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What do our experts think of the 2023 Rivian R1T? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New For the 2023 Rivian R1T?
The Rivian R1T is the first model of its brand and is now in its second full year of production. It’s available only as a battery electric vehicle with three batteries and two motor configurations to choose from.
All R1Ts come with all-wheel drive and at least 600 horsepower. As pickup trucks go this is the most capable on the market when all facets of design are considered. It’s fast, handles great, and can still off-road.
Rivian hasn’t made any significant updates to the 2023 version of the R1T. Nevertheless, all R1Ts benefit from regular software updates that add and improve features over time.
2023 Rivian R1T – rivian.com | Shop 2023 Rivian R1T on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Incredibly capable everywhere
Outstanding storage features
Comfortable and classy interior
Clunky infotainment system
Rough driver aids
Limited configurations
The best all-electric pickup
2023 R1T Specs
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- 600 horsepower from base engine
- 600 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 2 available trims
- 11,000-lb towing capacity
- Gear Guard keeps property safe
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Five year bumper-to-bumper coverage
2023 Rivian R1T Powertrain
Describing exactly how capable the Rivian R1T is as an everyday vehicle is somewhat difficult. Unlike any other pickup on the market today it’s quick, handles well, stops incredibly fast, and can also dominate off-road situations as though it was only built for that task. It’ll do 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds which is bonafide supercar territory and thanks to an air suspension it can also claim up to 14 inches of ground clearance.
All of that performance comes down to either a dual-motor setup with one at each axle or a quad-motor setup with a single motor for each wheel. In the former configuration, the R1T makes 600 horsepower and in the later version, it develops 835 horsepower. It’s available in three different battery pack sizes including Standard, Large, and Max. Total battery size doesn’t affect power output.
If there’s anything to complain about in terms of driving prowess in the R1T it’s the fact that it’s very heavy. It tips the scales at over 7,000 pounds which means that it could be even faster and could be even more nimble if Rivian could shed some of that weight.
Towing & Payload
The Rivian R1T can tow up to 11,000 pounds which is 1,000 more than the F-150 Lightning. Keep in mind that pulling anywhere near that much weight will dramatically decrease the overall range. It also requires a bit more thought when it comes to charging.
A trailer can make fitting into a charging station impossible or a multi-step process. Rivian says the R1T can also handle 1,760 pounds of payload in the bed. The same range-diminishing issue exists though and it should be noted that all electric vehicles suffer from that concern.
2023 Rivian R1T Battery Range
The EPA says that the R1T will go up to 328 miles on a single charge. That’s very specifically with 21-inch wheels and Large battery pack. Those who select a different pack or different wheel sizes will get different ranges but the EPA hasn’t released those figures just yet.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
We’re pleasantly surprised with the ride comfort and interior quality of the Rivian R1T. Sure, this is a very expensive pickup but it feels like it inside which is vital. The dash is elegant and modern, the cabin is very quiet, and the visibility is outstanding.
We’d love to see more physical controls, especially since the infotainment screen can be twitchy. The seats lack the high level of adjustability found in many vehicles at this price point but they’re comfortable enough to get a passing grade.
Where the R1T really stands out from everything else is how it incorporates storage space. The Gear Tunnel adds 11.7 cubic feet of lockable storage behind the back seats and under the bed. The center console has a deep storage bin and ahead of that is an open area where bags can sit. The bed has a storage space under the main cargo floor and it’s big enough for a full-sized spare.
2023 Rivian R1T Entertainment & Tech
For such a tech-forward vehicle and company, the R1T could use a lot of improvement when it comes to its infotainment system. Similarly to Tesla, Rivian isn’t enabling Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on its vehicles. In turn, that limits customers to the native user interface which isn’t as quick, coherent, or capable as we expected. There are a few bright spots though.
Firstly, Gear Guard is a security system that can keep an eye on your R1T while you’re away. It also includes a tough cable that locks into the bed and can alert the owner if it’s cut or tampered with. The integrated charging station navigation is good and only set to get better now that Rivian owns the company that makes A Better Routeplanner. Finally, the small detachable bluetooth speaker in the center console is a fun touch.
Safety Features
Rivian includes a number of advanced safety features on every R1T and promises that semi-autonomous driving software is coming too. For now, it makes do with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, and a surround-view camera. In our limited experience with these features, they could use some polish as they aren’t as smooth or consistent as they could be.
2023 Rivian R1T Trims & Pricing
Rivian offers the Adventure trim level and then allows buyers to add an All-Terrain package should they desire it. Two trims from the 2022 model, Explore and Lunch Edition are no longer available.
Adventure – $74,800
The base Adventure trim comes with the standard pack, dual motors, 21-inch wheels, adjustable air suspension, a panoramic glass roof, tow hooks, a built-in air compressor, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a microfiber headliner, faux leather upholstery, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and a 16-inch infotainment system.
Adventure All-Terrain – $74,800
Those who want the All-Terrain package also get 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, thicker underbody skid plates, and a cargo cover.
Warranties
Rivian offers a five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty on the R1T pickup. It also covers the powertrain for eight years or a whopping 175,000 miles. If that’s not an incentive to drive this EV we’re not sure what is. Rivian doesn’t offer any complimentary maintenance but none of its rivals do either.
What we think
2023 Rivian R1T – rivian.com | Shop 2023 Rivian R1T on Carsforsale.com
It’s hard to argue that any truck on the market is as well-rounded as the Rivian R1T. Others that share some similar qualities have big gaps that the R1T doesn’t suffer from. Sure, it can’t tow like a gas or diesel-burning truck but it can still pull more than five tons.
Aside from that one downside, it’s better to drive, just as comfortable, and more capable than pretty much anything else.
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