Rivian’s dressy interior is designed for easy
cleanup. The SuperFabric carpet and mats
inspired by outdoor furniture can be hosed off.Rivian R1T Late 2020
Price $69,000
(high-content launch model, 105-kW-hr
battery, before applicable tax credits)
Powertrain Layout 4 inboard motors;
402–750 hp/413–829 lb-ft comb;
1-speed auto gearboxes; 105-, 135-,
or 180-kW-hr battery pack
Configuration 4-door/5-pass/4. 5 -f t b e d
L x W x H; Wheelbase
217.1 x 79.3 x 71.4 in; 135.8 in
Performance 0–60: 3.0–4.0 sec;
230-, 300-, or 400-mile EPA range*
Towing/Payload Capacity
11,000/1,760 lb*
Unique Selling Propositions
12.4-cubic-foot “gear tunnel” stowage
compartment offering pull-out kitchen
and other accessories, “tank-turn”
maneuverability on dirt, removable
speakers and flashlight, three-position
Swing-and-Drop (90- or 180-degree)
tailgate *estimatedR
ivian wants to be to outdoorsy
adventurers what Tesla is to on-road
performance lovers: a fashionable,
high-performance, upscale, thoughtful,
green product filled with surprise and
delight features. Countering Tesla’s
Superchargers will be the Rivian Adventure
Network of rural CCS chargers in places
like national parks, which non-Rivian
owners will be able to use, as well.
A short 4.5-foot bed keeps the R1T
maneuverable and easy to park, with its
reduced cargo volume amply augmented
by an 11.7-cubic-foot frunk and a novel
12.4-cubic-foot “gear tunnel”
under the rear bench seat, which
is accessible from either side
via swing-down doors that
function as seats while donning
adventure gear or as bed steps
(300-pound max). With the
gooseneck-hinged tailgate
folded down, the bed deck is
long enough to accommodate a
typical road or dirt motorcycle.
The tailgate will also be
able to drop straight down to
improve bed accessibility, and
it can be motorized. Other bed
features include Gear Guard
security cables, which include a
fiber optic line that alarms and
messages the owner if cut. The
camera facing the bed also workslike a Ring-style doorbell cam, watching
and recording any suspicious behavior.
The launch models will all feature four-
motor all-wheel drive with a choice of three
battery sizes and different power output
levels. The announced $69,000 initial price
buys a loaded launch edition with the
105-kW-hr battery and full SAE Level 3
autonomous driving capability (in good
weather and on limited-access freeways,
ramp to ramp). The middle 135-kW-hr
battery gets the highest output rating
(750 hp/829 lb-f t) to deliver Tesla-esque
3.0-second 0–60 acceleration. In Tesla
fashion, more affordable R1T variants will
follow, along with additional powertrain
options in 2021 or later.
The Rivian party trick Tesla can’t match
is the tank-turn. On low-friction dirt,
sand, or snow, it can spin the left tires in
one direction and the rights in the other
to pivot in place. A height-adjustable
air suspension features Ten neco
Kinetic hydraulically cross-linked
dampers that function like
anti-roll bars and can bedelinked for full articulation off-road.
Like all new EVs, a 110-volt charger
comes with the vehicle. Rivian will sell a
Level 2 home charging unit; at public DC
fast chargers the battery can accept up
to 250 kW when the battery is near empty.
If you’re fretting about this startup’s
long-term prospects, please note that
even if nobody buys a single R1T or R1S, the
Normal, Illinois, plant can keep busy for
years while building the 100,000 Amazon
Prime delivery vans and undisclosed
number of Ford SUVs already contracted.
But we reckon Rivian’s timing and product
are right for the R1T to make a splash.APRIL 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 61Electric Pickups I ROUNDUP