2022 Rivian R1S — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2022 Rivian R1S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $73,320–$98,540
Fuel Economy 66 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $795/yr
The 2022 Rivian R1S scores 7.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs, with 12 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $795/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Rivian R1S

TransmissionAutomatic (A1)
DrivetrainPart-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeElectricity
City / Hwy MPG73 / 65 MPG
Combined MPG69 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$1,100
Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$73,320–$98,540

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Rivian R1S

Our scoring places the 2022 Rivian R1S at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.3/10, while Reliability at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.8/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 9.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $73,320–$98,540, 66 MPG, seating 7, the Rivian R1S sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2022 Rivian R1S is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Rivian R1S ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $73,320 starting price is about 103% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Rivian R1S

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$3,975 ($795/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 12 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which R1S Year Should You Buy?

Across the R1S model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.5/10$80,340 Read review →
2025 7.5/10$80,340 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$78,000 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$75,660 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.3/10$73,320

Pros & Cons — 2022 Rivian R1S

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
  • Exceptional fuel efficiency at 66 MPG — among the best in its class
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Rivian R1S (12 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Seat belts / Front / Anchorage
25/08/2022 · 22V641000
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The front seat belt anchors may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar.
Suspension / Front / Control arm / Upper arm
06/10/2022 · 22V744000
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
Seat belts / Front / Retractor
22/02/2023 · 23V109000
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. A faulty automatic locking retractor (ALR) sensor in the front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly report as ON when it is actually OFF, causing the suppression or…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain
09/03/2023 · 23V159000
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.
Exterior lighting / Back up lights
31/03/2023 · 23V233000
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The reverse light beam may not be visible from certain angles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108,…

Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Own a 2022 Rivian R1S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2022 Rivian R1S

Is the 2022 Rivian R1S reliable?

We rate the 2022 Rivian R1S's reliability 5.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2022 Rivian R1S have?

12 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2022 Rivian R1S worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2022 Rivian R1S cost?

The 2022 Rivian R1S starts at $73,320 and ranges up to $98,540 across trims (MSRP when new). At 66 MPG, expect roughly $795/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which R1S years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 5 R1S model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2022 Rivian R1S have?

The documented issues for the 2022 Rivian R1S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Suspension, Air bags, Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Rivian R1S

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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