2021 Rivian R1T

Rivian is a comparatively new manufacturer that produces electric pickup trucks and SUVs. Our tests found its EVs to be comfortable, startlingly fast, and very capable off-road. Range is practical and competitive with similarly-priced vehicles. Its vehicles come with lots of cargo room, including deep front trunks and a horizontal pass-through “Gear Tunnel” in some of the pickup truck models. Drawbacks include screen-centric controls for essential functions, including adjusting air vents, and an aggressive regenerative braking system that makes its vehicles difficult to drive smoothly. Rivian usually ranks near the bottom of our predicted reliability rating, but near the top in our owner satisfaction surveys.

The R1T is a five-passenger crew-cab pickup truck about the size of a Honda Ridgeline. The middle-tier battery pack gives it an EPA-rated range of 314 miles. The truck is very quick, quiet, rides comfortably and handles with relative agility. It is even quite capable off-road thanks to individual motors powering each wheel. A less-expensive dual motor version will be available in the future. The regenerative braking is quite strong which results in a jerky feel every time drivers adjust their throttle position; it takes a lot of concentration in order to drive smoothly. The swanky interior is uncluttered and exudes a high-tech vibe, but too many functions are accessed through the touchscreen including adjusting the air vents, which is very distracting. The truck benefits from a large front trunk, a transverse tunnel between the bed and cab for added storage, and a powered tonneau cover. Comprehensive active safety and driver assistance systems are standard.