Start Here: The Best All-Round Rivian for Most Buyers
This buying guide explains how the latest wheel, seating and trim changes for the Rivian R1T and R1S affect real-world performance, range, comfort and everyday value for electric truck and SUV buyers. It focuses on the practical impact of downsized wheels on the Rivian R1T 2027 wheels, new R1S captain's chairs, and simplified 2027 Rivian trims so you can pick the right configuration with confidence instead of chasing maximum spec sheet numbers. For most people, the sweet spot is the R1T or R1S in Premium trim with the Long Range option, which combines strong dual‑motor performance with excellent range and the most thoughtful practicality upgrades.
Premium now comes with dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, 533 hp, 610 lb‑ft of torque, and a 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, with an optional boost to 665 hp and 829 lb‑ft that drops 0–60 to 3.4 seconds. The Long Range option on Premium delivers up to 410 miles of range on the R1S and 420 miles on the R1T, giving you highway‑friendly legs without sacrificing the new focus on usable capability. If you want one Rivian that does almost everything well—commuting, trips, occasional off‑road and hauling family gear—this configuration is the one to target first in any electric truck buyer guide.
R1T Wheels: Why the New 20-Inch Standard Setup Is the Smart Choice
The most important change for truck shoppers is the Rivian R1T 2027 wheels moving from last year’s 22‑inch standard setup to new 20‑inch wheels with Goodyear all‑season tires. The previous 22‑inch wheels enabled about 329 miles of range, while the 20‑inch package lowers that estimate to 300 miles, a 29‑mile cut. According to Rivian, real‑world data showed owners take their R1T off pavement often, so the brand prioritized traction, comfort and durability over the absolute highest EPA number. The tires are less efficient, but more capable, helped by deeper tread patterns and a more durable rubber compound that improves off‑road performance at the cost of some on‑road range.
For buyers, this is a smart trade. The new 20‑inch Adventure All‑Season tire is Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, meaning it provides at least 10% more grip in packed snow than a standard tire and can stay on the truck year‑round without seasonal swaps or chains. It is also more efficient than the knobbier 20‑inch All‑Terrain package, which carries a heavier range penalty. Rivian notes that based on how customers use their trucks, making this versatile 20‑inch setup standard gives most drivers the ideal mix of everyday efficiency, winter traction and trail capability from day one. If you care more about confidence on rough roads, bad weather and long‑term tire durability than chasing the longest possible range figure, the new standard wheel package is the right default.
| Spec | 20" Adventure All-Season (Std) | 22" Wheels (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range on standard battery R1T | 300 miles | 329 miles |
| Off-road traction | Higher, deeper tread and more durable compound | Lower, more on-road focused |
| Snow performance | 3PMS certified, 10% more grip in packed snow | Not specified |
| Ride comfort | Better, thanks to taller sidewalls | Firmer, less sidewall |
| Replacement cost | Cheaper than 20" All-Terrain setup | Not specified |
R1S Captain's Chairs: Comfort and Cargo Flexibility for Families
On the SUV side, the headline upgrade is the R1S captain's chairs option in the second row. Instead of a three‑seat bench, you can now specify two individual captain’s chairs, turning the R1S into a six‑seater with a center pass‑through to the third row. Each captain’s chair has an individual armrest that stows flush into the seat when not in use, along with a push‑to‑release cup holder that folds down from the inside edge. Both second‑row seats are heated, fold flat, and retain full car seat tie‑downs, so you keep child‑seat compatibility while improving adult comfort. With open space between the chairs, it becomes easier to load skis, surfboards and other long gear through the middle, which reshapes how families and outdoor‑oriented buyers can use the cabin day‑to‑day.
Crucially, the seven‑seat configuration remains available, so you are not forced into captain’s chairs if you need maximum passenger capacity. To add the captain’s chairs, you first select the Sound And Vision package and then pay an extra amount for the chairs that varies by trim. This confirms the chairs as a premium comfort and flexibility upgrade rather than a basic feature. For most families who regularly carry four to six people and long gear, the captain’s chairs will be worth it. For buyers who often need all seven seats filled, the bench remains the better pick. Either way, the R1S now offers a clearer choice between maximum seating and maximum second‑row comfort, making the decision more straightforward than in previous model years.
Understanding the New 2027 Rivian Trims and Performance Levels
Rivian has reorganized the R1 lineup into three clear trims: Premium, Performance and Quad. This matters because it makes comparing configurations much easier for both truck and SUV shoppers. Premium is the base but still powerful dual‑motor setup, with 533 hp, 610 lb‑ft of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. With the optional power upgrade, Premium jumps to 665 hp, 829 lb‑ft and 0–60 in 3.4 seconds. A Long Range option on Premium promises up to 410 miles of range on the R1S and 420 miles on the R1T, aligning perfectly with buyers who want strong performance without sacrificing distance between charges.
Above that, Performance trim adds a third motor, taking output to 850 hp and 1,103 lb‑ft of torque with a 0–60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and an EPA estimated range of 371 miles. Quad sits on top with four motors, 1,025 hp, 1,198 lb‑ft, and a 0–60 mph time of 2.5 seconds in the R1T, plus a standing quarter mile in 10.5 seconds and 374 miles of range on both R1S and R1T. Interior options also separate trims, with Premium offering Black Mountain and Ocean Coast, while Performance and Quad add Slate Sky Signature, Black Mountain Signature and Ocean Coast Signature. Put simply, Premium Long Range is ideal for most drivers, Performance suits speed‑focused buyers, and Quad is for those who want the most extreme acceleration and traction.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the R1T Premium Long Range if you want a balanced electric truck with strong dual-motor performance and up to 420 miles of range.
- Skip the R1T Premium Long Range if you care more about maximum acceleration than distance and are willing to accept lower range from higher trims.
- Buy the R1T with standard 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheels if you prioritize off-road traction, winter grip and durability over absolute peak range.
- Skip the R1T with standard 20-inch Adventure All-Season wheels if your driving is almost entirely highway and you want the longest available range from 22-inch wheels.
- Buy the R1S with captain's chairs if you usually carry up to six people and value second-row comfort, a center pass-through and easier loading of long gear.
- Skip the R1S with captain's chairs if you frequently need seven usable seats and prefer a traditional three-seat bench in the second row.
- Buy the Performance or Quad trims if you want supercar-level acceleration, multi-motor traction and are willing to trade some range for speed.
- Skip the Performance or Quad trims if you mainly want long-distance efficiency and lower running costs, making Premium Long Range the better choice.
