Rivian R1S · Generation Guide
Every R1S generation, year, and refresh — explained
From the December 2021 first delivery to the 2025 Gen 2 architectural overhaul — Rivian's three-row family SUV across four model years of running changes.
Generations at a glance
2022-2024 — the SUV variant of the R1T platform with a real third row
The R1S launched in late 2021 as the SUV variant of the R1T pickup, sharing the same platform and powertrain options. First customer delivery was December 2021. Production ramped through 2022 alongside the truck. Like the R1T, Gen 1 R1S used Bosch motors on Quad-Motor trims and Rivian's Enduro motors on the dual-motor variants that arrived in 2023. The R1S earned a Consumer Reports "Top Pick" in early years before being downgraded around 2024 as competitors caught up — but for buyers who specifically want a 7-seat off-capable EV, it remains in a category of its own.
2025+ — same R1T-derived platform overhaul, applied to the SUV body
Gen 2 R1S applied the same architectural overhaul as Gen 2 R1T — ECU count cut from 17 to 7, in-house motors across the board (including Quad-Motor), dual NVIDIA Orin compute, heat pump standard, LFP standard pack, and a significantly retuned suspension that addresses Gen 1's primary complaint. For families specifically: the third row got incrementally more usable (slightly better thigh support and revised sliding mechanism), and the optional electrochromic glass roof is genuinely useful in a vehicle where rear-passenger comfort matters. Gen 2 R1S Quad-Motor output jumped from 835 hp / 908 lb-ft to 1,025 hp / 1,198 lb-ft.
Side-by-side: Gen 1 (2024 final-spec) vs Gen 2 (2026)
| Gen 1 | Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA range (max trim) | 410 mi (Max pack) | 410 mi (Max pack) |
| 0-60 mph (Quad-Motor) | 3.0s (835 hp) | 2.6s (1,025 hp) |
| Quad-Motor power | 835 hp / 908 lb-ft | 1,025 hp / 1,198 lb-ft |
| Motor source (Quad) | Bosch | Rivian in-house |
| ECU count | 17 | 7 |
| Compute platform | Original SoC | Dual NVIDIA Orin (~10× compute) |
| Heat pump | Optional / absent on early VINs | Standard |
| Standard pack chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Suspension | Original tuning | Reworked, smoother — especially for 3rd-row passengers |
| Third row | Tight; basic sliding mechanism | Slightly improved thigh support + revised slide |
| Glass roof | Standard panoramic | Optional electrochromic (darkens at touch) |
Year-by-year change log
Rivian rolls in running changes throughout the year — sometimes mid-month — and rarely announces them publicly. This list synthesizes the most material changes per model year from manufacturer specs, owner-forum changelog threads, and contemporary reporting.
- December 2021: first customer delivery of the R1S
- Launch Edition trim only at launch — limited reservation pool
- Quad-Motor (Bosch units) standard at launch
- Three battery packs available: Standard 105 kWh, Large 135 kWh, Max 180 kWh
- Calendar 2021 R1S volume was tiny — most '2021 R1S' cars are functionally early production
- R1S production ramped alongside R1T at Normal IL
- Adventure trim opened to general reservations
- August 2022: Rivian cancelled the base Explore trim, forcing pre-order customers to upgrade to Adventure (caused customer backlash)
- OTA refinement of battery management, regen tuning, and range estimation
- First wave of recalls landed (shared with R1T): accelerator-pedal hot-cabin behavior, tire placard label, seat-belt sensor reporting
- Dual-Motor R1S began deliveries in 2023, following the R1T's DM rollout earlier in the year
- DM made the R1S substantially more affordable and easier to insure
- Standard pack (105 kWh) became more widely available alongside the DM trim
- Continued OTA software improvements (range, regen, navigation, charging)
- OTA defroster issue (software 2023.42.0) recall — fixed via subsequent OTA
- Continued running OTA improvements through the first half of the year
- Summer 2024: factory shutdown to retool for Gen 2 — affected R1S inventory through Q3
- December 2024: Max pack discontinued on Quad-Motor (Max only available on DM thereafter)
- Side-curtain airbag clip recall on 2022-2024 R1T/R1S service procedures
- Last full year of Gen 1 R1S production
- Gen 2 R1S launched alongside Gen 2 R1T — same architectural overhaul
- ECUs cut from 17 to 7; wiring shortened by ~1.6 miles; weight down ~44 lbs
- All motors now Rivian in-house (Quad-Motor previously used Bosch)
- Quad-Motor output jumped to 1,025 hp / 1,198 lb-ft (was 835 hp / 908 lb-ft)
- Dual NVIDIA Orin processors — ~10× compute of Gen 1, sets foundation for hands-off highway driving
- Heat pump standard
- Standard pack switches to LFP chemistry
- Suspension retuned — Gen 2 R1S is widely reviewed as significantly smoother for family/three-row use
- Third row: revised sliding mechanism and thigh support (still tight for adult passengers on long trips, but improved over Gen 1)
- New UI rendered with Unreal Engine cel-shading
- Door releases changed to capacitive square buttons
- Optional electrochromic glass roof — genuinely useful for the second/third-row passenger experience
- Tri-Motor R1S launched as middle option between DM and QM (around 850 hp, sub-3-second 0-60)
- Pricing recalibrated; Adventure DM starting around $75,900
- Continued OTA refinement on Gen 2 software stack
- Some early-2025 Gen 2 builds had door-handle button calibration drift — addressed via OTA
Best used R1S year to buy
By 2023, R1S early production issues had been substantially addressed via OTAs and recall completions, and the Dual-Motor variant became available — meaningfully cheaper to insure and run than the Quad-Motor. For families specifically, a 2023 DM R1S with low miles is the cleanest used buy: lower running cost, fewer remaining recall items, and modern Gen 1 software. Avoid 2022 unless the price discount is substantial enough to cover the recall-paperwork and possible early-VIN issues; 2024 is fine but inventory is thinner due to the Gen 2 factory shutdown.
Should you upgrade?
Gen 2 R1S is a clear upgrade for families specifically — the suspension retune is most noticeable from the second and third rows, and the heat pump (now standard) materially improves cold-weather range with a full passenger load. For owners of 2022 R1S, the upgrade case is strong. For 2023-2024 owners, the math depends heavily on resale value and whether the Gen 2 third-row improvements matter to your daily use case.
- You own a 2022 R1S — Gen 2 architectural simplification, heat pump, and ride quality all meaningful jumps
- You frequently use the third row — Gen 2's revised mechanism and softer suspension are noticeable improvements for rear passengers
- You drive in cold weather and your current R1S doesn't have the heat pump
- You want the foundation for Rivian's upcoming hands-off highway driving (Gen 1 hardware won't be upgraded)
- Battery degradation on your current R1S is approaching the warranty floor
- You own a 2023-2024 DM R1S, primarily use it as a 2-row family vehicle, and the dual-motor performance meets your needs
- You're sensitive to depreciation — Gen 1 R1S resale has held reasonably but the trade-in still costs $20K+
- You're cross-shopping the Tesla Model X or Volvo EX90 — both are credible alternatives with different tradeoffs
- The Gen 2 capacitive door-button design feels worse to you after a test drive
Known issues by year
Issues specific to particular R1S model years — surfaced from owner-forum threads (Rivian Owners Forum), NHTSA recall data, and Rivian TSBs. Not all VINs are affected; verify against the specific car you're considering via the Rivian mobile app or service center.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Rivian Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1S?
Gen 2 (2025+) is Rivian's largest mid-cycle update — same body shape as Gen 1, but underneath: ECU count cut from 17 to 7, wiring harness shortened by ~1.6 miles, all motors now Rivian-built in-house (Quad-Motor previously used Bosch units), dual NVIDIA Orin processors with ~10× the compute of Gen 1, heat pump now standard, Standard battery pack switched to LFP chemistry, and a significantly retuned suspension. For families specifically, the third row got incrementally better and the optional electrochromic glass roof improves rear-passenger comfort.
How can I tell if a used R1S is Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Easiest tell: model year. All R1S model year 2024 and earlier are Gen 1; 2025 onward are Gen 2. Visually, Gen 2 has a slightly updated front lighting bar (beveled lower portion with sequential animation capability), capacitive square door-release buttons instead of pull handles, optional electrochromic glass roof (you'll see the controls inside), and a redesigned cel-shaded UI. Mechanically, Gen 2 Quad-Motor has 1,025 hp (vs Gen 1's 835), heat pump standard, and dual NVIDIA Orin compute.
What's the best used R1S year to buy?
2023 or early 2024. By 2023, the early production issues had been ironed out via OTAs and recall completions, and the Dual-Motor variant became available — meaningfully cheaper to insure and run than the Quad-Motor. For families, a 2023 DM R1S with low miles is the cleanest used buy. Avoid 2022 unless the discount is substantial enough to cover possible early-VIN issues; 2024 is fine but the late-2024 factory shutdown for Gen 2 retooling means inventory is thinner.
Is the R1S third row actually usable for adults?
For short trips and kids, yes. For adults on long drives, marginal — even Gen 2's improvements don't make the third row spacious. Cargo space behind the third row is also limited; if you regularly need both 7 seats AND luggage for those 7 people, look at the Volvo EX90 or Kia EV9 for a more practical 3-row layout. The R1S's third row is best understood as occasional-use seating for family configurations that occasionally need 6 or 7 seats — not a daily-use 7-passenger family hauler.
Should I upgrade my Gen 1 R1S to a Gen 2?
From a 2022 R1S, yes — the simplified electrical architecture, heat pump, suspension retune, and third-row improvements add up to a substantively better family vehicle. From a 2023-2024 DM R1S, the case is closer because Gen 1 R1S resale has held up reasonably and the trade-in still costs $20K+. The strongest case to upgrade: if you frequently use the third row (Gen 2's suspension makes that experience meaningfully better for rear passengers) or drive in cold weather (Gen 1 cold-weather range with a full passenger load was a common complaint). Otherwise, your existing Gen 1 R1S is still a competitive 3-row EV in 2026.
How does the Gen 2 R1S compare to the Tesla Model X and Volvo EX90?
Three different value propositions. R1S advantages: more rugged off-road capability (real ground clearance and skid plates), 800V architecture for faster DC fast-charging, more conventional ergonomics than the Tesla. Model X advantages: faster Plaid-trim performance, more mature software stack, Supercharger network access. Volvo EX90 advantages: more refined interior and quieter ride, more practical 3-row layout for adult passengers, established service network, V2H bidirectional charging via dcbel. The R1S wins for buyers who actually take the SUV off-pavement and value Rivian's rugged-but-refined feel; X wins for high-mileage road-trippers; EX90 wins for the family-first daily driver.