2022 Rivian R1S First Test: Another Showstopper
Pros
- 908 lb-ft of torque
- Unique styling
- 316 miles of electric range
Cons
- Tight third row
- Stiff ride on all-terrain tires
- Expensive
Driving loads of new and flashy cars around Los Angeles, we're used to curious people stopping us to ask questions. From testing supercars to SUVs, we're lucky to do what we do for a living, and we love talking to folks about the latest trends in the automotive industry. But nothing tops our experience with the 2022 Rivian R1S electric SUV; every time we parked it, strangers approached immediately to ask us questions about one of the hottest vehicles on the market.
Indeed, with its charming styling, room for seven passengers, and impressive technology, the 2022 Rivian R1S gets a lot of love, even in L.A., where you often see some of the world's rarest and most expensive vehicles. We were amused to see people's reactions when we talked to them about its range or power numbers.
Same But Different
Although the Rivian R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck share the same chassis and four-motor setup, there are significant differences, with length being the biggest one. The R1S' wheelbase is 14.8 inches shorter, and its overall length measures 200.8 inches—16.3 inches shorter than the truck. Those who park their R1S in a garage will note the difference, and those who go off-roading will also see better breakover and departure angles thanks to the shorter wheelbase and rear overhang.
Inside
Just like in the R1T, the 2022 Rivian R1S' interior is elegant, futuristic, and cool. The minimalistic approach provides a vibe that blends premium materials with lots of technology to make a great impression on anyone who rides in it. From the open-pore wood that combines ambient lighting elements to the minimalist switch gear, the cabin feels like it's next generation. Many cues appear taken from Tesla—there's no push-start button and no buttons to adjust the side-view mirrors or telescoping wheel, and the shifter is a stalk on the steering column. But unlike a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, a second screen in front of the driver acts like a digital instrument cluster to display vital information.
Although the R1T offers more storage options than the R1S electric SUV, the amount of storage in the R1S remains impressive. We do miss the R1T's gear tunnel, but the R1S has a deep hidden compartment beneath the cargo floor that can store a carry-on bag. Plus, the frunk is just as expansive as in the R1T, and it has a drain plug so you can use it for tailgating (or should we say frontgating?). There are also drawers under the front seats to keep some documents handy, should you have the need to do so.
Second-row space is more than decent, with plenty of real estate for adults in terms of legroom and headroom. People sitting back there will enjoy heated seats and USB-C ports rightly placed on the seats in front of them, making it easy for them to charge and use their devices at the same time.
However, accessing the third row is a little tight for adults. The space between the C-pillar and the second row is narrow. Once you make it back there, second-row passengers need to move their seats up a few inches for third-row riders to have enough legroom. Because the third row is so low to the floor, most peoples' knees will be at a higher position than their hip point, which is uncomfortable for long trips.
Although the 2022 Rivian R1S' interior space isn't spectacular, it's also not bad. At 6 feet tall, you wouldn't want to spend much time in the third row, but you would likely be OK with short trips in the city. We're sure most R1S owners will keep the third row folded so they can enjoy more cargo space. Second-row seats can be folded from the cargo area with an electric release, but the third row must be folded manually, which is a bit odd—especially for an SUV that costs more than $95,000. Fold the second and third rows, and you'll get a flat floor with ample room for your gear or for Home Depot trips.
Like with most electric cars today, the R1S' center screen serves as the command center. Besides displaying the nav system and controlling the A/C, heated and ventilated seats, and other basic functions, the screen allows drivers to switch between driving modes, raise or lower the electric SUV's air suspension, and turn on Pet Comfort mode (and, eventually, Camp Mode). Pet Comfort mode keeps the air conditioning on inside the cabin and displays a message on the screen telling outsiders the pets are in good condition.
The Drive
Few SUVs in the world can do what the 2022 Rivian R1S does. With its quad-motor setup, which delivers 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque combined, the R1S is one of the quickest SUVs MotorTrend has ever tested. Yes, you read those numbers right; no production Lamborghini, for example, makes this kind of power. A seven-passenger SUV producing this kind of punch is otherworldly.
During our instrumented testing, the R1S with all-season tires accelerated to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 111.2 mph. Opting for the all-terrain tires holds you back by just 0.1 second on the way to 60 mph and only 0.2 second in the quarter mile.
These numbers are even more impressive when you look at the Rivian's heft. Because of its 135-kWh battery pack, the R1S weighs more than 3.5 tons, and you definitely feel it on the road. Its low center of gravity and nimble steering, however, reduce the perception you're driving a lumbering behemoth.
On city streets, the 2022 Rivian R1S is quiet and composed, delivering power to pass just about anyone who's around you. It doesn't hesitate to merge onto the freeway, either, and you feel your back pressed against the seat when doing so. Bumps and ruts are absorbed nicely thanks in part to Rivian's cross-linked suspension. And depending on the drive mode you select, you can have different experiences behind the wheel. Conserve disconnects the rear motors to save power. All Purpose is the normal mode, with all four motors working together. Sport is the most fun of all, naturally. It's worth noting we spent most of our time driving the Rivian R1S with all-terrain tires, and we felt a stiffer ride and heard a bit more noise in the cabin—things to consider if you're interested in this option.
Yeah, But How Safe Is It?
Unfortunately, neither IIHS or NHTSA has crash-tested the Rivian R1S or the R1T, but both are equipped with a long list of active safety features. With Rivian Driver+, the R1S bundles adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and highway assist to hold the SUV centered in its lane while keeping a good distance to the car in front. Two taps on the shifter stalk activate the entire suite, and it will alert you if the road becomes unclear or if the systems can't handle the situation.
Every R1S is equipped with cameras, radars, and other sensors, and all of them work together in pursuit of a safe experience.
Should I Buy the Rivian R1S?
The 2022 Rivian R1S is an impressive electric SUV with lots of technology, storage options, and power. It's also one of the most fun SUVs we've driven—something you don't often hear about a seven-passenger giant.
All of this is great, but pricing will certainly keep a lot of people away from the R1S. Our two test vehicles were priced at $96,000 and $98,750, and as much as we liked its attributes, we wondered aloud whether that's too much for an electric seven-passenger SUV. Prices recently suffered a steep hike, and we wouldn't be surprised if Rivian increases the R1S' sticker yet again. But if you can afford it and you're looking for a family SUV while thinking of switching to electric power, the 2022 Rivian R1S checks all the boxes.
Looks good! More details?2022 Rivian R1S Launch Edition (A/S tire, A/T tire) Specifications BASE PRICE $91,500 PRICE AS TESTED $96,000, $98,750 VEHICLE LAYOUT 2 x Front- and 2 x rear-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV MOTOR TYPE Permanent-magnet electric POWER (SAE NET) 415 hp (front), 420 hp (rear), 835 hp (comb) TORQUE (SAE NET) 413 lb-ft (front), 495 lb-ft (rear), 908 lb-ft (comb) TRANSMISSIONS 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 7,068 lb (48/52%), 7,091 lb (48/52%) WHEELBASE 121.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 200.8 x 79.3 x 71.5 - 77.3 in 0-60 MPH 3.1, 3.2 sec QUARTER MILE 11.6 sec @ 111.2 mph, 11.8 sec @ 111.6 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 121, 131 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.82, 0.78 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.1 sec @ 0.71 g (avg), 26.4 sec @ 0.69 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 73/65/69 mpg-e EPA RANGE, COMB 316 miles ON SALE Now Show AllYou may also like
Tokyo Auto Salon returned after a one-year, Covid-induced hiatus that saw the cancellation of 2021's expected event. And along with the various tuning firms, parts distributors, and always interesting mom and pop shop-created display vehicles, some of the OEMs take part and show off some of their more enthusiast-focused projects.One of those automakers is Toyota, which regularly attends TAS and always brings something worth a closer look. For 2022, the Toyota Gazoo Racing group went all-in for the annual auto salon with a line of can't miss display cars, throwback parts, and some high-level motorsport competitors.Toyota GR GT3 ConceptThe world premiere of the group's GR GT3 Concept is much more than an exercise in design language and a pop of performance. The idea was to take all the technology, knowledge, and experience that Toyota Gazoo Racing has earned in various forms of motorsport and put them into a single race car. Most expected a modified MkV Supra, but what they got was something entirely different.With Batmobile like proportions, the front fascia isn't like any other Toyota product, using slender lighting that sits within a small gap along the upper portion of the front bumper. The pronounced splitter, accompanied by dual canards on each end, stretches the car out a little further. Out back, a massive carbon fiber wing sits over the rear with a sculpted vents under each side of the full-width taillight. Further down you'll spot diffuser with sharp blades and, in between, the GT3 Concept badging and GR logo.The slippery coupe sports vented front fenders that add considerable width, the rear portions connected to bulky side skirts that carry into the rear quarters. Exhaust exits are integrated into the front portions of the side skirts and the sharp cuts of the aerodynamic side mirrors are an elegant touch. Rolling stock is based on center-lock wheels wrapped in Bridgestone race meats and the suspension places the car's aero just a few inches off the ground. TGR states that they'll be implementing feedback and technologies refined in motorsports competition to develop their GT3 program as well as mass-produced vehicles.GR Yaris: Bite-Sized DynamoThe fan favorite GR Yaris is on display but it's the GRMN model that everyone is talking about. Limited to just 500 units, the three-door hatchback goes on a diet, including ditching its rear seats, and the body gets increased rigidity with additional spot welds and longer structural adhesive. The car's width is increased, and its ride height reduced, both by 10mm. Upon the rear hatch is a unique carbon fiber wing that sits well above the roofline with pedestals that mount to a carbon fiber base. Oh, did we mention the entire roof is also carbon fiber to drop some weight? It is.The transmission gets closer gearing with a low final drive and a mechanical LSD will be added to the mix, while grip and cornering were also improved upon based on feedback from professional drivers who helped TGR further refine the already potent GR Yaris. Toyota says they'll be offering an Update and Personalization Program to help end-users make changes to their cars as they increase their seat time. The Update Program promises additional parts and software updates will be offered along with engine upgrades, while the Personalization Program is based on the owner's driving habits, offering steering control and shock updates, additional aero, and more.Within that group of limited-edition Yaris, 50 models will include the Circuit Package which TGR says will focus on road performance based on feedback from Super Taikyu - Asia's top endurance race series. Available only in a Matte Steel color, the package includes that interesting rear spoiler, specific side skirts and front lip, Bilstein shocks, huge 18-inch brakes under BBS GRMN wheels. An airbag-equipped, fixed-back Recaro bucket seat with motorsport-grade side mounts is available as well. The Circuit Package, along with the standard GRMN Yaris Package will be made available through GR Garages in Japan this summer using TGR's lottery system.Old Is GoldFor those that are enamored with iconic Toyota models of yesteryear, the announcement of remanufacturing OEM-spec Toyota parts for fan favorites like the MkIII and IV Supra, 2000GT, and Corolla AE86 have been celebrated by enthusiasts attempting to restore or give these older vehicles a second life. TGR announced 56 items for the group's six chosen vehicles will be added to the already 33-piece line up as production begin to ramp up. The vehicle list includes those mentioned above, along with the Land Cruiser 40 and 2000GT.
The rivalry between the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 is as fierce as any other, with both having helped kick off the compact, car-based crossover trend back in the late 1990s. But in recent years the CR-V has held an advantage, besting the RAV4 in comparison tests, our compact crossover rankings—and winning our SUV of the Year trophy (twice!). For 2023, the plot twists as Honda reveals the new sixth-generation CR-V. But the current fifth-generation RAV4, which went on sale in 2019, isn't exactly stale. How do the features and specs of these super-popular small SUVs compare? Read on, and you'll see that the rivalry remains.CR-V vs. RAV4: Exterior DimensionsWonder which will fit in a parking space more easily? The 2023 CR-V and RAV4 are similar in size, with the CR-V being a few inches longer but standing shorter than the RAV4. These dimensions vary based on trim and equipment. Wheelbase Length Width Height 2023 Honda CR-V 106.3 inches 184.8 inches 73.4 inches 66.2-66.6 inches 2023 Toyota RAV4 105.9 inches 180.9-181.5 inches 73.0-73.4 inches 67.0-68.6 inches CR-V vs. RAV4: Passenger and Cargo SpaceIn its new form the CR-V (rather predictably) grows larger inside. In addition to more second-row legroom, cargo space increases and is now identical between the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid; the Hybrid previously gave up some cargo space for its batteries. Its interior measurements are generally larger than those of the RAV4. Legroom (front/rear) Headroom (front/rear) Cargo Space (seats up/down) 2023 Honda CR-V 41.3/41.0 inches 38.0-40.1/39.1 inches 36.3/76.5 cu-ft 2023 Toyota RAV4 41.0/37.8 inches 37.7/39.5 inches 37.6/69.8 cu-ft CR-V vs. RAV4: Engines and Fuel EconomyIn the 2023 CR-V, the standard engine remains a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Those stats match the outgoing model, but Honda says it's updated the engine for better responsiveness and less noise. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Expect a 0-60 mph time of about 8.0 seconds, and fuel economy of 27/32 mpg city/highway with AWD.The 2023 RAV4's base engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 that makes 203 hp and 184 lb-ft, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Although larger and more powerful than the CR-V's engine, it sends the RAV4 to 60 mph in a similar 8.0 seconds and achieves 25/32 mpg with AWD.CR-V vs. RAV4: Hybrid ChoicesBoth the CR-V and RAV4 are available as hybrids. The 2023 CR-V Hybrid, like the previous version, utilizes a setup based around a 2.0-liter I-4 supplemented by two electric motors. The combined result is 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels or all four with available AWD. Expect a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, and fuel economy to rate at about 40/35 mpg (city/highway).The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid likewise uses an I-4 engine and two electric motors, but in a different configuration. It has a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder, to which one electric motor is joined. The other motor turns the rear wheels, giving the RAV4 Hybrid AWD without a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. Our test team recorded a 7.1-second 0-60 mph time from a RAV4 Hybrid. Its fuel economy is EPA-rated at 41/38 mpg (city/highway).Furthermore, the RAV4 is available as a plug-in hybrid. That model, the RAV4 Prime, has a larger battery which pushes total power to 302 hp—dropping the 0-60 mph time to a zippy 5.5 seconds. More relevant is its 42 miles of all-electric range. In hybrid driving, it achieves 94 mpg-e combined. No CR-V plug-in hybrid exists—at least, not yet.CR-V vs. RAV4: Safety FeaturesThe CR-V's Honda Sensing and RAV4's Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety suites give each SUV a remarkable amount of driver-assist and active-safety tech. Each is equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. On the 2023 CR-V, sensors for these systems are said to be improved for more natural responses. Meanwhile, for 2023 the RAV4's automatic braking system was upgraded to avoid collisions when turning across an intersection. Every 2023 CR-V has hill descent control and a snow driving mode, which are found only on certain RAV4 trims.Although the 2023 CR-V has not yet been crash tested, Honda likely won't let it lose the IIHS Top Safety Pick + and and NHTSA five-star scores the previous model achieved for many consecutive years, especially considering the SUV now comes with improved front and additional side airbags. In its most recent round of crash testing, the RAV4 achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and a NHTSA five-star overall score.CR-V vs. RAV4: In-Car TechnologyFor 2023 the RAV4 was updated to have an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, or a 10.5-inch unit on higher-end models, both running Toyota's latest software that debuted in the Tundra pickup. Meanwhile the 2023 CR-V's basic touchscreen measures 7.0 inches, and grows to 9.0 inches on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a common feature between them, but only the RAV4 has dual-device Bluetooth connectivity. Both have a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, but the RAV4 offers a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster.The 2023 CR-V has two USB ports as standard while the RAV4 has three. Depending on trim, two more USB charge points are added in the second row, as well as a front-row wireless charger. Both SUVs are offered with a premium sound system: An 11-speaker JBL setup in the RAV4, and a 12-speaker Bose arrangement in the CR-V.CR-V vs. RAV4: Prices and Trim LevelsPricing for the 2023 CR-V has not been announced, but you can expect its base price to go up slightly (if it's anything like the new Civic launched last year, that bump might be minimal). That's partially due to the fact that the previous entry-level LX trim has been discontinued, leaving EX as the CR-V's starting trim. Expect the 2023 CR-V to start at a few bucks under $30,000, while the Hybrid model will likely go for approximately $3,000 more. The range-topping CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring could command about $38,000.Thanks to the low-frills LE trim which costs about $28,000, the RAV4's starting price will likely be less than that of the CR-V. Similarly, the RAV4 Hybrid starts in LE trim, at just under $31,000. At the high end of the range, the RAV4 Prime XSE costs nearly $45,000.So, New CR-V or RAV4?On paper, the RAV4 has certain advantages over the CR-V: More power, larger screens, additional powertrain choices, and a diverse range of trims. However, in its prior iteration the CR-V earned our praise with its good driving manners, which the RAV4 hasn't always been able to muster. Will the new 2023 CR-V remain so enjoyable that it makes up for any potential shortcomings compared to the RAV4? We'll find out soon when we drive it, and as the CR-V lineup surely expands in the years ahead.
A 2022 Toyota GR86 owner is apparently being punished for posting a photo of their car drifting at a testing and tuning event. The GR86 suffered an engine failure, allegedly due to oil starvation—a relatively common and known issue on this model—but the owner was rejected under the Toyota warranty after the photo of the car drifting turned up in the automaker's investigation. Evidently, Toyota initially rejected the warranty claim because of evidence the car was driven at an off-street event, which seems ridiculous considering the encouraging nature of the model's marketing materials.The story comes from Blake Alvarado on Facebook posting to the SCCA Official Members group, whose GR86 suffered its engine failure after just 13,770 miles on the road and two oil changes. Alvarado says a post-failure engine teardown revealed grey sealant material in the oil pickup, an issue that is now being tracked in a spreadsheet by GR86.org, which currently lists five suspected instances of the issue causing engine failure, not including similar claims dating back all the way to 2013, as Alvarado says.But, Toyota wouldn't know firsthand about the cause of Alvarado's engine failure, as he says the assigned field technician never checked the engine in determining his warranty claim. Here's what happened, according to the Facebook post: "Instead either he or someone at the dealer looked me up on social media. They showed me a photo of me taken at a local Test & Tune event (untimed, non-competition) in late March (I was testing different setups and playing around with tire pressures. This was the only time the car was driven in the way the photo shows). They also showed me an onboard video of me driving in someone else's white GR86 (mine is Black)."Based on this "evidence," his warranty claim was denied and Alvarado was instead quoted an $11,000 repair estimate, or told he had to remove his car from the dealership. His attempt to negotiate with the dealer's service manager was denied, so Alvarado had the car towed to a Subaru specialty shop where he was quoted $7,000 for a low-mileage engine replacement.The real kicker in this situation is Toyota's own marketing materials. As Alvarado points out, Toyota's marketing frequently mentions the GR86 being "track tested," and even let new owners sign up for a complimentary NASA track day as a promotion, which is used for the Toyota Supra, as well. MotorTrend reached out to Toyota, and a spokesperson provided the following response:"Toyota takes its customer concerns seriously. We work hard to deliver a rewarding ownership experience, and we stand behind the quality of our products. A vehicle's warranty excludes damages from activities such as misuse, improper maintenance, or modifications. Toyota is currently looking into the case you referenced and will continue to work with the customer directly on this issue. As always, we encourage customers who experience any issues with their vehicle to contact their authorized Toyota dealer or call the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331) when a dealer is not able to resolve a matter."Alvarado urges other enthusiasts to be wary about posting photos and videos of their warranty-covered cars out of extra precaution, as you never know how an automaker is going to respond to vehicles being driven in any manner other than daily duty.But Wait, There's More!Update, August 4, 2022: Speaking to The Drive, Alvarado has confirmed that Toyota's executive office reached out to him after all of the social media coverage of his blown engine and has ultimately decided to cover the issue under warranty. The Drive reports a Toyota representative said Alvarado and others should be able "to use the vehicle at future autocross and track day events without putting [the] warranty in jeopardy.
0 Comments