Remember when we were blown away by the Rivian R1T back in 2022 as we journeyed along the TransAmerica Trail? It quickly captured our hearts and the Truck of the Year (TOTY) Award with its outstanding pre-prototype performance. Now, three years later, Rivian has unveiled the second-generation R1T. It comes with new proprietary powertrains, re-engineered suspension, and an innovative zonal electric architecture, reducing both weight and response times.
At first glance, these enhancements might not be obvious. Rivian provided us with their full lineup: a Dual Motor with Max Battery, a Tri Motor for off-roading, and a Quad with an impressive 1,025 horsepower, all equipped with 22-inch Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires.
Even before hitting the road, the EPA highlights the R1T's advancements, showing a 4-10% increase in mpg-e for Dual Motor models. This means improved range, both in EPA ratings and during real-world road trips.
Rivian's strategy includes models at competitive prices: the entry-level starts at $71,700, without compromising on luxury or performance. The Tri Motor begins at $101,700, offering a more affordable option than competitors like the GMC Hummer EV 3X and Tesla Cyberbeast by at least $4,000. The Quad, priced at $109,900, is still an attractive choice against more expensive rivals.
Off-road, the R1T truly excels, easily tackling difficult terrains at Holly Oaks RV Park. However, some feedback highlighted the rough suspension behavior during fast-paced trail runs, reminiscent of a less-than-ideal 'Baja' experience. Additionally, there were concerns about suspension noises, likely due to the jounce-bumper design.
Although the zonal architecture offers engineering brilliance, its advantages are subtle. While the screen graphics are visually appealing, controlling features like air vents via the screen can be cumbersome. Areas like audio texting and seamless music streaming from personal devices need improvement.
With lower-profile tires, ride quality declines when carrying 1,000 pounds. Towing experiences were mixed; a 7,700-pound trailer caused uncomfortable sway, and Rivian lacks trailer-reversing aids.
The new R1T showcases refined interiors, although its design progress didn’t quite meet our expectations.
In our 2025 TOTY testing, we evaluate vehicles based on efficiency, design, safety, engineering, value, and how well they perform their intended functions. The R1T's upgrades are significant, but do they guarantee another TOTY win?
The 2025 Rivian R1T introduces essential yet subtle improvements, continuing to demonstrate impressive off-road capabilities and maintaining a strong market position. Even though some technological and suspension challenges remain, the R1T is still a formidable competitor in the electric truck market.
