Rivian R1T Overview

Updated on May 5, 2025

Red Rivian R1T pickup truck on a dirt road in a desert landscape.

While the EV (electric vehicle) market has flourished in the past decade, pickup truck owners are one of the most challenging consumer bases to convert. 

Tradespersons and blue-collar workers rely on their pickups for their livelihoods and, as such, have trouble trusting the relatively new technology of electric pickups. However, in 2021, one company attempted to bridge the gap between EV manufacturers and the pickup truck consumer base

With the release of the Rivian R1T, consumers rejoiced at an electric pickup truck promising top-tier safety, performance, and reliability in a somewhat futuristic yet still grounded package—no refrigerators on wheels here, "cough, cough, Cybertruck, cough."

If you've ever considered upgrading your conventional fossil-fuel-burning truck to an EV, read on for our extensive overview of the first mass-produced electric truck in the United States—the Rivian R1T.

About Rivian Automotive Inc.

People gather outside a Rivian store at night with a black Rivian vehicle parked in front.

Rivian got its start when its founder, CEO, and MIT graduate, Robert "RJ" Scaringe, made it his mission to revolutionize the automotive industry. 

With a dream and a team of equally ambitious engineers at his side, the company got to work in 2009 with the intention of producing autonomous vehicles. After numerous sizable investments, name changes, and focus shifts, the company settled on producing semi-autonomous pickups and SUVs. Thus, the first concepts for the R1T and R1S—initially named A1T and A1C—were born. 

The two concepts debuted at the 2018 LA Auto Show. Rivian marketed both as adventurer-ready, semi-autonomous vehicles, a stark contrast to prototypical EVs. After several production woes, including product and material shortages caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Rivian began delivering production vehicles in 2021.

Introducing the R1T

Horses grazing on a hillside with a blue pickup truck on a dirt trail and snowy mountains in the background.

The Rivian R1T is one of the company's flagship models, alongside the R1S SUV and EDV (Electric Delivery Van). Debuting in 2018, the R1T immediately drew the attention of auto and tech enthusiasts alike. One of the reasons behind the truck's skyrocketing position as one of the top-selling EV pickups in America is its design—it's actually marketed toward truck owners and adventurers. 

The R1T offers nearly all the features that truck owners seek, including an adventurous body with modern yet grounded styling and a tall ride height with exceptional off-road performance. Other features include a considerable towing capacity, a long-range between charges, a sizable bed, an innovative gear tunnel, and more. The R1T is undoubtedly a truck, regardless of its unibody design or electric drivetrain.

2025 R1T Specs

The R1T isn't just a looker—it also looks good on paper. The 2025 Rivian R1T boasts impressive specifications, listed in the table below.

R1T Generations

In 2025, Rivian announced the release of its Gen 2 platforms. All R1T vehicles in the model year 2024 or older are considered Gen 1, while 2025 and on platforms are considered Gen 2. 

The second generation Rivian R1T offers several innovative new features, redesigns, and improvements over the previous generations. Some of the most notable include: 

  • Updated batteries with reengineered lithium-iron-phosphate technology. 

  • Release of Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor models with 850 and 1,025 horsepower, respectively.  

  • Redesigned premium interiors offering new interior lighting and revamped in-cabin storage compartments.

  • New aesthetic upgrades, including new exterior paint colors, blackout trim packages, and new wheel and tire options.  

  • Innovative electrically-tinting panoramic roof.

  • Upgraded tech, including infotainment systems, digital keys, and more.

R1T Trim Levels

Since its release in 2021, the R1T has been offered in several trim levels. At launch, the model shipped with Launch, Explore, and Adventure trims, each offering different appearance and performance packages. However, Gen 2 R1T trucks come only in the two trim levels of Adventure and Ascend.

Rivian trim levels typically only focus on interior upgrades and are determined by the model. For instance, Adventure trims are available only on single and dual-motor models, while Ascend trims are reserved for higher-end tri-motor and quad-motor models.


Adventure

Interior view of a modern vehicle dashboard with digital displays, set in a green outdoor environment.

The Adventure trim is Rivian's basic trim, though it's far from generic. This trim comes in three colors—Black Mountain, Black Mountain with Black Ash, and Ocean Coast with Dark Ash—and boasts several luxurious features, including standard: 

  • Perforated upholstery

  • Heated and ventilated seats

  • Heated steering wheel

  • Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment

  • Recycled microfiber headliner

  • Center console with integrated wireless charger

  • Rivian audio

  • Carpet floor mats

  • Panoramic glass roof


Ascend

Interior of a modern vehicle with digital displays and a scenic view outside.

The Ascend trim elevates the Rivian experience, adding several amenities and options. Like the Adventure, the Ascend comes in three color options—Black Mountain with Brown Ash, Ocean Coast with Driftwood, and Slate Sky with Walnut. Standard features include: 

  • Perforated upholstery 

  • Heated and ventilated seats

  • Heated steering wheel

  • Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment

  • Solid wood accents

  • Center console with integrated wireless charger

  • Suede headliner

  • Rivian premium audio

  • Plaid floor mats

  • Dynamic glass roof

Rivian R1T Accessories

If you're the proud owner of a new Rivian R1T, check out our accessories to protect your ride and optimize your driving experience. 


Husky Liners® Weatherbeater™ Floor Liners

Rubber car floor mat in front passenger footwell area.

Beat lousy weather, mud, and spills with Husky Liners Weatherbeater floor liners. These liners offer exceptional coverage and performance and feature Husky's FormFit Design™ for comprehensive protection. Durable construction ensures a long service life on even the hardest-driven, adventure-focused R1Ts. 

Order yours today, backed by Husky Liners' industry-leading limited lifetime warranty.

Man standing behind a truck bed with a rolled-up mat inside.

Sleek, budget-minded, and ultra-low profile, the Pro X15 roll-up tonneau cover from TruXedo is the ultimate companion to an adventurous R1T. Stash gear in the bed and transport accessories with confidence in the Pro X15's superior water resistance and security. The Pro X15 clamps directly to your Rivian's bedsides without any drilling. All orders come backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Close-up of a car's side window and black trim details.

Keep excessive moisture and wind out of your Rivian's luxurious natural wood, suede, and leather interior with AVS low-profile Ventvisor window deflectors. These accessories are manufactured from premium impact-resistant acrylic and are finished in a sleek, translucent smoke color. Installation is quick and easy, and all orders are covered for the product's lifetime. 

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