I Drove an R1S Dual Max While My R1T Quad AWD Was in for Service, and Found Out that I Prefer the SUV Over My Truck

This evening, while strolling through Facebook, I found Graham talking about his R1T Quad AWD. It was in for service, he had the opportunity to drive a loaner R1S Dual Max, and it gave him a chance to figure out if he'd prefer the SUV over my truck. The experience was eye-opening, and today he wants to share what he learned from the comparison, diving into the details that came up in the Rivian community’s conversations about these two incredible vehicles.

A post by Graham Hine in the RIVIAN Electric Vehicles on Facebook caught my attention. He shared his experience of driving the R1S Dual Max as a loaner while his R1T was in the shop. Graham found that the R1T's handling and overall feel were more solid and comfortable, especially on country roads, while the R1S had a higher cabin noise and lacked some features like the sport mode and off-road capabilities he enjoyed in his R1T. Despite the differences, Graham ultimately concluded that the R1T was the better choice for his needs. “I enjoyed the R1S, but for the kind of driving I do and what I need, the R1T is more useful,” he said. “The R1S is a great vehicle, but I feel more connected to the R1T in terms of driving experience.”

Graham’s experience echoed some of the things I’ve heard from other Rivian owners. The R1T definitely has that truck-like quality, providing more stability, especially when you’re on rugged terrain or winding country roads. It’s got a more solid feel on the road, making it easier to tackle different driving conditions. The R1S, on the other hand, offers a higher cabin, which changes the acoustics of the ride, with slightly more cabin noise, and although it’s fantastic for everyday driving, it doesn't quite have the same off-road readiness and sport mode features that make the R1T so capable in rough conditions.

Other Rivian Owners Weigh In on the R1S and R1T Comparison

As I dove deeper into this discussion, I found more Rivian owners chiming in with their thoughts. For example, R1T JAX commented, “I just got my R1T back from service after 11 days, and while I had hoped to get an R1S loaner to compare, all the Rivian loaners were taken. Instead, I was given an Audi A6 with a full tank of gas, and the Enterprise rep on site mentioned that a refill wasn’t necessary. It wasn’t the comparison I was hoping for, but it worked out for the time being.” This goes to show that sometimes you end up with an unexpected experience, but it can still work out. It’s funny how a comparison you thought would happen doesn’t, but you learn something new in the process. It’s part of the adventure, and I get that.

Vincent Pace, who owns both an R1T and an R1S Launch Edition Quad, shared his personal experience with both vehicles. “I can confidently say that the R1S handles significantly better than the R1T,” Vincent said. “My commute includes a 1-hour mountain trek followed by a 1-hour freeway drive, and the R1S truly excels in this environment. The turning radius is much tighter, so parking is a breeze, while the R1T requires a few back-and-forth maneuvers. On mountain roads, the R1S feels like a racecar with instant acceleration and tight, responsive turns, while the R1T, despite its great truck capabilities, feels sluggish and drifts in sharp corners. Though I like both vehicles, the R1S stands out for its maneuverability and sporty handling.”

Vincent’s comments truly highlight the differences in handling between the two vehicles. The R1S’s tighter turning radius makes it more maneuverable, especially on those narrow mountain roads, while the R1T’s larger build feels a bit less agile. This is something I noticed during my drive as well. The R1S is incredibly sporty and responsive, feeling more like a high-performance SUV than a traditional off-road vehicle, which is a treat for those who prioritize tight handling.

But handling isn’t everything, especially when it comes to real-world usage. Adam Pilling offered his perspective as well. “I completely agree with your points,” Adam said. “The R1T’s longer wheelbase does give it a more planted, solid feel on the road, though it’s less nimble compared to the R1S. We had a quad R1S loaner for a direct performance comparison, both on 20" AT tires, and while we appreciated the space and ease of rear seat access in the R1S, we quickly realized during a camping trip just how much storage the gear tunnel on the R1T provides. This alone reaffirmed our love for the R1T. In the years leading up to our delivery, we went back and forth between the R1T and R1S, even though we had never owned a truck before and had previously owned two SUVs, but ultimately, we landed on the R1T. Both vehicles are so well thought out, and no matter the model, they truly stand in a league of their own compared to the competition.”

Adam’s experience brings up an interesting point about storage. While the R1S offers great space and convenience, the R1T’s gear tunnel is a game-changer for those who need more storage capacity, especially on camping trips or when hauling gear. It’s clear that both vehicles are well-suited for different needs, and whether you go with the R1T or the R1S depends largely on how you plan to use the vehicle and what features matter most to you.

Finding Your Perfect Rivian: R1T or R1S?

After driving the R1S Dual Max and comparing it with my own R1T, I can confidently say that both vehicles have their merits. If you’re someone who enjoys a nimbler and sportier ride, the R1S is hard to beat. Its handling is quick and responsive, and it feels like it could take on tight mountain roads and city streets with ease. But if you need a vehicle with a bit more storage space and off-road readiness, the R1T is where it shines. Its longer wheelbase provides more stability, especially when driving on rugged terrain, and its gear tunnel offers practical storage options that are hard to match.

For those interested in exploring more about the Rivian R1T and its capabilities, check out this article on how I turned my Rivian R1T into an ultimate grid nomad rig with solar and Starlink, which offers an adventure-filled perspective on what the R1T can do off-grid. In this piece, I dive deep into how I transformed my truck into the perfect off-road and off-grid companion, highlighting its potential for long-term exploration and digital nomad living. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to maximize your R1T's versatility, this article is a must-read.

If you’ve ever wondered about what it’s like to drive a Rivian under extreme conditions, you might find this post on how I charged my R1T in cold weather insightful for understanding its cold-weather performance. The article details my experience charging the R1T during freezing temperatures, revealing the truck’s surprising ability to maintain its range and performance despite challenging conditions. It’s a great read for anyone curious about how the R1T handles in the cold, especially if you're considering taking your Rivian into colder climates or facing unpredictable weather.

And if you're interested in what Rivian could improve with future models, take a look at my proposal for Rivian Gen2 R1T owners, where I discuss potential upgrades and ideas to enhance the overall Rivian experience. In this post, I highlight areas where Rivian can innovate further to ensure the R1T remains a top contender in the electric truck market, offering insights on design improvements, technology updates, and enhancing the vehicle’s cool factor for future owners. If you’re a Rivian enthusiast or looking forward to the next generation of their trucks, this article gives you a peek into what the future might hold.

Moral of the Story: Choose Based on What Fits Your Needs

The ultimate lesson here is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between the R1T and R1S. Both vehicles are incredible in their own right, and the choice between them comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. If you’re someone who values sporty handling and a more agile ride, the R1S may be the better choice. But if you prioritize off-road capability, stability, and extra storage, the R1T is a great fit.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding a vehicle that works for your lifestyle and driving preferences. Whether you’re heading off-road, navigating city streets, or camping out in the wild, Rivian’s vehicles offer something unique for everyone.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you prefer the agility of the R1S or the utility of the R1T? Or maybe you’ve had your own experience with these vehicles that you’d like to share; let me know in the comments!

Also, have you ever had to choose between two great vehicles and found it hard to decide? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.

Image sources: Rivian.