This Rivian R1S review covers the 2027 model, the version Rivian is now selling in the US. The headline change is optional heated second-row captain’s chairs, which turn the seven-seat SUV into a six-seater with a pass-through to the third row. Rivian has also renamed the lineup: the old Dual, Tri and Quad trims become Premium, Performance and Quad.
The less welcome change came in mid-2026, when Rivian dropped the 92.5 kWh Standard battery. That eliminated the $76,990 Dual Standard, so the R1S now starts at $83,990. The formula is otherwise intact: a seven-seat electric SUV with real off-road ability, up to 410 miles of EPA-estimated range, and a native NACS port that plugs straight into Tesla Superchargers. For families who want one EV for road trips and rough trails, it remains a compelling choice.
At a glance
| Trim | Base price (excl. $1,895 destination) | Battery (usable) | EPA-est. range | Power | 0–60 mph (Rivian) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $83,990 (Long Range: $90,990) | Large, 108 kWh (Long Range: 140 kWh) | Up to 329 miles (Long Range: up to 410) | 533 hp | As quick as 4.5 sec |
| Performance | $106,990 | Long Range, 140 kWh | Up to 371 miles | 850 hp | 2.9 sec |
| Quad | $121,990 | Long Range, 140 kWh | Up to 374 miles | 1,025 hp | 2.6 sec |
| Shared spec | All trims |
|---|---|
| Seating | 7 standard; 6 with optional second-row captain’s chairs |
| Cargo volume | 17.6 cu ft behind third row, 48.6 cu ft behind second row, 90.7 cu ft behind first row |
| Frunk | About 9.9 cu ft (KBB) |
| Towing | 7,700 lb |
| Payload | Up to 2,119 lb (dual-motor) |
| Max ground clearance | 14.7 in |
| Charge port | Native NACS (Tesla Supercharger access) |
| DC fast charging | Rivian quotes up to 150 miles in 20 minutes; no official 10–80% time published |
| Home charging (240V) | About 9.5 hours for a full charge (Edmunds) |
Rivian’s range figures are EPA estimates that assume 22-inch wheels. A $5,000 Power Upgrade for the Premium raises output to 665 hp and cuts the 0–60 claim to 3.4 seconds.
Range and charging
Rivian’s EPA-estimated figures run from 329 miles for the Premium with the Large pack to 410 miles with the Long Range pack. The Performance is rated at 371 miles and the Quad at 374, and Rivian says the Performance can stretch to 405 miles in its Conserve drive mode.
Real-world results land close to the labels. Edmunds’ range tests returned 386 miles from a Max-pack dual-motor R1S rated at 410, and 361 miles from a Tri rated at 371. The catch is efficiency: Edmunds measured 41.7 to 43.6 kWh per 100 miles and called the R1S one of the least efficient EVs it has tested. Big batteries cover for it on range, not on charging costs.
Since the 2026 model year, every R1S has a native NACS port, which gives direct access to Tesla Superchargers alongside Rivian’s own Adventure Network. Rivian says the R1S can add up to 150 miles in 20 minutes, and InsideEVs reported that a 2025 software update raised the Large pack’s peak charging rate to 215 kW. Edmunds measured about 17 minutes to add 100 miles, which it says trails many competitors.
At home, Edmunds puts a full 240-volt charge at about 9.5 hours; our EV home charging accessories guide covers Level 2 options. The $7,500 federal EV tax credit ended on September 30, 2025.
Performance and driving
Even the base Premium is quick. Rivian quotes 533 hp and 0–60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds; the $5,000 Power Upgrade raises output to 665 hp and cuts that to 3.4 seconds. The tri-motor Performance makes 850 hp with a claimed 2.9-second sprint, and the four-motor Quad delivers 1,025 hp. Edmunds measured 2.9 seconds for a Tri and 3.0 seconds for a Quad, so the claims are realistic.
Ride quality earns consistent praise. Edmunds says the R1S is smooth over bumps, though its weight shows in fast corners, and gives it an 8.5 out of 10 for driving. New Atlas, testing a 2026 Quad, found it calm and polished on pavement and still comfortable after serious off-road use. Up to 14.7 inches of ground clearance and a 7,700-lb tow rating on every trim back that up.
Interior, tech and practicality
New Atlas ranks the cabin among the best EV interiors, citing its wood trim, woven textiles and thoughtful storage, and Edmunds praises the space in the first two rows. The third row is the weak point: Edmunds calls it tight and hard to reach, best suited to short trips.
The new captain’s chairs should ease third-row access. They are heated and fold flat, but the option requires the Sound + Vision package, so the real cost on a Premium is $4,000 to $6,000 depending on interior, according to KBB. The seven-seat bench remains available.
Cargo space is generous. Rivian lists 17.6 cu ft behind the third row, 48.6 cu ft behind the second and 90.7 cu ft with both rear rows folded, plus a frunk that KBB measures at about 9.9 cu ft.
Rivian’s in-house software receives over-the-air updates, and Edmunds notes its charger search includes Tesla Superchargers. There is still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and New Atlas calls the screen-centric interface the cabin’s biggest drawback, though it is easy to learn.
Pricing and which trim to buy
The 2027 R1S starts at $83,990 for the Premium. The Long Range battery adds $7,000 ($90,990), the Power Upgrade adds $5,000, the Performance starts at $106,990 and the Quad at $121,990. All prices exclude the $1,895 destination charge, so the cheapest R1S is $85,885 delivered before taxes.
The Premium is the sweet spot, and Edmunds’ editors picked its 2026 equivalent, the Dual, as the one to buy. The Long Range pack adds 81 miles of EPA-estimated range for $7,000, which is worth it if you road-trip or tow often and less so if most of your driving is local. The Performance is far quicker but has less range than a Long Range Premium, and the Quad is a halo model at more than $120,000.
How it compares
Kia EV9. Kia lists five EV9 trims from $54,900 to $71,900, so even the GT-Line costs less than a base R1S. Range tops out at 305 miles, Kia quotes a 10–80% charge in as little as 24 minutes on a 350 kW charger, and the 2026 model has a native NACS port. It can’t match the Rivian’s pace or off-road hardware, but it is the value play.
Tesla Model Y. If you don’t need a third row, the Model Y costs far less: $39,990 for the Standard RWD and $49,990 for the Premium AWD, which carries a 327-mile EPA rating (before $1,390 destination). It is smaller and less luxurious, but much cheaper.
Lucid Gravity. The 2027 Gravity Touring starts at $79,900 with up to 337 miles of EPA-estimated range, and the Grand Touring costs $98,900 with up to 450 miles, both rated in two-row form; a third row is optional. Lucid claims the Grand Touring can add 200 miles in under 11 minutes on a 400 kW charger. Edmunds praises its range and handling but notes inconsistent fit and finish.
Need a bed instead of a third row? See our Tesla Cybertruck review.
Accessories worth adding
These add-ons protect common wear points. Several are listed for 2022–2025 models, so confirm fitment for a 2027 before ordering. Our best Rivian R1S and R1T accessories guide has more options.
- Rivian R1S Full Window Sunshade Set (2022–2026): Blocks UV and adds privacy, handy when parked in the sun or camping in the cargo area (from $34.99).
- Rivian R1T / R1S All-Weather Frunk Mat: Protects the frunk floor from mud, wet gear and spills (from $62.99).
- Rivian R1S Screen & Console Protective Film: Guards the touchscreen, which handles most controls, and console surfaces against scratches (from $25.99).
- Rivian R1T / R1S Center Console Organizer Tray: Divides the center console into smaller compartments so small items don’t slide around (from $25.99).
- Rivian R1T / R1S No-Drill Mud Flaps: Reduce road spray and stone chips on the lower body, useful on dirt and gravel (from $98.99).
Verdict
On paper and in the eyes of most professional testers, the 2027 R1S is still one of the best all-around electric SUVs on sale. It rides well, accelerates hard, goes off-road for real, and now offers captain’s chairs. Native NACS access also eases fast-charging worries.
It is also expensive and inefficient for its size, and the third row is for occasional use. With the Standard pack gone, the entry price is $83,990 before destination. If your budget allows, the Premium, ideally with the Long Range pack, is the version to buy.
How this review was made: AllMoto research reviews are scored from manufacturer specifications, EPA data and published test results, not hands-on testing. Prices and specs were checked in October 2026.
Sources
- Rivian: Introducing the 2027 R1S and R1T
- Rivian: Your 2027 R1 questions answered
- Rivian: Compare R1S models
- Rivian Support: Usable battery capacity
- Rivian Support: Adventure Network charging speeds
- Kelley Blue Book: 2027 R1S gets captain’s chairs
- Motor1: 2027 R1S and R1T trims and pricing
- EV Charging Stations: 2027 Rivian R1S and R1T prices
- Edmunds: 2026 Rivian R1S review
- New Atlas: 2026 Rivian R1S review
- Kelley Blue Book: A look inside the R1S
- EV Charging Stations: 2026 R1S and R1T get native NACS
- InsideEVs: Rivian R1 charging improvements
- Kia: 2026 EV9
- Cars.com: How much is the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
- Lucid: Gravity
- Edmunds: Lucid Gravity
- Tesla North America Guide: federal tax credit status
