The Rivian R1S Dual Max is a new dual-motor range-focused electric SUV inspired by the outdoors. I drove one for two weeks to see if my Los Angeles-based family can finally move past the internal combustion SUV lifestyle.
The Rivian R1S Dual Max is three-row SUV that delivers on its promise and potential: to inspire adventure while limiting EV anxiety. It’s a beast off-road and boasts 410 miles of range, alongside plenty of premium perks.
Gear Patrol Creative Director Joe Tornatzky testing the Rivian R1S Dual MaxPhoto by Alex Frankel for Gear Patrol
Starting at $75,900, however, the price is a problem for buyers like me who want this truck but can’t reasonably drop that kind of dough on a new vehicle — hence why I’m eagerly anticipating the mid-size R2 or the R3 hatch.
Joshua Tree, CAPhoto by Alex Frankel for Gear Patrol
10 Takeaways Driving the Rivian R1S Dual Max
Driving a Rivian is unlike anything else in its purity of purpose: to get you outdoors and look pretty cool doing it.
It’s a heavy, comfortable, capable SUV — exactly what current heavy, comfortable and capable SUV owners want. A Tesla Model X this is not.
It feels smaller than it looks. To be clear this is a big truck, but it easily fit into our smaller-than-usual two-car driveway.
Tight U-turns make the truck feel nimble.
0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds in an SUV is staggering no matter how many times you do it.
My daughter loved the bird chirping when locking the car. A small detail that reinforces the brand’s purpose.
With the Dual Max motor, this R1S model carries an estimated range of 410 miles — a figure that felt accurate on a drive from downtown Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park and back.
The Rivian works great at Tesla Superchargers, but note: Tesla drivers look upon Rivian owners as a different breed. It doesn’t help that the Rivian R1S’s charging port sometimes requires taking up two spots.
Cooled seats, not just ventilated, make a big difference.
The premium sound system is not tuned properly without adjustments, but likely addressable through a software update. The speakers seem more than capable.
My daughter loved the bird chirping when locking the car. A small detail that reinforces the brand’s purpose.
Seamless driving from pavement to off-road.Photo by Alex Frankel for Gear PatrolThe signature oval headlights that Rivian is known for.Photo by Alex Frankel for Gear PatrolRivian badge against the fading mountain sunset.Photo by Alex Frankel for Gear Patrol
Stray Observations
Re-Gen Braking Masterclass: The re-gen braking on the Rivian is a masterclass of sophistication and light touch. Having driven Teslas, my stance is that Teslas make you work to keep re-gen smooth. Here, the re-gen was so balanced that I forgot about braking and as a result, the discomfort of my fellow passengers. You can set the different levels of re-gen but just leave it on standard for the best all-around experience.
Typographer’s Playground: As a typography and UX nerd, I find all of the vehicle dashboards wonderfully designed with the perfect hierarchy of type, icons, and interface elements. Insider tip: the fonts used for the Rivian brand were created by the design agency Pentagram alongside Type Foundry Klim (which we’ve used at Gear Patrol on prior projects). Read more about it here.
You Won’t Miss CarPlay: This Rivian doesn’t have CarPlay and you really won’t miss it. I found it refreshing to take a break from having another place where Apple is welcome and omnipresent in my life. Meanwhile, Spotify is a breeze to setup and the navigation is entirely sufficient.
Rivian’s outdoor-focused goals are instilled in every detail of the SUV, which manages to imbue it with soul. Photo by Alex Frankel for Gear Patrol
About the Photographer
Alex Frankel is a photographer and filmmaker specializing in automotive, sports and outdoor work. When not on assignment, he spends his time cycling, running, and hiking through his adopted home state of California.
Photo by Alex Frankel for Gear Patrol
