Rivian R1T Truck

Rivian R1T is the first electric pickup truck that treats the outdoor adventure market seriously rather than positioning electrification as a compromise. Design details reflect that intent starting with the gear tunnel, a pass-through storage compartment between the cab and the bed that is large enough to hold skis, a camp kitchen, or a full-size cooler. Proportions are more car-like than a Ford F-150, with a shorter bed and a smoother front end that does not try to look aggressive. The restraint in exterior styling makes it one of the few trucks that doesn't look like it is shouting at you from the parking lot. Quad-motor option delivers torque to each wheel independently. Tank turn feature where the truck spins in place using opposing wheel directions is a party trick that also has practical utility on narrow trails. Interior uses sustainable materials like vegan leather and recycled wood trim without the plastic-fantastic feel of some eco-friendly interiors. A 15.6-inch center screen runs a custom operating system rather than Android Auto or CarPlay, which is a confident and somewhat risky software decision. I think the R1T is interesting because Rivian designed it for a specific customer who wants an adventure vehicle and cares about emissions. The clarity of audience shows in everything from the integrated air compressor for reinflating tires after off-roading to the camp speaker that pulls out of the gear tunnel door. Range on the dual-motor standard version is about 314 miles. At $73,000 the price assumes a buyer who can absorb the EV premium, and the current waiting list suggests that buyer exists in larger numbers than anyone expected.