Rivian R1S (2026)

Consumer Reports praises the 2025 Rivian R1S for its improved efficiency, larger battery, and Rivian-made dual motors delivering ample power and long range. They highlight thoughtful features like air suspension kneel mode and adaptive headlights but note compromises in ride comfort, touchscreen-heavy controls, and some handling quirks. Reliability remains a concern.

MilesPerHr praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor for its powerful 1,025 hp performance, smooth on-road ride, and practical, spacious interior with premium materials. He highlights the innovative air suspension, Tesla-compatible charging, and advanced driver aids, while noting minor build quality issues, heavy doors, and lack of Apple CarPlay as drawbacks.

MotorWeek praises the 2025 Rivian R1S for its powerful quad-motor options, impressive 0-60 acceleration, and advanced LED matrix headlights. While the rugged interior and full touchscreen control may not suit luxury seekers, the updated suspension improves handling. Range fell short in testing, but overall, the R1S impresses as a capable, fast, and innovative electric SUV.

Doug DeMuro praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor for its mind-blowing 1,025 hp acceleration, versatile off-road features like Kickturn, and luxurious, spacious interior. While impressed by its all-around capability and tech, he notes the high price and minimal exterior differentiation for the quad model as drawbacks, recommending dual or tri motors for most buyers.

TheStraightPipes praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Gen 2 for its powerful tri-motor setup, luxurious interior, innovative off-road features like air suspension and camping mode, and impressive 360° camera system. However, they strongly criticize the firm, crashy suspension and frustrating keyless entry system, tempering enthusiasm despite the SUV’s unique appeal.

Auto Focus praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Gen 2 refresh for its refined suspension, improved driving modes, and enhanced camera system, highlighting subtle yet meaningful upgrades over the first generation. While appreciating the powerful quad-motor performance and spacious interior, the reviewer notes minor drawbacks like the wireless charger’s usability and door latch feel.

Andre Smirnov praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad-Motor for its exhilarating 1,025 horsepower, impressive 14-inch adjustable ground clearance, and advanced zonal architecture. He appreciates its refined, ocean-themed interior and off-road capabilities but critiques its conservative exterior styling, limited physical controls, and somewhat cramped third row, calling for a bolder, more rugged design to match its performance.

Gjeebs praises the Rivian R1S (2026) for its striking exterior, versatile interior space, and impressive off-road and acceleration capabilities, especially with the Tri-Motor and all-terrain package. He highlights thoughtful features like the split hatch and advanced infotainment but notes drawbacks including reduced range from off-road tires, rattly interior panels, and a less refined dynamic glass. Overall, he values Rivian’s attention to detail and evolving software but suggests improvements in sound system quality and suspension refinement.

Everyday Chris praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor for its thrilling 2.6-second 0-60 acceleration, improved suspension, and practical off-road features like the tank turn and onboard compressor. He highlights major strides in charging reliability and driver assistance but notes lingering quirks like occasional door issues and slower charging speeds.

Earth Seen praises the Rivian R1S for its family-friendly design, spacious cargo and stroller storage, and useful features like kneel-down mode and a versatile middle seat between car seats. While enthusiastic about the panoramic sunroof and frunk, the reviewer notes occasional app lag, slow screen responsiveness, and challenges with door controls and vehicle height.

Darren the Rivian Dad praises the 2026 Rivian R1S for its impressive real-world range, family-friendly design, and strong all-weather capability after 26,000 miles of diverse use. He offers candid insights on charging quirks, cold-weather impacts, and limited third-row cargo space, balancing enthusiasm with practical advice.

Lightning Mike praises the Rivian R1S’s spaciousness, comfortable ride, and impressive battery range but criticizes its noisy cabin, confusing sounds, and underdeveloped full self-driving system. He highlights practical issues like limited cup holders and manual seat adjustments, concluding it feels overpriced compared to Tesla and Ford alternatives.

Eddie Villalba praises the 2026 Rivian R1S Dual Performance Max for its spacious seven-seat layout, adjustable air suspension, and impressive 410-mile range. He highlights its thoughtful features like the frunk storage, premium sound system, and Tesla-compatible charging, while noting minor drawbacks such as digital key limitations on some devices.

Travis Ketchum praises the 2026 Rivian R1S as a highly capable, best-selling premium electric SUV with strong owner satisfaction and continuous software improvements. He highlights upcoming 2027 refinements—better cameras, faster processors, and improved phone charging—but advises buyers to weigh current incentives against modest upgrades, noting no major leaps expected soon.

Matt Farah highlights the Rivian R1S (2026) as the most refined and capable iteration yet, praising its tight build, sporty handling, and standout features like laser headlights and the RAD Tuner. He notes the impressive powertrain and quick acceleration but critiques the excessive horsepower as unnecessary and the brakes as struggling to keep up. Overall, Matt finds the R1S to be the clear leader in the electric three-row SUV segment, recommending it enthusiastically for those seeking top-tier performance and refinement, while acknowledging that some enhancements feel more like bragging rights than practical improvements.

Pushing Pistons highlights the Rivian R1S (2026) as a nearly perfect family SUV, praising its spacious heated leather seats with USB ports, impressive 410-mile electric range, and thoughtful interior features like a large panoramic sunroof and multiple storage options. The reviewer notes the efficient 22-inch aero wheels and quick 15-inch touchscreen as standout details. However, they express disappointment with the door quality, which feels subpar for a $100,000 vehicle. Overall, Pushing Pistons offers a very positive yet measured endorsement of the Rivian R1S, emphasizing its family-friendly design and electric performance while candidly acknowledging some build-quality drawbacks. The review suggests the R1S is a strong contender for families seeking a premium electric SUV, though potential buyers should weigh the premium price against minor imperfections.

Auric highlights their firsthand experience with the Rivian R1S Gen 2 after a week of driving, focusing on notable improvements in suspension and drivetrain performance. They appreciate the refined driving feel and the split between all-purpose and sport modes, though they remain measured given their satisfaction with the first-gen R1T. Overall, Auric offers a balanced view, acknowledging meaningful upgrades without overwhelming enthusiasm. While impressed by the driving enhancements, they stop short of a full endorsement, suggesting the Gen 2 is a solid evolution but not a must-have for current first-gen owners.

Jade Darmawangsa highlights the Rivian R1S as a stylish, spacious electric SUV that fits her surfer lifestyle perfectly, praising its large frunk, roof rack for surfboards, vegan leather interior, and advanced features like 360 cameras and a long-range max pack. She appreciates its fun, adventurous vibe and practical design details like a dry bed for wet gear. While enthusiastic about its luxury and utility, Jade notes drawbacks such as the high $98,000 price tag, lack of full self-driving, and reliance on touchscreen controls for basic functions. Overall, she recommends the R1S to confident buyers with the budget for it, calling it “surfer girl approved” but acknowledging it’s a splurge for most.

Austin Evans highlights the Rivian R1S Quadmax’s extraordinary power and versatility, praising its over 1,000 horsepower, rapid acceleration, and off-road readiness. He appreciates the spacious, well-appointed interior and unique features like the adjustable sunroof, emphasizing its capability as a do-everything electric SUV. Overall, Austin conveys strong enthusiasm for the R1S as a high-performance, luxurious family SUV, though he notes its $130,000 price tag and immense power might be overkill for some. His tone is impressed and positive, recommending it for those seeking a premium, powerful electric SUV with exceptional features.

themevich highlights the Rivian R1S’s impressive quad-motor setup delivering 835 horsepower and rapid acceleration, alongside spacious storage options including a large front trunk and versatile interior features like ventilated seats, multiple screens, and camping-friendly touches. The review balances excitement about tech and utility with practical notes on space and controls. Overall, themevich presents the Rivian R1S as a well-equipped, innovative electric SUV worth its $90K price for those valuing performance and versatility, though the review remains measured without an outright recommendation, inviting viewers to consider its features in relation to their needs.

biphucusa325 highlights the Rivian R1S as a surprisingly accessible electric SUV, noting its strong power, luxurious feel, and practical features like liftable suspension and spacious cargo for pets. While acknowledging its $100,000 new price, the reviewer sees value in used models around $60,000, though they caution about potential interior odors and compare Rivian favorably against competitors still struggling with EV tech. Overall, biphucusa325 offers a cautiously optimistic recommendation, encouraging viewers to consider Rivian as a “wild card” option for electric SUVs. The review balances enthusiasm for the vehicle’s capabilities with practical caveats, suggesting it’s worth exploring but not without some reservations.