Rivian R1S review for Colorado buyers

The R1S for Colorado buyers

Gen 1 or Gen 2: which used R1S to shop

Rivian split the R1S into two generations. Gen 1 covers 2022 through 2024. Gen 2 started with the 2025 model year and brought a heat pump-based thermal system, new Rivian-designed drive units and a big electrical rework. For a Colorado buyer, the heat pump is the headline. Heating a large cabin in January is one of the biggest drains on an EV battery, and a heat pump does that job more efficiently.

Range varies a lot by battery and wheels. A Dual-Motor with the Max pack is rated at 380 to 410 miles depending on year and wheels, while a Dual Standard is rated at 255 to 270. Quad-Motor versions are the most powerful; Rivian quotes 1,025 horsepower for the Gen 2 Quad. You don't need that for Colorado, but a Large or Max battery makes winter trips much easier.

For 2027, Rivian reorganized trims into Premium, Performance and Quad and added second-row captain's chairs, which gives a pass-through to the third row. If you want a specific setup, our specific vehicle search can look for the battery, motor and seating you need.

Snow, I-70 and the Traction Law

Every R1S has at least two motors and drives all four wheels, and the air suspension lets you raise the truck for deep snow or unplowed roads. That combination makes it the most winter-capable EV on our list, as long as it's on the right tires.

Tires are where buyers get caught. Many R1S trucks ride on large 21- or 22-inch wheels with road-oriented tires. When CDOT activates the Traction Law, you need at least 3/16 inch of tread and an all-weather, M+S or mountain/snowflake rating, or chains or an approved traction device. A set of winter tires on smaller wheels is a smart buy here. Our Colorado winter car guide goes deeper on tires.

Cold still costs range. AAA's 2019 testing of five EVs found an average 41 percent range drop at 20 degrees F with the heater running, and about 12 percent without the heater. The DOE's fueleconomy.gov notes that most of the extra energy goes to cabin heat. Newer EVs with heat pumps generally do better than that test, but plan for a big winter cushion, especially on a Gen 1 truck.

Towing a camper over the passes

Rivian rates the R1S at up to 7,700 pounds, and Rivian says a weight-distributing hitch is needed to reach that maximum. That covers plenty of travel trailers and teardrop campers. The catch is range: towing a trailer up Monarch Pass or the I-70 climb to the tunnel uses enormous amounts of energy, and Rivian's own support pages warn that towing reduces range.

Plan short legs and know where you'll charge. Many fast-charging stalls aren't pull-through, so with a trailer you may need to unhitch to plug in. Regen helps on the way down, but the climbs set the pace.

If you tow often and far, compare honestly with a gas SUV like the Kia Telluride or Chevrolet Tahoe. Our guide to towing a camper in the mountains covers braking, weight and pass strategy for any vehicle.

Charging on Colorado road trips

Rivian says every 2026 and later R1 has a native NACS port, so those trucks can use Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. Gen 1 trucks and 2025 models have a CCS port. In 2024 Rivian began offering owners a NACS adapter, one per VIN, so ask whether the adapter comes with a used truck.

The R1S is big and heavy, and its EPA efficiency of 63 to 85 MPGe means it uses more energy per mile than a Model Y or Ioniq 5. That's fine with home charging, but on road trips it means more time plugged in. Home Level 2 charging is close to essential.

Up the hill to a trailhead and back, the motors don't care about altitude. A full battery at the trailhead and a lot of regen on the way down is the normal pattern.

Buying a used R1S: what to check

Start with the VIN on NHTSA's site. Early 2022 trucks had recalls for front suspension fasteners and seat belt anchors, and several recalls cover seat belt and air bag fasteners across years. A 2026 recall (26V-003) covers toe links on trucks that had certain suspension service before March 10, 2025, so service history matters on a used truck.

Check battery health and the remaining battery warranty. Rivian's battery coverage runs 8 years, with a mileage limit that varies by pack and configuration, so confirm the terms for the exact truck. Compare the full-charge range estimate to the original EPA rating.

Look over the air suspension at every height setting, the condition of the big wheels and tires, and the roof and hood for hail damage. Our hail damage guide shows what to look for. If you'd like us to handle it, contact us with the configuration you want.