Rivian’s three-row electric SUV arrived as part of the brand’s original consumer lineup and reached customers as a 2022 model year vehicle. It was positioned as the more family-oriented companion to the R1T pickup, using the same core electric platform but packaging it as a large adventure-focused SUV with substantial interior space and off-road capability. Rivian began production and deliveries in late 2021, and the nameplate has remained in production since then.
The vehicle has gone through a clear generational evolution rather than a discontinuation and revival. In June 2024, Rivian introduced the second generation of its flagship R1 lineup, including a revised version of this SUV with a substantially reengineered hardware and software package, new in-house drive systems, updated suspension tuning, refreshed electronics, and a redesigned user experience. Rivian described the new version as a major step forward in efficiency, capability, and manufacturing refinement while keeping the exterior identity broadly familiar.
As Rivian’s flagship SUV, the model has become an important part of the company’s identity. It helped establish Rivian as a maker of premium electric adventure vehicles and gave the brand a distinctive alternative to conventional large SUVs by combining a battery-electric drivetrain, three-row seating, and rugged outdoor utility in one package.