Rivian, making waves in the electric vehicle realm, has heads turning with its Rivian R1T – an all-electric pickup truck that offers stellar performance and eco-conscious tech. When it comes to considering this truck, the price tag is a major factor, and Rivian offers a nifty custom builder on their official website to let you tailor your R1T according to your taste and budget. 

In this article, we’ll build a custom model with the most affordable options and do an overview of what you will get. Then, we’ll give our opinion on whether it is a good value for the money.

Building the Rivian R1T: pricing and options

To dive into the Rivian R1T’s price and value, let’s take a virtual stroll through the Rivian custom builder, opting for the most budget-friendly choices in each category. 

Starting with the base model, the Rivian R1T in its simplest form packs in all-wheel drive, a dual-motor AWD, and the Rivian Driver+ system, giving you advanced safety and assistance features. The standard battery, a 105 kWh powerhouse, ensures you have enough juice for your daily adventures.

For the exterior, let’s pick the basic colors, keeping it sleek but not too heavy on the wallet. And for the interior, we’ll stick to the standard options to stay cost-effective. In total, our new R1T is going to cost us $73,000.

What you get with the lowest Rivian R1T price

Even with the stripped-down options, the base configuration of the Rivian R1T brings a lot to the table:

Performance:

• All-wheel drive with a dual-motor setup.
• The Rivian Driver+ system for advanced safety and driving assistance.

Battery and range:

• A standard 105 kWh battery for your everyday driving needs.
• Depending on the configuration, it has an estimated driving range between 260 miles.

Exterior:

• 20-inch all-terrain wheels and tires
• Matching full-size spare tire
• Reinforced underbody shield

Interior:

• Standard seating and infotainment features.
• Gear Guard security cable
• Air compressor
• Dual front bumper tow hooks
• Perforated vegan leather seating with patterned stitching
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment

Assessing value: do the bare essentials deliver?

Now, let’s talk about the value you’d be getting with the basic configuration and standard Rivian R1T price. It’s a sizable investment at $73,000, aligning with the premium EV market. But when you factor in the technology, the eco-friendliness, and the potential long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the price starts to make sense, especially for those eyeing a high-performance electric pickup.

Also, it may take a while to get your Rivian due to the parts shortage from the pandemic. There is a waiting list at the moment for new builds. However, InsideEVs says that the wait time will soon be cut to about one to four months since the parts shortage is easing up a bit. 

However, there are other options on the market that can give you similar options, but you will likely pay extra for the same creature features. For example, the F-150 Lightning has similar features and is more practical as a work truck. Also, the F-150 Lightning is considerably less expensive.

While the base configuration might lack the bells and whistles of the higher-end models, it captures Rivian’s dedication to sustainability and top-notch electric vehicles. The true value of the base R1T lies in the potential long-term savings and the pride of owning an electric powerhouse. But remember, it’s crucial to weigh your needs and preferences to decide if the base model suffices or if a few upgrades would make your investment even more worthwhile.