The Rivian R1T model is a big competitor in the electric pickup market. However, there’s one thing that could stop shoppers from buying it. What is that one thing, and what does the electric pickup have to offer?

What could stop Rivian R1T buyers from going for this model?

The one thing that could stop shoppers from buying the Rivian R1T is the fact that you can’t get this model as a lease vehicle. Nor can you lease any Rivian vehicle for that matter. You can, however, purchase it through either the company’s financing department or through your own means, according to Rivian. 

The R1T begins at $73,000 and offers three AWD systems, which include Dual-Motor, Performance Dual Motor, and Quad-Motor models, each with specific drive mode selections. 

How a lack of a Rivian R1T lease could inconvenience buyers

The fact that you can’t lease the Rivian R1T could inconvenience some buyers who are interested in the model. Leasing offers plenty of benefits for car shoppers. 

First, you’re only paying payments for the difference between what the car is worth when new and what it is expected to be worth when the lease is up. You own the vehicle during the first three or so years when the car is usually trouble-free, so it’s less likely you’ll run into major repairs not covered under any warranty. 

It’s also appealing to car shoppers because you don’t make large payments due to all the fiance and other various charges related to getting a five to six-year loan. This allows you to purchase a new higher-end vehicle while making more affordable payments. 

When the lease ends, you simply bring it back to the dealer and hand over the keys. Then, if you choose, you can find another new car to lease. There are no frustrations of having to try and sell the vehicle or worry about trade-in value with it. 

What does this model offer consumers?

Purchasing the Rivian R1T gets you a lot of features for the price. Choosing the Dual-Motor AWD model gets you a total of 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, which has a driving range of 350 to 400 miles. It will also go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Drive modes for this model include all-purpose, snow, all-terrain, and towing.

If you upgrade to the Performance Dual-Motor version, you will get 665 hp and 829 lb-ft, enabling it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It also offers 350-400 miles in driving range on the electric powertrain. 

The drive modes for this model are the same as the Dual-Motor, but it adds Sport mode to it. The Quad-Motor version offers 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque, which gives you an acceleration time of 3 seconds. When it comes to driving modes, it adds Rally, Drift, Rock Crawl, Soft Sand, and Conserve, which is good for an off-roading vehicle. 

One of the most appealing features of the R1T is its total cargo space. You get 62 cubic feet of storage, which is spread out between the front trunk, under-seat compartments, a rear storage bin, the center console, and the Gear Tunnel. 

The Rivian R1T offers plenty of power for an electric truck, but what it doesn’t give you is the ability to lease it. That might inconvenience some consumers who want the opportunity to enjoy a high-end truck without paying the over-the-top payments like you would when financing it for five to six years.