2026 Rivian R1S

Introduced as the R1T truck's mechanical twin, the Rivian R1S is the automaker's first SUV and one of the few electric three-rows on the market. The R1S was significantly overhauled last year, with enhancements that included a reworked electrical system, plus larger battery packs and revised aero for improved range. The party continues for 2026, with Tesla's NACS charging port replacing the previous CCS plug. A hands-free driving system also debuts. But the change we're most excited for is in the form of the range-topping quad-motor, which now produces more than 1,000 horsepower.

While the new Tesla plug is the biggest news for the R1S lineup overall, it's hard not to be entranced by the upgraded quad-motor version. It sports four electric motors — two on the front axle and two on the rear — that deliver 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft combined. This setup allows the R1S to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a Rivian-touted 2.8 seconds, which is about as quick as a Lamborghini Huracan. And even with this massive increase in performance, the R1S offers 374 miles of estimated range, putting it among the longest-range EVs on the market.

Bad news: There aren't a ton of electric SUVs with seven seats. The good news is that for the most part, the ones that exist are quite good. If you want to save a little cash, we're huge fans of the Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz. If premium is more your style, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Volvo EX90 are very good picks. The Cadillac Vistiq and Tesla Model X are also worth a look.

The Rivian R1S stands out among premium electric SUVs as the only off-road-focused seven-seater currently on sale. Updates introduced for the 2026 model aim to ensure that, while it's one of a few options in a niche category, it's still poised to be a leader.