The Rivian R1T is more than just an electric pickup truck; it’s a sign of what the company wants to do in the car world. The R1T’s second generation, known internally as “Peregrine,” has a lot of new features that make it one of the best in its class for performance, off-road ability, and comfort. After reading recent reviews and first-hand accounts, here’s a full look at why the 2025 Rivian R1T is a game-changer for people who want to buy an electric truck.
Powertrain and Performance: What’s Inside
The 2025 R1T comes with a variety of powertrain options that are perfect for everything from everyday driving to extreme adventures. Rivian has improved its electric motors, which are now designed and built in-house, making them more powerful and efficient. The list includes:
Dual-Motor: This base model costs $69,900 and has 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is the same as gas-powered performance trucks like the Ram TRX, which is no longer made. A Performance Dual-Motor option increases power to 665 hp and 829 lb-ft, which cuts the time it takes to go from 0 to 60 mph to 3.4 seconds.
Tri-Motor: This new configuration for 2025 adds a second rear motor, bringing the total power to 850 hp and the 0–60 mph sprint time to an incredible 2.9 seconds. At $99,900, it’s a direct competitor to the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. It costs the same but looks and drives differently.
The Quad-Motor is the best choice. It has 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds—supercar speed in a pickup. This model, which starts at about $100,000, shows off Rivian’s engineering goals.
The R1T is very agile thanks to Rivian’s torque vectoring and Kick Turn features. It can even pivot in place on loose ground. The truck’s multi-mode driving system—All-Purpose, Sport, Conserve, Rally, Off-Road, and Rock Crawl—makes sure it can handle any terrain, from city streets to desert trails. The new Conserve Mode fixes a major problem with earlier models by balancing the output of the front and rear motors. This improves range and tire wear.
Range and charging: made for adventure
- Standard Pack: About 270 miles of range.
- Big Pack: About 350 miles.
- Max Pack: Up to 420 miles, which makes it one of the electric trucks with the longest range.
Adding lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries to some configurations makes them more efficient and easier to make, which could lower costs in the future. With DC fast charging, the R1T can go 140 miles in just 20 minutes. Rivian’s Adventure Network is also growing, making long-distance travel easier. A new heat pump improves the range in cold weather, which is a common problem with electric vehicles.
Design: Familiar but Better
The 2025 R1T looks almost exactly like the one before it, which is a good thing. The unique front light bar and vertical headlamps give it a tough but friendly look. This is different from the aggressive styling of competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck. Some small changes include new RGB LED strips that light up while charging to show the battery status and reshaped door handles with electric releases to make them easier to use. One of the best features is the Adaptive Drive Beam headlights, which change to avoid blinding other drivers. They work perfectly at night.
The R1T is a good size because it is smaller than full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning but bigger than midsize pickups. It can handle tough off-road work, especially with the All-Terrain Package’s 20-inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion tires, but it’s also small enough to fit in cities.
Inside: Luxury Meets Functionality
The R1T’s cabin is a great example of how to combine comfort and usefulness. Real wood accents, eco-friendly materials, and soft synthetic leather give this car a high-end feel that rivals that of luxury SUVs. The main feature is a big touchscreen display with a clean, easy-to-use interface that controls almost everything. Some reviewers say that the lack of physical buttons can be hard to get used to, but the new infotainment system is quick and full of useful features.
One of the best things about this car is how much storage it has. It has a big frunk, a gear tunnel behind the cab, and a bed that can be locked. The powered tonneau cover is an optional extra that makes things easier. The seats are very comfortable, and the ride is quiet, even at highway speeds. Some testers, on the other hand, said that the driver-assistance technology was behind the competition. They pointed out that the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems weren’t as advanced as those of brands like Tesla or GM.
Driving Experience: Mastering both on- and off-road
The R1T is great because it can drive on both smooth and rough ground. The retuned suspension makes the ride smoother on the road than the first-generation model. The body structure is lighter and simpler, which makes the car easier to handle. The tri- and quad-motor setups, along with special drive modes, make it easy to handle tough conditions like the sandy, rocky trails of the Mojave Desert when driving off-road. Testers say the truck performs well enough to give them confidence, and it feels just as comfortable on highways as it does on remote backcountry roads.
How It Compares
The R1T is better than its competitors because it combines performance, luxury, and off-road ability. The Tesla Cybertruck has the same amount of power, but its design is more controversial and its interior is less polished. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV have more traditional truck sizes, but they don’t feel as premium or handle as well as the R1T. The base model of the R1T is cheaper than many of its competitors, but the top trims cost more than six figures.
Should You Get the Rivian R1T in 2025?
If you want an electric truck that doesn’t make any sacrifices, the 2025 Rivian R1T is a great option. It stands out in a crowded field because of its amazing performance, long range, and smart design. However, people who want the latest driver-assistance technology may find it to be a little behind the times, and the high-end trims are a big investment. For adventure-seekers, EV enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a truck that’s as fun to drive as it is practical, the R1T is hard to beat.
The fact that Rivian paid Volkswagen $5 billion to license the R1’s technology shows how forward-thinking the truck’s design is. The 2025 R1T is great for hauling gear, exploring the wilderness, or just enjoying the quiet power of over 1,000 horsepower. If you’re looking to buy one, hurry up. Rivian’s lease deals on first-gen models are tempting, but most buyers should wait for the second-gen’s upgrades.
Prices start at $69,900 and go up to about $100,000 for the best trims.
Range: Max Pack can go up to 420 miles.
2025 Rivian R1T is a game-changer for electric pickups. It combines supercar speed, off-road capability, and luxury comfort in a package that is hard to say no to.
