It seems like in the last few years, we’ve driven more new vehicles than ever from automakers that didn’t exist just a few years ago. This is the latest one: the 2023 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck. It’s the first vehicle from upstart automaker Rivian, designed in the U.S., built in Illinois and available for sale online only (just like EV automakers Tesla, Lucid and Fisker). It’s been out for more than a year now, but this was our first opportunity to get behind the wheel of one — and it was worth the wait.

On paper, the R1T (and its companion, the just-released R1S SUV) is incredibly impressive: You can get two- or four-motor all-wheel-drive versions, up to 835 horsepower, an off-road package with chunky tires and underbody protection for trail running, and a big battery with a range of up to 400 miles on a charge. But it’s the attention to detail and unique innovations that make the Rivian really extraordinary — for example, the gear tunnel that extends from body side to body side between the cabin and the bed that lets you store muddy gear, or the sizable frunk that can store plenty of luggage. It has a perfectly laid-out interior, features genuinely luxurious materials and is comfortable for up to five people.

It’s also stellar to drive, with explosive acceleration when you want it, a compliant ride, communicative steering and great outward visibility. As the first example of an expensive luxury truck from a brand-new automaker, the R1T is an incredible achievement.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman spent a week with a ‘23 R1T, driving it all over the cratered moonscape roads of southeast Michigan, to see if this new entry into the nascent field of electric pickup trucks is worth putting in your own driveway.

Find a 2023 Rivian R1T for sale near you: https://www.cars.com/shopping/rivian-...

See 2023 Rivian R1T pricing, trims and specs: https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-...

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Would you just look at it?
0:55 Gettin’ frunky
1:28 Gear tunnel
1:52 Bedtime
2:35 Perfect size
2:56 Luxury interior
3:23 Touchscreen only
4:11 Ergonomic quirks
4:45 Comfort and space
5:17 Powertrain options
6:25 Battery and range
7:00 Good to drive
8:15 Handling
9:09 Quality issues?
9:46 Pricing

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