Rivian R1T: 10 Unique Features That Confirm It Is 1 of a Kind

The all-new 2022 Rivian R1T is jumping into a crowded pickup truck segment. Though not an easy feat, EV maker Rivian’s electric half-ton pickup has plenty going for it.

Capable of zooming from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds, the Rivian R1T can also tow up to 11,000 pounds and comes with an impressive membership program. And considering its excellent fuel efficiency and an estimated electric range of 314 miles, truck lovers will undoubtedly take a closer look at the Ford F-150 Lightning rival. 

Here are 10 unique features that make this highly anticipated electric truck one of a kind.

The 2022 Rivian R1T offers 5 innovative design features

2022 Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel | Rivian

The Rivian R1T’s Gear Tunnel is a one-of-a-kind design that creatively uses the space between the bed and cab. This hidden storage area is perfect for securing long, narrow items that never had a place to call home. Available gear tunnel accessories include a slide-out platform (cutely called the Gear Tunnel Shuttle) and a mini Camp Kitchen.

Looking for more spots to stash your stuff? Check out the unique under-bed storage area holding a spare tire for easy access. You can also use the 14-cubic-foot space as an extra storage bin to protect items from the elements. It serves as a pretty cool ice chest too.

Rivian R1T buyers will also love the integrated door pocket that stores a 1,000-lumen flashlight for convenient access.

But arguably the most useful feature in the R1T is the frunk. At 11 cubic feet, the front-end storage space has the cargo-carrying capacity of a two-door coupe. Though the design is typical of mid-engine sports cars, frunks are becoming increasingly popular in electric vehicles.

In addition, crossbars for the roof and bed are a unique feature in a pickup truck that typically comes without roof rails. The bars are sturdy enough to support the optional tent package in the bed and fit nicely on the roof for transporting bikes or kayaks. The crossbars promise to be a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

5 more things that make the 2022 Rivian R1T stand out

The @Rivian R1T is the 2022 MotorTrend Truck of the Year. 🏆 A remarkably original take on the pickup truck redefines the genre and comes out on top in a remarkably competitive year for the segment. Learn why the Rivian R1T won Truck of the Year here. https://t.co/iEgT2JWRvk

— motortrend (@MotorTrend) December 13, 2021

Rivian had adventurers in mind when it created the R1T’s carabiner-shaped key fob that screams “active lifestyle.” And the onboard air compressor is a handy feature because not only is it great for off-road excursions, but it also comes with a detachable hose long enough to reach all of the tires. It’s easy to use and quickly fills the tires to the perfect pressure. 

Plus, a five-pound portable Bluetooth speaker is great for tailgating. The center console docking station keeps the speaker charged when not in use, and an external USB Type-C port keeps the party going.

The 2022 Rivian R1T also provides plenty of charging power, no matter where you are. You’ll find a multitude of outlets, including three 110-volts in the bed and a 12-volt in the frunk. There are also 12-volt outlets in the gear tunnel and under the dash, and the cabin boasts four 120-volt AC plugs and six USB-C ports.

And the Gear Guard camera system is so cool that Elon Musk might want to borrow the idea for the Tesla Cybertruck. Cargo stored in the truck bed is secured with specially designed cables. If a thief tugs on the cable when the truck is locked, a funky cartoon pops up on the infotainment screen to deter the burglar.

But delays plague the EV maker

Rivian delays delivery of 400-mile R1T trucks to 2023 https://t.co/EmAWfCda4u pic.twitter.com/RO9AoH5kkY

— Engadget (@engadget) December 28, 2021

Named MotorTrend’s 2022 Truck of the Year, the Rivian R1T will arguably be a hot model. Unfortunately, consumers might have to wait until 2023 to get their hands on the electric truck.

According to Road Show, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said that “the automaker will prioritize R1S electric SUV and R1T electric pickup preorders that combine the Adventure Package trim with its Large battery pack.”

The company is diligently trying to fill its 71,000 preorders, leaving the less expensive R1T model with the Explore Package and Max battery pack to be delayed until next year.

Engadget reports the automaker has been plagued with delivery problems as it struggles to fulfill a 100,000-vehicle order for Amazon and break ground on a new manufacturing facility in Georgia. Rivian initially set the R1T for release in September 2021 but has delayed the debut several times due to pandemic-wrought supply chain issues and chip shortages.

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