The best electric SUV? Rivian R1S Review

The Rivian R1S is the first seven-seat electric SUV (not made by Tesla), but I think between the 800 horsepower and its outstanding off-road chops, this is the best electric SUV you can buy today.
Read my written review of the Rivian R1S: www.prndlcars.com/p/2022-rivi...
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00:00 Introduction
01:10 How big is it, exactly?
03:24 Exterior
04:30 Interior
07:55 Storage
08:41 Rivian Driver+
09:09 Back Seats and More Storage
11:23 Driving Experience
13:59 Performance
14:40 Range and Charging
15:49 The R1S is great, but...

[@prndlcars]

Read my full review of the *2022 Rivian R1S* on my website: www.jordangolson.com/p/2022-rivian-r1s-review-video

[@doolittlegeorge]

The Tesla Model X is of course the first with the Model Y the 2nd but this is the first *"squared off USA Style"* type you could argue absolutely yes.

[@smallbusinessdreams]

The R1S will be my 1st ev, coming from a Highlander with 3 rows. I'm keeping the Highlander but this will be our main shuttle vehicle in city and trips an hour or two away. Very excited to possibly receive our R1S by the end of 2022.

[@TobyCostaRica]

When did you put down your deposit?

[@jeepcam2692]

How long u been waiting?

[@smallbusinessdreams]

@@jeepcam2692 Jan 2021, I could have had the truck by now. I always wanted the SUV.

[@suriel1018]

In the same boat here. I absolutely love my 3 row 2015 Highlander, but I cannot wait for my Rivian R1S. Reviews like this really hold me down and keep me excited while I wait for it to arrive.

[@jneptune1540]

Don't do it. Just Get a tesla

[@mcnillerandsons7906]

The bulky back end is the whole point. Every other SUV has angled back glass that make it so large dogs can’t fit in the back comfortably. You’re also able to stack luggage higher. The large back is the main reason I chose R1S.

[@charlesrichards2632]

100% agree!

[@thejonathanrath]

Absolutely positively LOVING my R1S!

[@cornbread70s4]

Great review sir! First time visiting your channel. Very informative. What a pleasure as a car enthusiast….

[@MegaRetr]

really great review, thanks for the thoroughness, Jordan!

[@medievalbride2005]

Great comprehensive review

[@jabberwolf7348]

The part that I dont think these people understand -- is that "truck space" isnt that long. You can place something LONGER in the SUV and close it. Though the Truck is more useful for "work purposes", the SUV is much more useful to me when I have something longer that would normally be hanging out the back of the truck with the tailgate down.

[@kcd2120]

Yep - same applies for station wagons versus many SUVs. More useable length.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

You mean with both rows of seats down? Yeah, I was a fan of the R1T, mainly for the gear tunnel, but am leaning toward the R1S.

[@manuelias86]

Great review!

[@borgxxxboy]

TGT: "This giant SUV has no business accelerating this fast" Rivian: Oh yes I do.....

[@relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles]

Great review.

[@eddstarr2185]

Thank you, Jordan. I like your rational, clear-headed opinions on the new Rivian R1S and the competition at it's price point. Once any vehicle's price goes above $80k, my advice is to gather as much information as possible on at least three vehicles - then choose wisely. TGiT is a great resource, keep up the excellent work.

[@prndlcars]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@cchan9186]

Interior looks amazing

[@jackchn23]

I like it! Going to get one after they work the kinks out and normalize delivery.

[@mikeshinzo]

This is stunning! 😍

[@lgonzalez1154]

I drove one and yes nothing beats it!

[@searcey]

Love it! Would for sure order if they still had original price but 85k+ puts it out of reach for me. Maybe go to one car and make it happen!

[@Thepulsewidth]

Haha @ Dan staring at the flex 💪🏼 What about routing that air filter to sit inside the rear cargo area? intake tube routed through that panel yall installed. Engine would breath cool / clean interior air

[@royalgreenlantern]

Everyone I know who wants a Rivian the suv is what they want. Its going to sell like crazy. Especially in ATL where big SUVs are bought in bulk

[@dscout]

Awesome. I love RIVIAN R1S

[@braaitongs]

I love the Rivian look! When is Rivian coming to Europe?

[@SEOsister]

Exactly the sort of detailed review I was waiting for. A 3 row, luxury (optional) EV is exactly what we were hoping for and we've been very seriously considering the R1S. I'm an Industrial Designer and I appreciate the features, fit and finish, and general aesthetic, but some of the compromises could be a deal breaker. I may be alone in this, but plentiful, large cup holders and easily accessible, tactile HVAC controls can't be undervalued. It seems small, but lack of these will drive you crazy once the honeymoon period wears off.

[@prndlcars]

In response to my informing him that the Ford Maverick, a small pickup, had a whopping 14 cupholders, a Rivian designer told me they weren’t trying to win the cupholder wars. There are 6 plus some repurposeable door pockets in the R1S. It’s a nice rig, but that is a big miss considering the target family market.

[@Superdada]

Agreed. I noticed this too. My assumption is a vast majority of buyers of the R1S are families and seems like our family car can never have enough cup holders. And also our daughter is always adjusting the rear vents depending on if she’s too hot or too cold. Getting ready for… “Daddy I spilled my drink” “Daddy I’m cold” “Daddy I’m hot” 😂

[@ytwizzle]

This is what I was looking for with additional truck space for the kids. Very spacious

[@darrylphilip3619]

Hi Jordon, thank you for your review of the Rivian R1S. Sounds wonderful but, so did the Ford Lightning until one reviewer attempted to tow a heavy load behind it. When towing a heavy load the performanceof the Ford Lightning fell-off drastically. I think it set a precedent for all future reviews of EV pick-ups and SUV, that the reviewer should test out the towing performance. In Canada, we have a large cottage/camping culture. in the spring and summer months, people are always towing something. This would make for a more thorough review of the vehicle's capabilities and performance. Keep up the good work!

[@prndlcars]

Every pickup loses significant efficiency when towing. This is, unfortunately, a fact of towing. You lose 40% efficiency towing with a gas or diesel truck too, you just don’t care as much. However, most people buying a truck of this size never or rarely tow (regular towers are much more likely to buy a heavy duty truck). If you tow a lot, or long distances, this definitely isn’t the rig for you. There are still plenty of people for whom it’s a great option though!

[@CK2012]

looks nice.... Wish I could buy one , will be way out of my price range....Will have to keep my 20 year old Subaru running hope it keeps on running

[@KingSolrac]

The interior is wild, the space the features holy..

[@Srini19808]

Amazing vehicle.. good review

[@mikeshinzo]

Awesome!

[@DakotaJadeThorn]

Can it tow? And if so, Is tow package sold separately?

[@TheParsaver]

Nice review, thanks. One thing.... Bottom part of rear hatch should be power like BMW X7 and Range Rover.

[@_ca19]

good night my friend, hope your days are always happy, success always for you greetings from Indonesia

[@techster69]

Wow, great review. Wish we had this car in Pakistan 😢

[@neiloppa2620]

I can't find your review of the R1T. Can you please link me?

[@kirmani8208]

Wow it's amazing

[@skoroyob]

Bashakill Marsh in Sullivan County NY. I recognize Rt 208.

[@electrifiedmotors]

Biggest issue with Rivian is choosing between R1T and R1S it was the hardest choice ever. I got an R1T and still not sure if I made the right choice. I love the Truck and all the special things it offers but the SUV has more leg room in the back. Good video thanks.,

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Does it?! I'm under the impression the R1S has the same rear seat (2nd row) legroom as the R1T...

[@electrifiedmotors]

@@MadLadsAnonymous nope, it is much more spacious. Even the rear doors are bigger.

[@davidmorrison5186]

Got a chance to sit and review the pick up before release loved it. I have been waiting for the suv to drop. Will trade my Tesla at the drop of the hat for this (if I could afford it lol but I can't) 😂🤣

[@drnebel]

R1S will be my first EV, will be trading my Merc 450 GLS towards the cost. I don't expect to get it until end of 2023. reserved 1 month ago.

[@matthewburno]

Does this come in 2 rows?

[@CoordinatedCarry]

For the cost of a new Rivian R1S I can get a used car up to $15,000 & 17,000 gallon of gas. At 20 gallons a week which is a lot that’s still 16 YEARS!!!!! of fuel!!!!!!! I wanna save the planet too but FFS people!

[@senoow4215]

Yes ofc but this car is 10x better so 🤷

[@RelizEkpoJnr]

97k seems pretty steep especially when Chinese ev makers have cool ev SUV designs at way cheaper price points. Existing and well known brands aren't slacking either. Goodluck to Rivian.

[@2Greenlid]

Which brands are you talking about?

[@davidhunternyc1]

The problem is still with the charging networks. Electrify America and EVgo sucks.

[@biancaseabold211]

How does it handle towing? Anti sway?

[@senoow4215]

The best in the industry from what ive seen from other reviews

[@richardmahoney9415]

This trucks beautiful but for this money I have to have a working moonroof is that a option on this truck?

[@bingerschannel6724]

no moon roof option that would open.

[@giuseppinacassani5270]

Tank you Jordan. Sara importato in Italy?

[@prndlcars]

Eventually, yes! US and Canada only for now.

[@mikeisaacs2314]

Nice looking SUV still not crazy about the headlights but I could live with them. But 95k little to expensive

[@smallbusinessdreams]

Go dual motor closer to 80k. Not including the $7500 tax credit

[@cortezcabret9408]

Great review. I don’t think you should be doing it while driving.

[@hrutvikjoshi6077]

Isn't it better to talk about the interior when not driving? You can explain better and the camera and focus on the feature than you driving? I'd like to see a close up of the feature than intermittent shots of you driving while talking about ports and cup holders.

[@TheBowerbird]

I think it's the best SUV ever - period. Combustion and EV.

[@alonhaim5643]

How would you compare the handling to the Tesla Model X?

[@prndlcars]

Model X handling is better (more car based platform) while the R1S rides more comfortably and is WAY more off road capable.

[@alonhaim5643]

@@prndlcars I have a R1S quad motor with 22" on order. I drove a friends R1T on the off road tires. It was really squishy. We have a Taycan and Plaid Model X. I have a feeling the R1S will be a let down from a ride standpoint.

[@ronniemcknight3174]

Just ignore most of the settings he says. Well, at this price point I would want to know as much as I can about those settings, seeing as how some of them impact the driving and comfort experience of this vehicle.

[@prndlcars]

I talk quite a bit about the different drive modes. I don't think you care too much about the headlight delay settings, but there are other videos available that dive into all that.

[@christophercrowell3348]

Stairing at a screen to point the air vents at you? Is this any different then texting while driving? Maybe they solved a problem that didnt exist. Keep eyes on the road.

[@willraee]

This guy thinks looking a little like a Range Rover is a bad thing? Hahaha. THAT’S WHY WE LOVE IT.

[@prndlcars]

Not a bad thing! I like the Range Rover a lot (I reviewed the new one a few months ago!)

[@willraee]

@@prndlcars but it’s that boxy style that has set the Range Rover apart, and now imitated. When 90% of the SUVs out there are indistinguishable with there swooping rears it’s nice to see a few with the classic box look. I own an ID.4 and a full size 2011 Range Rover (the real Rover) and I still can’t part with my gas guzzling Range Rover because it just looks that damn good. I rarely drive it though 🥺

[@willraee]

@@prndlcars also, I did just put a $1000 reservation on the R1S. Thank you for the review.

[@Buyonegettwo]

I like that they borrowed the GM steering wheel.

[@bigal4431]

Great review but not very safe to be looking and playing with the screen while driving.

[@williammcguire9192]

Closest thing to a EV land cruiser it seems. Standard foldable 3rd row, off-road capable, comfortable, rear hatch with tailgate. And cheaper than a new cruiser.

[@AlRoderick]

It's shocking how long it's taking for EVs with a lot of passenger capacity to come out given how big the halo models from the manufacturers are. Why did we not get an Expedition Lightning alongside the F150? At least we're getting a long I.d.Buzz

[@prndlcars]

They'll come. F-150 Lightning was an incredibly complicated project that was a retrofit to an existing platform. Wait for the entirely new platform to come and we'll get Explorer Lightning and more.

[@bchevon]

How much does it weigh? 5 tons?

[@denniss5505]

Less than 4 tons, 6500-7000lbs, as per manufacturer

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

It can ford 3’ feet of water?

[@prndlcars]

It can! Everything’s all sealed up. It’s actually even more than that I hear…

[@midway241]

What is the Government Safety Rating NHTSA.

[@SantiagoGomez-xm6iv]

It’s amazing! There are KZbin videos showing the crash tests.

[@CharlesGallagher]

I have a Sequioa with two dogs or I too would have reserved an R1T

[@DonLee480]

I would get range anxiety going off roaring or camping deep in the woods. Otherwise it’s a kick butt SUV!

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Take a solar panel with you. Makes more sence camping

[@johns00982]

My friend please look at the road and less touch screen while driving. You could have gotten blasted if the other driver wasn’t paying attention @6:17

[@TCDShow]

just ordered mine along with the New Tesla Roadster...

[@prndlcars]

Let's see which one comes first!

[@glovedcop69]

Wow 0-60 dang that's better than that new SUV V spec from Cadillac for cheaper.

[@prndlcars]

Yep! It’s faster and cheaper than all the big sporty luxury SUVs!

[@santarosa6676]

Its the rear end design that sold me on the SUV. No fan of slanted backs

[@pauld6967]

I hope Rivian will make a version of the R1S with the option of deleting the 3rd row. Thus giving you a R1T with a cap to keep your cargo dry and secure.

[@dbassett25]

Wake me up when it is available to purchase.

[@prndlcars]

It is available for purchase. Delivery times may be delayed.

[@joshuataylor4874]

Safety rating?

[@zhurbich]

Damn that price tag, hopefully sometime the prices will drop with the ev cars

[@ksaifullah71]

It will be the replacement for 2004 Ranger Rover

[@joecharmley]

I think 75k for smaller battery is not steep but …. I would get ford or Chevy ev before this 97k I rather get ford lighting platinum .kinda reminds me ev Land Rover

[@lookatme4114]

Informative video. I am curious of why an auto journalist such as yourself do videos going over features while driving down a public road taking your eyes countless times off the road and focus on the screen to demonstrate features that you could cover while sitting still. Pretty dangerous and irresponsible I feel. I don't see the point of doing the video while driving the entire time. I am not hating on you or your work, just was the first thing that came to my mind as I watched your channel for the first time.

[@mehrajmohan173]

I want to join your organization

[@iamgermane]

Nothing wrong with the rear end.

[@nicotri9722]

Again with all the screens! If it's an electric car, it doesn't mean it can't have analogue dials and buttons for a more timeless look!

[@betrthanmost]

Rivian did the old bait and switch by removing the R1s Explorer version so they could raise the price and offer the Adventure version with the low range battery. Don't be fooled yall, this company is doing fraudulent practices and should be ashamed of themselves. I cancelled my order.

[@iamgermane]

Consider the battery replacement cost..... $30,000!?!? Replacement at 100K.

[@hobear637]

Have a 2020 reservation date, can’t wait!

[@Stonebird13]

It should be called Land Rover Discovery EV 😉

[@bat-erdenejargalsaihan5837]

Hi, why that funny emoji face that of Rivian always ? Is that not changeable?

[@canmu]

I wish car manufacturers would stop marketing these vehicles for off roading. 97,000 it’s coming live on pavement.

[@chargedupchallah5006]

Watch the road Family, 4

[@K42023]

Why are they all driving so slow?

[@Rizok_soulrose]

Now compare it to the model x long range

[@prndlcars]

I've driven the MX, I'd definitely pick this except for the Supercharger network.

[@Rizok_soulrose]

@@prndlcars ok

[@marcusx3605]

If these were 50-70k then I would be all over this

[@senoow4215]

Look at the new Fisker Ocean!

[@afzalshaikh2128]

Get a vinfast vf9 instead for 20k less and a 10yr 200k warranty

[@prndlcars]

That doesn't quite exist yet.

[@xinwu4482]

这内饰塑料感十足？

[@prndlcars]

No, it definitely doesn't look plastic. It's very high end.

[@cesnea]

Cool looking truck/SUV but not ready for prime time. This is a premature review as the R1S isnt available till 2024!

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

A vehicle like this is going to destroy legacy brands like range rover in the luxury SUV market. Alot of bankrupt predictions in the near future is my guess.

[@melgreen1794]

The range is not topping land rover sport so I’m out - “ shark tank. “

[@danielungureanu3621]

It was obvious from the beginning you like the truck better, because of the kitchen

[@prndlcars]

There *may* be a mini kitchen coming for the SUV…

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

That front end is hideous.

[@noahc6246]

I need buttons

[@mickeymcintire7621]

Good luck with charging. I would wait until Tesla opens it's charging network.

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

Expensive ≠ Luxury It is very nice though. But not luxurious.

[@joseb7727]

Crazy how they making cars that require us to look away from the road , that touch screen looks complicated

[@jasonmillner6416]

you didnt use the word Tesla once. smh

[@prndlcars]

I wasn't reviewing the Tesla. I was reviewing this!

[@jasonmillner6416]

@@prndlcars hahaha

[@kevman90]

Lol…. “Slower charging that a Kia EV 6”… LOL

[@demize6]

not being able to use car play is very annoying

[@pedrohizzle2835]

sucks that my white w ocean & large pack probably won't even be here next year. what a joke.

[@prndlcars]

I believe it's the wood that isn't up to snuff. If you get a different interior, you'll get it sooner!