Bold, robust, and undeniably striking, the Rivian R1T stands apart from every other electric vehicle (EV) and pickup currently on the market. As an American EV startup, Rivian is frequentlyand perhaps inevitablycompared to its more established rival, Tesla. However, a brief examination of their respective pickup trucks reveals a stark divergence in the philosophies guiding these two companies.

Whereas the Tesla Cybertruck embraces an audacious and confrontational design, the Rivian R1T exudes a warm and inviting charm. Elon Musks Tesla has made headlines by upending traditional notions in the automotive industry, while Rivian has opted for a seemingly more conservative approach, winning backing from major automotive players like Ford and Volkswagen.

A deeper look at Rivian, however, reveals that both the company and its R1T vehicle are far more innovative than they might initially seem. This is exemplified by Volkswagens recent decision to invest up to 4.6 billion in Rivian, which includes creating a new joint venture aimed at furthering both companies' technological advancements.

In fact, Rivian is not merely an automobile manufacturer; it describes itself primarily as a software company that happens to produce remarkable vehicles. We see ourselves as a tech company that builds sustainable cars, states Wassym Bensaid, Rivians software chief and co-CEO of the joint venture with Volkswagen. We have a lot of respect for Tesla, who disrupted the industry, but we also have respect for traditional automakers.

Bensaid emphasizes a core distinction between Rivian and its competitors: Software is not an afterthought for us. The way we design the car revolves around software. Every function in the vehiclefrom driving dynamics to navigation, battery management, and thermal managementis governed by software.

A Revolutionary Pickup

Founded in 2009 by RJ Scaringe, Rivian has navigated various challenges, changing names and pursuing multiple funding rounds as it cultivated its expertise. Despite burning through substantial investment capital, Rivian emerged as a success story among EV startups. The R1T made history as the first full-size electric pickup truck to hit the U.S. market, launching in 2021 ahead of both the Ford F-150 Lightning and what at that time seemed like a far-off vision of the Cybertruck.

The R1T I encountered at the Rivian Service Center is located in a nondescript industrial area of Las Vegas, contrasting sharply with the citys vibrant energy. The vehicle retains a fresh design aesthetic, notable for its softer lines compared to traditional American trucks. Its distinctive oval-shaped headlights, a full-width light bar, and a smooth front end give it a slightly futuristic appearance while still being unmistakably a pickup.

Next to the R1T was the R1S SUV, highlighting their shared DNA. Essentially, they represent two variations of the same vehicle: one with a flatbed for hauling and the other with a spacious interior for passengers. The R1T features a mechanically closing flatbed cover and a generous storage tunnel accessible through hatches on either side, which can also double as seating or steps to facilitate access to the bed. Moreover, the vehicle boasts an impressively large front trunk, or 'frunk.'

Although the R1T maintains the same exterior appearance as its initial launch model, Rivian has made significant enhancements, enough to classify it as a second-generation vehicle. Upgrades include newly developed in-house motors, revamped air suspension systems, and new battery configurations. The truck can be equipped with two, three, or four motors, all of which provide four-wheel drive.

The dual-motor variants produce an impressive 526 horsepower, while the quad-motor configurations ramp it up to a staggering 1,011 horsepower, enabling this three-ton truck to achieve 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 secondsa time that would make even a Porsche 911 GT3 envious. During my test drive, I experienced the tri-motor version, which offers a robust 838 horsepower.

For context, that performance is strikingly similar to Teslas tri-motor Cybertruck. Various battery sizes are available for the different configurations, with this R1T Tri equipped with a 141.5 kWh unit, providing a remarkable range of 371 miles.

Rivian has maintained the original exterior design primarily because it represents the one constant in an otherwise rapidly evolving vehicle. Notably, the company continuously improves its vehicles through over-the-air updates. For instance, the second-generation model features a new infotainment system that will eventually be rolled out to existing vehicles.

The updates, along with much of the development for the second-generation R1T, are driven by customer feedback. These improvements range from minor tweaks, like new locking sounds and a car wash mode, to more substantial enhancements.

One of our most successful updates was related to the suspension, Bensaid recalls. Real-world testing showed that the ride quality wasnt meeting our expectations, so we reprogrammed how the adjustable air suspension responded to bumps.

Customers were astonished that we could achieve such a change via software, Bensaid adds. With a conventional vehicle, the ride quality is static once you drive it off the lot, but we can adjust suspension settings through software. Thats the magic were able to deliver.

Inside the R1T

So, how does it feel to drive the R1T? Before I could find out, I had to get inside. The press vehicle utilizes digital guest keys through the Rivian app, which unfortunately wasnt available in the Apple UK store. Luckily, the staff at the Rivian Service Center provided me with a traditional credit card-style key.

The interior bears a resemblance to Teslas design ethos, featuring minimal physical controls and a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, which is positioned horizontally. There are multifunction toggles on the steering wheel, complemented by a row of fixed buttons at the bottom of the screen that grant quick access to essential functions.

However, the interior ambiance is far from the starkness of a Tesla. Instead, it has a welcoming feel, enhanced by materials such as an ash wood-effect dashboard and deep plaid carpeting that might remind some of a classic Volkswagen Golf GTI or a retro-themed hotel. Overall, the spacious interior is well-lit, largely due to the panoramic glass roof with adjustable opacity. While the rear seats could be more comfortable, they still offer ample space, along with a rear touchscreen for ventilation and infotainment controls.

Nevertheless, the driving experience is largely dictated by the touchscreen, which controls everything from infotainment to drive modes. The system stands out for its functionality and aesthetic appeal, featuring stylish, comic-book-inspired graphics. Although lacking Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, its intuitive design means you wont miss these features.

Accessing most key functionalities requires only a tap or two, with detailed information readily available. For instance, the off-road mode displays a plethora of data points. Fun is also a part of the experience; the Gear Guard security mode originally introduced a friendly bear to safeguard your belongings, and this character now appears on various other screens.

We are highly intentional about what we display on the screen, asserts Bensaid. Our goal is to create an intuitive experience, as we recognize that touchscreens can sometimes be a distraction. We want our drivers to enjoy the experience, and we engage in ongoing discussions about every pixel we present.

Driving into the Future

With the R1T for a full day, the question I faced was where to take it. The Service Center is merely a few miles from the flashy Las Vegas Strip, but that setting doesnt seem fitting for the R1Ts adventurous spirit. Instead, I opted for the serene backdrop of Nevadas Spring Mountains.

On the urban roads and interstates leading to the mountains, the R1T performs admirably, especially given the spaciousness of the surroundings. Like many pickups, its elevated ride height, substantial tires, and raised suspension make it feel less stable than some sedans, but Rivians standard air suspension effectively absorbs bumps, delivering a surprisingly comfortable ride.

Of course, its also impressively quick; the three-ton weight is no match for the power generated by the electric motors. Once I left the city limits and found an open stretch of road, I decided to test the launch control, with the Gear Guard bear onscreen cheering me ona playful distraction.

While the novelty of swift EV acceleration has diminished over time, experiencing such powerful performance in a pickup still elicits excitement.

However, launch control is merely a fun feature; the R1Ts primary strengths are its multi-terrain and towing capabilities, making it the ideal companion for outdoor adventures. As I navigated winding mountain roads, the R1T demonstrated its ability to power out of tight curves with ease. While its more fun than thrilling in corners, thats an expected characteristic for a heavier pickup.

On this cold winter day in Nevada, the harsh winds in the mountains made for less-than-ideal conditions for an EV, and I found myself using more charge than anticipated on my outbound journey. However, after experimenting with regenerative braking and drive modes, I managed to optimize the R1T's performance on my return trip, ultimately achieving an average efficiency of around 2 miles per kWh. While that number may not seem impressive on its own, its commendable for a vehicle of this size.

The Volkswagen Partnership

The R1T is undeniably an exceptional vehicle, evoking a sense of maturity and sophistication that belies its status as a product from a startup. I have yet to test the Cybertruck, but colleagues who have experienced it report mixed feelings, suggesting it elicits admiration despite its unconventional design.

In contrast, the R1T is so appealing that its hard not to like itsomething I suspect would displease the Gear Guard bear if I didn't. Bensaids comments regarding Rivians relationship with its customer base highlight the evolving expectations among modern consumers. Our customers now have very different desires. They dont merely want a traditional car with an electric powertrain; they seek a fundamentally different end-to-end product. This is the key difference between traditional automakers and us.

Ironically, this shift in consumer expectations is what has drawn the attention of the Volkswagen Group, leading to substantial investment in Rivian. Established automotive companies have poured significant resources into mastering the creation of software-defined vehicles, often struggling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape. After facing its own challenges, the VW Group has recognized that the most effective way to acquire this knowledge is to collaborate with a firm that excels in it.

This is a fantastic recognition of everything our team has accomplished, says Bensaid, who serves as co-CEO of the new joint venture alongside Carsten Helbing from the Volkswagen Group. He emphasizes that the partnership is mutually beneficial. We bring a fresh software stack and electric architecture, supported by a passionate team eager to make a difference. In return, the Volkswagen Group offers vast experience and scale, along with a diverse portfolio of brands. This collaboration presents an incredible opportunity for our engineers to have a more profound impact.

While final details of the joint venture are still being ironed out, it is poised to involve both companies working together to develop vehicles on a new software-based platform, building upon Rivians existing architecture. The first model from the Volkswagen Group to leverage this new software framework will be the production version of the upcoming ID Every1, expected to debut in 2027.

Were currently learning how to work together effectively, Bensaid adds. A crucial aspect for us was the Volkswagen leaderships commitment to preserving the agile and nimble culture that defines Rivian, using this joint venture as a catalyst to instill that same spirit of ambition within the VW Group.

Thus, while their methodologies might diverge significantly, Rivian and Tesla share a commonality: both have the potential to drive transformative change in an automotive industry that is still grappling with significant evolution.