The 2023 Rivian R1T electric pickup: What it’s like to drive, pricing, range and more

The 2023 Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck with a maximum range of 328 miles, real driving talents on the tarmac and off, plus a lot of standard equipment. Pricing starts at $73,000.

Rivian RIVN, -0.97% is still a new company. The R1T truck launched only in 2021 and its R1S all-electric 7-seater SUV made its debut in 2022. But the world of electric vehicles is not so set in its ways as the old-school combustion companies.

So a Rivian could be just as appealing as a Tesla TSLA, +1.70% or a Lucid LCID, -0.15%. This operation — based in Irvine, California, yet with a production facility in Normal, Illinois — has actually beaten Tesla to the punch by creating the R1T and bringing it to market before the almost-mythical Cybertruck, whose production keeps being delayed.

The R1T can also stand wheel-to-wheel with rivals like the Ford F, +1.64% F-150 Lightning and GMC Hummer EV Pickup. Buyers wanting to look beyond the established marques for some fresh thinking will find they have a few interesting choices, the R1T being one of them.

The 2023 Rivian R1T starts at $73,000. That's the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the Adventure version with two motors and all-wheel drive, and doesn't include the $1,800 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Rivian also offers a Quad-Motor variant for an extra $8,000. The larger battery pack is $6,000, or the Max pack (not available with the Quad-Motor model) is $16,000. Taking the Quad-Motor and adding a bunch of options will push the final price a little past $100K.

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The electric pickup class is still in its infancy, but there are already some intriguing contenders. The Ford F-150 Lightning, for example, starts at $56K — albeit quite a sparse model at that price. The new GMC Hummer EV Pickup starts at $109K. And the Tesla Cybertruck is supposed to be coming for 2023, but we shouldn't hold our breath.

Before buying a new Rivian R1T all-electric pickup, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

The Dual-Motor variant becomes available after last year's 4-motor Launch Edition. Over-the-air updates have provided Snow and Sand driving modes.

According to Rivian, the Dual-Motor/standard battery setup is good for about 260 miles from a full battery to needing a recharge.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the Quad-Motor model can run for 289 miles with 20-inch wheels, 328 miles with 21-inch wheels, and 303 miles with 22-inch wheels. A Max Pack is expected for Dual-Motor versions that could bring 390 miles of range.

In some kind of context, the Ford F-150 Lightning is capable of 320 miles with its Extended Range package (otherwise, it's rated at 240 miles). And the GMC Hummer EV is expected to achieve 329 miles.

A DC fast charger can add 140 miles of range in 20 minutes. Rivian's Wall Charger home unit supplies up to 25 miles each hour. The company is also working on its own charger network.

The Quad-Motor is seriously fast. From standstill, it only needs 3 seconds to hit 60 mph. Owners of sports cars would be pleased with such performance, yet this is a pickup truck. The Dual-Motor version completes the sprint in 4.5 seconds. Rivian is planning to boost this model to 700 horsepower — if that happens, expect a zero-to-60 mph time closer to 3.5 seconds.

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Maximum tow rating of the 2023 R1T is 11,000 pounds. That's 1,000 pounds more than the Ford F-150 Lightning. Bear in mind that range will be affected. Total payload is 1,760 pounds, which is where the F-150 Lightning strikes back, because it can carry 2,235 pounds.

Electric motors are their own thing, with particular characteristics. These include being able to supply big power that would have taken many cylinders and many gallons of gasoline back in the golden age of combustion. They can also deliver their maximum thrust from a virtual standstill.

Which makes the 2023 R1T truck really quick, especially the Quad-Motor version. Fortunately, straight-line speed isn't the only R1T party trick. Rivian has also endowed it with an adaptive air suspension as standard.

It tackles corners with composure and a lack of body lean previously unheard of among pickup trucks. With the suspension set to its lowest and firmest setting, the R1T could shame some sports cars.

Drive with a less adventurous spirit and the Rivian R1T still has its charms. In its most forgiving mode, the suspension absorbs road imperfections without making the driver feel too isolated.

Venture off-road, however, and the R1T shines in a different way. The suspension can raise the ride height for a ground clearance of 14.9 inches and the ability to wade through 3 feet of water. The steering is lively, giving the driver a feel for the rocks beneath the tires. We also found the R1T's midsize proportions to be an asset when navigating narrow trails.

The Rivian R1T's interior manages to be both rugged and luxurious at the same time. Premium materials abound, and build quality appears to be excellent. The natural-grained ash wood trim, tasteful splashes of color, and fancy Chilewich (a hard-wearing textile) mats would look just right in a loft-style apartment.

A 15.9-inch infotainment touchscreen is the dashboard's dominant feature, through which most vehicle functions are managed. The driver has a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The cab itself is smaller than a typical crew cab, with seating for five (well, four would be more comfortable), and two smaller doors for the rear passengers.

Those riding in the rear seats may wish for better lumbar support, along with a little more than the 36.6 inches of legroom. We also wonder how desert dwellers will feel about the panoramic roof's lack of a sunshade. But those issues aside, the interior of Rivian's pickup is fashionable and functional.

Storage space is extremely generous — more than 62 cubic feet in total. There's the front trunk, Gear Tunnel, truck bed, and an under-bed storage area that can take an optional full-size spare tire.

Elsewhere, the cabin offers abundant small storage nooks, an optional flashlight stowed in the driver's door, simulated leather seating surfaces (vegan-friendly), and a removable Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a lamp.

In profile, the Rivian R1T looks like a traditional pickup, but its distinct headlights give it an appearance like nothing else — except for the Rivian R1S SUV. Offered in a range of vibrant colors, the R1T sure packs a visual punch.

From a functionality standpoint, owners can lower the tailgate or deploy the available powered tonneau cover using buttons in the driver's-side bed rail. The two doors for the Gear Tunnel can each bear 250 pounds when lowered, functioning as chairs or steps for loading items onto the roof. The bed also has two 120-volt outlets.

For bulky stuff, Rivian offers a rail system with crossbars for mounting bikes, or even a tent. Another clever feature is Gear Guard, which includes a pair of 8-foot cut-resistant tethers that lash around gear and lock into the bed. Gear Guard also employs 360-degree video abilities to dissuade any would-be thieves.

Heated/ventilated front seatsEven Californians will be happy with the heated element after they’ve finished their early-morning surfing session. Standard equipment, which is far from typical.

Heated steering wheelAnother standard feature. A joy to experience during those freezing winter months.

Underbody protectionAnyone planning to exploit and enjoy the R1T's considerable off-roading abilities should select this optional package.

Gear TunnelOnly an electric pickup could do this, because there's no driveshaft connecting the engine to the rear axle. It's an 11-cubic-foot storage compartment between the back of the cabin and the rear wheel arches, accessed from either side of the vehicle.

All-Purpose driving modeThe mode we don't have to think about. It will lower the ride height to achieve the best aerodynamics on the freeway, and generally make automatic adjustments for optimum performance.

Camp KitchenThe aforementioned Gear Tunnel can house an optional $5,000 pull-out Camp Kitchen complete with a 30-piece cookware set, induction stove (powered by the truck's battery), and even a sink.

All-wheel drive is standard in every 2023 R1T electric truck. It's just achieved in a different way, according to how many electric motors are on board.

There's one per axle in the Dual-Motor version, with a combined output of 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Rivian has said it might raise this to 700 horsepower.

The Quad-Motor variant has a motor for each wheel, with a mighty 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque once all those outputs are totaled. This setup also allows a precise form of torque vectoring where drive can be optimized between front and rear and side to side.

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Wheel size has a bearing on energy efficiency. The best range is obtained with 21-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels are part of an off-roading package and therefore have tires made for tackling tough terrain rather than rolling resistance. The 22-inch wheels are more for on-road handling and performance.

Dual electric motors600 combined horsepower600 lb-ft of combined torqueEPA city/highway fuel economy: TBAEPA-estimated range: TBA

Quad electric motors835 combined horsepower908 lb-ft of torqueEPA city/highway fuel economy (large battery): 69/60 MPGe (20-inch wheels), 76/69 MPGe (21-inch wheels), 73/63 MPGe (22-inch wheels)EPA-estimated range (large battery): 289 miles (20-inch wheels), 328 miles (21-inch wheels), 303 miles (22-inch wheels)

More Rivian R1T fuel economy information is available on the EPA's website.

The new-vehicle warranty on a Rivian R1T lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Batteries and drivetrains are covered for eight years or 175,000 miles. These are great warranties.

This story originally ran on KBB.com. Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book, is a minority investor in Rivian.

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