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While Tesla dominates the electric vehicle landscape, a startup EV automaker aims to steal its thunder: Rivian. The 2022 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck earned rave reviews, including the coveted MotorTrend Truck of the Year Award. Now, the automaker aims to follow suit with the 2022 Rivian R1S electric SUV. The R1S has multiple advantages in its favor that enable it to be the best electric SUV. 

2022 Rivian R1S boasts incredible performance specs

Green 2022 Rivian R1S parked on a snowy road, highlighting how it's the best electric SUV
2022 Rivian R1S | Rivian

The first advantage that enables the 2022 Rivian R1S to be the best electric SUV is its phenomenal performance specs. Like the R1T, the R1S features a quad-motor system, with an electric motor for each wheel. The total system output of the quad-motor system is an eye-opening 800 hp and 900 lb-ft of torque.

Do you have the need for speed? The R1S is very fast, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of only 3.0 seconds. Also, the R1S has excellent handling, with it able to maneuver through curves and around corners like a sports sedan.

Off-road capabilities of the Rivian R1S

Blue 2022 Rivian R1S driving off-road, highlighting how it's the best electric SUV
2022 Rivian R1S | Rivian

The second reason why the Rivian R1S is the best electric SUV is its off-road capabilities. This is the area in which the R1S really shines. Much of the credit for the off-road prowess of the R1S goes to its quad-motor system. The system provides an instant boost of torque to help it navigate challenging terrain. Also, the system channels power to each wheel as needed. 

Another advantage of the Rivian R1S for off-road use is its adjustable air suspension. It can be raised to a ground clearance of 14.9 inches for extreme off-road use — or lowered to 7.9 inches for greater ease when loading up your gear. Also, the R1S has many selectable modes for different driving situations. This includes All-Purpose, Sport, Off-Road Auto, Off-Road Rock Crawl, Off-Road Rally, Off-Road Drift, Conserve, and Tow Mode.

Additionally, the R1S offers many utility features and adventure accessories to aid off-road adventures. This includes a storage “frunk,” a portable speaker, a rooftop tent, and cargo crossbars. 

Rivian Membership program for R1S owners

Blue 2022 Rivian R1S parked at a charging station, highlighting how it's the best electric SUV
2022 Rivian R1S | Rivian

The third advantage that enables the Rivian R1S to be the best electric SUV is the Rivian Membership program. Benefits of the Rivian Membership program for R1S owners include:

  • Free unlimited charging with the Rivian Adventure Network
  • Rivian off-Roadside Assistance and Adventure Extraction
  • Unlimited access to 4G LTE connectivity
  • Charge Assurance: If your R1S runs out of battery power, a Rivian service member will come to recharge it. 
  • Rivian experiences: Rivian Hubs, unique adventures and gatherings with other Rivian owners, stewardship meet-ups, educational programs, and children’s activities
  • Rivian mile-matching program: For every mile that you drive in the R1S, Rivian will match it with contributions to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

As many automakers make the move to electrify their model lineups, the competition to be the best electric SUV will be fierce. However, with advantages including incredible performance specs, off-road capabilities, and the Rivian Membership program, the 2022 Rivian R1S takes the top spot.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.