- The Rivian R1S boasts 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque from its quad-motor setup.
- Motor Trend clocked the 2025 model at 2.6 seconds for its 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint.
- It also managed to conquer the quarter-mile faster than the Lamborghini Urus.
For many years, SUVs were never really considered fast or fun to drive on the road. Then, Porsche broke the mold with the Cayenne and plenty more followed. Now, Rivian might have just set a new high bar with the 2025 R1S that delivers 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque from its quad-motor setup. A new independent test proves that it’s one of the fastest production vehicles (not just SUVs) ever made.
Running from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) took just 2.6 seconds, which is the same as a new C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray. It’s quicker than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a McLaren 750S, and a Lamborghini Huracan STO. Of course, those are hardcore supercars. How does it fare against other super-SUVs?
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The answer is, it’s even more dominant. The BMW XM, Lamborghini Urus Peformante, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and Aston Martin DBX 707 stand no chance against the R1S, says Motor Trend. Rivian accomplished the quarter-mile in just 10.4 seconds with an exit speed of 128.2 mph (206.3 km/h). That’s right, this 6,824-pound (3,095 kg) SUV is a ten-second car. Imagine if this was what Brian O’Connor showed up in during the first Fast and Furious.
Here’s the real kicker about the R1S that might go unnoticed by most. Just about any vehicle, including an SUV, can be very fast in a straight line. That’s certainly what we have here. But the Rivian doesn’t just have this single trick up its sleeve. According to the testers, it’s also great to drive. Having individual motors at each corner helps it… er… corner better.
No, it can’t carve canyons with the likes of a Lotus, but it can off-road in a way that no other car mentioned here can. Some might argue that to be a true “ultimate SUV” it needs to have a lengthy towing range. As soon as the vast majority of SUV owners actually tow regularly maybe that will deserve to be a part of the equation. For now, the Rivian R1S appears to reign as the ultimate super SUV on sale today.
What about the Tesla Model X Plaid, one might ask? Motortrend hasn’t tested it, so it’s not included in the results. Of course, Tesla claims that it’s faster. 0-60 supposedly takes 2.5 seconds and a drag race finishes in just 9.9 seconds. When an independent test confirms that, we’ll be sure to share it.
