The lights, the Launch Edition paint color, and the little yellow details marking the first model year special edition are all reasons to love the Rivian R1S. But this EV transcends good looks. It’s also an innovative electric SUV that sets a new standard in the family SUV game. Plus, a luxurious interior and seating for up to 7 make the upcoming Rivian R1S electric SUV appealing to more than a few.

With our editorial access to the Rivian R1S electric SUV configurator, we’ve seen some sweet details too. The Rivian R1S comes out next year. But a limited group can see the options in the configuration tool.

There are three options for the tire and wheel combinations. Then there are also three options for interior trim. And as far as these luxury trim configuration options go, even the names are cooler than most. The ‘Forest Edge’ interior costs a pretty penny extra. But it’s not even the coolest Rivian R1S feature.

The Rivian R1S electric SUV

On the Rivian website, we see a rugged-yet-modern, completely new brand of electric vehicles. The website gives us some juicy details too. In terms of capability, this SUV has most others on the market beat.

Rivian specs the R1S electric SUV as capable of fording 3 feet of water. In addition, it carries up to 7 passengers and claims the ability to rock crawl on a 100% grade. It’s designed to be virtually unstoppable by any terrain. In fact, the Rivian R1S electric SUV boasts a ground clearance of around 10 inches.

Plus, depending on which of the three tire options you choose, it can sprint from 0 – 60 mph in just 3 seconds. In terms of battery range, the first round of Rivian R1S models has a 300-mile range. However, there are additional ranges yet to be announced. Its low center of gravity lends it nimble on-road handling as well.

Rivian safety features

The low center of gravity comes from the battery weight. The battery system powers motors for all four wheels. The traction adapts in order to provide maximum performance for safety in even the gnarliest conditions.

In addition to the safety offered by this thoughtful engineering, the Rivian R1S also comes standard with a long list of driver assistance features. This is a quality possessed of all Rivian vehicles. The body of these electric adventure vehicles is formed of aluminum alloy, extreme-strength steel, and carbon fiber engineered for upgraded safety.

Electric adventure vehicles ––ushering in a new era

We know it’s coming. The entire industry is shifting toward electric and hybrid technology. There is a good chance that EV systems will begin to dominate the market in the near future. In fact, we might see classic overlanders give way to new innovations like the Rivian lineup.

For those of us that will miss off-roaders like the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Land Cruiser Defender, electric adventure vehicles like the Rivian R1S are somehow comforting. Perhaps we are watching the dawn of a new era and trucks like these are just the beginning. In fact, Rivian makes a good argument to the effect of “change is a good thing.”