The 2022 Rivian R1S is the rare thing every car company promises and almost none deliver: a genuinely new idea that actually works. As a used buy in 2026, the first‑year R1S is a three‑row electric SUV that can outrun sports sedans, ford a creek on Saturday, and do school drop‑off Monday without smelling like wet dog. But this is also a six‑figure startup SUV with a recall sheet that reads like a CVS receipt, so a thoughtful 2022 Rivian R1S review for used buyers has to balance the spectacular with the sobering.
At a Glance
Why the 2022 Rivian R1S Makes Sense Used
What You’re Getting
- True 3-row EV SUV with real adult space in row two and kid‑usable row three.
- Adventure-first design: standard air suspension, all-terrain drive modes, legit ground clearance.
- Tech-forward cabin with giant screens and over-the-air updates that keep improving the car.
- Distinctive design that doesn’t look like anything else at the school pickup line.
Why Look at a 2022 Now?
- Big depreciation means early R1S trucks that once stickered in the $80Ks–$90Ks are now far more accessible on the used market.
- Battery and drive hardware are largely the same formula as later years, but at a discount.
- Many early recalls and software issues have already been addressed on individual vehicles.
- You let someone else be the beta‑tester; you enjoy the sorted‑out version, if you buy carefully.
Who the Used 2022 R1S Fits Best
2022 Rivian R1S Specs, Battery and Range
Key 2022 Rivian R1S Numbers
For 2022 in the U.S., most R1S builds you’ll see used are quad‑motor, all‑wheel‑drive trucks with the Large 135 kWh battery pack. EPA range is up to about 316 miles, although wheel size and tire choice matter, big 22‑inch wheels and all‑terrain treads subtract real‑world miles. In mixed driving, many owners report something more like the mid‑200s on highway‑heavy trips, especially in cold weather.
2022 Rivian R1S Battery, Range & Performance Snapshot
Approximate specs for the most common 2022 R1S configurations you’ll find used in the U.S.
| Config | Drive | Battery pack (nominal) | EPA range (est.) | 0–60 mph (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large pack, 21" wheels | Quad-motor AWD | ~135 kWh | Up to 316 mi | ≈ 3.0 sec |
| Large pack, 22" wheels | Quad-motor AWD | ~135 kWh | High 200s–low 300s | ≈ 3.0–3.2 sec |
| Large pack, All-Terrain tires | Quad-motor AWD | ~135 kWh | Low–mid 200s real world | ≈ 3.5 sec |
Exact specs vary by wheels, tires and software; verify against the specific VIN.
Range Reality Check
On-Road Driving Experience in a Used R1S
The 2022 R1S drives like a sci‑fi Range Rover that decided it was done with gasoline and excuses. The air suspension and adaptive dampers smother bad pavement, yet the four‑motor torque vectoring lets this 7‑seat fridge carve on-ramps with unnerving enthusiasm. In everyday used‑car guise, kids, dog hair, bike rack, the R1S still feels special because the fundamentals were so over‑engineered.
- Steering: Light but accurate; easy to place on narrow city streets despite the size.
- Ride quality: Comfort mode is plush; Sport stiffens things without becoming punishing.
- Noise: Wind noise is modest, but the chunky off‑road tires some trucks wear can drone on coarse pavement.
- Brakes: Strong and confidence‑inspiring, with good regen tuning once you acclimate.
The Party Trick
Off-Road and Utility: How Capable Is It Really?
Rivian sells the R1S as an electric adventure rig, and that’s not just marketing. The 2022 models ship with multiple off‑road modes, adjustable ride height, and serious approach/departure angles. It will do the camping‑trail, fire‑road, desert‑wash lifestyle YouTube has promised you, provided you remember you’re wheeling a battery pack the size of a studio apartment.
2022 R1S Utility Highlights
What matters when you’re hauling kids, bikes and camping gear.
Adjustable Air Suspension
Camping & Tailgating
Towing & Cargo
Off-Road Caveat
Used 2022 Rivian R1S Pricing and Depreciation
When the 2022 R1S arrived, well‑optioned Launch Edition trucks easily pushed into the $80,000+ range. Fast‑forward to 2026 and depreciation has done what depreciation always does to luxury SUVs, particularly ones from young brands with question‑mark reliability.
Typical 2022 Rivian R1S Used Price Ranges (2026)
Approximate U.S. dealer retail price bands for 2022 R1S models in average mileage and condition. Actual prices vary by market, spec and condition.
| Condition & miles | Typical equipment | Approx. price range |
|---|---|---|
| Lower miles (≤15k) | Launch/Adventure trim, quad‑motor, Large pack | High $60Ks – low $70Ks |
| Moderate miles (15k–35k) | Adventure/Explore trims, common options | Low–mid $60Ks |
| Higher miles (35k–60k+) | Mixed specs, more wear, earlier VINs | High $50Ks – low $60Ks |
Use this as directional guidance, not a quote. Always compare local listings and condition reports.
Compared with a comparable new R1S build, you can often save five figures by going used. The trade‑off is living with first‑year build variance, the occasional service visit, and the uncertainty of where Rivian’s long‑term resale curve ultimately settles.
2022 Rivian R1S Reliability and Recalls
On paper, the 2022 Rivian R1S lands around “average” in formal reliability scoring, not a disaster, not bulletproof. But the headline number hides the texture: this vehicle has been subject to a large number of NHTSA recalls for early hardware and assembly issues, and service availability can still be thin depending on where you live.
- Multiple recalls covering items like suspension fasteners, seat belt anchors, steering components and airbag wiring on early builds.
- Software gremlins, infotainment freezes, key‑fob and phone‑as‑key glitches, occasional warning lights, that often resolve with over‑the‑air updates or resets.
- Build quality that can range from solid to "startup rough draft" depending on VIN sequence and how many campaigns have been completed.
Recalls Aren’t Always a Dealbreaker
Common Issues to Check on a Used R1S
2022 R1S Trouble Spots Owners Often Mention
Not every truck has these issues, but they’re worth checking for on a test drive.
Steering & Suspension Noises
Infotainment Glitches
Door Handles & Seals
12V & HV System Warnings
Pay Attention to Service Access
Charging a 2022 Rivian R1S in 2026
The good news: as a used buyer, you inherit a charging story that’s getting better every quarter. The 2022 R1S uses a CCS fast‑charging port and a J1772 connector for Level 2, which means it plays nicely with most public networks today. Rivian’s own Adventure Network adds another option on major corridors, and the brand has committed to adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), with adapters and compatibility rolling out for R1 vehicles.
- DC fast charging peaks around the 200 kW ballpark on a healthy pack, with a reasonably flat curve in the sweet spot.
- Level 2 home charging at 11.5 kW (48 amps) can add roughly 25 miles of range per hour on a 240V circuit.
- Public charging reliability still varies by network, so apps and planning remain part of the Rivian life.
Home Charging is Non‑Negotiable
What to Look For When Buying a Used 2022 R1S
Essential Checks for a Used 2022 Rivian R1S
1. Verify Recall & Service History
Ask for a printout of <strong>all completed recalls, service bulletins and repairs</strong>. A well‑maintained R1S should show multiple campaigns and software updates, not a blank slate.
2. Inspect Battery Health, Not Just Range Guess
Look for objective data on the high‑voltage pack, not just what the guess‑o‑meter says after a charge. At Recharged, this is exactly what our <strong>Recharged Score</strong> battery diagnostics quantify for you.
3. Check Underbody & Wheels for Off‑Road Damage
Get under the truck (or on a lift) and inspect the battery shield, suspension arms and wheel inner barrels for rock impacts or previous trail "adventures."
4. Test All Doors, Seats and Controls
Cycle every power seat, folding row, tailgate and frunk. Make sure the third row folds and latches cleanly and that the powered tailgate and glass work without groans or hiccups.
5. Drive It Like You’ll Use It
On your test drive, include highway speeds, rough pavement and low‑speed parking maneuvers. Pay attention to <strong>noises, vibrations, warning lights and screen behavior</strong>, they tell you more than the spec sheet.
6. Confirm Warranty Coverage
Rivian’s battery and drive unit warranty runs well past 2026 on 2022 builds. Confirm in writing how much coverage remains and whether it’s transferrable to you as the next owner.
How Recharged Evaluates Used Rivian R1S SUVs
Because the 2022 R1S is a complex, first‑generation EV, buying blind is a poor strategy. At Recharged, every Rivian we list goes through a structured EV‑specific inspection and our proprietary Recharged Score report, so you aren’t guessing about the parts you can’t see, especially the battery.
What’s Included With a Recharged R1S
Beyond a wash and a Carfax.
Verified Battery Health
EV‑Focused Inspection
Digital, Nationwide Experience
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2022 Rivian R1S Used FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Used 2022 Rivian R1S
Is a Used 2022 Rivian R1S Right for You?
The 2022 Rivian R1S is not the sensible choice. It is, however, the compelling one: a first‑wave electric adventure SUV that delivers on the promise of silent speed, real utility and a sense of occasion every time you walk up to it. As a used 2022 Rivian R1S, it can be a smart way to buy into that experience, at a healthy discount, if you’re deliberate about which truck you choose.
If you want an appliance, there are quieter ways to spend this kind of money. If you want an EV that can carry the family, disappear into the woods and still feel like the future, the right 2022 R1S is worth the hunt. Just make sure you have clear answers on battery health, recalls and service, and if you’d like expert help with that, Recharged is built to walk you through it, from the first listing you click to the day a very tall, very quick electric SUV shows up in your driveway.
