With the R1S, Rivian demonstrates that an American startup car company can build a great car out of the gate. It’s remarkable what Rivian has accomplished in a short time. The Irvine, California-based company only began delivering its electric R1T pickup in October 2021 and the R1S SUV shortly after that.

For 2025, the R1S Gen 2—with no outstanding cosmetic changes but a host of under-the-hood improvements—is packed with smarts you only find on the most technologically advanced cars. The second generation all-electric SUV comes with Highway Assist, part of Rivian’s Driver+ driver assist technology. On major roads, Highway Assist will essentially drive the car (braking, acceleration and steering). And the newest Rivians include automatic lane change.

The guiding principle of every electric vehicle owner is Always Be Charging. That’s the alpha and omega of owning an EV. But Rivian has managed to get an EPA estimated range of 410 miles on its large — and heavy at over 7,000 pounds — gen 2 R1S. The 400+ miles of range dramatically changes the way you plan trips. Instead of military-grade precision planning involving charging locations and charger availability and a host of other factors like ambient temperature, you can just focus on getting there.

Read more on Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottyreiss/

For more from Scotty Reiss:
https://agirlsguidetocars.com/

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