2024 Rivian R1T Review: An Adventure-Ready Electric Truck

9.0/ 10
SCORE

2024 Rivian R1T

Pros

• 2024 updates improve performance, range and efficiency
• Gear tunnel storage space opens up unique utility and customization options
• Flexible, updateable software suite and powerful hardware seem to get better every time we revisit the R1T
• Recently added NACS compatibility (via adapter)

Cons

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay not supported (and not coming anytime soon)
• Driver aid tech shows promise, but needs more time to bake

Rivian’s R1T pickup was already one of my favorite vehicles —  full stop, electric or otherwise. This electric adventure vehicle not only enables drivers to get outside and enjoy nature, it’s packed with unique features that actively encourage it. Those features make it equally appealing for suburban drivers looking for a zero-emissions vehicle with more rugged utility than an SUV. And now, it’s been significantly updated for 2024. 

Yes it looks pretty much the same on the outside, but inside there are more than 600 new new parts, an overhaul to its electrical nervous system that saves weight and complexity by removing over a mile of wiring, and various upgrades to its electric powertrain that improve range, performance and efficiency. New R1Ts (and current owners via an over-the-air update) also get overhauled dashboard software with cartoony graphics and connected features that make this adventure-ready electric truck feel even more fun. 

I was recently able to hop behind the wheel of the updated Rivian R1T — alongside its fraternal electric SUV twin, the R1S — to get a feel for everything that’s new.

Performance, range and efficiency

Gen 2 R1T models gain access to updated electric motors and battery packs can be mixed and matched between the R1 platform’s dual, tri- and new quad-motor electric configurations. 

The dual motor configuration is what I recommend for most drivers, boasting 533 combined horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough oomph for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds, which is probably more than enough for your average Home Depot or Costco run. Speccing the Standard battery gets an estimated 258 miles of range. (Swapping the standard equipment all-terrain tires  for the new 22-inch Aero wheels and Eco tires bumps that estimate up to 270 miles.) 

Upgrade to the Large battery or the Max pack and extend that range to 330 miles or 420 miles, respectively. Opting for either of these bigger batteries also unlocks the optional $5,000 Performance upgrade that increases power (665 hp, 829 pound-feet) and shortens the 0 to 60 hustle to just 3.4 seconds. The Max pack also has an increased tow rating of 11,000-pounds versus the 7,700 pounds of the smaller batteries. Of course, towing will cost you some range, but that’s the case when towing with any EV.

At the top of the line, for now, is the R1T Tri Max configuration with — you guessed it — three electric motors. So equipped, the R1T boasts a whopping 850 hp, 1,103 lb-ft of torque and a 0 to 60 time of just 2.9 seconds. The range penalty for this performance isn’t even that bad, estimated at 380 miles per charge — though Rivian reckons you can stretch that to 405 miles using its Conserve eco driving mode.

Watch this: Our Fave EV Truck Gets Even Better: Testing the New Rivian R1T, R1S

07:23

Later this year, a new Quad Max configuration will join the lineup with a bonkers 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. Rivian claims this’ll get you to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. I was able to get close to, but not quite match, that claim when testing on a prepared drag strip, but let’s not split hairs. This is a stomach-churningly quick electric pickup.

NACS and CCS charging

At the front corner of the R1T, you’ll find a J1772/CCS charging port behind a motorized door. The electric truck can draw up to 220 kilowatts from a DC fast charger, getting you from 10 to 80% state of charge optimally in 30 minutes for the Standard battery, 36 minutes for the Large battery or 41 minutes for the Max pack. Home Level 2 charging tops out at 11.5 kW.

Rivian owners can charge at any CCS-equipped DC fast charging station (EVgo, Electrify America and others), but also have access to the automaker’s Rivian Adventure Network of fast charging stations. At last check, RAN is estimated to include over 400 DC fast charging points at approximately 70 locations around the US, with an emphasis on parks, trails and destinations for outdoor activities.

Last year, the automaker joined the ranks of EV manufacturers supporting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard and, earlier this year, became the second third-party brand to activate compatibility with parts of Tesla’s Supercharger network (after Ford.) With a free NACS adapter, drivers can now find one of 15,000 compatible Superchargers nationwide by searching with Rivian’s app or dashboard interface and take advantage of plug-and-charge automatic billing. More places to charge is a huge win for any EV.

The Gear Tunnel

The R1T features a power-lift hood, beneath which you’ll find a generous storage area with room for two to three carry-on size suitcases. The Rivian’s frunk is tub-shaped, so you’ll have to lift items pretty high to clear the grille. Meanwhile, the competing F-150 Lightning‘s U-shaped frunk lifts the whole grille with the hood, granting easier access and easier loading.

However, the R1T’s unique Gear Tunnel is unlike anything I’ve seen in this class. Just behind the rear doors and ahead of the bed, you’ll find a hidden door on either of the pickup’s flanks. Folding these doors down reveals a full width storage space where you could tuck a tent, fishing gear or any valuable items you’d like to hide away, such as backpacks or tools — which is super useful since most pickups don’t have secure trunks.. The doors are strong enough for an adult to sit or stand on, making them great for relaxing or as a handy step when accessing the front of the R1T’s 54-inch bed. (Technically, you could even squeeze a person in there, but I don’t recommend it.

The automaker even offers unique accessories that take advantage of the Gear Tunnel. My favorite is a camp kitchen, a two-range electric stovetop and sink combo that slides in and out of the tunnel on rails and draws all of its power from the EV’s battery. The automaker tells me that it (and third parties) are cooking up (heh) all sorts of interesting uses for the R1T’s Gear Tunnel.

Aesthetic upgrades

The R1T’s designers didn’t stray from the EV’s established aesthetic when updating the design, but a close look reveals many changes — mostly where illumination is concerned.

The EV’s signature front and rear light bars have been updated with smoother, more even illumination. The front bar now features RGB color and can serve as a dynamic charging indicator when plugged in. The rear bar gets new animations, including a directional hazard light feature that can help guide oncoming traffic to either the left or right when stopped roadside.

I don’t advise staring directly into the pill shaped LED headlamps when illuminated, but inside they’ve been upgraded with matrix lighting tech. This allows the electric pickup to dim sections of its high-beam throw to avoid dazzling oncoming or leading traffic, rather than simply shutting off. This technology — which has also been “coming soon” from Audi cars for what feels like years now — is currently not legal according to US highway codes, and so it’s software deactivated on current R1T and R1S vehicles until the legislation changes.

Revised dashboard tech

Inside, the R1T offers new color combinations and upgraded cabin materials for its upper trim levels. In the dashboard, you’ll find the same asymmetrical dual-screen setup.

Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the larger 15.6-inch central touchscreen is home to Rivian’s navigation and infotainment suite. All Rivian R1Ts (even older examples) get a software update this year that features bright, cartoony graphics and animations that are so much fun to watch as I tap around the EV’s smartly organized interface. These animations prominently feature the R1T in a variety of environments depending on the drive mode, and they match the specific color, trim level and wheel-tire combo equipped on the car. Neat. 

The automaker has also updated the typeface of the various menus and digital clusters to be easier to read at a glance, which just tickles my inner graphic designer. Updated R1Ts also get updated hardware, including more powerful Nvidia graphics that the automaker says will enable future infotainment features and graphical improvements. 

Neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay connectivity is supported (and the automaker has no plans to add them anytime soon), but the new R1 models have been updated to include Google Cast media streaming while parked. Like the Chromecast on your living room TV, this feature allows almost any video or media app to “cast” a feed to the R1T’s dashboard when parked, so I was able to watch Netflix or Disney Plus while charging.

Rivian also supports a selection of native media streaming apps in the dashboard that take advantage of its 5G data connection, including Apple Music, YouTube (while parked) and Audible. Also new for 2024 is optional Dolby Atmos support when listening to an app that supports it.

Driver aid and parking tech

Rivian is most proud of how future-ready the R1T gen 2’s tech is. The upgraded driver aid system features dual Nvidia Orin processors capable of crunching 250 trillion operations per second, fed by 11 high resolution cameras and 5 radar sensors and according to the automaker, eventually capable of hands-free highway driving under certain conditions — though, of course, not at launch.

During my test I was able to try out the automaker’s highway assist system, which currently supports adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist and lane change assist. The system has improved dramatically since my first stint behind the wheel in 2021, but I still found it felt clunkier than similar setups from other automakers. 

Adaptive cruise performed admirably, keeping the prescribed distance to the following car perfectly. The lane-keeping system performed well despite a downpour that soaked much of my route, but even in the dry I found it pinged back and forth between the markers more than I’d like. Meanwhile, the lane change assist was super intuitive to activate, but would immediately deactivate if I added the slightest bit of torque to the steering wheel. This being a hands-on driver aid setup, I found it best to just do my own lane changes.

The steering wheel and stalk controls used to activate the driver aid systems on the go (and adjust the steering wheel and mirror positions before setting out) take some getting used to, but the learning curve isn’t an insurmountable one.

Price, availability, recommended options

With its ample performance, excellent range and excellent level of standard technology, I think the dual-motor configuration is the sweet spot for most EV adventurers shopping for a 2024 Rivian R1T. Pricing has shifted a bit from last year — mostly upward — and starts at $69,900 with the 258-mile Standard spec. Drivers looking for more range can upgrade to the 330-mile Large battery for $76,900 or the 420-mile Max battery for $83,900. 

Do you need the $5,000 Performance upgrade? Probably not, but it’s tempting and, considering the R1T’s focus on fun, no one would blame you for checking that box or upgrading to the R1T Ascend Tri Max spec for $99,900. The “Ascend” designation indicates that this top-spec model also gets the new, more luxurious Ascend interior with upgraded materials, an electronic dimming glass roof and a powered tonneau cover, improving cargo security. Three-motor R1Ts also have yellow accents on the badges and brake calipers, which is a flex.

Pricing for the quad-motor configuration hasn’t been announced, but we expect to learn more closer to its debut next year.

You should avoid the 2024 R1T if…

Rivan’s R1T is a ton of fun — more accurately 3.5 tons, but who’s counting — but if you’re looking for an electric work truck, you may want to consider cross-shopping Ford’s F-150 Lightning or holding your horses for GM’s electric Silverado. Both feature more conventional designs that truck folks may be more comfortable with. The Chevy, specifically, is shaping up to be the EV towing king, thanks to its massive Ultium battery. The traditional automakers also have leaned more heavily into bidirectional home and worksite charging, integrating more closely with home solar and smart grid technology.

Drivers who’ve fallen in love with the R1T’s blend of fun and smart technologies, but need something more family friendly are going to love the R1S SUV. It gets the same 2024 updates as the pickup, along with SUV-specific suspension revisions aimed at improving on-road ride quality and noise levels.

You can find even more EV options of all shapes, sizes and budgets in our Best EVs of 2024 buyers guide. 

You should consider the 2024 R1T if…

The R1T’s 2024 updates make it even more powerful — whether you’re talking performance or infotainment — and more compelling than before. I’m especially excited for the more potent quad-motor option joining the lineup later this year with its truly monstrous capacity for acceleration, but I also think the current selection dual- and tri-motor configs are the best balance of price and performance for most drivers.

Mostly, I keep coming back to the Rivian when asked for EV truck recommendations because every part of the R1T, from the customizable gear tunnel to its playful dashboard tech, feels like it was designed to get you outside and active — to make you feel like you can (and should) go anywhere. Even the way it’s silent, but extremely capable electric powertrain lets you tackle trails while enjoying the sounds of nature is a unique and rewarding experience. The R1T isn’t just a great EV, it’s a vibe.

How we test electric cars

I’ve evaluated hundreds of conventional and electrified cars over the past 16 years, but the process always starts behind the wheel in real-world conditions on public roads. For each car I test, I cover over 200 miles on a mixed driving route that includes dense urban roads, long stretches of highway and some twisty mountain roads mixed in for fun and flavor. 

For EVs, I keep a close eye on the electric range and the charging experience, taking into account differences between any available drive modes, such as eco, sport or comfort modes. Factoring this alongside the driving dynamics (handling, acceleration and braking), I compare each vehicle to the competition in its class and models often cross-shopped to get the Performance score.

Along the way, I also check each car’s cabin comfort, dashboard tech and driver aid and safety features (Design, Media and Features, respectively) to get a feel for where each vehicle fits in my experience testing hundreds of combustion, hybrid, hydrogen and, yes, battery-powered cars for CNET reviews.

• Performance: The efficiency, range and charging experience of an electrified vehicle, factoring in driving dynamics and comfort relative to other vehicles in a specific class.

• Media: The quality of the infotainment and dashboard technology, checking that desirable features (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) are present, but also evaluating ease of use and organization, especially while in motion.

• Features: Driver assistance and safety technologies, both standard and optional, are weighed for our Features score. We check that desirable features are available, but also how well they work relative to industry standards and competing models.

• Design: Ergonomics, cabin comfort, available storage and more factor into the Design score. Unique features that make life easier and, to a degree, aesthetics also contribute to this category.