2022 Rivian R1S

The sole customer-delivered 2022 powertrain was the quad-motor Large Pack setup, whose output substantially exceeds the SUV normalization ceiling.

Four independently controlled motors provide exceptional immediate torque for a full-size SUV.

The instrumented 3.1-second result is extraordinary for a three-row full-size SUV and slightly more conservative than Rivian's claim.

Immediate EV response and precise independent control of all four motors produce exceptionally seamless thrust. Reviewers noted dramatic acceleration without an engine transition or turbo lag.

Each motor uses a single-speed reduction drive, so acceleration is continuous with no shifts, gear hunting, or ratio-selection delay.

The maximum properly equipped rating is near the top of the SUV band and unusually strong for an EV SUV.

Sophisticated four-motor AWD was standard on every delivered 2022 R1S, with independent wheel-torque control and multiple terrain-specific drive modes.

The launch R1S has genuine expedition-grade hardware: independently controlled wheel torque, adjustable air suspension, high clearance and dedicated off-road modes. It lacks a conventional low-range transfer case, but the motor control supplies comparable low-speed precision.

Despite its capability, the 2022 customer lineup was take-it-or-leave-it Quad-Motor AWD with the Large Pack. Dual-Motor was announced but did not reach R1S customers until 2023 and therefore does not broaden this model year's score.

The 2022 quad-motor Large Pack's mass, four motors and upright full-size body make it inefficient relative to other EV SUVs, despite avoiding gasoline entirely.

Regeneration lifts city efficiency above its highway result, but 73 MPGe remains low in the EV SUV class.

The large frontal area and roughly 7,000-lb curb weight impose a substantial highway efficiency penalty against EV peers.

A large 135-kWh pack offsets mediocre efficiency to deliver a useful 316-mile EPA rating, strong for a 2022 three-row EV.

The 220-kW measured peak was competitive in 2022, although the 400-volt pack's taper limits sustained charging speed.

Rivian's launch-era claim was miles added in 20 minutes, not a 10–80% duration. Independent full-curve testing puts the required window at about 44 minutes, reflecting substantial taper after the early 220-kW peak.

Electricity keeps annual energy spending well below comparable gasoline luxury SUVs, though the R1S consumes more electricity per mile than most EVs.

It needs only electricity and supports practical overnight Level 2 charging, eliminating premium gasoline. Its very large pack, 13-hour EPA 240V charge time and slower-tapering road-trip charge curve keep it below the best EVs for charging convenience.

NHTSA did not publish an overall NCAP rating for the 2022 R1S. A 5-star value is estimated from the generation's exceptionally strong IIHS results, rather than presented as an actual NHTSA award.

The 2022 Launch Edition earned Good results in the directly applicable driver-side small-overlap and updated-side tests, but the 2022 model did not earn TSP+ and predates the floor-pan countermeasures used for the 2023 award. Strong demonstrated protection merits an above-average score without award-tier credit.

Every 2022 R1S included Driver+ with AEB, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning/prevention, Highway Assist lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. This covers the rubric's full core suite as standard equipment.

The standard system achieved Superior vehicle-to-vehicle and daytime-pedestrian performance plus Advanced nighttime-pedestrian performance. It is excellent overall, with only the night result keeping it below the top band.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard, and IIHS also records standard rear automatic braking. Coverage is broad and includes active rear intervention, though there is no documented safe-exit or trailer-aware blind-spot function for 2022.

Lane keeping and mapped-highway centering were standard and could work well, but contemporary testing found Driver+ inconsistent and sometimes unavailable when conditions were not favorable. The system was functional rather than class-leading in its launch-year calibration.

Standard ACC integrated acceleration, braking, following-distance control, and lane centering through Highway Assist. Reviewers found it effective when available, but restrictive operating conditions and inconsistent activation reduced its everyday usefulness.

Launch-year Highway Assist offered supervised hands-free operation on select pre-mapped limited-access highways, but coverage and activation were inconsistent and capability trailed mature Super Cruise and BlueCruise systems. It earns limited-availability credit, not mature-system credit.

IIHS rated the LED projector headlights Good on every trim, with no excessive low-beam glare and standard high-beam assist. This is top-band performance across the entire 2022 range.

Natural outward visibility is about average for a large SUV, but the extensive exterior-camera system and bird's-eye view substantially compensate for blind zones during low-speed maneuvering. It is good overall rather than exceptional through the glass alone.

IIHS rated LATCH usability Good and documented four rear seating positions with complete hardware plus another tether-only position. Wide-opening rear doors and ample space make installation unusually family-friendly, though an installed second-row seat can impede third-row access.

All production 2022 R1S models used a three-row, seven-seat layout.

The standard panoramic glass roof configuration provides generous first-row headroom.

Front legroom is adequate but not exceptional by large-SUV standards.

Second-row headroom is near the top of the SUV normalization band.

Second-row legroom is competitive, though not class-leading for a full-size SUV.

The third row has vents, USB-C ports, storage and enough room for adults on short trips, but its low cushion and knee-up posture limit long-distance comfort.

The specified figure follows the prompt's behind-second-row convention.

With both rear rows folded, capacity exceeds the top of the SUV normalization band.

A washable drainable frunk, nearly flat rear load floor, split tailgate, underfloor storage, deep console, hinged door pockets and onboard power are standout solutions.

The first two rows provide space and useful heating/ventilation, but flat cushions offer limited support and the third row is best for short trips.

Air suspension and hydraulic roll control can absorb large impacts, but period tests repeatedly found a firm, busy ride—especially on all-terrain tires—below luxury-SUV standards.

Silent EV propulsion helps around town, but wind and tire noise remain noticeable for the price, particularly with the all-terrain package.

The 2022 Adventure/Launch configuration was richly equipped with four-zone climate, ventilated/heated front seats, heated second row, heated wheel, rear climate display and remote preconditioning.

The advertised 2022 entry configuration was the $72,500 Explore plus destination, although the five-seat version was canceled before customer production and 2022 deliveries centered on the Launch Edition.

The Launch Edition Quad-Motor with the Large battery is representative of actual 2022 customer deliveries; cheaper dual-motor and Explore configurations did not constitute 2022 production volume.

No model-year-specific five-year estimate is publicly exposed, so this estimate combines low routine EV service needs with premium tire costs and a modest repair allowance; the long comprehensive warranty limits owner-paid early repairs.

KBB shows unusually strong observed retention through three years, but a conservative two-year extension accounts for continued EV depreciation and the arrival of the second-generation R1S.

Rivian's launch warranty reaches the top of the SUV normalization band and exceeds the typical luxury 4-year/50,000-mile term.

Eight years is customary EV battery duration, but the unusually high 175,000-mile ceiling is a meaningful advantage for high-mileage owners.

Rivian included no complimentary scheduled maintenance or charging credit. Roadside support existed, but its 2022 terms generally placed services at the owner's expense except warranty-related towing, leaving this package in the low band.

$91,500 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (60% retained, or about $54,900) leaves about $36,600 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $40,600 in total.

Consumer Reports now describes the 2022 R1S as about average versus other 2022 vehicles, but its substantial recall history and launch-year complexity keep it from the upper half of the scoring band.

Rivian lacks the long history of an established luxury brand and has repeatedly placed near the bottom of recent Consumer Reports reliability rankings, despite excellent owner satisfaction.

Twelve recalls is heavy activity for a low-volume launch-year SUV, and the history includes consequential restraint and suspension defects rather than only minor labeling or software corrections.

The 2022 Large-pack quad-motor system has not developed a defining widespread battery or drive-unit failure pattern, but it was an all-new, highly complex four-motor powertrain with no prior high-mileage family record.

The launch R1S cabin uses convincing luxury-grade, sustainable materials and received consistent praise for its elegant design and tactile quality, competitive for its price even if its screen-heavy controls are less polished.

Professional reviews found generally good assembly, but early customer vehicles showed inconsistent hood, trim and liftgate alignment, rattles and isolated incomplete assembly—too uneven for a launch-year luxury SUV to score above average.

Rivian's direct-service footprint remains sparse compared with nationwide luxury dealer networks, so many owners face long travel or appointment waits even with mobile service supplementing fixed locations.

Low production volume, proprietary EV hardware and a limited certified repair ecosystem leave little aftermarket support; collision parts can take weeks or months and seemingly modest damage can generate five-figure estimates.

The launch-year Adventure/Launch interior used the same large landscape center display.

The clean, large interface improved through OTA updates, but launch software could lag and too many basic functions—including vents and mirrors—require screen menus.

Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto was offered, wired or wireless.

Alexa voice commands worked fairly well and native navigation included EV routing, but reviewers found the maps less intuitive than rival systems and phone projection was unavailable.

The delivered Adventure/Launch configuration included an unusually elaborate Meridian premium system plus a removable Bluetooth camp speaker.

A crisp full-width digital driver display was standard and showed navigation and drive-state information, though steering-wheel obstruction and limited customization drew some complaints.

The vertically integrated platform supported frequent whole-vehicle updates that added modes and features, a launch-year class benchmark.

The Rivian app supported phone-as-key, lock/unlock, climate preconditioning, vehicle location and charging controls without a required feature subscription in 2022.

Eight USB-C ports across all three rows, dual-device wireless charging, three 12V and two 120V outlets make device power exceptional.

Phone-as-key proximity access, key fob/card/bracelet alternatives, automatic handles and app-based remote climate deliver comprehensive keyless convenience.

A standard surround-view system, nine cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and parking detection strongly offset the large body, though reviewers reported occasional driver-aid glitches.

No head-up display was offered on the 2022 R1S.

Wide-opening doors, kneel-capable air suspension, seven seats, generous cargo and child-seat provisions in both rear rows make it unusually family-ready, though third-row access still requires folding/sliding row two.

Driver+ active safety was standard and most IIHS crash results were Good, but the 2022 moderate-overlap result was only Acceptable with Poor right-leg protection and there was no NHTSA star rating.

Four-zone climate, charging in every row, 316-mile EPA range and abundant cargo suit family travel, but the firm ride, tight third row and modest 17.6-cu-ft space with all seats raised constrain seven-person trips.

Smooth instant power, strong one-pedal driving, kneel mode, cameras and highway assistance reduce effort, but its width, touch-only controls and occasionally abrupt/glitchy assistance add friction.

Electricity and limited routine maintenance help, but 69 MPGe is inefficient for an EV and the roughly 7,000-pound SUV consumes costly large tires.

Light steering, a compact-for-class 200.8-inch length and excellent surround cameras help, but the 79.3-inch width and roughly 41.3-foot turning circle demand care in urban garages.

A 7,700-pound tow rating, 835 hp, load-leveling suspension, large flat cargo bay and integrated Class IV receiver give this SUV serious work capacity.

The rugged chassis and washable vegan-leather cabin look promising, but this was a costly first-year vehicle with no fleet durability record and luxury materials not intended for repeated jobsite abuse.

A 1.5-kW AC supply, compressor, tie-downs, hitch and roof crossbar mounts are useful, but there is no pickup bed and the launch-year upfit ecosystem was limited.

A 316-mile EPA range, quiet propulsion, strong passing power and standard Highway Assist make it a capable tourer, offset by firm ride, wind/tire noise, weak native navigation and sparse 2022 charging infrastructure.

Quad-motor AWD, up to 15 inches of clearance, 39-inch wading, nine drive modes, strong towing, air compressor and flat-folding cabin make it a benchmark adventure SUV.

Individually folding second-row seats, a split-fold third row, 104.7-cu-ft maximum volume, large drainable frunk, underfloor space, hitch and crossbars accommodate unusually varied gear.

Despite its 7,000-pound mass, a low center of gravity, individual wheel control and hydraulic roll control produce strong grip and surprisingly flat, nimble responses.

Steering is accurate and makes the R1S feel smaller off-road, but reviewers variously found it light, slow-geared, heavy or darty, with limited natural feedback.

Firm friction brakes and powerful one-pedal regeneration provide confident stopping, though the fixed aggressive regen calibration divides reviewers and stopping distances are merely adequate for the mass.

Four independently controlled motors deliver seamless, immediate traction and supercar-level acceleration with no shifts or combustion transitions.

The quad-motor drivetrain is near-silent and vibration-free even under strong acceleration; remaining cabin noise mainly comes from wind and tires.

Rivian did not publish a year-specific curb-to-curb figure in the retrieved 2022 specifications; contemporary specifications consistently place the Gen 1 R1S near 12.6 m.

The upright position, tall glass, broad adjustment and kneeling suspension provide good sightlines and access, but mirror/vent/wheel adjustments buried in the touchscreen hurt ergonomics.

Explosive 3.1-second acceleration, strong grip, selectable on/off-road modes and genuine trail capability give it rare breadth and character for a seven-seat SUV.

The delivered Launch Edition bundled Quad-Motor AWD, Large battery, air suspension, premium Meridian audio, heated and ventilated vegan-leather seats, panoramic roof, Driver+, and a wheel upgrade. Its omissions—chiefly CarPlay/Android Auto and a glass-roof shade—were conspicuous but did not make the standard specification sparse.

Even at $91,500 delivered-trim pricing, the R1S uniquely combined seven seats, 316-mile EPA range, 835 hp, supercar acceleration, 7,700-pound towing and serious off-road hardware. It undercut the less practical Model X while offering capabilities no direct luxury-EV rival matched in one vehicle.

The nominal three-package price ladder overstated real 2022 choice: customer production was effectively seven-seat Quad-Motor/Large-Pack Launch Edition, with wheel, color and accessory selections. Dual-motor, smaller-battery and lower Explore variants were future offerings rather than meaningful launch-year alternatives.

Absolute launch-year volume was constrained by a slow production ramp, but demand was exceptional: Rivian reported about 98,000 net R1 preorders by midyear. That backlog and sold-out Launch Edition show strong acceptance, tempered by delays and Rivian's failure to disclose an R1S-specific sales split.

Rivian entered 2022 as a highly desirable adventure-EV startup with distinctive design, enormous preorder demand and a halo from the R1T's MotorTrend Truck of the Year win. Startup service coverage and execution risk kept it below established aspirational marques.

A sold-out Launch Edition and long reservation queue meant conventional discounts and financing deals were effectively nonexistent. Rivian did preserve pre-March reservation pricing after reversing its attempted retroactive increase, but that was price protection for existing customers rather than a broadly available incentive.

This was the first customer-delivery model year of the first-generation R1S, built on a new skateboard EV platform with a sophisticated four-motor system and frequent OTA feature additions. There was no redesign risk at purchase.

Reviews praised its extraordinary breadth, performance, packaging and off-road ability, earning Car and Driver Editors' Choice and a 2023 SUV of the Year finalist berth. It was not the class's undisputed winner: MotorTrend withheld the title and Car and Driver's BMW iX comparison favored the BMW's refinement and efficiency.