Rivian R1S Review
Today, I’ve got a car that’s truly been put to the test. The all-electric Rivian R1S has been hyped up just about everywhere, so I made sure to bring out the car seats, strollers, and even on an outing to the family farm, to truly test its capabilities. As always, the question stands: is this vehicle family friendly?
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What Is Rivian?
Rivian is one of the new hot shot manufacturers to enter the car market. They’re an American-made car brand that is known for being an all-electric competitor to Tesla. If you’ve seen a photo of a Rivian car, you know exactly what I’m talking about. They’re known for their high-tech exterior with a really cool light bar in the front and exterior of their vehicles. Most noticeably, you won’t be able to miss their vertical headlights - it’s different from anything I’ve seen on the road.
I know I’ve already compared them to Tesla (which it’s true these two brands are born to compete against each other), but there are many differences. Most notably, Rivian is a less established company than Tesla. Being the new kids on the block, there are a lot of questions surrounding Rivian’s wear. While I don’t know for certain it will rival a Toyota’s durability, it’s a good looking car that drives well, off-roads, and fits all my kids.
You’re telling me an all-electric three row SUV exists?
Yes! I know this is a rare breed (with only the Tesla Model X and Nissan EV9 in its category), but the R1S is truly what put Rivian on the map. I put this vehicle to the test on my family farm with three kids under five and I do think it’s a solid choice. While I don’t love absolutely everything, if you’re really wanting that all electric family vehicle, it’s a solid choice.
Rivian R1S Exterior
Rivian is what I’d like to call a startup, boutique car manufacturing brand. Right now, they have two models out (the R1T truck and R1S SUV). The R1S is a three-row hauler that I cannot wait to break down even further.
Looking at the exterior, there is nothing quite like this on the road. It’s what I imagine animated futuristic cars would look like. The light bar is really fun and flashy and it has a nice boxy exterior. I especially love the squared-off back end and big meaty tires.
This is what we’d classify a midsize SUV to be. It’s comparable to the Chevy Traverse and Hyundai Palisade, but not quite as large as a Ford Expedition. Let’s dive into what the interior is capable of for both the driver and passengers.
Rivian R1S First Row
If you’re in the market for an all-electric three row SUV, your options will either be the Tesla Model X or Y, Kia EV9, and the Rivian R1S. As far as driving is concerned, on a full charge you’re looking at 350 miles of range and it operates on one pedal range, which is an interesting concept.
The first row is gorgeous. We’ve got suede, faux leather, and the most beautiful etched wood I’ve seen in a vehicle. Overall, the interior is the perfect mix of luxury and off-roading. There is a good amount of storage available, but the cupholders are incredibly flimsy.
Infotainment System
As far as technology is concerned, the R1S is pretty high tech. You don’t have a lot of physical buttons, so everything is going to be controlled in your dash and actual infotainment system. One of my favorite features on the dash specifically is while you’re driving, you can see images of the other vehicles on the road. I find it almost like a video game - it’s fun.
Looking at the infotainment system, we’ve got a large horizontal screen with no buttons, but the climate controls are pulled out and located on the bottom left. That being said, this might be the worst climate control I’ve ever used, it’s just too cumbersome. You have to move your vents by pulling them around on the screen!
Other than that, I really like everything else about it.
Rivian R1S Car Seat Hardware
Rivian has made their hardware really car seat friendly, especially for three across in the second row. The car seat hardware includes the following:
Second row: lower anchors in the outboard seats and tether anchors across the bench.
Third row: lower and tether anchors in each seat.
Rivian R1S Second Row
I’ve got three kids under the age of 5, so a three across combination was a must. I made it work pretty darn easily, but it does really impact the visibility from a driver’s perspective out the back. Unfortunately, there is no rear view camera in the mirror to help with this, which I found really disappointing.
Yes, the Rivian R1S can fit three car seats across, but it is not going to work with every car seat out there, especially when you bring infant car seats or boosters into the mix. As far as hardware is concerned you have lower anchors in the outboard seats and tether anchors across the back.
I used three Graco SlimFit 3LX’s for each of my kids, which is one of my all-time favorite car seats. To see exactly why I like it so much, read my Graco SlimFit 3LX Review here.
With the driver seat set for myself at 6 feet tall, I was comfortable and so were all my kids. I do think several combinations will work in this car, but test it out at the dealership before you drive this vehicle home.
One last note, I love how flat the second row floorboard is. It’s super comfortable as a passenger to not have the middle seat hump, but you can also have additional storage space.
Rivian R1S Third Row
Moving onto the third row, we have two seats (which I love) that both have their own lower and tether anchors. To get back into the third row, you’re going to have a tilt and slide, but the width to actually get back there is just okay.
While I am a little generous with a third row in terms of space and overall comfortability, here are my pros and cons:
.Pro: Seats are wide and deep, which makes it perfect for car seat install or passenger comfort.
Con: Little to no leg room.
Overall, it’s not the most comfortable third row, but you do get more versatility with the bench set up back here and I just love when manufacturers cut to the chase and give two really good seats in the third row, instead of an uncomfortable three seats.
Rivian R1S Trunk
First off, it’s a split trunk. You don’t see these much anymore, but they make life so much easier. Have groceries you don’t want moving around, but still need to get out your stroller? No problem. Even with the third row up, I was able to fit my Mockingbird stroller in the back. This is a BIG stroller, so the fact I can do that is great.
My only complaints in the back are that the third row seats are not powered, which means I have to crawl into the car to get them up. Not a pulley, tab, nothing. It’s the most difficult thing ever and I hate it.
Is Rivian Family-Friendly?
Overall, yes this is a choice to consider for families looking for an electric three row SUV because they just don’t exist yet. Although I wouldn’t consider it the most practical for yolunger kids, older children or those with an active lifestyle would really enjoy this vehicle.
Rivian R1S Wrap Up
For the three row electric SUV category, the Rivian R1S is a good option. You have a lot of versatility in terms of where people can sit, along with three car seats across capabilities. I think this is a solid niche car for the family looking for an electric vehicle, who has an active lifestyle, and wants something that looks great. Overall, I’m really excited to see where the Rivian brand goes.
To see a complete walkthrough of the Rivian R1S, check out my car tour here.
What do you think of the Rivian R1S? Would you consider it for a family vehicle? Let me know in the comments below! And to see the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent car tours:
