- No other pickup innovates the way the Rivian R1T does
- The Rivian R1T feels like a right-sized pickup truck
- Rivian devised clear storage and packaging solutions to stand out
The Rivian R1T clinched the win and is The Car Connection Best Pickup Truck To Buy 2025. It unseated the Ford Maverick compact pickup that won the award in both 2022 and 2024. The R1T is no stranger to the Best Car To Buy awards. It was named Best Luxury Car To Buy 2024 alongside its SUV sibling, the R1S.
The Rivan R1T stands atop the pickup truck charts, earning a TCC Rating of 8.8 out of 10. That handily tops larger, heavier, competitors like the GMC Sierra EV and Chevy Silverado EV along with the GMC Hummer EV. It easily beats gas-powered competitors as well.
For 2025 the R1T underwent a significant update, known internally as G2 or Gen 2, that brings forth new motors, revised battery packs, new electrical architecture, and enhanced performance, all with no loss of capability or bar-setting packaging. It’s a benchmark despite coming from a startup automaker.
2025 Rivian R1T
A quick look won’t do it. The visual updates to the R1T are hard to spot, but the headlights, LED daytime running light bar, taillights, and most wheel designs have all been tweaked. The 4.5-foot bed with underfloor storage compartment, the genius gear tunnel between the cab and bed, and the frunk all stand pat.
That smaller bed, cab, and overall footprint at 217.1 inches long make the R1T more manageable to drive and live with than every other full-size pickup. It’s about a foot shorter than a crew cab Ford F-150. The standard air suspension, adaptive shocks, and hydraulic control system that replaces anti-roll bars make it ride and drive unlike any other pickup truck. Capable of traversing trails through the woods, creek beds and river crossings, mountain passes, or hauling around a race track, the R1T is the most versatile pickup money can buy, dynamically speaking.
2025 Rivian R1T
And it’s quick too. The slowest R1T sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds while the quickest does the deed in 2.5 seconds, according to Rivian. Powertrains have been redone with new in-house developed motors available in dual-, tri-, and quad-motor configurations. Power output ranges from 533 hp to 1,025 hp. Revised battery options include 92.5-kwh, 109.4-kwh, and 141.5-kwh packs known as Standard, Large, and Max, respectively. Range ratings span from 270-420 miles.
Inside the R1T seats five, but those seated in back will find just enough space. The rear seat checks in with 36.6 inches of legroom, which is fine, but significantly less than the F-150’s 43.9 inches. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 15.6-inch touchscreen come standard, but a volume knob is notably absent, as is Apple CarPlay. All controls are sequestered to the touchscreen outside of traditional stalks on the steering column.
The Rivian R1T costs $71,700, but optioning one out with a Max battery pack and triple-motor powertrain will jump the price to over $100,000. Every R1T comes standard with 8-way power front seats that are heated and cooled along with a heated steering wheel. A large panoramic roof lets sunlight in and every R1T has a rechargeable flashlight and all-wheel drive. Notable options range from an onboard air compressor and power tonneau cover to off-road tires and extra battery shielding for off-road adventures.
It’s versatile, creative, and capable. That’s why it’s our Best Pickup Truck To Buy 2025.