Rivian unveiled its A1T concept all-electric truck in 2018, making bold claims about the vehicle’s abilities, such as a 0-to-60 mph time of less than 3.3 seconds, solid off-road capability, a range of up to 450 miles, and 14-inch ground clearance.
The company later rebadged the truck as the R1T, delivering the first units in late September 2021. True to Rivian’s word, the R1T delivers all that was promised. It was awarded MotorTrend’s ‘2022 Truck of the Year’ and IIHS’s ‘Top Safety Pick+’ for its 2024 model year.
Besides its capability, practicality, and drivability, this truck offers a selection of innovative features that make it stand out. Most are active-lifestyle-themed features, so if you like hiking, camping, and all that good stuff, you will love the R1T.
Onboard Air Compressor (Optional)
The R1T’s onboard air compressor is handy when driving on slippery off-road terrain. This optional feature lets you lower your tire pressures to achieve a broader footprint for better traction. You can also use the air compressor to inflate mattresses, bike tires, beach gear, and much more. You can adjust the air pressure it releases via the vehicle’s touchscreen infotainment system.
A Gear Tunnel
Unlike traditional pickup trucks, the Rivian R1T features a 67-inch gear tunnel just behind the truck’s cabin. It runs from end to end with side panel doors on both sides of the truck that are strong enough to be used as seats or steps to help you access the roof. The gear tunnel is an ideal storage area for long items like surf and snowboards, fishing rods, skis, duffle bags, and golf clubs. It can also be purchased with an all-weather, durable mat for carrying tools or sharp items that would otherwise leave scuffs and scratches. You can access this gear tunnel via a small pass-through behind the truck’s rear seats.
A Pull-Out Kitchen (Optional)
With the Rivian R1T’s optional pull-out kitchen, you don’t have to worry about where to get cooking when you arrive at your camping destination. This pull-out kitchen is housed within the gear tunnel and has a two-burner induction cooktop that can draw power from the truck’s in-bed 120V power outlet. These burners are designed to share 1,500 watts to cook food quickly. Also included with the pull-out kitchen are a cutting board, a carrying case, a drawer, and hangout lights and poles.
Gear Guard Camera System
The gear guard camera is an innovative system that helps you monitor your gear. Sometimes, when your truck is loaded with bulky gear like bikes and kayaks, it may not be easy to know if they are still secure by glancing over your shoulder while driving. The gear guard system has five cameras that actively monitor your gear, recording videos and sending alerts when people get too close or when something happens that is worth noting, e.g., if gear falls off the truck.
Flashlight
Whereas Rolls Royce is known for incorporating custom-made umbrellas into the doors of their vehicles, Rivian incorporates flashlights into the driver-side door of the R1T. The flashlight puts out to 1,000 lumens and has three brightness settings, so it is perfect for people who love exploring the great outdoors. The torch has a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that shines bright for up to 18 hours before recharging.
Bluetooth Camp Speaker
Rivian has cleverly fitted a portable Bluetooth camp speaker under the R1T’s center console. This detachable Bluetooth speaker offers 6.5 hours of playtime when fully charged, making your camping experience much more enjoyable. You can stream your favorite tunes from your phone to the speaker. The device also incorporates a lantern that gives off warm yellow light, perfect for a campfire setting.
Roof and Cargo-bed Crossbars (Optional)
If you intend to carry bikes, kayaks, or other large items when outdoors in the Rivian R1T, consider its optional roof and cargo-bed crossbars. These can carry up to 250 pounds of gear while driving; when parked, their carrying capacity goes up to 600 pounds, which is enough for a full rooftop tent. These crossbars are compatible with various Kuat and Yakima mounts.
Under-Bed Storage
Every Rivian R1T truck has an under-bed storage compartment big enough to hold a full-size 20-inch wheel and tire. Storing the wheel under the cargo bed floor protects it from moisture, dirt, and debris, which is not the case with trucks that store spare wheels underneath. The under-bed storage compartment can also hold various other items, from food and drinks to tools and work equipment.
A Carabiner Key Fob
Few things scream “outdoor adventure,” like carabiners, as they are used for rope-intensive activities like sailing, climbing, and hot-air ballooning. Therefore, Rivian’s carabiner-like key fob is a spark of genius because it effectively communicates what the truck is about. Thanks to its design, this key fob is easy to latch onto outdoor gear like backpacks.
A ‘Frunk’
Because the Rivian R1T doesn’t have an internal combustion engine taking up space under its hood, it offers a frunk (front trunk) with 11 cubic feet of storage space. This storage area has 12 V outlets, so you can recharge electronic devices (safely tucked away in duffle bags) as you drive along. The frunk also has a drain, so you can easily hose it down when it gets dirty.
The Ultimate Outdoor EV Truck
The above features are a testament to the thought and creativity that went into developing the Rivian R1T. They strongly indicate that the company has not cut corners in essential areas like build quality and safety testing. Other R1T features worth mentioning are its Amazon Alexa integration, which enables you to control R1T features using voice commands, a Front Dig mode that enables the truck to make tight turns, and a waterproof bracelet that can be used to unlock the truck.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
