2025 Rivian R1T TOTY Review: Making Invisible Improvements

We fell hard for the Rivian R1T in 2022, traversing the TransAmerica trail in a pair of pre-prototypes loaded for overlanding. Not long after that exercise, it earned our Truck of the Year Calipers. Three years later, Rivian is rolling out its second-generation R1T, which features three all-new Rivian-designed powertrains, a thoroughly retuned suspension, and a revolutionary new zonal electric architecture credited with slashing weight, cabling, and response times for all onboard systems.

These improvements don’t show from the outside, but in the hopes that experiencing them all would impress us enough to reclaim the Golden Calipers, Rivian sent us its full lineup: a Dual Motor loaded up with the Max battery and performance packages, a Tri Motor built for off-roading, and an on-road-burning 1,025-hp Quad fitted with 22-inch staggered Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires.

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Before we turned a wheel, we noticed that the EPA rewards the R1T’s new electric motors plus its tire and other improvements with a 4–10 percent boost in combined mpg-e, for the Dual motor models classified to date. Range increases accordingly in both the EPA and our road-trip results, earning it significant efficiency points.

Rivian’s value proposition benefits from the introduction of lower-priced, smaller-battery models starting at just $71,700, with no skimping on interior finery and ample 533-hp/610-lb-ft AWD performance. The new Tri Motor offering starts at $101,700, undercutting its GMC Hummer EV 3X and Tesla Cyberbeast three-motor competitors by at least $4K. Even the new Quad, which is expected to ring the register at $109,900, seems a relative bargain compared to the Hummer and Tesla.

Off pavement, these trucks remain virtually unstoppable. At Holly Oaks RV Park, we scaled the steepest face of Mt. Magna’s bowl and enjoyed the Tri’s “drift” and “rally” modes, though features editor and off-roading expert Jason Gonderman noted, “Traversing trails with any speed turns into a rough affair, so the Rivians don’t work particularly well as ‘Baja’ trucks.” We were further troubled by worsening suspension noises coming from all three R1T vehicles throughout the event. It sounded like something was loose, and we’re told the jounce-bumper design is to blame, but it’s unbecoming a six-figure overlander. 

On paper, that zonal architecture would seem like an engineering-excellence slam dunk, but its benefits are difficult to appreciate. Screen graphics are stunning, but did that air vent just re-aim itself more quickly? Perhaps, but we still hate aiming air vents (ditto mirrors and steering wheels) from a screen. The inability to hear or reply to text messages via the infotainment system or easily stream music services resident on our phones is another pain point.

Ride quality on lower-profile tires is degraded, especially when carrying 1,000 pounds in the bed, which may disappoint adventurous overlanders. And a 7,700-pound KZ Connect C312RE travel trailer hooked to our Dual Max imparted both bumps and sway from the wind. Paired with a Mastercraft XT22 wake boat, the Quad spun its rear tires trying to accelerate the load and bucked and swayed a bit as it did. And Rivian offers no trailer-reversing aids.

Design-wise, the only meaningful advancement is in refining the R1T’s already impressive interiors, so these trucks didn’t peg all of our criteria. Of course that's not necessary to snag a win, but would it be enough for the R1T to snag its second trophy?  

This review was conducted as part of our 2025 Truck of the Year (TOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised. 

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