Electric vehicles. They are not so new now. From swoopy sedans to angry-looking trucks, the EV market has blossomed with options from many manufacturers. With established players like Tesla and BMW dominating the market, does the Rivian R1S do enough to stand out? Being skeptical of most EV startups, automotive enthusiasts Vansh Gupta and Janam Gupta see if this $90,000 electric SUV could impress beyond the usual tech-bro hype.

First Impressions: Bold and Boxy

Approaching the R1S, you‘re struck by its commanding presence. It‘s not trying to be sleek like most EVs. Instead, it embraces a utilitarian boxy design that makes no apologies for its size. Couple that with playful and kind eyes, and the Rivian’s exterior had a playful vibe packaged in a mean demeanor.

Interior view of the 2025 Rivian R1S

Sliding into the driver‘s seat, we were immediately greeted by a clean, minimalist dashboard dominated by digital displays. The driver information display was very easy to follow. It hit the right notes for relevancy. The seats are heated (all of them) and the front ones are ventilated – a nice touch but expected at this price point. Also included was a steering heater and a nice fat steering wheel. Although, I am not too sure why it was so thick.

Our first words while reversing out of the parking space and getting on the road? “This is freaking massive!”

Dynamics: A Castle on Wheels

The R1S offers multiple drive modes that significantly alter its personality. After experimenting with the various settings, I found the “firm” suspension mode provided an adequate experience with tighter steering and a more planted feel.

Acceleration is quick and effortless. Instant torque delivery makes the EV super satisfying in urban environments. Sport mode adds an extra layer of engagement, making the R1S feel surprisingly peppy despite its substantial size. If you aren’t getting overconfident on the corners or potholes, the car is well-behaved and keeps composure. Go on a bumpy road or try to take a corner, and you are reminded that exceptional engineering can’t trump the laws of physics.

Steering felt like handling a vacuum. Standard setting provided a vague, disconnected feel. Switching to “firm” mode drastically improved feedback and precision.

If the regen system had a self-destruct button, we’d press it twice. It was so frustrating to deal with. The regenerative braking system offers several settings, though even the “low” setting felt quite aggressive compared to competitors.

Impressively, there was minimal road and wind noise leading to a serene drive on smooth surfaces.

Comfort: A Plush 6-Seater

Even though it is marketed as a 7-seater, only 6 people can sit in this vehicle, comfortably. The third row in a car is often the most overlooked. Not for Rivian. The R1S had ample knee room and headroom. Windows and air vents that made the car feel airy and spacious. The middle row seats are ample for two people. It’s a long car, not a wide car.

Interior view of the 2025 Rivian R1S

Speaking of which, the sheer size brings out massive blind spots, with the side mirrors not providing optimal coverage of adjacent lanes. The rear-view window is virtually non-existent, and it is very challenging to gauge how much space is available around the vehicle. In this case, the cameras and blind spot monitor become necessary rather than supplementary.

Equipment: Wow… Until It’s Not

One unique touch that caught my eye was the tablet mount positioned at eye level. You don‘t have any neck strain to look at the center screen all the time. There is a screen for the driver, featuring all the important information and none of the clutter. The speed, directions, audio, and driver aids can be easily managed by the driver display and steering controls. Kudos to Rivian’s graphics team. Every interaction felt very special with the two screens.

However, not all is perfect in this technological wonderland. Adjusting vents through the touchscreen rather than manually feels like an unnecessary complication, and pairing Bluetooth requires stopping the vehicle completely. In fact, any control of the infotainment during the drive was mission impossible. Even Tom Cruise would raise the white flag.

The biggest disappointment stems from the sound system. Despite what appeared to be a premium multi-speaker setup, audio quality was consistently muddy with poor bass response and an overall lack of clarity. Stick to the podcasts and radio shows.

These are small annoyances that add up when the vehicle is almost $90,000.

Verdict:

What you‘re buying here is rugged capability wrapped in an electric package. The R1S delivers a unique proposition: a genuinely practical EV with go-anywhere credentials and enough space for your entire adventure crew.

However, the devil lurks in the details. Audio system disappointments, questionable rattles, and squeaky interior fittings betray its premium price tag. Pair that with goofy like driving characteristics and Rivian has missed the mark on separating the truly exceptional from the merely alright.

Exterior view of the 2025 Rivian R1S

The R1S is a vehicle with split personalities—a practical beast with an identity crisis. It wants to be a luxury SUV without fully committing to the refinement commanded at this price point. For weekend warriors seeking electric adventures, it‘s compelling. For luxury seekers expecting polish to match the price, it falls short.

It’s your call if practicality is enough, or you demand more.

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Co-Author

Janam Gupta

 

Janam Gupta is a business undergrad student, based in Fremont, Calif. He is Gen-Z editor and social media pundit at Siliconeer.

 

All photos provided by Rivian.