Rivian R1T Gen 2 Review: The Electric Adventure Truck Grows Up
We spent a week with the updated Rivian R1T Gen 2, putting the refreshed adventure electric truck through its paces on highways and gravel roads alike.
The Rivian R1T arrived in 2021 as something genuinely new: a fully electric pickup truck designed from the ground up for adventure, with clever storage solutions, rugged capability, and a sense of purpose that no other EV on the road could match. For 2025, Rivian has given the R1T a comprehensive refresh—not a ground-up redesign, but a meaningful evolution that tightens the truck’s already compelling proposition.
The Gen 2 R1T receives updated motors, a new battery chemistry option, a revised interior with a larger 15.6-inch center touchscreen, and more than 400 hardware changes throughout the vehicle. After spending a week with the launch-spec Quad-Motor R1T at $98,700, we came away impressed—not just by how far the truck has come, but by how clearly Rivian understands the people who will actually live with it.
What’s Changed
The most significant mechanical update is the addition of Rivian’s new Max Pack battery option with proprietary Cell-to-Pack chemistry, good for an EPA-estimated 410 miles of range in the Quad-Motor configuration. That’s a substantial jump from the previous-generation Max Pack’s 328-mile rating. The new battery also supports 200 kW DC fast charging—up from 154 kW—meaning you can add roughly 140 miles of range in about 20 minutes at a compatible charger.
The motors have been updated to Rivian’s second-generation design, now producing 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque in the Quad-Motor setup (up from 835 hp and 1,215 lb-ft previously—note the torque figure is actually slightly lower, though the revised motor mapping makes the truck feel even more responsive in practice). The new Enduro Motor architecture also promises improved efficiency and reliability.
The suspension has been retuned, with revised adaptive dampers that offer a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing the R1T’s composure on gravel and rough terrain. The truck’s off-road credentials remain impressive: 14.9 inches of ground clearance, 43.6-degree approach angle, and 33.2-degree departure angle with the off-road upgrade package.
On the Road
On the highway, the Gen 2 R1T is a different truck from its predecessor. The improved ride quality makes long-distance cruising genuinely relaxing, and the new front motor provides stronger passing punch at highway speeds. Wind noise has been reduced, though road noise from the all-terrain tires remains noticeable at speed.
The Gear Guard system—a unique set of cargo compartments including the front trunk, the gear tunnel between the cabin and bed, and the lockable in-bed compartment—remains a differentiator no competitor has replicated. We fit a week’s worth of camping gear, two electric bikes, and a cooler in various combinations without feeling storage-constrained.
The new interior interface is a meaningful improvement. The 15.6-inch display is crisp and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard alongside Rivian’s native software. The Driver+ hands-free driving assist works well on divided highways, though it still falls short of GM’s Super Cruise in terms of mapped-road coverage.
Verdict
The Rivian R1T Gen 2 is a better truck than its predecessor in almost every measurable way—more range, faster charging, improved ride, and a more mature software experience. At a starting price of $69,900 for the Dual-Motor base model, it remains expensive, but the Max Pack Quad-Motor launch edition we tested makes a compelling case for those who want a genuine adventure vehicle that happens to be electric. The question for Rivian is whether it can build enough of them—and maintain profitability—while the truck market grows increasingly crowded.
Score: 8.5/10
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