Everything comes down to context, even cars. When we see pictures of cars or trucks on the internet, it can be hard to understand their scale unless we have some context to base their size on. I remember being shocked by the size of the Jeep Gladiator. In my mind, it was around the same size as a regular Wrangler when the reality is they are a fair bit longer and all around beefier. Although Rivian isn’t out yet, we are seeing more from the electric truck maker, and a video just came out showing the Rivian R1S next to a Ram 1500. The Ram looking small next to the eco-SUV. 

The Rivian R1S was spotted next to a Ram 1500

According to InsideEVs, many people were worried about the size of the Rivian R1S and R1T. (For reference, the R1S is the SUV platform, and the R1T is the pickup truck version.) Although the R1T bed size might still be a concern for some, this new video showing a Ram 1500 behind the Rivian R1S should make any naysayers think twice. 

Perspective is everything. The Rivian looks like it dwarfs the Ram, but the longer you look, the more you wonder if they are closer in size than it seems. Luckily, there were other cars around to add some valuable context. 

How does it compare to others in traffic?

As the Rivian is chilling at the red light, a GMC Terrain passes by, giving us a better sense of the EV’s size. It’s clearly wider and thicker than the GMC. Even though there is a slight angle on the photo, it appears that the Rivian is a bit taller than the GMC as well. At some point, a Ford Escape comes drives by, and though the Ford might be a smidge taller, the Rivian has it beat on sheer beef. It is bulkier, wider, and all-around more commanding on the road than the Ford. 

Lastly, a real contender drives by, a Chevy Suburban. The Suburban is so big that it blocks most of the Rivian. If that is proof enough of who wins that size battle, when the Suburban passes the back half, lines up with the Rivian for a second, and clearly beats the EV is size. But, this should not come as a surprise to anyone. The Rivian R1S was never supposed to be anything near the size of a ‘Burban. 

What else do we know about the Rivian R1S? 

The Rivian R1S is coming for the three-row SUVs. Although it won’t compete with the Suburban on sheer people moving volume, with seven seats and 300+ miles of range, this modern SUV is both family and adventure-focused. 

The R1S is powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel. This is not only for more power, but it serves the purpose of having each wheel receive the exact right amount of power to get into some proper four-wheeling. These four motors work together to make a 0-60 mph sprint in 3 seconds flat. It can also ford up to 3 feet of water, and due to its battery placement, the center of gravity is super low, affording better control and stability. 

The coolest thing about both the R11S and the R1T are specifically geared toward people who love the outdoors. The Rivian supports working remotely by having built-in 4G and Wi-Fi. 

Rivian offers flexible seating that can fold and configure in multiple ways to fit all your outdoor gear no matter what it is. The cabin is covered in creative storage containers and areas to keep essentials and valuables both ready and hidden when needed. The lack of an engine also allows for a ton of frunk space that even the big ol’ Suburban can’t offer. 

The Rivian R1S and R1T are going to be really cool

I don’t mean to sound like a Rivian fanboy; I just think they will make owners really happy. I have never driven one, and to be honest, I have yet to become a big fan of the EV. Range anxiety and newness freak me out, but the Rivian trucks really seem to be made with care and attention. They are one of the few vehicles that seem to truly have our best interest at heart. That is a rare thing, indeed. For now, we wait and hopefully see one whisper through town.