The 2022 Rivian R1T was the first modern electric pickup to actually reach customers, and it still feels futuristic today. If you’re considering a used 2022 R1T, you’re probably wondering about real-world range, towing ability, reliability and how it stacks up against newer Rivians and rivals. This review focuses on what the 2022 R1T is really like to live with in 2026, and what you should look for before you buy one used.
Who this review is for
2022 Rivian R1T overview
Key 2022 Rivian R1T specs at a glance
The 2022 R1T launched with a quad‑motor electric powertrain (one motor at each wheel), an air suspension with up to around 14 inches of ground clearance, and a battery pack Rivian calls the Large Pack. Later model years added dual‑motor and Max Pack options, but for 2022 U.S. buyers the quad‑motor Large Pack configuration is what you’ll see almost exclusively on the used market.
Think of the 2022 R1T as a blend of luxury SUV, off‑road toy and work truck. It seats five, has a short bed with clever storage (including the pass‑through gear tunnel), and offers more straight‑line performance than nearly any gas pickup. Where it differs from traditional trucks is in range under heavy loads, charging time on road trips, and the fact that Rivian is still a young automaker, so reliability and support are evolving.
Used‑market sweet spot
Powertrain, performance and driving feel
How the 2022 R1T puts power down
Quad‑motor traction is the star of the show
Quad‑motor AWD
Four motors, one per wheel, give the 2022 R1T incredibly precise torque control. It can vector power side‑to‑side to help it rotate in corners and claw through loose surfaces in a way conventional 4x4s simply can’t match.
Drive modes
The R1T offers multiple drive modes, Conserve, Sport, Off‑Road, Towing and more, that change ride height, damping, steering weight and power delivery. In the real world it feels like several different vehicles in one.
On pavement, the 2022 R1T feels more like a premium SUV than a work truck. The battery mounted low in the chassis keeps the center of gravity down, so body roll is well‑controlled. In Sport mode, acceleration is brutally quick, Car and Driver clocked early quad‑motor trucks around 3 seconds 0–60 mph, and that still feels shocking in a crew‑cab pickup.
Off‑road, the adjustable air suspension and quad‑motor setup let the R1T do things that would require lockers and low‑range gears in a gas truck. Ground clearance can be raised to roughly 14 inches, and the truck can automatically adjust suspension firmness as surfaces change. The main limitation is range: pushing hard off‑road, especially on 20‑inch all‑terrain tires, will use energy quickly, so you have to plan your trails with charging in mind.
Ride quality note
Range, battery packs and real-world efficiency
Rivian has reworked its battery lineup since 2022, which can make older trucks confusing. First‑generation R1T models like the 2022 used a roughly 131 kWh “Large Pack” as the default battery, with EPA estimates around 328 miles for a quad‑motor truck on efficient wheels. That’s strong for an electric pickup, but wheel choice, tire type, weather and speed all have a big impact.
Approximate 2022 R1T quad‑motor Large Pack range
Actual range varies with speed, temperature, elevation and payload, but this gives you a realistic ballpark for used‑truck shopping.
| Configuration | EPA estimate* | Realistic highway (~70 mph) | Heavily loaded or towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21" street tires | ~328 miles | 230–280 miles | 120–160 miles (light trailer) |
| 20" all‑terrain tires | Low 300s | 200–250 miles | 100–140 miles |
| Cold weather (any wheels) | EPA minus ~15–25% | 180–230 miles | Can dip below 100 miles with large trailer |
Numbers are rounded; always check the window sticker or Monroney scan for the exact EPA figure of a specific truck.
Cold‑weather reality
For daily driving, a 2022 R1T with the Large Pack offers plenty of range for most owners. Where you need to pay attention is high‑speed highway trips and sustained towing. At 70–75 mph, especially on all‑terrain tires, you should plan around 220–250 miles between fast charges in good conditions. Hook up a big trailer and that usable window can drop into the low hundreds.
How to sanity‑check range on a used R1T
Towing, hauling and real truck utility
Every 2022 Rivian R1T is rated to tow up to 11,000 pounds with a tongue weight of 1,100 pounds, and payload is around 1,700 pounds depending on configuration. In other words, it can absolutely do real truck work. The hitch is integrated neatly behind a removable panel, and the built‑in trailer brake controller is easy to use through the central touchscreen.
Towing with an electric truck
- Range falls quickly: Car and Driver saw range drop to about 110 miles at 70 mph towing a roughly 6,100‑lb camper with an R1T. That’s typical for EVs, plan on around half your solo‑driving range when pulling a big boxy trailer.
- Great control: Instant torque and regenerative braking make the R1T very composed when towing in traffic or on grades.
- Charging adds complexity: You’ll often want to drop the trailer to fast‑charge easily, depending on station layout.
Everyday utility
- Short but useful bed: The 4.5‑foot bed is shorter than full‑size pickups but fine for bikes, home‑improvement runs, and overlanding setups.
- Gear tunnel: The pass‑through storage behind the cab is uniquely useful for long items or dirty gear.
- On‑board outlets: 120‑volt outlets in the bed and frunk can power tools or camping gear.
If you tow often…
Charging experience at home and on the road
The 2022 Rivian R1T uses the CCS fast‑charging standard, not Tesla’s NACS connector, but adapters and network changes are evolving quickly. Rivian advertises DC fast‑charging rates up to around 200 kW on compatible chargers, though in the real world you should expect the usual variability based on station health, temperature and state of charge.
What charging an R1T really looks like
From daily top‑offs to road‑trip planning
Home Level 2
With a 40–48 amp Level 2 charger at 240 volts, most owners can add 25–30 miles of range per hour. Overnight charging easily covers a typical commute.
DC fast charging
On a healthy 150–350 kW station, plan roughly 30–45 minutes to go from a low state of charge back to 70–80% on a road trip.
Network access
R1T owners primarily use CCS networks such as Electrify America, EVgo, and others. Over‑the‑air updates have steadily improved charging compatibility.
Plan your charging like fuel stops
Home charging is where the 2022 R1T really shines. If you can install a Level 2 charger, you’ll wake up with a “full tank” most mornings, and public fast charging becomes something you mainly use on road trips. If you’re an apartment dweller relying solely on public charging, you’ll want to be sure you have access to convenient DC fast chargers or at least several reliable Level 2 options nearby.
Interior, tech and day-to-day comfort
Inside, the 2022 R1T feels more like a Scandinavian lounge than a work truck. Materials are modern and generally high‑quality, with real wood accents and clean design. The 15.6‑inch central touchscreen handles nearly all vehicle functions, while a second display serves as the gauge cluster. The result is high‑tech and visually striking, but it also means basic adjustments, like mirror settings or climate, rely on software.
- Spacious front row with supportive seats and a commanding view.
- Rear seat room that’s comfortable for adults, though not quite as cavernous as a full‑size crew‑cab pickup.
- Plenty of small‑item storage, plus the large front trunk (frunk) for luggage or groceries.
- Premium audio system that most owners praise for clarity and power.
- Over‑the‑air software updates that continually refine interface, driver‑assist features and efficiency.
Infotainment and software quirks
Reliability, recalls and ownership costs
Rivian is still a young automaker, and the 2022 R1T was among its very first customer vehicles. Not surprisingly, early trucks have seen more than a few recalls and service campaigns, ranging from minor hardware fixes to suspension and airbag‑trim concerns. Several multi‑year recalls affecting 2022–2024 R1T and R1S models have targeted items like air‑bag pillar trim and rear suspension toe‑link service procedures, along with broader safety‑belt and driver‑assist‑software campaigns.
On the plus side, Rivian has generally been proactive, using over‑the‑air software updates when possible and covering hardware fixes at no cost. On the downside, service centers are still limited in many regions, so you may be relying on mobile technicians or traveling farther than you would for a Ford or Chevy dealer.
Reliability and service checklist for shoppers
1. Verify recall completion
Use the VIN on the Rivian site and NHTSA database to confirm that all open recalls, especially suspension, air‑bag trim and seat‑belt campaigns, have been completed.
2. Ask about software update history
A well‑maintained 2022 R1T should be running current software. Ask the seller for screenshots of the software version or service invoices showing recent updates.
3. Inspect for noises and leaks
On a test drive, listen for squeaks, rattles or wind leaks from the doors and glass, and inspect seals around the panoramic roof and windows.
4. Check charging behavior
Plug into a Level 2 and, if possible, a DC fast charger to confirm stable charging without repeated fault codes or dropped sessions.
5. Review service records
Because Rivian tracks everything digitally, ask the seller to export or show service history from the Rivian app. Look for repeated fixes in the same area.
Running costs vs. gas trucks
Buying a used 2022 Rivian R1T: what to look for
By 2026, a 2022 R1T is a three‑ to four‑year‑old truck, which is exactly the age when traditional pickups start to get interesting on the used market. With an EV, you add battery health, software support and charging hardware to the usual used‑truck checklist. This is where buying from an EV‑focused retailer like Recharged can save you a lot of guesswork.
Used 2022 R1T shopping priorities
Focus on battery health, configuration and history
Battery and range health
Check displayed range at 100% charge and compare to the original EPA figure for that configuration. A professional battery‑health report, like the Recharged Score, uses direct diagnostics instead of guesswork so you know how the pack has aged.
Configuration & options
Most 2022 trucks are quad‑motor Large Pack, but wheel/tire choices, interior packages and driver‑assist options vary. Confirm you’re getting the spec you think you are by asking for the original window sticker or build sheet.
Step‑by‑step used‑R1T evaluation
1. Confirm charging equipment
Make sure the truck comes with its portable EVSE and any purchased wall‑box documentation. Replacing lost equipment isn’t cheap.
2. Examine tires and wheels
Aggressive all‑terrain tires look great but reduce range and can be expensive to replace. Check for uneven wear that might hint at alignment or suspension issues.
3. Test all doors and the gear tunnel
Open and close every door, the frunk, tailgate and gear tunnel doors. Listen for binding or misalignment and check that powered latches operate smoothly.
4. Run every feature you care about
Heated and ventilated seats, steering‑wheel heat, cameras, parking sensors, phone key, USB ports and Bluetooth should all work as expected.
5. Consider warranty coverage
Rivian’s battery and drive unit warranty is longer than the basic bumper‑to‑bumper coverage. Ask the seller for in‑service date so you know how much factory warranty remains.
6. Get a professional EV inspection
A shop or marketplace that specializes in EVs, like Recharged, can scan for hidden fault codes, evaluate battery health and document cosmetic issues before you commit.
How Recharged can help
2022 Rivian R1T pros and cons
What the 2022 R1T does exceptionally well
- Stunning performance: Quad‑motor acceleration and traction are still ahead of many newer EVs.
- True off‑road capability: Adjustable air suspension and precise torque vectoring make it trail‑ready from the factory.
- Innovative packaging: Gear tunnel, frunk and clever storage turn it into a fantastic adventure vehicle.
- High‑quality interior: Comfortable, modern and more premium than most gas trucks.
- Low running costs: Electricity and maintenance are generally much cheaper than fuel and service for a comparable gas pickup.
Where you’ll notice trade‑offs
- Range while towing: Heavy trailers and high speeds can cut usable range by half.
- Limited service network: Depending on where you live, Rivian service centers and body shops may be far away.
- Early‑build quirks: As a first‑model‑year vehicle, the 2022 R1T has seen more recalls and software bugs than mature trucks.
- Shorter bed than full‑size trucks: Great for most owners but not ideal if you regularly haul long building materials.
- Depreciation risk: Rivian continues to update specs and pricing, which can affect used values over time.
2022 Rivian R1T FAQ
Common questions about the 2022 Rivian R1T
Is the 2022 Rivian R1T right for you?
If you want a truck that can blast to highway speeds like a sports car, tackle trails like a lifted SUV and quietly haul your family in comfort, the 2022 Rivian R1T remains one of the most compelling choices on the road. It’s not the right tool if you’re towing heavy loads coast‑to‑coast every month, but for adventure travel, commuting, home projects and weekend camping trips, it feels more like a glimpse of the future than a three‑year‑old pickup.
As with any first‑generation vehicle, doing your homework matters. Focus on battery health, software stability, recall completion and service history, and lean on experts who live and breathe EVs. At Recharged, that means pairing every used EV with a detailed Recharged Score Report, transparent pricing, financing help and nationwide delivery. If a 2022 R1T fits your lifestyle and you buy thoughtfully, it can be a standout electric truck that still turns heads, and tackles just about anything you point it at.
