The concept of an electric pickup truck is brilliant: it offers plenty of torque for towing and hauling, along with a variety of unique storage solution options, all without the internal combustion engine or driveshaft to get in the way. Hence, it's surprising that there are only a few electric truck choices. Standing out from that small crowd is one of the newest options on the market: the 2025 Rivian R1T.
Sized between the traditional midsize and full-size pickup, the R1T is ideal for the electric vehicle (EV) buyer who needs proper truck utility but doesn't want or need a full-size pickup.
Photo: Perry Stern
Rivian is one of the newest American automakers, coming to market with the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV just a few years ago. Introducing an all-new car brand is a rare occurrence. As the new kid on the block, the Rivian R1T stands out with advanced technology, robust performance, and innovative storage features to help set it apart from other trucks—EV or not.
While the truck's appearance has remained essentially unchanged since its 2022 introduction, the 2025 R1T features updates to the software experience, in-house-built drive motors, an enhanced electrical architecture, and improved overall performance. The changes are significant enough that Rivian refers to this as the second generation of the R1T.
The 2025 Rivian R1T comes exclusively as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) crew cab pickup truck. It offers a choice of four motor/battery configurations: Dual Standard, Dual, Tri, and Quad (coming soon). Base prices start at approximately $72,000 and range up to around $100,000 (excluding the yet-to-be-released Quad), which includes the destination charge.
For this 2025 R1T review, Rivian provided a test vehicle equipped with the Dual Standard configuration, Adventure trim, and the following significant options:
The test vehicle’s manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $98,100, including the $1,800 destination charge to ship the truck to your local dealership from the Rivian assembly plant in Normal, Illinois.
Photo: Perry Stern
A look inside the Rivian R1T reveals a clean, high-tech cabin design. Besides two buttons/dials on the steering wheel, the R1T is devoid of any other physical controls. Instead, access to all functions is through the large center touchscreen display.
With wood trim on the dashboard and soft synthetic leather covering most other surfaces, the truck has a premium vibe that feels appropriate to its price point. The front seats feature a stylish pattern and a contrasting cloth strip down the center that matches the same strip on the dashboard. Seats feature multiple power adjustments, as well as heating and ventilation, and with nicely placed bolsters, they provide excellent support and comfort.
While I appreciate the clean look and dedication to technology in the R1T, in some cases, the tech embrace has gone a bit too far, causing some frustration. To adjust the air vents, I had to access the climate control screen and redirect the airflow onscreen—not a simple task while trying to keep my eyes on the road. Simple tasks, such as adjusting the steering wheel and outside mirror positions, also require accessing a menu in the display.
The R1T offers ample storage space for front-seat passengers, highlighted by a large tray ahead of the center console that can easily accommodate a large bag or purse. You can store smaller items in the small drawer at the base of the console or in the sizable bin under the center armrest. Cupholders slide out in the center, hidden away when not in use, and there are dual phone chargers within easy reach of those in the front seats.
The rear seats receive a similar style treatment to the front, and with the flat floor, there is good legroom for all seating positions. Outboard seats are heated, and a 6.8-inch display screen between the front seats provides access to climate and entertainment controls. There are also dual USB-C ports to keep rear passengers' devices powered.
The R1T gets a traditional pickup truck bed with a payload rating of 1,764 pounds when equipped with the Max battery. However, at just 54.1 inches long, the truck bed is among the shortest in the industry. Still, it can handle up to 29.2 cubic feet of cargo, and the available power tonneau cover keeps bed contents secure.
Taking advantage of its electric powertrain, which eliminates the need for an engine or driveline, the R1T features 11.1 cubic feet of storage under the power-operated hood, providing ample space for a small bag or suitcase.
There's also the unique Gear Tunnel behind the cabin, which provides 11.7 cubic feet of additional storage in a space that spans the width of the truck, featuring water-tight, secure doors on each side. Measuring more than five feet long, this space is ideal for storing longer items, such as skis or fishing poles. The access doors can also serve as handy seats or steps to access the truck's roof.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2025 Rivian R1T variants come standard with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display. The infotainment system comes standard with GPS navigation and a basic voice interface. To access features such as audio and video streaming, Wi-Fi hotspots, expanded voice interaction, and satellite map views, you must subscribe to Rivian's Connect+ service, which costs $14.99 per month.
My test vehicle came with these connected services, and while some may balk at having to pay for a subscription, I wouldn't want to live with the R1T without the added connectivity. Logging into the Spotify app brought all my favorites into the system—also possible with an Apple Music account. Streaming video from YouTube or casting from a mobile device with Google Cast (only while parked) offers a wide range of entertainment options.
There are definite advantages to having these services in an EV. While waiting in a parking lot for an extended period, I was able to keep the heat on, listen to music, and connect my laptop to the Wi-Fi hotspot, all while sitting comfortably in the front seat. There was no engine idling and burning gas, and these features take so little power that the driving range barely changed.
However, noticeably absent from the feature set are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Neither is available, and Rivian has not announced plans to add these popular smartphone-mirroring systems. For many buyers, this could be a deal breaker.
The standard audio system for all 2025 R1Ts features 600 watts of power, playing through 10 speakers. However, buyers can upgrade to a premium audio system, which includes Dolby Atmos technology, 960 watts, and 16 speakers. My test vehicle had this upgraded system, and the sound quality was excellent.
Much of the Rivian's functionality is accessible via the Rivian phone app. In addition to monitoring range and charging, the app allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle, open the tailgate and frunk, and, my favorite feature, set your departure time so that the cabin will be warm when it's time to leave. The app also lets your phone operate as a proximity key for opening and starting the truck.
Unfortunately, the key functionality would not consistently work on my Samsung Galaxy S23+. After deleting and resetting the key in the app several times with limited success, I finally gave up. This meant I needed to use the key card, which does not have proximity capability. Unlocking the door meant tapping the handle with the card, and starting required tapping the card to the center console. Rivian does sell a proximity key fob as an accessory.
Photo: Perry Stern
My 2025 Rivian R1T test vehicle came with the company's standard-range dual-motor electric powertrain, which delivers 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Rivian also offers more powerful variants, including the Tri Motor and the upcoming Quad Motor, the latter boasting 1,025 hp.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2025 Rivian R1T Dual Motor with the Max battery and All-Terrain package, similar to the vehicle I drove, achieves an estimated 78 MPGe, or 43 kWh/100 miles, with a driving range of 370 miles. During my time in the Rivian, a full charge showed 353 miles of range, and my average efficiency was 1.63 miles/kWh, or 55 MPGe. It's important to note that the outside temperature was well below freezing, and cold weather can significantly impact the efficiency of EV batteries.
The standard-range Dual Motor may be the lowest-powered variant in the R1T lineup, but it certainly doesn’t lack performance. The electric pickup accelerates quickly, delivering immediate torque, and reaches 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Even when accelerating on snow-covered back roads, the truck exhibits excellent control.
While it boasts plenty of power, the throttle is easy to manage, delivering smooth performance when driving around town. Additionally, the multiple camera views make maneuvering and parking a breeze.
I was concerned that my R1T's off-road tires would compromise handling on the pavement, but the grip was excellent, and the truck is more fun to drive than I expected from a pickup. The adaptive air suspension kept the R1T composed and stable on rougher pavement, confidently coming into corners with strong, predictable braking. With no lack of torque at any speed, the truck scooted out of corners, adding to the entertaining drive.
The R1T also works quite well for off-pavement adventures. While I didn't need to take full advantage of the Rivian's available 14.9 inches of ground clearance, the AWD system provided plenty of traction for a snowy trek through the woods. The drive through the snow was quiet and peaceful, thanks to the R1T's silent electric powertrain.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2025 R1T trim levels come standard with the Rivian Autonomy Platform—a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The optional Enhanced Highway Assist hands-free driving system is available for use on select highways in certain conditions, but my vehicle didn't have this feature.
Standard ADAS of the Autonomy Platform include:
Driving the Rivian R1T on Interstate 94 near Ann Arbor, Michigan, I set the adaptive cruise control (ACC) to 70 mph. A double-pull of the gear selector activates the Highway Assist system, which provides lane centering while showing all surrounding vehicles in the driver's display. While this system requires hands on the steering wheel, the lane centering and ACC worked smoothly.
The 2025 Rivian R1T earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating for the 2025 calendar year, achieving the top rating of "Good" in the small overlap front and updated side crashworthiness tests. At the time of writing, no crashworthiness ratings are available for the 2025 Rivian R1T from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the JD Power 2024 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks highest in the Midsize Pickup segment. The Ford Maverick and the Nissan Frontier are the next highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Toyota Tacoma ranks highest in the Midsize Pickup segment. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the next highest-ranked model.
Other 2025 R1T competitors include the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Sierra EV, and Tesla Cybertruck.
The 2025 Rivian R1T is an impressive truck from this new American EV company. Delivering an excellent blend of performance and efficiency with proper pickup truck utility, the R1T has a lot to offer the EV truck buyer. The cabin is stylish and comfortable, and the truck is enjoyable to drive, whether on a twisty back road, off-road trail, or just cruising down the highway.
However, the absence of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, my issues with phone connectivity, and the lack of physical controls for common, frequently used features are disappointing. The R1T is a strong choice for customers who need a truck and want the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, but the technology issues might deter some buyers.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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