You’ve seen the headlines. Rivian is back with a "Gen 2" refresh, and honestly, if you just look at the outside, you’d think nothing changed. It still has those friendly stadium-shaped headlights. It’s still a boxy, handsome beast. But the 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure Dual Motor Large Pack is a completely different animal under the skin.
Buying an EV is usually a numbers game. How much range? How much horsepower? But with the 2025 R1S, the specs don't actually tell the whole story. Most people look at the "Dual Motor" badge and assume they're getting the "budget" version.
Wrong.
This specific configuration—the Dual Motor paired with the 109.4 kWh Large Pack—is arguably the sweet spot for anyone who actually plans to live with this thing. Sure, the Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor variants get the 0-60 glory shots. But in the real world, do you really need 1,000 horsepower to pick up groceries or hit a trailhead?
Probably not.
The 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure Dual Motor Large Pack Reality Check
Let’s talk about the "Large Pack" for a second because Rivian changed the recipe. In the 2024 model, the Large Pack was a 135 kWh unit. For 2025, the "Large" is now 109.4 kWh. You’d think that’s a downgrade, right? On paper, yes. In practice, the efficiency gains in the Gen 2 motors and a massive reduction in wiring (they literally stripped out 1.6 miles of cable) mean you’re doing more with less.
The EPA estimate for this setup sits around 330 miles.
It’s plenty.
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If you're cruising at 70 mph on a Tuesday morning, you're looking at a real-world range closer to 290 or 300 miles depending on your wheel choice. If you slap on the 20-inch All-Terrain tires, expect a hit. Physics is a jerk like that. But even then, the dual-motor setup is remarkably disciplined with its energy.
Why the Dual Motor is actually better for daily driving
The Tri and Quad motors use a lot of "vampire" power just to keep all those systems ready to pounce. The Dual Motor is simpler. It’s a permanent magnet motor in the front and back.
It produces 533 horsepower.
That is still absurd.
For context, a 1990s supercar would struggle to keep up with this seven-passenger SUV at a stoplight. It hits 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. It's enough to make your kids' juice boxes fly into the third row, but not so much that the tires scream every time you merge onto the highway.
The "Gen 2" Suspension: A Quiet Revolution
If you ever drove the original R1S, you know it was... stiff. It felt like it was trying too hard to be a sports car. It would crash over potholes and toss your head around on uneven pavement. Rivian listened.
The 2025 model features an entirely overhauled suspension system.
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New air springs. New dampers. Different spring rates.
Basically, it finally feels like a luxury SUV. It’s "pillowy" in All-Purpose mode but can still hunkering down when you want to feel the road. This change alone makes the 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure Dual Motor Large Pack worth the upgrade over a used 2023 or 2024 model.
Thermal Management and Charging
Nobody talks about heat pumps until they're shivering in a Minnesota winter watching their range drop by 40%. The 2025 R1S finally gets a dedicated heat pump. This is huge. It means the cabin stays warm without murdering your battery.
When it comes to charging, the Large Pack peaks at about 220 kW.
It isn't the fastest on the market—Hyundai and Kia's 800V systems still win there—but it's respectable. You can go from 10% to 80% in about 35 to 40 minutes at a Tesla Supercharger (yes, the NACS port is becoming the standard, and adapters are finally flowing).
Inside the Adventure Trim
Inside, it’s still that "luxe-cabin" vibe. The Adventure trim is the base now, but "base" is a relative term when you're spending north of $80,000. You get the vegan leather (which is actually quite durable), the gorgeous reclaimed wood dash, and a sound system that Rivian now builds in-house.
Some audiophiles miss the old Meridian system.
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Honestly? Most people won't notice. The new "Rivian Premium Audio" is punchy and clear, though the Dolby Atmos support is the real star if you’re into spatial audio.
The software has also seen a glow-up. The new interface uses "cel-shaded" graphics powered by Unreal Engine. It looks like a high-end comic book. It’s fast, fluid, and—thankfully—still avoids the cluttered mess of many legacy car menus.
The Elephant in the Room: No Apple CarPlay
It’s 2026, and Rivian is still holding the line. No CarPlay. No Android Auto.
They want you to use their native navigation. To be fair, their Google Maps-based nav is excellent and integrates charging stops perfectly. But if you live and die by your Apple Podcasts or Waze, you're still stuck using a phone mount or Bluetooth. It’s a choice Rivian made to control the data and the user experience. You’ll either get over it in a week or complain about it for the life of the lease.
Real-World Utility: Does it actually work for families?
The R1S is a three-row SUV, but that third row is a bit of a squeeze for adults. It’s perfect for kids. For adults, it's a "short trip only" situation.
Cargo space is where this thing shines.
- The "Frunk" (front trunk) is massive.
- The rear hatch has a split tailgate, which is perfect for sitting on while changing out of muddy hiking boots.
- Total storage is over 100 cubic feet with all seats down.
It’s a cavern. You can fit a mountain bike inside without taking the front wheel off if you’re creative.
Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers
If you are looking at the 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure Dual Motor Large Pack, here is how to actually spec it and what to watch out for:
- Skip the 22-inch wheels. They look cool, but they kill the ride quality and eat your range. The 20-inch or 21-inch options are the sweet spot for comfort and distance.
- The Performance Upgrade is a software lock. You can actually pay $5,000 later to "unlock" more power (bumping you to 665 hp) if you decide the standard Dual Motor isn't fast enough. Start with the standard; you probably won't need the extra kick.
- Check your garage height. This thing is tall. Even with the air suspension set to "Lowest," it's a big vehicle. Measure twice, buy once.
- Lease if you're worried about tech. EV tech is moving at the speed of smartphones. Rivian's leasing programs often include the $7,500 tax credit passed through to the consumer, which makes the monthly payment way more palatable than a straight purchase.
The 2025 R1S isn't just a tech toy anymore. It has matured. By focusing on the suspension and the "guts" of the car—the ECUs and the thermal management—Rivian has turned a flashy startup vehicle into a legitimate long-distance family hauler. It’s not perfect, but for the Dual Motor Large Pack price point, it’s the most compelling SUV on the road right now.