If you’re cross‑shopping the Rivian R1S vs Volvo EX90 and wondering which is better, you’re not alone. Both are three‑row, all‑electric SUVs aimed at families who want space, comfort, and cutting‑edge tech, just with very different personalities. One leans rugged and adventurous; the other is a Scandinavian safety bunker with a plug.
Two EVs, Two Philosophies
Rivian R1S vs Volvo EX90: Quick Overview
Headline Specs: R1S vs EX90 (2025 US Market)
On paper, the Rivian R1S is the brawnier SUV with more power, more off‑road capability, and higher towing capacity. The Volvo EX90 counters with a calmer ride, a more traditional luxury interior, and Volvo’s signature focus on safety and driver assistance. If you see your EV as an adventure rig, the R1S is likely the better fit. If you want a quiet, premium family hauler with world‑class safety tech, the EX90 makes a strong case.
Key Differences at a Glance
Rivian R1S vs Volvo EX90: Core Specs Comparison
Approximate 2025 U.S.‑market specs. Exact numbers vary by trim, wheels, and options.
| Category | Rivian R1S (2025) | Volvo EX90 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 3‑row SUV, standard AWD | 3‑row SUV, standard AWD |
| Power | ~533–850 hp depending on motor/battery | ~402–510 hp (Twin Motor & Performance) |
| 0–60 mph | ~2.8–4.5 seconds (trim‑dependent) | ~4.7–5.7 seconds (estimate by trim) |
| EPA Range | ~260–410 miles, configuration‑dependent | Roughly ~300–350 miles, configuration‑dependent |
| Battery | Multiple packs; up to ~140 kWh usable | Approx. 111 kWh usable (large pack) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 7,700 lbs | Typically lower (around 4,000–5,000 lbs expected) |
| Off‑Road Hardware | Air suspension, multiple off‑road modes, serious ground clearance | On‑road focused; moderate ground clearance |
| Interior Vibe | Adventure / outdoorsy, durable materials | Calm, minimalist luxury, high‑end audio options |
| Driver Assist | Rivian Driver+ (hands‑on assist) | Volvo Pilot Assist with LiDAR‑based hardware for advanced automation |
| Charging Peak | ~200–220 kW DC fast charging | Up to ~250 kW DC fast charging on 800V architecture |
Always confirm final specs on the specific vehicle you’re considering, especially with early‑production EVs.
Spec Sheets vs Reality
Performance, Ride, and Driving Feel
Rivian R1S: Hot‑Hatch Speed in a 3‑Row SUV
The R1S is one of the quickest three‑row SUVs you can buy, gas or electric. Higher‑end tri‑ and quad‑motor trims can rip from 0–60 mph in under 3 seconds, while even the dual‑motor versions feel strong merging or passing.
- Pros: Explosive acceleration, instant torque, confident AWD traction.
- Personality: Feels like an adventure truck and a performance SUV had a baby.
Volvo EX90: Smooth, Secure, and Composed
The EX90 isn’t slow, especially in Twin Motor Performance form, but Volvo clearly tunes it for quiet, controlled progress rather than party‑trick launches. It feels more like a refined XC90 replacement than a desert‑runner.
- Pros: Calm ride, linear power delivery, predictable handling.
- Personality: A modern luxury family SUV that just happens to be electric.
Who Wins on Performance?
Range, Charging, and Road-Trip Readiness
Both SUVs offer enough range for typical commuting and weekend trips, but there are meaningful differences if you tow, drive long distances, or live in cold climates.
Range & Charging: How They Stack Up
Ballpark 2025 U.S. configurations; always check the exact trim you’re considering.
Rivian R1S Range
The R1S offers multiple battery packs. In 2025, real‑world EPA estimates vary roughly from the high‑200‑mile range for the Standard pack up to around 400+ miles for Max‑pack dual‑motor trims in ideal configurations.
Wheel size, tires, and drive modes have a big impact, especially on off‑road‑oriented setups.
Volvo EX90 Range
The EX90 uses a large battery and an efficient dual‑motor layout. Volvo’s EPA‑style targets land in the roughly 300–350‑mile range depending on wheels and trim.
It’s positioned as a capable long‑distance family cruiser more than a hardcore tow rig.
Charging Experience
Both support DC fast charging in the ~200–250 kW neighborhood under ideal conditions. In practice, plan for 20–40 minutes at a fast charger to go from a low state of charge back into a comfortable buffer.
Neither SUV currently uses Tesla’s NACS inlet from the factory in the U.S., so you’ll live primarily on CCS fast‑charging networks.
Important for Towing and Road Trips
Space, Practicality, and Towing
On sheer volume and versatility, the Rivian R1S has the edge. It rides on a truck‑like skateboard with serious ground clearance, a large frunk, and a more squared‑off cargo area. The EX90 trades some cargo capacity for a more traditionally luxurious cabin and slightly roomier feeling seating areas.
Practicality and Towing: R1S vs EX90
Approximate values; actual numbers vary by trim and equipment.
| Category | Rivian R1S | Volvo EX90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Standard 3‑row (up to 7) | Standard 3‑row (up to 7) |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | Tight but usable; plus frunk for extra gear | Similar story, best for kids’ luggage and groceries |
| Max Cargo (rows folded) | Over ~100 cu ft in total usable space | Less total volume than R1S |
| Frunk | Yes, generous | Yes, smaller than R1S |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped | Lower, generally in ~4,000–5,000 lb range |
| Ground Clearance | Very high with air suspension; off‑road modes | More modest; aimed at pavement and light gravel |
Always confirm towing capacity and payload on the driver‑side door jamb of any specific vehicle you’re considering.
Who Wins on Practicality?
Technology, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance
Rivian R1S Tech
The R1S runs a custom infotainment system with a horizontal central touchscreen and a separate driver display. It leans heavily on cloud updates and over‑the‑air feature additions.
- Pros: Adventure‑themed UI, lots of drive modes, strong integration with Rivian’s app.
- Cons: Owners often report occasional lag or quirks as Rivian iterates the software.
- Driver Assistance: Rivian Driver+ offers hands‑on lane centering and adaptive cruise on mapped roads.
Volvo EX90 Tech
The EX90 runs Android Automotive with a large vertical touchscreen and Google built‑in (Maps, Assistant, Play), plus a minimalist driver display. It aims for simplicity rather than flash.
- Pros: Mature Google mapping and voice control, clean interface, optional world‑class Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- Cons: Fewer off‑road‑style modes; more conservative UI.
- Driver Assistance: Hardware includes roof‑mounted LiDAR and a suite of radars and cameras, setting the stage for advanced assist levels as software matures.
Future-Proofing Your Tech
Safety, Build Quality, and Reliability Outlook
Both brands are still early in their EV‑SUV life cycles, so long‑term reliability data is limited. But their philosophies are clear, and different.
Safety & Build: Where They Differ
Neither SUV is a bare‑bones experiment, both are sophisticated, complex EVs.
Volvo EX90: Safety First
Volvo has built its entire modern brand around occupant and pedestrian safety. The EX90 continues that tradition with:
- Roof‑mounted LiDAR for advanced object detection.
- Redundant sensing hardware for future automated driving.
- Conservative tuning of driver‑assist features.
The vibe: a Scandinavian safety cocoon.
Rivian R1S: Rugged but Protective
Rivian designs the R1S as a go‑anywhere family adventure vehicle with robust crash structure, lots of airbags, and a strong focus on stability off‑road and while towing.
Early build‑quality feedback has improved as volumes rose, but minor trim or software niggles are more common than with long‑established luxury brands.
Crash Test Ratings May Lag
Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
MSRPs move quickly in today’s EV market, and both Rivian and Volvo adjust pricing, equipment, and destination fees frequently. That said, their general positioning is clear: the R1S and EX90 live in the same broad price neighborhood, with plenty of overlap once you factor in options and destination.
- New Rivian R1S: Typically priced as a premium EV SUV, with higher trims (Max pack, tri‑/quad‑motor) reaching well into six‑figure territory once you add options.
- New Volvo EX90: Similarly positioned as a flagship luxury SUV; you’ll often see window stickers that overlap mid‑ and high‑trim R1S pricing, especially with advanced audio and safety packages.
- Used Market: Early R1S builds are already appearing on the used market, sometimes at meaningful discounts vs. new. The EX90 is just reaching U.S. buyers in volume, so used inventory is still limited but will grow.
Don’t Forget Insurance and Depreciation
Rivian R1S vs Volvo EX90: Which Is Better for You?
There’s no universal winner between the Rivian R1S and Volvo EX90, only a better fit for your lifestyle and risk tolerance. Here’s a simple way to think about it.
Choose Your Side: R1S vs EX90
Pick the Rivian R1S if…
You want serious performance and adventure capability: high towing capacity, big ground clearance, and the option to tackle trails or snow with confidence. You’re okay living with a younger brand that iterates fast, including the occasional software quirk, in exchange for over‑the‑air innovation and a more outdoorsy personality.
Pick the Volvo EX90 if…
You prioritize safety, serenity, and a polished luxury experience over maximum power. You prefer a more established dealer and service network, a minimalist Scandinavian interior, and advanced driver‑assist hardware designed for long‑term peace of mind.
You’re Range- and Cost-Sensitive…
Either SUV can work, but maximizing value may mean <strong>shopping used</strong>. A gently used R1S can undercut a new EX90 while still offering long range and strong performance. As EX90s filter into the used market, they’ll become compelling for safety‑minded families looking to avoid new‑car pricing.
You’re Not Sure Yet…
Drive both, ideally back‑to‑back, on the same route. Pay attention not just to acceleration but to how easy they are to park, how your family feels in the third row, and how confident you are with each brand’s tech interface and driver‑assist behavior.
How Recharged Can Help You Shop Smarter
If you’re leaning toward a Rivian R1S, or eventually a used Volvo EX90, buying used can dramatically improve the value equation. That’s exactly where Recharged comes in. We’re a retailer and marketplace built specifically for used EVs, with tools to make high‑voltage shopping a lot less intimidating.
Why Consider a Used EV Through Recharged?
Especially helpful when you’re comparing complex SUVs like the R1S and EX90.
Battery Health Transparency
Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health diagnostics, so you’re not guessing how much range you’ll actually have in year five.
Flexible Ways to Sell or Trade
Already driving an EV or gas SUV? Recharged offers instant offers, consignment, and trade‑in options, making it easier to move into an R1S, or, down the road, an EX90, without juggling multiple dealers.
EV-Savvy Support & Delivery
Our EV specialists help you compare trims, range, and charging options, then handle financing and nationwide delivery digitally. You can even visit our Experience Center in Richmond, VA if you prefer to see vehicles in person.
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse VehiclesBottom line: the Rivian R1S is better if you value performance, towing, and off‑road‑ready versatility. The Volvo EX90 is better if your priorities are safety, serenity, and a calm, minimalist luxury experience. If you’re ready to explore a used R1S, or want to be prepared when EX90s start hitting the used market in volume, Recharged can help you compare options side by side with clear battery health data and EV‑specific guidance from start to finish.
