2024 Rivian R1T Review: A Game-Changer in the Electric Pickup Truck Market

The 2024 Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that has taken the auto industry by storm. With its innovative design, impressive range, and advanced features, the Rivian R1T is poised to revolutionize the way we think about electric vehicles and pickup trucks. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into all aspects of the R1T, from its performance and capabilities to its interior and technology. Join us as we explore what makes the 2024 Rivian R1T a game-changer in the electric pickup truck market.

Overview 2024 Rivian R1T

Millions of new pickups are sold in the U.S. each year, and while there are only a few fully electric options available, none are as quick as the Rivian R1T. With up to 835 horsepower, the R1T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds—making it a few tenths quicker than a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Additionally, it can tow up to 11,000 pounds, all while operating in near silence.

The interior of the R1T has an upper-class outdoorsy feel, reminiscent of those who have purchased camping gear or hiking boots from REI. It boasts a large 16.0-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard and finely stitched leather upholstery throughout the seats. While electric pickup trucks may be considered niche, the R1T does face competition from other models such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Hummer EV SUT. However, none of them offer the same features as the Rivian, which includes a convenient gear tunnel for additional storage between the truck bed and cabin.

With a maximum DC fast charging rate of 220 kW and an EPA-estimated range of up to 410 miles, the R1T excels in both charging capabilities and range. When you add its off-road capabilities into the equation, the R1T proves itself as one of the most capable electric vehicles available.

The R1T pickup will introduce a performance version in 2024, featuring a two-motor powertrain that is more affordable. A new feature called Drive Cam enables the recording of an entire trip on a USB-C drive, serving as a substitute for an active dashcam. However, the driver-facing camera, as well as the 12-volt outlets in the cabin and frunk, are no longer available.

Exterior Design of the 2024 Rivian R1T

The 2024 Rivian R1T boasts a sleek and modern design that sets it apart from traditional pickup trucks. Its aerodynamic profile, sculpted body lines, and distinctive LED lighting give it a futuristic and dynamic appeal. The R1T’s front fascia features a bold grille with the iconic Rivian logo, while the rear showcases a unique tailgate design and integrated storage compartments. With its clean and sophisticated aesthetic, the R1T is sure to turn heads on the road.

Nirvana’s exterior is covered with green Kevlar. Apocalypse Manufacturing has shaped the overall vehicle with many angles and rougher details for Rivian. This makes the luxurious, elegant style of the pure electric pickup truck become a warrior conquering the terrain.

It is unclear the owner’s real purpose when turning the Rivian R1T into such a bunker. From the perspective of Apocalypse, this is the most passionate project to realize their ambitions with this electric car model.

There are also other exterior upgrades such as sporty front and rear bumpers, roof-mounted lights, side steps, and additional iron bars in the cargo area. These accessories not only bring a strong appearance but also protect the vehicle in difficult terrain conditions.

Rivian Nirvana upgraded the legs with a set of 20-inch SFJ Fuel Off-Road SFJ wheels combined with 38×15.5R20 Atlas Paraller M/T tires. Apocalypse R1T is also equipped with enhanced suspension and full-time 4-wheel control system.

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Performance of the 2024 Rivian R1T

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 2024 Rivian R1T packs an impressive punch in terms of performance and capability. Powered by four electric motors—one for each wheel—the R1T offers exceptional off-road capabilities and precise control. With a staggering 800 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque, the R1T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, making it one of the quickest pickup trucks on the market. Additionally, its robust towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds and payload capacity of 1,760 pounds make it a true workhorse.

The R1T comes with standard all-wheel drive, available in two configurations: Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor. The Dual-Motor model generates 600 horsepower, while a Performance Dual-Motor setup unlocks 700 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. With the optional Quad-Motor setup, the R1T boasts an impressive 835 horsepower.

During our test track evaluation, this model accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, making it the fastest pickup truck we have tested so far. The Dual-Motor model achieved a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, indicating only a slight compromise in performance.

The R1T features standard air suspension, allowing for adjustable ground clearance ranging from eight to 14 inches. Our initial test drive in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado showcased the R1T’s remarkable off-road capabilities and impressive on-road performance.

The Quad-Motor R1T has fuel economy ratings of 74 MPGe city, 66 MPGe highway, and 70 MPGe combined. However, during our testing period, which involved towing, our test vehicle achieved an average of only 35 MPGe. For further details regarding the R1T’s fuel economy, please refer to the EPA’s website.

Electric Range and Charging of the 2024 Rivian R1T

One of the most significant advantages of the 2024 Rivian R1T is its impressive electric range. Equipped with a large 135-kWh battery pack, the R1T can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge, surpassing many other electric vehicles in its class.

This exceptional range makes the R1T a practical option for long-distance travel without the need for frequent charging stops. Furthermore, Rivian has developed its own network of charging stations called the “Rivian Adventure Network,” which promises fast charging speeds and convenient access for R1T owners.

For the 2024 model, the R1T is available with three different battery packs. The Standard pack provides an estimated range of 270 miles per charge, while the Large and Max battery packs offer ranges of up to 352 and 410 miles, respectively. However, during our real-world highway test conducted at a speed of 75 mph, our Quad-Motor test vehicle equipped with the Large battery and 20-inch all-terrain tires only achieved a range of 220 miles.

We also tested another R1T Quad-Motor with the Large battery, this time fitted with 22-inch all-season street tires, and recorded a range of 280 miles. Similarly, the Dual-Motor model with the Large battery achieved the same range of 280 miles.

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Interior Comfort of the 2024 Rivian R1T

Step inside the 2024 Rivian R1T, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and luxurious cabin that rivals traditional luxury vehicles. The interior features premium materials, including sustainable wood trim and synthetic leather upholstery, giving it an upscale feel.

The R1T offers seating for up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear. The rear seats can also be folded flat to create additional cargo space when needed. With its focus on comfort and versatility, the R1T is perfect for both everyday commuting and outdoor adventures.

The interior of the R1T features a luxurious combination of leather, wood, and large displays for both the gauge cluster and infotainment system. It offers ample storage options, including a spacious trunk located under the front hood, a generous storage compartment behind the cab (but in front of the bed), and a lockable in-bed compartment.

Rivian states that the truck provides a total of 12 cubic feet of lockable storage. Additionally, the R1T is equipped with an expandable and collapsible crossbar system that enables mounting gear over the bed and cabin. The truck also offers three 110-volt outlets and an air compressor in the bed.

Technology and Infotainment of the 2024 Rivian R1T

The Rivian R1T comes equipped with an advanced suite of technology and infotainment features that further enhance the driving experience. At the heart of the R1T’s tech offerings is a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen display that controls various vehicle settings, navigation, entertainment, and more.

The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Additionally, the R1T supports over-the-air updates, allowing for continuous improvement and access to new features without visiting a dealership.

The R1T features a large 16.0-inch infotainment display that is integrated into the contoured dashboard, accompanied by a secondary digital readout that serves as a customizable gauge display.

The infotainment interface utilizes expandable tiles for individual features, with essential options such as navigation, media, and climate controls accessible at the bottom of the display at all times. Instead of navigating through submenus, options slide out from the side of the tiles, simplifying the system’s complexity. However, it is worth noting that Rivian has made the unusual decision not to include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, features that buyers may typically expect at this price point.

Safety Features of the 2024 Rivian R1T

Safety is a top priority for Rivian, and the 2024 R1T comes equipped with an array of advanced safety features to protect both occupants and pedestrians. These include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The R1T also incorporates sophisticated driver-assistance systems that contribute to a safer driving experience overall.

Rivian states that every model will come equipped with hands-free driver-assistance technology, known as Driver+. For more details regarding the R1T’s crash-test results, please visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key safety features include:

• Automated emergency braking as standard
• Lane-departure warning as standard
• Adaptive cruise control as standard

Off-Road Capabilities of the 2024 Rivian R1T

The 2024 Rivian R1T isn’t just a capable pickup truck on paved roads—it’s built to handle rugged off-road terrain with ease. Thanks to its innovative “tank turn” feature, which allows for a zero-radius turning circle by independently controlling each wheel’s torque output, the R1T can maneuver through tight spaces effortlessly.

The truck’s adjustable air suspension system provides excellent ground clearance and stability in challenging off-road conditions. Additionally, the R1T’s Quad-Motor All-Wheel Drive system ensures optimal traction in various driving scenarios.

Rivian states that every R1T has a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1760 pounds. However, it is not surprising to find that towing a trailer significantly depletes the battery compared to driving without any load.

Therefore, buyers who intend to utilize the truck’s towing capabilities would be wise to opt for the model with the largest available battery pack. During our towing test, where we pulled a 6100-pound double-axle camping trailer at a speed of 70 mph, we observed that the range of our R1T dropped to just 110 miles.

Pricing and Availability of the 2024 Rivian R1T

As of now, Rivian has not officially announced the pricing details for the 2024 R1T. However, based on previous models and market speculation, it is expected to have a starting price of around $70,000 for the base model. Higher trims and additional options may increase the price further. The availability of the Rivian R1T will vary by region, with initial deliveries expected to begin in late 2023 or early 2024.

We would recommend sticking with the Adventure model as it offers various desirable features such as a Meridian stereo system, heated and ventilated front seats, and wood interior trim. It would be worth paying an additional $6000 to upgrade to the Large battery pack for extended driving range.

Similarly, the Quad-Motor all-wheel-drive powertrain is worth the extra $8000 for the enhanced performance it provides. However, unless you have substantial towing needs, we suggest skipping the largest Max battery pack, as it offers a 27 percent increase in range over the Large pack but comes with a hefty price tag of $16,000.

Specifications of the 2024 Rivian R1T

Feelings about 2024 Rivian R1T

The 2024 Rivian R1T is set to redefine what we expect from an electric pickup truck. With its stunning design, impressive performance capabilities, long electric range, luxurious interior, advanced technology features, and rugged off-road capabilities, it stands out as a game-changer in its segment.

As Rivian continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation, the R1T represents an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a daily commuter, the Rivian R1T offers a unique blend of style, performance, and eco-consciousness that is hard to match in today’s market.

So buckle up and get ready to experience the next generation of electric pickup trucks with the groundbreaking 2024 Rivian R1T!

Reference: https://rivian.com

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