The First Rivian R1T Lost 50% of Its Value in Just Three Years

The Rivian R1T made history when the first unit rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois, in September 2021, marking it as the first mass-produced electric pickup delivered to a US customer. Not long after, traditional and well-known competitors such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck entered the EV pickup market, each vying for attention.

The 2022 Launch Edition R1T arrived with every option checked and a starting price of $86,800, putting it firmly in the premium bracket. Fast forward three years, and savvy buyers can find used models at roughly half the original cost, often with substantial warranty coverage still in place. For anyone looking to jump into the EV truck world without paying full price, the R1T represents a compelling entry point.

The Rivian R1T made quite an impression when it first hit the media spotlight, thanks to its innovative all-electric drivetrain. The top-tier model uses four motors arranged in twin-axle pairs, allowing each wheel to be controlled independently. With 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque, this powerhouse can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while still offering a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. If that seems like overkill, there’s also a two-motor variant for those who prefer something a bit more modest.

Beyond performance, the R1T is practically minded. Its gear tunnel is perfect for stashing tools or sporting equipment, and the bed can even fit a motorcycle. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with a flat floor giving all five occupants ample space. Owner discussions on Reddit highlight how surprisingly nimble it feels in tight parking spaces, aided by excellent outward visibility and a 360-degree camera system. One small caution: the edges of the gear tunnel door can be sharp—some owners have nicked their knees or shins—but protective corner guards are available to prevent mishaps.

A big part of what makes the Rivian R1T feel so capable comes from its advanced suspension system. Some of the engineers behind it came from McLaren, and it shows: the R1T swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for electro-hydraulic ones, allowing the truck to adjust wheel articulation and body behavior on the fly—whether you’re carving corners or tackling off-road terrain.

The suspension is height-adjustable, with active dampers that can fine-tune themselves in milliseconds, delivering both plush and stiff settings depending on conditions. Even better, these systems can receive over-the-air software updates, improving performance over time. Pair that with the R1T’s low center of gravity and torque-vectoring capabilities from its four motors, and it’s easy to see why the Launch Edition is praised for its handling and off-road prowess.

Of course, all this sophistication comes with a price tag—nearly $90,000 for the top-spec model. But for buyers chasing an electric pickup that drives like nothing else on the market, it’s not hard to justify.

Before diving into a used Rivian R1T, it’s smart to get familiar with its warranty coverage. Typically, you’ll find 5 years or 60,000 miles of comprehensive coverage, 8 years with unlimited mileage for corrosion perforation, and 8 years or 175,000 miles covering the battery pack and drivetrain.

The 2022 Rivian R1T US warranty is transferable to new owners, but there’s a catch: prospective buyers should contact Rivian before purchasing to confirm that no previous owner’s actions have voided any part of the warranty. Later in this guide, we’ll dive into how warranty coverage might be affected and what to watch for when shopping used.

Let’s break down how the Rivian R1T warranty handles the battery pack, because it’s a key point for any EV buyer.

All batteries naturally lose some capacity over time—that’s just chemistry doing its thing. The warranty doesn’t cover normal, expected degradation, only cases where the loss is unusually high. For the R1T, that means if the battery drops 30% or more of its minimum usable capacity during the warranty period, Rivian steps in.

In that scenario, the automaker will replace the pack with one that has equal or better performance, and the new pack will remain covered for the rest of the original battery warranty period. Essentially, you’re protected against abnormal battery decline, but not the gradual wear that happens to every EV battery.

Here’s the lowdown on what Rivian’s warranty doesn’t cover for the R1T, so you know what to watch out for:

• Damage from neglecting regular maintenance or service.

• Damage caused by non-approved parts or accessories.

• Damage from storing the truck at extremely low temperatures (below -31°F) without it being plugged in.

Charging is another big one—inspect the charge port for scorching or damage, and check any included charging equipment. Using cheap or non-approved chargers can cause problems that aren’t covered by the warranty.

From discussions on Reddit and other forums, owner experiences with the 2022 R1T range from smooth and trouble-free to minor quirks that are usually fixed through routine servicing or software updates. Make sure to review all available service records for the truck you’re considering. Seeing past warranty repairs isn’t necessarily a red flag—it often just means the vehicle has been properly maintained.

Interestingly, many early adopters claim that first-generation 2022 R1Ts feel better built than the 2024 and later units, which makes these original trucks particularly appealing to used EV shoppers.

Here’s a quick snapshot of expected depreciation for popular electric pickups:

• Ford F-150 Lightning – Roughly 56% depreciation over five years, according to CarEdge.com.

• GMC Sierra EV – Estimated to drop about 40% in the same period.

• Tesla Cybertruck – Topspeed.com suggests it could lose 35% or more in just one year, with CarEdge projecting 46% depreciation over five years.

Keep in mind, these are estimates, not guarantees. Real-world results will depend on mileage, condition, market demand, and how the EV market evolves. If resale value is a priority, these numbers can help guide your decision before committing to a purchase.

Here’s a look at the depreciation of the 2022 Rivian R1T Quad Motor:

• Original MSRP: Nearly $70,000

• Current market value: Just under $44,000

• Depreciation: About 37% in three years

For the Launch Edition, Autotempest.com shows that the lowest-priced units are around $40,000, typically with 40,000–75,000 miles on the odometer. These trucks still carry roughly six years and 100,000+ miles of battery and driveline warranty, meaning buyers retain significant coverage even after depreciation.

In terms of resale value, this 50% drop from the original price aligns closely with what’s seen in the Hummer EV pickup, according to KBB.com. For potential buyers, it highlights that early Rivian models are still a relatively affordable entry into the EV pickup market, despite losing a large chunk of their initial MSRP.

While precise comparisons between EV pickups are tricky due to limited long-term sales data, the Rivian R1T clearly illustrates a broader trend: early EVs can experience steep depreciation, yet they often offer an enticing value proposition. With its current price point and remaining warranty coverage, the R1T presents a rare chance to own a high-performance electric truck without paying full MSRP.