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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $80,340–$97,384 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2026 Rivian R1S is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.4/10, while Reliability at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 5.8/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 9.4/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $80,340–$97,384, fully electric, seating 7, the Rivian R1S sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2026 Rivian R1S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 →
The 2026 Rivian R1S ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $80,340 starting price is about 123% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the R1S model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $80,340 | |
| 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 | 7.3/10 | $73,320 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Seat belts / Critical fasteners 15/01/2026 · 26V009000 | Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles. The bolts that secure the second-row driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies may be improperly tightened. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Rivian models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
