With the rise of electrification within the automotive industry, the chance has opened up for new auto manufacturers to make a mark against the established players as they scramble to develop all-new technology. Rivian has stood out as one of the most successful new names in the US, with the California-based marque shipping just over 42,000 vehicles in 2025. This is despite exclusively catering to the higher-end of the EV market since its first model, the R1, was unleashed in 2022.
Even the very cheapest model started from a shade over $70k, ensuring you had to have a decent chunk of money behind you to purchase one. The thing is, it’s only getting tougher to purchase a brand-new example, since the cheapest version from 2027 will demand closer to $80k. Luckily, depreciation and the used market are here to save you.
Rivian Is Shuffling Its Product Line-Up Around
2026 Rivian R1T driving front 3/4Rivian
When the R1, which is available in work-friendly Truck and family-assisting SUV forms, was introduced, the cheapest version available was the Explore package. Weighing in at $67,500, the machine was offered with a powerful quad-motor powertrain that shared a meaty 835 horsepower between all four wheels. With a motor placed on each wheel, the truck could even spin on its axis by sending all the power through the two wheels on either side. It was also excellent off-road, as well as on-road thanks to a standard air suspension setup.
2022 Rivian R1T/S Adventure
Powertrain
Quad electric motors
Transmission
Single-speed auto
Power
835 hp
Torque
908 lb-ft
0-60 mph
3.2 seconds
Average Used Value
$49,059-55,350
For the most part, the value proposition of the machine was undermined a little in 2024, when the less powerful dual-motor Standard trim was launched. Despite being less capable than the full-fat version, Rivian priced it at just under $70,000, while concurrently hiking up the price of the quad-motor version to $87k. In between them, a dual-motor vehicle with a larger battery pack was priced at $79k. Still, the Standard was a very capable electric truck or SUV, whichever you preferred.
However, you can’t have one. From 2027 at least, as Rivian is discontinuing it completely. As it has elected to keep the base price of the larger battery pack variant at $77,990, that means you’ll have to cough up an extra $7k if you want a brand-new R1.
The R2 Doesn’t Stack Up As Well As The R1T
2027 Rivian R2 exteriorRivian
One of the reasons Rivian is discontinuing the Standard is due to issues with the calibration of the smaller battery pack used in the model, but its removal also comes just before the introduction of its new entry-level model, the R2, in 2027. Initially, the Premium will be the cheapest variant available, with a base price of only $53,990, around $25k down on the cheapest R1. In 2028, a Standard model will arrive, which is set to cost comfortably under $50k.
So why not simply set aside your R1T ambitions and opt for an R2 instead? You could, but the R2 can’t stack up to the R1 in terms of performance or luxury. Thankfully, there’s a handy way of getting around this limitation.
You Can Save A Load Of Money On A Used 2022 R1T
2022 Rivian R1T front 3/4 angle in yellow and green while parkedRivian
Thanks to the steep depreciation EVs of any variety face, you can simply find a clean used version of an older R1 instead. According to Classic.com, the average sale value of a 2022 R1T Adventure, the mid-range variant of the model, currently sits at just $49,059. This represents a strong 32.7% decrease in value versus the truck’s original MSRP, and a similar drop can be seen with the R1S SUV. Its average stands at a slightly higher $55,350, which represents a still-solid 29% drop.
!!!MODEL TAG!!! Listing Carousel 2022 Rivian R1T Truck
https://carbuzz.com/cars/rivian/r1t/2022/
While being much cheaper than a brand-new example yet providing identical technology, a used R1 asks for considerably less than the lowest-cost R2 available. In the case of the R1T at least, you’ll save $4k by opting for a pre-owned example versus a brand-new R2 Premium. The R1S is a little more expensive than the R2 on average, but only by a matter of around $1,500. In addition, if you’re comfortable purchasing an R1T with higher mileage, you can even find examples for under $40k.
By high mileage, we mean well above 85,000 miles. Beyond that, there are plenty of tidy R1T Adventures with middling mileage on the market for easily below $45,000, leaving you with plenty of solid options.
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An R1 Boasts Plenty Of Extra Grunt Versus An R2
2022 – 2026 Rivian R1T Truck exteriorRivian
Granted, the R2 is shaping up to be a very impressive machine, given that Rivian has acknowledged that many of the lessons it learned from developing and producing the R1 have gone into making the R2 a better vehicle. It’s much lighter than the R1 variants thanks to an enhanced chassis and revised electrical system, while also featuring a heavily redeveloped infotainment system that is more refined and easier to use than the R1’s. This is all well and good, but there are several key areas where the R2 simply can’t match its bigger siblings.
Firstly, securing a 2022 R1T or R1S means you get that quad-motor powertrain, which provides plenty of extra grunt to play with. The 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque on offer far outweigh the R2’s 450 hp and 537 lb-ft, and should propel it down the road much more quickly despite weighing considerably more. Indeed, while the R2 Premium will take 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph, the R1T can manage the same sprint in just 3.2 seconds. The R2 does have the edge in terms of range, but only by 14 miles, so the extra power is arguably worth the small reduction in distance you can travel on a full charge.
You Also Get Some Higher-End Equipment
2022 – 2026 Rivian R1T Truck interior view of the front cabinRivian
Aside from its considerable performance advantage, the R1 range also comes with additional equipment that the R2 won’t offer. Arguably the highest-ticket item is the air suspension setup, which provides a cloud-like ride across even the roughest roads. The system can also be tuned to run much stiffer, which helps reduce body roll when driving more aggressively on a winding road. The R2 only gets a conventional independent suspension setup, which reduces its overall versatility.
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In addition, since the R2 only has a dual-motor powertrain, the vehicle can only control each axle independently, as opposed to all four wheels individually. This means you won’t get the awesome Kick Turn feature, or the same level of torque-split customization. The R1s also come with additional interior equipment, such as more premium seats and cabin materials, as well as an electrochromic dimming glass roof. This means the transparent surface can be turned opaque at the touch of a button, whereas you’ll need a sunshade on the R2 to create the same effect. Being full-size vehicles, versus the mid-size R2, you also have more cabin space and load space to make use of.
Despite some of the R1’s tech being older than that of the R2, it’s still the higher-end machine. Given that you’ll be paying less for a decent-mileage R1T than a new R2, you’ll be getting more for your money by opting for the used example. Unless you specifically want a new car, or prefer the smaller R2, purchasing a pre-owned R1T looks to be one fantastic deal.
Early R1s Can Suffer From Some Annoying Issues
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. One of the primary issues with spending your cash on a 2022 R1 is that, because it was Rivian’s first-ever production model, a fair few issues have cropped up on earlier examples over the years. Owners from the Rivian Forums have reported a wide range of quality-related problems, such as misaligned body panels, gaps in the window assembly that allow wind noise into the cabin, as well as a particularly loud air conditioning compressor when it’s running under heavy load. Loose trim throughout the cabin has also been noted, so inspecting the car thoroughly and listening closely when test-driving is important to ensure you have one of the better-built examples.
Another common ailment suffered by 2022 R1 models is premature failure of the 12V battery, the smaller component which runs most of the car’s electrical systems. A poorly designed battery bracket leads to corrosion taking hold, which eventually damages the battery beyond repair, leaving the vehicle completely unresponsive. Rivian has largely sorted the issue with various software updates to protect the battery, as well as changing the mounting brackets to further reduce the risk of the problem recurring. Be sure to inquire whether the issue has been dealt with in any 2022 example you’re considering.
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All in all, considering the savings on a used example, a pre-owned R1T or R1S makes sense versus spending around $30k more on a brand-new 2026 model. It’s also a higher-end option than the upcoming R2, which is still more expensive. Approach any used example with your eyes open to make sure you don’t get caught out by any of the outlined quality issues, but overall, a well-priced used R1 represents a fantastic deal.
Sources: Classic.com, Rivian.
