2022 Rivian R1T Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2022 Rivian R1T is a futuristic-looking all-electric pickup truck that boasts four electric motors, lightning-quick acceleration, and 314 miles of estimated range. Those credentials and more help the first model from Rivian–a startup based in Irvine, California–earn an Editors' Choice award. At 215.6 inches long, the crew-cab-only R1T splits the difference in size between mid-size pickups like the Ford Ranger and full-size trucks like the Ram 1500. The R1T is one of the first electric trucks to make it to production in what's shaping up to be a competitive market that also includes the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Hummer EV SUT. The R1T will be sold directly to consumers, although Rivian says that it also will set up a network of service centers and Tesla-like stores.

What's New for 2022?

For the R1T's first-ever model year, it'll only be offered with a quad-motor setup and a 128.9-kWh "Large" battery. A smaller standard battery and a larger "Max" battery are expected to enter production next year, along with a new dual-motor option that's said to generate more than 600 horsepower. Rivian also substantially increased the price of the 2022 R1T, a move that originally affected folks who made reservations before March 1, 2022, but the decision to uphold original reservations was made quickly after customer backlash.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

A Launch Edition was offered first, but it's long been sold out, leaving the base Explore and better-equipped Adventure models as options for current buyers. We'd go with the Adventure as it adds several desirable features, including a Meridian stereo system, heated and ventilated front seats, fancier upholstery, and wood interior trim.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

All-wheel drive is standard on the 2022 R1T but it uses a different arrangement than the Tesla Model X: Each wheel of the Rivian is powered by its own electric motor. The R1T boasts up to 835 horsepower and blasted to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds at our test track. That makes it the quickest pickup truck we've tested to date. Adjustable air suspension will be standard at launch and can adjust the clearance height from eight to 14 inches. While every version of the R1T currently features an electric motor at each wheel, a dual-motor version will eventually be offered, too. Along with all-wheel drive, it'll generate over 600 horsepower. The quad-motor setup allows the R1T to do what Rivian calls a Tank Turn, which sets the electric motors to rotate the left wheels in the opposite direction of the right ones to spin the truck on its axis. During our first test drive, which we conducted in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, displayed the R1T's impressive off-road capabilities as well as its punchy on-road performance.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Rivian says that every R1T can tow 11,000 pounds and the pickup offers a payload capacity of 1760 pounds. But, no surprise, we found that towing a trailer will deplete the battery more quickly than when cruising unladen, so buyers who plan to utilize the truck's capabilities would be wise to get the model with the largest battery pack when it becomes available. During our towing test pulling a 6100-pound double-axle camping trailer, the range of our R1T dropped to just 110 miles at 70 mph.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

For 2022, the R1T is only offered with a 128.9-kWh "Large" battery pack, which has an EPA-rated driving range of 314 miles. On our 75-mph real-world highway route, our test vehicle, which was wearing 20-inch all-terrain tires, only delivered 220 miles of range. We tested a second R1T, this one wearing 22-inch all-season street tires, and recorded a range of 280 miles. A smaller standard battery is expected to become available next year, with Rivian claiming it has a range of at least 260 miles. The "Max" battery will be the biggest pack available and is also expected to arrive next year; Rivian claims it's capable of at least 400 miles per charge.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The R1T is one of the first electric pickup trucks to receive a fuel economy rating from the EPA. Fuel economy ratings for the quad-motor R1T are 74 MPGe city, 66 MPGe highway, and 70 MPGe combined. During our time with the R1T, which included some towing, our test vehicle averaged only 35 MPGe. For more information about the R1T's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the R1T's cabin is decked out in leather, wood, and large displays for both the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. The R1T has a large trunk under the front hood, a big storage compartment behind the cab (but in front of the bed), and a lockable in-bed compartment. Overall, Rivian says the truck has 12 cubic feet of lockable storage. The truck’s expandable and collapsible crossbar system allows for mounting gear over the bed and cabin. In the bed are three 110-volt outlets and an air compressor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large 15.6-inch infotainment display is recessed into the R1T's contoured dashboard and a secondary digital readout serves as a reconfigurable gauge display. The infotainment interface uses expandable tiles for individual features with the main options (navigation, media, climate controls, etc) available at all times at the bottom of the display. Instead of delving into submenus, options slide out of the side of tiles to reduce the complexity of the system. Oddly, Rivian has chosen not to include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto–both features that buyers may expect at this price.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Rivian says every model will be outfitted with hands-free driver-assistance technology, with the suite called Driver+. For more information about the R1T's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

All Rivian models come with a generous standard warranty which includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles as well as a battery and drivetrain policy that goes on for eight years or 175,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 175,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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