2022 Rivian R1T: Electric Pickup Specs, Range & Performance

The 2022 rivian r1t changed the pickup truck game forever. This electric truck hit American roads as the first battery-powered pickup available to regular buyers. Rivian, a company started in 2009, finally made their dream truck real after years of planning and testing.

This truck does more than just look different. It can handle tough trails, haul heavy loads, and drive hundreds of miles on one charge. The R1T proves electric trucks can work just as hard as gas-powered ones.

People who love camping, hauling gear, or just want something new are buying these trucks. The design looks futuristic but practical. Every feature serves a real purpose. This isn’t just another electric car. It’s a serious work and adventure machine that happens to run on batteries instead of gasoline.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2022 rivian r1t looks like nothing else on the road. The front has a bright LED light bar that wraps around the edges. This light strip works great at night and makes the truck easy to recognize from far away.

The body has smooth lines that cut through wind easily. No big grille sits up front because electric motors don’t need cooling like gas engines. The doors have handles that pop out when you walk up with the key. Walk away and they go back flush with the body.

Main Outside Features:

• Bright LED lights all around for great visibility.
• Smooth body panels that reduce wind drag.
• Door handles that extend automatically when needed.
• Wheels come in 20-inch or 21-inch sizes.
• Front trunk space holds 11 cubic feet of gear.
• Powered bed cover opens with button press.
• Protective guards under the truck for off-road driving.

The truck bed has something really clever. Behind the cab runs a storage tunnel called the Gear Tunnel. This space goes from side to side. It holds camping equipment, tools, or an optional sliding kitchen unit. You get 65 cubic feet of space that doesn’t take away from the bed itself.

Size and Physical Measurements

The 2022 rivian r1t measures bigger than a midsize truck but smaller than heavy-duty models. These numbers matter when parking or fitting in your garage.

Overall Size:

Dimension	Measurement
Length	217.1 inches
Width	79.3 inches
Height	78.2 inches
Wheelbase	135.8 inches
Ground Clearance	8.7 inches

Bed Measurements:

• Bed runs 54 inches from gate to cab.
• Width between wheel wells is 51 inches.
• Depth from floor to rail measures 19 inches.
• Payload capacity reaches 1,760 pounds max.
• Towing capacity hits 11,000 pounds when set up right.
• Power outlets in bed run 110-volt and 12-volt tools.

Weight Numbers:

• Empty weight sits around 7,148 pounds.
• Total weight rating reaches 8,532 pounds.
• Weight splits nearly 50/50 front to back.

The air suspension raises or lowers the body for different needs. Highway driving uses lower height for better range. Off-road adventures need maximum clearance to avoid hitting rocks.

Motor Power and Battery Options

The 2022 rivian r1t offers different power setups. Buyers choose based on how much range and speed they want.

Battery Choices:

• Large Pack holds 135 kWh of usable energy.
• Max Pack stores 180 kWh for longer trips.
• Batteries sit low in the frame for better handling.

Engine Setup:

Four electric motors power this truck. One motor sits at each wheel. This setup gives incredible control on any surface.

• Four motors in top models, one per wheel.
• Dual motors available in base versions.
• Total power reaches 835 horsepower.
• Torque measures 908 pound-feet instantly.
• All wheels get power all the time.
• Each wheel can spin at different speeds for better grip.

Speed Performance:

• Hits 60 mph in just 3 seconds flat.
• Quarter-mile runs take about 11.5 seconds.
• Top speed limited to 110 mph.
• Braking recovers energy back to battery.

Electric motors deliver full power right away. No waiting for the engine to rev up. Step on the pedal and the truck launches forward immediately.

Driving Distance and Charging

How far you can drive matters a lot with electric vehicles. The 2022 rivian r1t handles this concern better than most.

Distance Per Charge:

• Large Pack travels up to 314 miles per charge.
• Max Pack goes over 400 miles on full battery.
• Real distance changes with weather and driving style.
• Heavy loads and off-roading reduce range significantly.
• Cold weather cuts distance by notable amounts.
• Highway speeds use more power than city driving.

Charging Speed and Methods:

• Fast chargers add power at 220 kW rate.
• Battery fills from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes.
• Home charging takes 10 to 14 hours overnight.
• Slow charging from regular outlet adds 3 miles per hour.
• Charging port sits on driver side front fender.
• Lights around port show charging progress with colors.

The battery stays at good temperature automatically. This helps charging work fast even when it’s really hot or cold outside.

Inside Comfort and Layout

Open the door and the cabin feels modern but tough. The 2022 rivian r1t uses quality materials throughout. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy.

Seats and Materials:

• Five people fit comfortably inside.
• Front seats heat up and cool down.
• Vegan leather covers seats as standard.
• Real wood trim adds natural warmth.
• Rear seat splits 60/40 for folding.
• Driver seat remembers your preferred position.
• Cabin stays quiet even at highway speeds.

Interior Space:

Space Type	Front	Rear
Headroom	41.1 inches	39.5 inches
Legroom	41.4 inches	36.6 inches
Shoulder Room	60.7 inches	58.9 inches
Hip Room	54.9 inches	54.2 inches

Storage Areas:

• Center console has refrigerated section.
• Multiple USB-C ports throughout cabin.
• Large door pockets hold bottles and phones.
• Rear seat backs have storage nets.

The middle console stays cold like a small fridge. Perfect for keeping drinks chilled on long drives or keeping snacks fresh during camping trips.

Technology and Screen Systems

The 2022 rivian r1t packs modern technology into every corner. The systems work together smoothly without feeling overwhelming.

Main Screen:

• Big 15.6-inch touchscreen controls most functions.
• Custom software built by Rivian.
• Easy menus that make sense quickly.
• Updates download automatically when parked.
• Screen can split to show two things at once.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly.

Safety Helpers:

• Highway Assist drives on freeways with supervision.
• Cruise control adjusts speed for traffic automatically.
• Emergency braking stops for obstacles ahead.
• Blind spot warnings flash when cars hide beside you.
• Cameras show 360-degree view around truck.
• Parking sensors beep when getting too close.
• Lane keeping helps stay centered in lane.

Connected Features:

• Internet connection built into truck.
• Phone app controls climate and checks charging.
• Software updates add new features regularly.
• Phone works as key to unlock and start.

Everything responds quickly to touches. The screen doesn’t lag or freeze like some systems do in other vehicles.

Trail Capability and Adventure Tools

Off-road performance sets the 2022 rivian r1t apart from other electric trucks. This truck handles serious trails without breaking a sweat.

Off-Road Systems:

• Each wheel gets exact power it needs for grip.
• Suspension raises up to 14.9 inches for clearance.
• Off-Road Mode adjusts everything for trails.
• Rock Crawl Mode moves slowly over boulders.
• Rally Mode handles fast desert running.
• Hill descent control manages steep downhills safely.
• Computer simulates locking differentials.

Underbody Protection:

• Battery pack protected by strong metal plate.
• Skid plates cover vulnerable components underneath.
• Can drive through water up to 3 feet deep.
• All electrical parts sealed against water and mud.

The four motors work independently. If one wheel hits ice, the other three keep pushing. This control beats traditional four-wheel drive systems in most situations.

Model Versions and Costs

Rivian started selling the 2022 rivian r1t in limited numbers. More versions became available as production increased.

Available Versions:

• Explore Package starts the lineup with dual motors.
• Adventure Package adds more off-road features.
• Launch Edition included exclusive features for early buyers.
• Starting price began around $67,500 before tax credits..
• Launch Edition cost approximately $75,000 to $80,000.

Standard Equipment:

• Four motors or two motors depending on version.
• Air suspension with height adjustment.
• LED lights front and back.
• Heated power front seats.
• Dual-zone climate control.
• Large touchscreen system.
• Safety features like adaptive cruise control.
• Basic warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
• Battery warranty lasts 8 years or 175,000 miles.

The price compares well to luxury gas trucks. Operating costs stay much lower over time because electricity costs less than gasoline.

Daily Ownership Reality

Living with the 2022 rivian r1t every day teaches you things reviews can’t show. Real owners share their honest experiences.

Regular Driving:

• Cabin stays very quiet while driving.
• Power delivery feels smooth and strong.
• Good visibility from high seating position.
• Comfortable on bumpy roads thanks to suspension.
• Turns tighter than you’d expect for this size.
• Takes a few days to get used to strong braking.

Charging Life:

• Home charging overnight handles daily needs easily.
• Electricity costs much less than gas per mile.
• Public chargers becoming more common everywhere.
• Cold weather reduces range by 20% to 40%.
• Preheating battery while plugged in saves range.

Keeping It Running:

• No oil changes ever needed.
• No transmission fluid to service.
• Brakes last longer because regenerative braking helps.
• Tires need rotating like any vehicle.
• Updates fix problems without dealer visits.
• 12-volt battery needs replacing eventually.
• Air filters change on schedule.

What Makes It Different From Others

Electric trucks now come from several companies. The 2022 rivian r1t stands out in specific ways that matter to buyers.

Unique Features:

• Gear Tunnel storage beats anything else available.
• Four motors give better off-road control than two.
• Camp Kitchen and accessories designed specifically for this truck.
• Balances comfort and capability better than extremes.
• Smaller size easier to park than super heavy models.
• Air suspension adjusts more than competing systems.

Comparing Main Rivals:

Ford F-150 Lightning looks more traditional. It has a bigger bed and more dealers everywhere. But it doesn’t focus on trails as much.

Tesla Cybertruck has wild styling. It might go farther per charge. But the design turns many people away.

GMC Hummer EV dominates off-road obstacles. It’s much bigger and heavier though. This makes it less practical for regular driving.

Chevrolet Silverado EV costs less to start. Traditional truck buyers feel more comfortable with it. But it lacks adventure-focused features.

The 2022 rivian r1t picks a specific buyer. Someone who values trails, technology, and environmental benefits equally. It doesn’t try pleasing everyone.

Conclusion

The 2022 rivian r1t delivers on bold promises. This electric truck handles real work and serious trails without compromise. Strong motors, smart features, and thoughtful design create something genuinely new. The price sits high but the package justifies the cost for the right buyer. Range works well for most needs while charging infrastructure keeps improving. This truck proves electric vehicles can tackle tough jobs while delivering premium comfort and exciting performance daily.