The 2025 Rivian R1S represents what happens when a promising startup gets a second chance to perfect its vision. This second-generation electric SUV doesn’t just trim the fat—it fundamentally reimagines what an adventure-ready family hauler should be.
Design and Engineering Excellence
Rivian’s gone in and reengineered the SUV from inside out, ditching redundant hardware and ECUs, adding new battery packs for better range, updating the R1S’s cameras and sensors. The visual changes are subtle, but the underlying transformation is profound.
The number of ECUs from the previous R1S has been reduced from 17 to just 7, freeing up a mile and a half’s worth of wiring. This streamlined architecture enables more sophisticated features while improving reliability—a crucial improvement for any startup looking to prove its longevity.
Performance That Redefines Electric Power
Tri-Motor: The Sweet Spot
The biggest news for 2025 is the new Tri-Motor setup comprising two rear and one front motor to deliver a combined 850 horses and a massive 1103 pound-feet of torque. This configuration bridges the gap between the dual-motor variants and the extreme quad-motor setup, offering serious performance without the highest price tag.
Quad-Motor: Ultimate Performance
The Quad-Motor goes even crazier for 2025, its output rising to 1050 horsepower and 1198 pound-feet of torque, increases of 215 horsepower and 290 pound-feet over the 2024 model. Rivian says that will drop the 0-to-60-mph time to about 2.5 seconds—territory typically reserved for supercars.
Range and Efficiency Improvements
The Max pack, with 141.5 kWh, is claimed to deliver 410 miles of driving range when paired with the Dual-Motor setup. More importantly, the Rivian R1S’s new electrical architecture buys it some efficiency, with its most efficient dual-motor trim topping out at 85 MPGe combined, a 3 MPGe improvement over its 2024 counterpart.
According to EPA fuel economy data, the efficiency gains represent meaningful progress in electric SUV technology.
2025 Rivian R1S Specifications
| Configuration | Power | Range (EPA Est.) | 0-60 mph | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Standard | 553 hp | 270 miles | 4.5 sec | $77,700 |
| Dual Large | 553 hp | 330 miles | 4.5 sec | $84,700 |
| Dual Max | 553 hp | 410 miles | 4.5 sec | $91,700 |
| Tri-Motor Max | 850 hp | 371 miles | 3.0 sec | $107,700 |
| Quad-Motor Max | 1050 hp | TBD | 2.6 sec | TBD |
Technology and Safety Leadership
Advanced Driver Assistance
The new standard Rivian Autonomy Platform. This driver assistance architecture benefits from higher definition cameras, redundant sensors, and improved computing power. The system includes hands-free highway driving and automated lane changes—features that put Rivian on par with established luxury brands.
Safety Recognition
The 2025 R1S earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, making it the only large SUV to get the coveted safety rating this year. This represents a significant improvement over the previous generation and validates Rivian’s engineering maturity.
For comprehensive safety information, visit the NHTSA website for official crash test ratings.
The Rivian of today feels like the Tesla of six or seven years ago—innovative, exciting, and genuinely different. The R1 was already one of our favorite EVs on the road. The pair are handsome, fun to drive, and appeal to those outside of the typical EV or pickup truck crowd.
The 2025 R1S proves that second chances can lead to genuine breakthroughs. With improved efficiency, more power options, and enhanced technology, it’s not just a better Rivian—it’s a better electric SUV, period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the charging speed of the 2025 Rivian R1S?
A: The Standard battery charges at 200 kW, while Large and Max batteries support 220 kW DC fast charging, with 10-80% charging in 30-41 minutes.
Q: Does the R1S qualify for federal tax credits?
A: No, currently no R1S models qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit due to sourcing requirements.
Q: How does the new suspension compare to the previous generation?
A: The 2025 model features retuned air suspension with new spring rates and dampers, significantly improving ride quality and reducing the previous generation’s “floaty” feel.
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