The 2023 Rivian R1T is the first midsize electric pickup to hit the market. That’s good news for those living in urban markets where a full-size electric truck like the Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t as easy to park or maneuver.
Offered only with a crew cab body style and single bed length, the R1T isn’t as versatile as the F-150 Lightning or GMC Hummer EV pickup, nor is it as accommodating.
All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard, with a dual-motor or quad-motor setup, the latter capable of propelling the R1T to 60 mph in just three seconds.
The R1T offers three battery packs, the least expensive (Standard pack) of which can travel about 260 miles on a charge, while the most potent (Max pack) covers 400 miles.
When properly equipped, the Rivian R1T is tow-rated up to 11,000 pounds and can carry a 1,760-pound payload. However, towing heavy loads reduces the overall range dramatically, by some reports as much as half.
For 2023, Rivian has dropped the entry-level Explore, leaving the nicely equipped Adventure trim as the customer’s only choice, plus a few options.
The R1T qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Preorders require a $1,000 refundable deposit.
2023 Rivian R1T Adventure: $73,000
With only one trim and one body style offered, Rivian buyers pretty much only need to decide how much power and distance they want from their truck and what color.
The base Adventure comes with dual-motor AWD and a Standard pack battery with a combined output of just over 600 horsepower and a 260-mile range. The Large pack battery increases range to 328 miles, while the Max pack returns a distance of 400 miles and carries a $16,000 premium.
The quad-motor AWD setup increases horsepower to more than 800 but is not available with the Max pack battery.
The R1T includes an adjustable air suspension and drive motors at each axle (dual) or wheel (quad). Ground clearance varies between eight and 14.4 inches.
Adaptive dampers constantly monitor conditions on and off the road, helping the R1T achieve the best ride regardless of the terrain.
The rear power tailgate can be folded level with the bed or dropped down a full 180 degrees for easy loading. You can use additional storage below the bed floor for gear or the optional full-size spare tire. The bed also contains a built-in air compressor and two 120-volt outlets.
The Gear Guard system helps keep unsecured items safe. It uses a security monitoring cable that plugs into the R1T’s security system. A phone app alerts you when items are moved or shuffled while the truck is parked. There’s even a camera to monitor the situation.
Standard equipment includes 21-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a front light bar that doubles as a recharging indicator, and a fixed glass panoramic roof. The R1T’s door handles sit flush with the doors and extend out as you approach with the fob.
Under the hood is a large trunk, while sandwiched between the cab and bed is a gear tunnel running the width of the truck bed. With lockable doors on either side, it’s the ideal way to store valuables too unwieldy (or dirty) for the cab but too risky to leave in the bed.
The driver’s door includes a built-in rechargeable flashlight.
Regarding safety, the R1T comes loaded for bear, including complete airbag protection, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and lane-keeping assist.
The R1T features automatic high-beam headlights, 360-degree parking sensors, and Trailer Assist, which helps with reverse parking when pulling a trailer. Double tow hooks bracket the front bumper.
Adaptive cruise control is standard and includes Lane Change Assist and Highway Assist, which can steer, accelerate, and brake without driver interaction on select highways.
A peek inside the R1T Adventure’s cabin reveals perforated vegan leather upholstery, a choice of Black Mountain or Black Mountain and Dark Ash Wood interior layout, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power front seats with power lumbar support.
Environmentalists will appreciate the R1T’s Chilewich floor mats and microfiber headliner made from 100% recycled materials.
Like Tesla, Rivian has chosen a modern dash concept with two large digital displays, one for the instrument cluster and vehicle information and the other for climate controls and infotainment. A stalk on the power-adjustable steering column controls gear selection. That’s it. There are no knobs, buttons, or slide controls, making it easy to find and operate everything from the cruise control to the cabin temp.
Music reproduction comes courtesy of a 1,200-watt Meridian Elevation audio system touting no less than 19 speakers. There’s a removable Bluetooth speaker for taking your music outside the cab, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
Six USB ports make it easy to charge multiple devices, while Alexa voice control gives access to features and Amazon services.
Uncommonly, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are unavailable, although the Rivian system includes built-in Spotify.
Options for the R1T Adventure include various wheel and interior color upgrades, a portable manual sliding tonneau cover, a reinforced underbody shield, and a slide-out kitchen that fits into the gear tunnel. The kitchen includes a built-in sink, a 4-gallon water tank, and an induction cooktop stove.
The 2023 Rivian R1T comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year/175,000-mile warranty covering the battery and drivetrain.
With the $1,500 destination fee, an R1T Adventure with no options costs $74,500. On a 60-month loan at 3% interest and no money down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,339. See 2023 Rivian R1T Adventure models for sale near you
2023 Rivian R1T Adventure includes:
- Multitalented bed – The R1 T’s bed is a marvel of versatility, with several hidden storage areas, a built-in air compressor, electrical outlets, and a power tailgate.
- Meridian Elevation sound system – This immersive audio system brings a 1,200-watt amp driving 19 strategically located speakers, including four mounted in the headliner.
- Off-road ability – With powerful electric motors, the R1T can climb over almost any obstacle. Its air suspension gives it the ability to rise over boulder-strewn passes and wade through water as deep as three feet.
Cox Automotive, parent company of Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
