Say Goodbye to the Cheapest Rivian R1T Model
In this day and age, with rising prices and inflation, did we expect the Rivian R1T to get more expensive? Perhaps a price increase of a couple of hundred bucks wouldn’t be a surprise. However, it’s a little shocking that the Rivian R1T just dropped its base model.
The Rivian R1T Explore package is canceled
If you’re still waiting for the base model of the Rivian R1T, then plans may have changed. The base Explore option was just discontinued. According to Market Watch, you can either cancel your preorder or upgrade to the Adventure package.
The upgrade comes with a $5,500 price increase. The Rivian R1T Explore package starts at $67,500, and the Adventure package raises the price to $73,000. You have until September 1 to decide to cancel or upgrade.
If you cancel your order, then your deposit will be refunded. Discontinuing the option should help Rivian streamline operations, simplify its supply chain, and ramp up production.
Also, the lower-priced option wasn’t generating enough interest. The Explorer Package is designed as the entry-level model and was expected to attract a large number of customers. But only a small percentage of customers opted for it, as the majority went for the Adventure trim.
What comes with the R1T Adventure?
The Rivian R1T Adventure builds up the Explore trim. The Explorer trim kicked things off with 21-inch wheels, a manual cargo bed cover, four 120-volt household style outlets, matte black exterior trim, and an adjustable air suspension.
The interior features a panoramic glass roof, simulated seating, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 16-inch touchscreen display.
You get all of this with the Adventure model, plus tow hooks, body-color exterior trim, wood interior accents, ventilated seats, a microfiber headliner, and an upgraded Meridian audio system.
Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
You can add extra under-body protection, a camp kitchen that is stored in the truck’s cargo gear tunnel, a full-size spare tire, a truck-mounted three-person tent, and a power-operated cargo cover.
How capable is the R1T?
The 2022 Rivian R1T is currently available with two battery options. The standard pack with the dual motor provides an estimated range of 260 miles on a single charge with 600 hp and over 600 lb-ft of torque.
You can upgrade to the medium battery pack for about 314 miles of range with 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque. A Max pack with over 400 miles of range could come out soon.
The R1T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.0 seconds and can tow up to 11,000 lbs. It can carry a payload of up to 1,760 lbs. The adjustable air suspension can raise the ground clearance to 14.9-inches for off-roading. Plus, it can ford water over three feet deep.
While the R1T is incredibly capable, it doesn’t have hill descent control or hill start assist. Also, the camera system could be improved. Some critics still wish it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.
Will the price hike be worth it? The extra $5,500 does include a few extra creature comforts. But will changing your order cause you to lose your spot in line?
