light bar design. I really like the general look and interior. I’m keeping an eye out for the R2 in a few years since the R1S is too big for my needs.

[@RaitisRides]

We will be bring it to you!

[@tedbell4416]

Remember that toy called Alphie

[@joebrito2066]

Rivian fit and finish is great. Thanks Joe for this video!

[@KirbyPuffy123]

I just spotted a Rivian R1s in a red color charging! I wish this is longer like a Cadillac ESV or Yukon XL But this is a amazing review

[@RaitisRides]

I think that size will be coming eventually

[@Aegisx5]

It would be cool to have an XL version. The big frunk significant makes up for it in terms of storage though, it's huge.

[@r.arodriquez4392]

Thanks, I'll take two 😂 Great video always in depth and full of great information.👍🏾

[@dejonbuick6070]

Hey, Joe I don't know much about this car company, however the color looks great with the black wheels.😊😊😊.

[@josesolano7030]

Picking up my 2025 Gen 2 R1S next week. BTW there are 2 USB-C ports in the 3rd row. One on each side.

[@SauloMogi]

Rivian is my favorite good looking electric vehicle.

[@MikeBaileyaws]

Nice job on the Gen 2 overview Enjoyed the dash ride on everyday roads. Helps sense the ride improvements

[@anthonyv1719]

Two different classes I believe. Cadillac IQ is huge, and heavy. More luxurious - and more expensive.

[@RaitisRides]

They are both expensive Anthony

[@MurseTech64]

Now THIS is a head to head!!! And, yes, I'll take the Rivian R1S all day over the Escalade. Joe, finally, some forward thinking vehicles. Must feel good to get out of those "legacy" vintage ICE dinosaurs.

[@RaitisRides]

I knew you were going to Like this one!

[@SME5724]

91,000 ? Thought they were going to make EVs appealing with pricing … this is just 91,000 reasons to keep what you got 😅

[@Aegisx5]

They're coming out with an R2 in the mid 40s. This one isn't meant for budget shoppers. It is a great value though compared to competitive ICE vehicles.

[@Jeromaru29]

Ordered my R1S Gen 2 last month.

[@tedbell4416]

I ordered 4 last week

[@SME5724]

⁠@@tedbell4416ha, that’s cute I ordered 5 last yesterday.

[@MoneyLeaper]

Nice! I own several Rivians.😊 Rivian stock that is. I can't afford one. But I'll buy a few more shares since they were smart enough to get it on Raiti rides. I think Rivian will eventually be acquired. Anyway hope they are successful.

[@Duramaxcho]

Rivian over IQ for sure

[@bobbyjones2112]

I don’t mind an SUV with the plastic or painting around the wheel wells. I think it makes it look a little more rugged.

[@pablotelford6788]

I love the flat black too. Would prefer powder coated black wheels rather than the gloss black.

[@1nteract1ve]

I'd love to see telematics displayed on screen while you're driving. Especially when you're in performance vehicles, it's tough to tell your speed, RPMs, etc. I think this would add significantly to your already great videos.

[@danbrown3460]

I could see the rainbow, I could eat the rainbow 😂 Great job Joe and Lori!!

[@Futurase1]

LOVE THE BLUE. MAGNIFICENT VEHICLE. WISH PRICE WAS TAD LOWER

[@steved7085]

This a is a very high quality vehicle, I'd rather have the Rivian than a Cadillac SUV. (I'm smirking at the tongue-in-cheek comments you throw in there)

[@TheRandomDude-qy1ev]

$91k? I thought it looked like a 40k max. Hey lol... to each their own. I hope whoever gets it is loving it.

[@RaitisRides]

Good point

[@TheNikidnfs]

Camrys and Accords are $40k

[@TheRandomDude-qy1ev]

@@TheNikidnfs As ar Rav4s, santes and many other SUVS which look allot better. This has the boring tesla cheap interior. Not impressed. Big tablet and kitchen counter.

[@TheNikidnfs]

@@TheRandomDude-qy1ev Toyota interiors are cheap, buttons feel cheap, also you’re mooing along with less than 200hp. Not defending Rivian or EV’s, I drive an F-150 Raptor but prices have gone up. You’re paying for 600hp toy not a sensible purchase.

[@TheRandomDude-qy1ev]

​@@TheNikidnfs I'm glad you like the Rivian, and you find its price worthy. I don't agree. And that's ok. For 80k you can get allot more elsewhere. It's not for me, looks dull and cheap. No character or personality. A kitchen sink with a tablet.

[@alanincentraljersey]

Best EV wheels I’ve seen so far. I would like massaging seats, I bet the Caddy has them.

[@andrewshields986]

Going easy on Rivan. No zonk on rear wiper, and you plastic wheel well trim.. Do some more Z06 content please :)

[@Lee-go1ss]

Liking Rivian but not liking if you have a problem, you have to wait awhile in areas for them to service the suv/truck.

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

Is there anyway to cover the panoramic roof?

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@RPMATX]

Given how much driver distraction is necessary for adjusting AC this definitely needs a self driving mode.

[@dagma3437]

Why doesn’t this have Apple CarPlay or Android auto? You can’t convince me that the built in navigation system would be up to date compared to google maps or Waze

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me you are preaching to the choir!

[@Aegisx5]

It is, it uses Google live traffic and navigation data for real time routing. The software is great and constantly improving too. Monthly updates.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Yeah of course Joe & I am ready to buy this.

[@Keermyyyy]

muss kurz chillen und gucke mir währenddessen dieses genüssliche video an

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you stopping by!

[@BuySellHomesLI]

How tall are you and would you say it is a good size for a 6'4 210 pound male?

[@adjust.clinic]

It seems to me, if you add the frosted sunroof and the upgraded sound system, for just a few extra bucks, you could get the tri-motor version with all of the extras standard. And, with the tri-motor, you'll get the upgraded interior.

[@cxcubed]

$86k for the dual motor, large pack, electrochromatic roof and premium auto. $106k for the tri motor. More than just a few extra bucks.

[@adjust.clinic]

@@cxcubed I get $98,500 for Max Pack performance with interior upgrades. He's reviewing the Performance Max dual motor. It does inflate pretty quickly once you start adding stuff. At first I talk myself into accepting the short range LFP truck, but then I want to be happy for the next few years with the top of the line stuff.

[@cxcubed]

@@adjust.clinic Totally get it. I was thinking I needed at least the large pack as well, until doing some research and understanding the difference between the new LFP batteries on the standard pack vs the NMC batteries on the large and max. It's looking like you can charge to 100% a lot more often with LFP vs recommended 80% on NMC. Which means the mileage advantage for the large pack is diminished. It seems the way to go is either standard or max. I wish Rivian offered leasing in my state, which would make it much easier to swallow the price tag and get top of the line.

[@hearmeout1966]

Rivian Rocks!

[@guccisasha]

I looove my R1S. would GET THE GEN2 IN A HEART BEAT. NO Cadillac, WAY TOO EXPENSIVE AND DON'T OFFER MUCH. Rivian IS VERTICALLY INTEGRATED EV COMPANY FROM THE GET GO, UNLIKE LEGACY AUTOMAKERS THAT ARE TRYING TO CATCH UP.

[@cblue3581]

Quad R1T owner. Rivian is miles ahead.

[@johnsanfelipe7493]

Gotta have space for 2 Nerf balls. Love this dude...haha

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing review Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

You are the man as always!

[@em8066]

Dream car.

[@RaitisRides]

Dream power!

[@phenom354]

Do you buy the 80-90k R1S , or do you wait for the 130k Cadillac IQ .. completely different buyer

[@VioletStarling88]

yeah the controls should be in the back, and not be controlled by the middle. that's sibling fights waiting to happen xD

[@creepingbert]

At 23:57, anyone else feel the eye roll from behind the camera??🤣🤣🤣

[@hwasu22]

Thinking of trading in my ‘22 Model S LR for the new R1S. Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

[@ARMUSACE]

I love Rivian

[@mickeybrumfield764]

It's interesting how some auto manufacturers have a talent for cheating the air, and others seem to have little to no talent in that area. Good picture of Oscar.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very interesting hunk for sure

[@viswanathkumar3106]

32:34, that's not Aero into the fender flare, that's dirto and mudo from the tires into the fender

[@KiddAlways]

this crazy world we love in where every vehicle looks lile a toy and has screens everywhere. it's like i died and wasn't good enough to make heaven or bad enough to make hell so they sent me to this electric car world.

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain!

[@Aegisx5]

Cars provide information and have settings that car designers 30 years ago couldn't dream if. You need a screen.

[@lastaim6152]

@Rivian #Rivian Please Rivian R1S team in future upgrade 3rd row for proper adult (( like Toyota Grand Highlander or Hyundai palisade (or Ford expedition 3rd row 😅😅)) and best thing support and big 3rd row window glass keeping cargo space and split tailgate same as now... If possible provide minimum 180mm or under for better stability with highspeed in highway and possible high ground (near 300mm) clearance for off-road

[@tomdrummy4984]

Front end looks like squidward from sponge bob cartoon . Other than that, looks good

[@fox12129]

I agree! I was about to post almost the same thing.

[@jonesjones7057]

Always wondered what the front reminded me of.

[@osamaFXX]

This car is dope man.

[@Darkvirgo88xx]

I hate EV's but I like the look of the Rivian that looks similar to a Gremlin from the front.

[@stephencooper3583]

I wouldn't pit this against the Escalade IQ. It seems more in line with a Tesla Model X or something. The Escalade IQ outclasses them both by far, in my opinion (as expected given the price and size difference). This seems a bit closer to a Lyriq maybe. Just my $0.02.

[@Aegisx5]

Lyric is 5 seats so really not competing. The Kia EV9 upper trims, Tesla Model X, Volvo EX90, and gas competitors like Audi Q8 are the competitive set. The Cadillac IQ is huge and starts at $130K, with options up way above that. It's in another class really.

[@stephencooper3583]

@@Aegisx5 ... agreed.

[@AJ-xi1eu]

Don’t forget the pet comfort is not for kids even if they’re hairy…….Joe stays with the jokes love it…🤣😂

[@MrMashman93]

Sounds great no rumble from the motor.

[@deannawalker7022]

In this economy, how are people actually affording these 70+ k vehicles. Don't get me wrong, love the look, the features and being electric and all but these prices for vehicles in general are just of of control.

[@bstewnyc]

The rear is what Hyundai should've done for the Sante Fe

[@Tbcycoji]

tail lights must've been the difficult part to design on that vehicle.

[@chriskoloski8881]

Sheds pounds but adds a heavier battery which costs a billion dollars

[@RaitisRides]

Pretty much

[@tedbell4416]

91 billion dollars

[@suzanneflowers2230]

I want to see car companies succeed, but if I'm to pay that high price, it would be Cadillac.

[@thedragonofdalzell]

Car companies have lost their minds with the cost of new cars. Why are they pushing EVs and pricing them out of most people's spending range.

[@Aegisx5]

The Cadillac IQ is nice but the IQ costs way more than a Rivian R1S. They're also massive - not sure it'd even fit in my garage.

[@Aegisx5]

​@thedragonofdalzell the cost of the average EV now within $1000 of comparable gas vehicles. Plus they cost very little to maintain and fuel. A recent study found the total cost to own was cheaper in 48 out of 50 states.

[@SigmaChirality]

The iq starts at + 40k. They’re not exactly in the same price range unless your a multimillionaire

[@texaslegend5076]

Cadillac and this Rivian would be a big L. Be better off buying a 2003 Tahoe

[@tedbell4416]

91k what a bargain i think I'll order 6 of them

[@InsighterofTech]

@@tedbell4416 can you help a brother out by ordering me one too 😁

[@Snerdles]

Only 6, what are you going to drive on Sunday?

[@richuncleel5454]

But if you need to drive to pittsburgh you will have to stop 2 times to charge over 5 hours delay. Still not for me as electric needs to add to the total mileage distance.

[@RaitisRides]

This is such a very good point!

[@Lauramichaca]

Why is Rivian for that price?

[@richroggio]

Joe, that is very nice but I would choose the 2025 Subaru Ascent Touring 👍💯

[@Aegisx5]

@@richroggio huh? Is this satire? lol

[@richroggio]

Joe, please respond 👍

[@HashishHarry]

Shouts out to Joe, for dropping the NKOTB - “Hanging Tough” reference!! (That’s New Kids On The Block for all you boomers and gen Z’ers lol)

[@thereforeiam5217]

Cybertruck Squad where you at. Time to assemble

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there

[@tedbell4416]

​@@RaitisRides what did he do?

[@eerwig]

Those oval headlights are a deal-breaker

[@robinofloxley3439]

Looks great, but too much computer work for my taste

[@Locke-b2w]

Body cladding should never be painted, this completely defeats the purpose of the cladding - to take the hits from rocks, branches, etc. on the trail and road. Painting it means you'll have to deal with scratches and dings to paint, like the rest of the car, at which point why even bother having the cladding? Toyota does this with their EV, but Subaru refused this stupidity with the Solterra variant because they actually understand the purpose.

[@amielem]

12:35 we are wating for shortcut dedicated butons for each page

[@andrewsbbq]

Need more hybrid fullsize trucks and SUVs. Not these resource heavy, price heavy, and literally heavy EV suvs and trucks

[@normanli7085]

As far as full size, only the tundra, sequoia (standard), and f150 have hybrids. Everyone else is either gas or ev, but Ram could have a range extender coming to the market soon, and maybe the wagoneer/GW could get them too

[@andrewsbbq]

@@normanli7085 yea, so we need more… 2026 Silverado will have an HEV or possibly PHEV

[@normanli7085]

@andrewsbbq it's too bad the ev silverado looks a lot like an ev avalanche and the Escalade iq could mean a preview for the future tahoe and suburban

[@dhan219]

Cadillac IQ is big as a ESV and has better interior and exterior but it starts at 130k not worth it. I think the Rivin will be better with 2025 Cadillac Vistiq.

[@bigdoggy6650]

It needs to be more riveting!

[@fifibao8895]

I saw it was towed last Saturday.

[@genghis144]

Dreamy 😎

[@RaitisRides]

Dream big!

[@leandronesi9519]

Thrid Raw does not have AC vents !!! it is just vents with no AC or Heat. Get your facts right.

[@osemuohan-smarties5203]

Get ready for the future!

[@tedbell4416]

This ain't it

[@davidp2888]

I like it, it's different.

[@RaitisRides]

I can totally agree with that statement

[@tedbell4416]

Where cani get some off-road twinkies?

[@GooGLR98]

Weekend lawn mower gear up will not work with car reviews.

[@jaydenk0408]

I dont wanna see his m shape hair 😂😂

[@davidwolf226]

Joe, unfortunately, I'm NOT a fan of the front design of this vehicle. It is just too radical for my taste. Hence, I will ALWAYS go for the Escalade, hands down.

[@rjsmith4809]

The Cadillac escalade iq is better but more expensive

[@Cole_brittner]

How the hell do people afford these. Tired of seeing new vehicles costing 70k+

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Looks alright.

[@RaitisRides]

I do like the color

[@docphi]

I despise the plastic around wheel wells, especially in any car more that 40k. Stop that!!