Rivian R1S Gen 2 review: The rugged foundation of Rivian’s electric empire

Engadget - May 1st, 2025
Open on Engadget

Rivian has launched its second-generation R1S SUV, a robust electric vehicle that balances contemporary design with retro ruggedness. Priced from $75,900, the R1S boasts a spacious interior with three rows, advanced tech features, and a powerful tri-motor configuration capable of rapid acceleration. The vehicle's design includes standout features such as stadium-shaped headlights, a large panoramic roof, and adaptive headlights engineered for optimal driving conditions. Despite its premium price, the R1S offers serious range and performance, making it a top contender for families seeking an adventurous EV.

The R1S, with its modern yet rugged aesthetic, showcases Rivian's commitment to blending technology with traditional design elements. Its infotainment system, though lacking Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is user-friendly and comprehensive. Rivian's strategic use of built-in cameras for features like Gear Guard sets it apart in safety and convenience. The SUV's range varies between 270 to 371 miles, ensuring minimal range anxiety for long trips. While alternatives exist, the R1S stands out for those who prioritize off-road capability and ample space for family adventures.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the Rivian R1S, highlighting its design, performance, and technological features. Its strengths lie in its clarity and readability, making it accessible to a broad audience. The article is timely, tapping into the growing interest in electric vehicles, and offers a detailed analysis that could influence consumer decisions within the premium EV market. However, it could benefit from more balanced coverage by including comparisons with competitors and addressing broader industry challenges. The lack of explicit source attribution and transparency regarding the author's methodology slightly undermines its credibility. Overall, the article is informative and well-structured, though it would be strengthened by a more balanced and transparent approach.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed overview of the Rivian R1S, including its pricing, configurations, and features, which aligns well with available data from credible sources. For instance, the starting price of $75,900 and the detailed description of the vehicle's design and technology features match information found on Rivian's official site and automotive reviews. However, the claim regarding the vehicle's performance, such as the acceleration and range figures, should be cross-verified with multiple sources to ensure precision, as these metrics often vary slightly based on testing conditions. The mention of Rivian's hands-free highway assist and its comparison to other manufacturers' technologies is accurate in the context of current automotive advancements. Overall, the article is largely factual, but specific performance metrics and pricing details should be checked for the latest updates.

7
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive attributes of the Rivian R1S, such as its design, performance, and technology features, which suggests a slight bias towards highlighting the vehicle's strengths. While it does mention some drawbacks, like the vehicle's high cost and lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, these are presented in a manner that does not significantly detract from the overall positive tone. The article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including comparisons with competitors in the same segment, such as the Kia EV9 or Volvo EX90, to provide readers with a fuller understanding of the vehicle's market positioning. Additionally, incorporating perspectives from actual users or third-party reviews could enhance the balance by offering a broader range of opinions.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear, engaging manner that makes it easy for readers to follow. The language is accessible, and the use of headings and subheadings helps organize the content effectively. The detailed descriptions of the vehicle's design, interior, and technology features are vivid and informative, allowing readers to visualize the Rivian R1S. The author's use of personal anecdotes and comparisons to other vehicles adds depth and context to the analysis. Overall, the article's clarity is a strong point, making it accessible to a wide audience, including those who may not be familiar with the technical aspects of electric vehicles.

6
Source quality

The article appears to rely on a combination of direct observations and general knowledge about the Rivian R1S, but it lacks explicit attribution to authoritative sources or expert opinions. While the information presented is consistent with known data about the vehicle, the absence of direct citations from Rivian or automotive experts reduces the article's credibility. Including references to interviews with Rivian representatives, insights from automotive analysts, or data from industry reports would strengthen the article's reliability. The use of firsthand impressions from the author provides some level of authority, but without corroborating sources, the article's overall source quality is somewhat limited.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear and detailed description of the Rivian R1S's features and performance, but it lacks transparency regarding the author's methodology and any potential conflicts of interest. It is unclear whether the author had any affiliations with Rivian or received any incentives for the review, which could impact impartiality. Additionally, the basis for certain claims, such as the vehicle's performance metrics and user experience, is not fully explained, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how these conclusions were reached. Providing more context on how the information was gathered and disclosing any potential biases would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.caranddriver.com/rivian/r1s
  2. https://rivian.com/r1s
  3. https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-r1s-2025/
  4. https://www.rivianforums.com/2025-r1s-gen-2-ownership-1-month-notes/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9EFhLFoECc