2025 Rivian R1T: We’re Taking It On A Holiday Road Trip. What Do You Want To Know?

This dual-motor, 420-mile electric truck is en route to the West Texas desert. Can it brave the journey? Share with us what you’d like to find out.

which is equally a scientific investigation and an innovative art installation.

Will the sweet spot be found between various electric pickup choices. Over the next several days, I plan to explore this further. What should I do with it, and what would you like to learn about it?

I (prudently) relocated from the frosty environs of upstate New York to my native Texas for Christmas, and I’m grateful I made the decision, as the highs here have been a pleasant 70 degrees. Fortuitous? Yes. Not without cause for concern? Also yes. However, the weather is ideally suited for my plans: a 400-mile drive from San Antonio to the West Texas desert, a journey hampered by the scarcity of DC fast chargers in that part of the country.

This truck in Rivian Blue is a Dual Motor model with the 149-kWh Max Pack battery that allows for an estimated 420 miles of range on a single charge, due in part to its Range Wheels, which are designed for maximum aerodynamics. With additional features such as the Performance Upgrade and Ocean Coast + Dark Ash Wood interior, the price of this truck is approximately $96,000.

I didn’t find it cheap. Nonetheless, I feel I’m getting a lot for this truck—more than past Rivians I’ve encountered.

I appreciate the various software updates made to the Rivian, which have consistently improved each vehicle with each new version. However, I have yet to experience an unwavering affinity for the R1S, possibly because the concept of an electric SUV has become somewhat overdone, even though Rivian has managed to incorporate its off-roading capabilities in a unique way. In contrast, this electric pickup truck offers a fresh and captivating experience, deviating from the norm of a typical family hauler. It’s an attractive alternative to the Ford F-150 Lightning, surpassing the Tesla Cybertruck in terms of comfort, while also boasting a more energy-efficient battery pack compared to the electric trucks offered by General Motors.

Perhaps I can perform better? We’ll soon see.

What’s Good So Far

Rivian designers claim that this is an integral part of the company’s core identity. Within the vehicle, the interior space is spacious and comfortable while the onboard software interface is playful, visually appealing, and simple to navigate.

It’s a remarkably agile truck given its size, which is over a foot longer than the R1S. The steering is effortless but precise, making it simple to navigate through narrow spaces and parking lots, a feat that has been easier for me than with the strangely proportioned Cybertruck. The truck is also quite fast, although it can feel heavy.

A truly impressive stroke of EV packaging: two panels on either side of the truck open to reveal a 65-inch cavity capable of housing two tightly packed medium-sized suitcases and extensive gear. Initially, I was concerned about accommodating our travel equipment within a pickup truck, and I’m pleased to say that this vehicle has successfully addressed this issue.

Rivian’s software is clearly improving, with its smartphone app, phone-as-key functionality, charger finder, and over-the-air features becoming increasingly capable, almost on par with Tesla’s offerings. While it may not be as refined as Tesla’s, Rivian’s tech surpasses many other competitors.

5. Communication: There’s been a lack of clear and timely updates on our social media channels and so much else.

The greatest challenge has been a common one for large electric vehicles: energy efficiency. At most, I observe about 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour, and often much less at sustained highway speeds. This isn’t unexpected. Being large, heavy, and aerodynamically unsophisticated (despite its attractive design) certainly contributes to the issue. We will soon assess its probable range at 70 mph highway speeds, although it is unlikely to rival vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, which I recently rented.

Also, Rivian’s taking a no-buttons approach to everything has its drawbacks. I haven’t been persuaded that messing with a touchscreen to adjust my air conditioning is a better experience than having actual air vents.

Finally, can it really reach up to 220 kW on a DC fast charger? I charged it up tonight on a 350 kW EVGo station (the battery had been pre-conditioned and I was starting at 30% charge) and I never saw speeds go above 190 kW. We’ll see how it performs on the road.

I’m eager to see it in action. I’ve had a positive experience with this truck so far. Got queries? Please feel free to ask.

patrick.george@insideevs.com

More Rivian News

• Rivian Has Supplied More than 20,000 Zero-Emission Trucks to Amazon Up to This Point.
• Rivian’s R1S and R1T Electric Vehicles Finally Get Native YouTube, Google Cast, and SiriusXM Connectivity.
• The 2025 Rivian R1S is considered the safest large SUV tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) this year.
• American Electric Vehicle Registrations Rose in October Despite Financial Strains on Tesla
• The Rivian R1S Is Ahead, Yet Still in Its Infant Stages
• From Tesla to Rivian: Here’s What One Owner Thinks After Making the Switch