The 2022 R1T combines a mind-blowing mix of performance, comfort, utility and capability. Its four electric motors produce enough power to make most sports cars blush, and you can haul the family while towing an 11,000-pound trailer right behind you for a weekend of exploration. That said, the Rivian still has some work to do when it comes to its user-interface software and advanced driving aids. We experienced a fair number of glitches in our test vehicle that we're hoping get resolved with software updates. A lack of full smartphone integration is also a bit of a bummer.
What's a Rivian? We're not surprised at the question, because not only has this fledgling U.S. automaker not yet brought any product to market, it hasn't made much noise about what it's been up to. But the automaker's getting close, with its first effort — the fully electric 2022 Rivian R1T pickup truck — set to launch in just a few months.
Sizewise, the R1T is a bit of a tweener. It's not as big as your average 1500 series full-size crew-cab truck, but it's bigger than any crew-cab truck you'll see in the midsize segment. Its wheelbase of 135.8 inches sits halfway between crew-cab short-bed examples of the Ram 1500 (144.6 inches) and the Honda Ridgeline (125.2 inches), but it is only 6 inches longer than the Ridgeline and stands only three-quarters of an inch taller.
As you might imagine, the R1T is no ordinary pickup. For one, this all-electric machine has four motors, one for each wheel. And its performance specs are impressive. It's built to tow as much as 11,000 pounds. And when it is empty, it can either accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 3 seconds or cruise for 400 miles on a single charge. Want to go off-road? Its height-adjustable air suspension can deliver up to 14.2 inches of ground clearance, and the claimed water-fording depth is 39 inches — a full meter in new money.
What's under the R1T's hood?
Well, nothing. But that's because the Rivian rolls around on a skateboard platform that contains the suspension, the four motors and the battery pack. Each motor is rated at 147 kilowatts, and total combined output can be as high as 562 kW, which equates to 753 horsepower. The cool part about having four motors is that it allows supremely accurate traction control and torque vectoring using nothing but software control. In theory, it means there are no differentials to lock or unlock either.
Rivian plans to offer three sizes of battery pack, which in turn leads to three different ranges — although all range numbers are mere estimates at this point. The automaker says it'll offer two of them at launch — a 135-kilowatt-hour pack that'll be good for over 300 miles and a 180-kWh pack good for over 400 miles. A smaller 105-kWh pack good for over 230 miles will go into production six months to a year after the other two. For reference, the biggest pack you can get in a Tesla is 100 kWh of capacity.
As a pickup, the Rivian needs more capacity because consumption goes up considerably when towing, a reality we've confirmed for ourselves when towing a rather small trailer with a Tesla Model X. But it's also about having enough range to get out of town and have adventures. The R1T aims to be a lifestyle truck, not an outright workhorse.
How's the R1T's interior?
Electric vehicles are expected to present a more stylish and tech-forward interior than their internal combustion engine counterparts, and the R1T certainly follows that trend. Inset within open-pore wood trim (sustainably sourced, according to Rivian) are two fairly large digital displays: one in front of the driver, where a normal instrument pod would live, and the second in the center of the dash. Though we haven't had a chance to sit in the R1T yet, we prefer the idea of a dual-screen setup to the single screen found in Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y. The rest of the interior looks solid and well-made, although time will tell if the materials can withstand the adventurous use the R1T is designed to deliver.
How's the R1T's tech?
We've not yet driven the R1T, so it's hard to comment about the ergonomics of its interior layout and the usefulness of its unique infotainment system. Few such details have been released, but Rivian has outlined a fully connected system that will readily enable over-the-air software updates. Tesla owners tend to love this functionality, but it can also lead to sloppy development practices.
As for automated driving, Rivian says it's building the R1T with the hardware necessary to support Level 3 automation on the highway. Whether this functionality will be enabled when vehicle deliveries begin remains to be seen. We've learned to take any such announcements with a grain of salt, but Rivian does not seem to be making wild claims at this stage.
How are the R1T's storage and towing?
The R1T is unusual in its use of space. At just 55 inches long, its truck bed is stubbier than most. But it has a front trunk under the hood because, well, there's no engine under there. And the bed offers an underfloor trunk of its own that's suitable for a full-size spare. But the weirdest and coolest part may be something Rivian calls a gear tunnel, which is a lockable space behind the cab and under the bed that can hold golf bags and snowboards. Accessible from either side of the truck, its doors open in such a way that they also function as bed steps.
We have no reason to doubt Rivian's claim the R1T can tow 11,000 pounds. What we do wonder is exactly how far the R1T will be able to tow even half of that weight since towing severely affects an electric vehicle's range, a reality we've confirmed for ourselves when towing a rather small trailer with a Tesla Model X. But it's also about having enough range to get out of town and have adventures. The R1T aims to be a lifestyle truck, not an outright workhorse.
Edmunds says
The release of the 2022 Rivian R1T pickup is quickly approaching, and the way Rivian has flown under the radar until the vehicle is production-ready gives us confidence that it might pull this off. The truck looks good, its touted performance seems achievable, and Rivian has time to refine the product before it begins deliveries. Until then, watch this space for more updates and an eventual first drive of the Rivian R1T.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 303 miles.
Estimated range mapfrom
Charging
SAE Combo
Plug Type
No charging time information available
EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 175,000 miles
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 5 years or 133,000 miles for this car.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,100
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.
For the vehicle to qualify:
Price cannot exceed $25,000.
Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
The 2022 Rivian R1T has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 9 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
9 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V370000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-1681
Manufactured from:
2022-06-06 to 2025-04-10
Number of vehicles affected:
536
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. The D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
Defect Consequence:
An improperly secured seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 16, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.
Recall Number:
24V458000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-1491
Number of vehicles affected:
666
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
Recall Number:
24V408000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-1464
Manufactured from:
2021-08-13 to 2024-04-02
Number of vehicles affected:
1723
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
Defect Consequence:
Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
Recall Number:
23V883000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM 1342
Number of vehicles affected:
7873
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The accelerator pedal may not detect when the driver releases the pedal, failing to activate "auto-hold" or "park" as intended.
Defect Consequence:
Failure to activate "auto-hold" or "park" can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Rivian will also replace the accelerator pedals, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1342.
Recall Number:
23V783000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-1331
Number of vehicles affected:
1463
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system controls.
Defect Consequence:
The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
Recall Number:
23V109000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-1166
Number of vehicles affected:
12716
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. A faulty automatic locking retractor (ALR) sensor in the front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly report as ON when it is actually OFF, causing the suppression or improper deployment of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
Failure of the air bag to deploy as intended increases the risk of injury to the front passenger during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat belt system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1166.
Recall Number:
22V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM 997
Number of vehicles affected:
12212
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
Defect Consequence:
A loose steering knuckle fastener could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 997.
Recall Number:
22V641000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-924
Number of vehicles affected:
207
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The front seat belt anchors may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar.
Defect Consequence:
An improperly secured seat belt anchor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Rivian will inspect the front seat belt assemblies and, as necessary, properly secure the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were September 30, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-924.
Recall Number:
22V319000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
FSAM-651
Number of vehicles affected:
473
Defect Description:
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat occupies the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
A child in the front seat may be at a greater risk of injury in the event of a passenger air bag deployment during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Rivian Service Centers will replace the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-734-855-4345. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-651.
Customer support is not defined in Rivian's dictionary! I had a dead 12v battery and I called to get it replaced and they told me their first available date to send someone is 3 WEEKS out! Every time you call their support, it's hours of wait! Their chat is a joke! any time of the day or night when you open the chat, your number 30-40 is in line with hours of estimated wait!! Worst … customer experience I've ever had!
Horrible service ruins an otherwise stellar vehicl
Like many (I assume), I bought the Rivian wall charger with my R1T. I had it installed on its own 60 amp breaker within a 200 amp panel. It worked nearly flawlessly for a month, occasionally losing its WiFi connection and appearing "offline." After a month, suddenly, the vehicle would charge for 15 minutes, then the charge indicator would turn red, and I'd get a charging error. I would … unplug, try again, turn off the breaker to the charger, try again, etc. IT would take all day to get a small partial charge. I contacted support and spent hours rebooting the vehicle and the charger, until it completely stopped recognizing being plugged in. I had to take pictures of the plug and socket, etc. before escalating the service request. They couldn't figure out whether it was the truck or charger.
Eventually I trouble shot it myself. I had no trouble using the local fast DC or level 2 chargers, my Juicebox 32 amp at my cabin, and the portable Rivian charger worked fine too. So, it was obviously the charger. I asked for service. They then insisted that I take photos of the inside of my electrical panel, zoom in on the circuit breaker, open the Rivian charger and photograph it. It worked fine for a month, then failed, but their explanation is that it's wired incorrectly? I bought a 48 amp Juicebox instead and had it installed on the same circuit. It's been working flawlessly for months and never loses its WiFi connection. I can control the schedule, it logs every charging session, appears more reliable, but cost $800.
I've contacted Rivian multiple times since. They've promised to refund my Rivian charger purchase but I need to wait for an email for instructions to return it. It's been months. I get the runaround every time. They've even claimed that they accidentally "filled out the wrong form." More than a week ago, only after I threatened doing what I'm doing now (warning others of the reality of ownership) did I get a returned phone call. He was very pleasant and apologetic and assured me that he would personally follow up to be sure I got the email with return instructions, either that day or the next. Again, it never happened. It has cost me so much time to chase the promised refund and it's only $500, so I'm going to give up. I'm going to toss the charger in the dumpster because I'm sick of having it take up space in my tight garage, and I'm sick of the aggravation of repeatedly asking them to follow through.
I love the truck. It's a truly awesome vehicle, despite a few bugs. I've driven it on several 700+ mile road trips. However, the support experience is horrendous when compared to traditional new vehicle ownership. I just wanted it fixed, but I had to do the legwork, the trouble shooting, and eventually buy the replacement part myself. I want to warn others so that they think carefully about the type of ownership experience they want when spending $85k on a vehicle. Just pray you don't need service after they have your money.
I am a month in on ownership, and it has been a great experience, with the overall quality as well as the excellent performance. Well worth my three-year wait! Extremely quiet on the highway, but has tons of power for acceleration. Corners amazingly well considering it is a pick up truck. I cannot think of a better vehicle, considering its versatility and power.
UPDATE: Four months … into ownership, and I am very glad I placed a preorder in 2019 for this amazing vehicle! It has exceeded my expectations in its speed, handling, ride comfort, and practicality. It is not perfect; as others have written, the lack of phone interface is unfortunate and my electric tonneau bed cover is glitchy (they told me a fix is being worked on so they were up front about that), but I am pleased with the other features. No issues with fit and finish. The storage in the front trunk and gear tunnel are great. The seats are very comfortable, and I have great headroom and leg room (needed at 6'6"). The acceleration is outstanding, and the ride level adjustment with the air suspension is a great feature. I am very glad I now have the R1T.
Rivian sold a truck advising us to never close the truck bed cover - no fix yet
About 7 months later - batteries won’t charge. 350kw charger couldn’t charge truck
Rivian service center is so backed up they can’t even look at it for 10 days
Will be it weeks or months before we have a truck that works again? How long will fix last?
Also - Rivian self drive is far worse than other … manufacturers’ product. On many roads including highways with clear lane strips - driver can NOT activate self drive. Both other brands we own don’t have those problems.
Will Rivian be here in five years?
I wouldn’t buy again.
We Own Nine Different Electric Cars, Trucks and SUVs: These Are the Ones We’d Buy Again
We’ve got nine different EVs in the Edmunds long-term test fleet, and each one has provided its own unique experience … and, in an unfortunately large number of cases, problems. In this video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong and Clint Simone give you an overview of each electric vehicle in our fleet and answer a key question: Would we buy it again?
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