The 2025 Rivian R1T and R1S are all-electric powerhouses, redefining towing with impressive capacities and cutting-edge tech. Designed for adventure, these vehicles combine massive power with eco-friendly performance. Here are seven reasons the Rivian lineup excels at towing, making them top picks for outdoor enthusiasts and heavy-duty haulers.
1. Exceptional Towing Capacity
The 2025 Rivian R1T tows up to 11,000 pounds with Dual-Motor or Tri-Motor AWD and Max battery pack, outpacing the Ford F-150 Lightning (10,000 pounds) and matching the Tesla Cybertruck. The R1S tows a consistent 7,700 pounds across all configurations, surpassing the GMC Hummer EV SUV (7,500 pounds). A weight-distributing hitch is required for these limits; without it, both drop to 5,000 pounds.
This capacity makes the R1T ideal for large trailers or boats, while the R1S handles campers or jet skis with ease. Both vehicles’ robust electric platforms ensure stability, making them reliable for demanding towing tasks on highways or trails.
-
R1T Capacity: Up to 11,000 pounds (Dual/Tri-Motor, Max pack).
-
R1S Capacity: 7,700 pounds across all trims.
-
Competitor Edge: Outperforms F-150 Lightning and Hummer EV SUV.
-
Hitch Requirement: Weight-distributing hitch needed for max capacity.
2. Powerful Electric Powertrains
The R1T offers Dual-Motor (533-665 hp), Tri-Motor (850 hp), and Quad-Motor (1,025 hp) options, with torque up to 908 lb-ft. The R1S mirrors these, peaking at 1,050 hp in Quad-Motor form. This instant electric torque ensures effortless towing, even on steep grades.
The in-house Enduro motors (Dual-Motor) and Bosch-designed Quad-Motor systems deliver precise power to each wheel, enhancing traction. This makes towing smooth and responsive, whether on pavement or rugged terrain, with no lag compared to gas-powered trucks.
-
Power Options: Dual (533-665 hp), Tri (850 hp), Quad (1,025-1,050 hp).
-
Torque Strength: Up to 908 lb-ft (R1T), 1,050 lb-ft (R1S).
-
Motor Design: Enduro for Dual, Bosch for Quad/Tri.
-
Towing Ease: Instant torque for smooth pulls.
3. Advanced Towing Technology
Rivian’s Tow Mode optimizes power delivery and includes an integrated trailer brake controller, activated automatically when a trailer is connected. The Driver+ suite offers Highway Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, reducing fatigue on long tows. A rear-facing bed view camera (R1T) aids hitching.
The 2025 models feature 11 cameras and 5 radar sensors, with blind-spot cameras displaying in the instrument cluster. While towing range drops significantly (e.g., 110 miles at 70 mph with a 6,100-pound trailer), these tools enhance safety and ease.
-
Tow Mode: Optimizes power and brake control.
-
Driver+ Suite: Includes lane centering and adaptive cruise.
-
Camera System: 11 cameras, including blind-spot and bed views.
-
Range Impact: Towing reduces range by ~50%.
4. Off-Road Towing Prowess
The R1T and R1S excel in off-road towing with up to 15 inches of ground clearance via air suspension and 6.5 inches of height adjustment. The Ascend trim adds off-road modes like Rock Crawl and Soft Sand, while torque vectoring ensures grip on uneven terrain.
The R1T’s 14.9-inch clearance and R1S’s 15-inch clearance allow towing through rugged trails. The all-terrain package with 20-inch wheels boosts capability, making these EVs ideal for towing to remote campsites or worksites.
-
Ground Clearance: 14.9 inches (R1T), 15 inches (R1S).
-
Air Suspension: 6.5 inches of adjustable height.
-
Off-Road Modes: Rock Crawl, Soft Sand for tough terrains.
-
Torque Vectoring: Enhances traction for off-road towing.
5. Versatile Battery Options
The R1T and R1S offer three battery packs: Standard (92.5 kWh, 270 miles), Large (109.4 kWh), and Max (141.5 kWh, up to 420 miles R1T, 410 miles R1S). Towing a 7,000-pound trailer reduces range to about 137-144 miles, but the Max pack mitigates this for longer hauls.
The lithium-iron-phosphate Standard pack is lighter, while the Max pack maximizes towing range. Fast-charging at 220 kW adds 140 miles in 20 minutes, though towing requires strategic charging stops due to range loss.
-
Battery Packs: Standard (92.5 kWh), Large (109.4 kWh), Max (141.5 kWh).
-
Towing Range: ~137-144 miles with 7,000-pound load.
-
Fast Charging: 220 kW adds 140 miles in 20 minutes.
-
Range Strategy: Max pack recommended for towing.
6. Spacious Cargo and Passenger Capacity
The R1T’s 4.5-foot bed, gear tunnel (11.7 cubic feet), and frunk (11 cubic feet) provide 62 cubic feet of storage, perfect for gear alongside towing. The R1S offers 105 cubic feet with seats folded and seats seven, ideal for family towing trips.
Both models include crossbars for up to 250 pounds of roof-mounted gear, like kayaks or bikes. The R1T’s in-bed outlets and air compressor add utility, making these vehicles practical for work or adventure while towing.
-
R1T Storage: 62 cubic feet (bed, frunk, gear tunnel).
-
R1S Storage: 105 cubic feet, seats seven.
-
Roof Crossbars: Supports 250 pounds of gear.
-
Utility Features: In-bed outlets, air compressor (R1T).
7. Regenerative Braking and Efficiency
Rivian’s regenerative braking recaptures energy during towing, especially downhill, with tests showing up to 2% charge recovery. One-pedal driving simplifies control, bringing the vehicle to a stop smoothly. This system offsets range loss, though towing a 7,000-pound trailer cuts efficiency to 1.02-1.07 mi/kWh.
The 2025 models’ new electrical architecture reduces weight by 44 pounds, improving towing efficiency. The heat pump design enhances cabin warming, preserving battery life in cold conditions, critical for winter towing.
-
Regen Braking: Recovers up to 2% charge downhill.
-
One-Pedal Driving: Simplifies towing control.
-
Efficiency: 1.02-1.07 mi/kWh when towing 7,000 pounds.
-
Weight Savings: New architecture cuts 44 pounds.
Conclusion
The Rivian R1T and R1S redefine electric towing with robust capacities, advanced tech, and off-road prowess. Perfect for adventurers or workers, they deliver sustainable power without compromise. Count on STUCK for full-time towing support in Jacksonville, Tennessee, ready to respond whenever you call.