One stop for all your health tips
Though initially announced back in 2018, it wouldn’t be until late 2021 and early 2022 that Rivian’s inaugural electric pickup truck and SUV models — the R1T and R1S — would first hit the road. And while a decade was spent developing these EVs, the electric pickup and SUV spaces have experienced rapid advancements over the last few years. Between various technological breakthroughs and a bevy of new models emerging onto the scene, the electrified truck and sport utility vehicle segments have become increasingly competitive.
So, in a bid to remain at the forefront of the market, Rivian’s team of engineers and designers have opted to return to the drawing board in order to deliver thoroughly updated 2025 model year, second-generation iterations of its SUV and truck that benefit from a host of new tech, updated battery packs, a redesigned chassis and suspension, and new, even more potent powertrain options.
The second-generation R1S sport utility vehicle and R1T pickup truck are being offered across five trim levels; the 533-hp base model Adventure Dual Standard; the 665-hp Adventure Dual Large and Adventure Dual Max; the 850-hp Ascend Tri Max; and the top-of-the-line 1,025-hp Ascend Quad Max.
Though they admittedly look strikingly similar to their 2024 model year predecessors, the 2025 R1S and R1T do in fact benefit from very minor facelifts. This includes slightly-sleeker lines, and new LED lighting fore and aft — including a taillight setup that can now act as a battery-level indicator. The biggest changes to both models, however, are found under the proverbial hood — though the chassis for both the truck and SUV have also been tweaked. New color options and new wheel packages have also been added for 2025.
Another major highlight for Rivian’s 2025 model year flagships is the company’s new suspension package. Allowing for up to 14.6” of ground clearance, this independent air suspension features an electro-hydraulic roll control system with automatic ride-height leveling, plus offers over 6″ of vertical adjustment. More importantly, the new suspension hugely contributes to the 2025 R1S and R1T’s vastly improved driving dynamics. This was one of the biggest sticking points that a lot of driver’s — including myself — had with Rivian’s first-generation R1S/T models, so the improved drivability is a very welcome update.
The 2025 R1T benefits from a redesigned 51.1-inch x 54.1-inch bed that can offer up to 83.6” of space with the tailgate down. Equipped with forged-steel tie-down shackles and lockable under-bed storage for a full-sized spare, the new bed is composed of a reinforced, compression-molded structural composite. Able to be optioned with an available powered tonneau cover, the bed’s tailgate can also be opened with the press of a button — or by using the Rivian smartphone app. Located beneath the front of the bed is also a pass-through gear tunnel with an additional 11.7 cubic feet of storage space. The doors on the gear tunnel fold down to open and are able to double as seats with a 250-pound weight capacity — plus they can be opened using the Rivian app or from the vehicles’ touchscreen display.
While the previous iterations of the R1S and R1T already offered impressive go-anywhere capabilities and amenities, the 2025 model year vehicles take these attributes to the next level. The truck and SUV feature a flat underbody skid-plate, a built-in air compressor, and a variety of optional racks and add-ons. What’s more, on top of the ability to wade into depths of up to 43.1”, the R1T boasts approach and departure angles of 35.7° and 29.9° respectively, while the R1S features 35.8° and 34.4° approach and departure figures.
The interior of the latest Rivian flagships feature solid wood accents, a tined UV-protected panoramic glass roof, plaid textile upholstery and carpeting, and bronze finishes. The R1S also offers seating for up to seven passengers. Every model comes standard with a 10-speaker Rivian Audio system backed by a 600-watt amp, though the company also allows you to upgrade to a new Rivian-developed sound system with Dolby Atmos. There’s also a new AI-backed infotainment system, plus more advanced driver-assistance features that benefit from the use of 11 onboard cameras and no less than five radar sensors.
Now housing their cells in new die-cast carriers, the entry-level models borrow the same Lithium-iron-phospate battery tech from Rivian’s commercial delivery vans, offering better range while also reportedly being easier to service. On select trim levels, the 2025 model year also offers up to 420 miles of range per charge. When using a standard home-charger, both models can receive 25 miles of range per hour, though they can also gain up to 140 miles of autonomy after being plugged into a Fast Charging station for just 20 minutes. Both the R1S and R1T also have access to more than 32,000 public chargers scattered across North America, including over 16,000 Tesla Supercharging stations.
Almost certainly the most significant change to the 2025 model year R1S and R1T is their new powertrain options — all of which use new motors developed and built in-house by Rivian. The entry-level Dual Motor variants still makes 533hp and 610ft-lbs of torque, while the Dual Large and Dual Max models make 665hp and 810ft-lbs. New for 2025 is an Ascend Tri Max trim level that makes 850hp and offers a 2.9-second 0-60mph time — all while maintaining a 380mile range.
At the top of the lineup are the new Ascend Quad Max models which crank out an astounding 1,025hp and 1,198ft-lbs of torque, ultimately allowing the Quad Motor R1S and R1T to do 0-60mph runs in just 2.6 seconds and 2.5 seconds respectively. All of this power is sent to the ground via an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The Quad Motor variants also carry over their predecessor’s 11,000-pound tow rating and 1,764-pound payload capacity. Top speed has also been increased to 130mph. Launch mode has also been added.
Brand: Rivian
Model: R1S & R1T
Model Year: 2025
Powertrain Options: Dual Motor, Tri Motor, or Quad Motor
Horsepower: 533, 665, 850, or 1,025
Range: 270, 330, 380, or 420 Miles
Max Ground Clearance: 14.6”
Max Towing Capacity: 11,000LBs
The 2025 Rivian R1S Dual Motor is available now, with pricing starting at $75,900, while the 2025 R1T Dual Motor starts from $69,900 and is slated for a release in the coming weeks. Scheduled for a release later this summer, the 2025 R1S Ascend Tri Max starts at $105,900 while the R1T Ascend Tri Max’s pricing begins at $99,900. The range-topping R1S Ascend Quad Max and R1T Ascend Quad Max are expected to be released next year, though pricing for either has yet to be revealed.
Rivian ushers in a second-generation flagship pickup and SUV that benefit from a minor facelift, a tweaked chassis, a host of new tech, novel battery packs, and new in-house-built dual, tri, and quad-motor powertrain options.
