Many car buyers are often overwhelmed by the increasing reliance on touchscreens in modern vehicles Like Rivian R1S Interior. This shift to larger, more complex screens typically means fewer physical buttons and can result in over-complicating once-simple functions. For someone used to a 12-year-old car—about the average vehicle age on U.S. roads—the idea of replacing a basic volume knob with a sophisticated touchscreen can seem unnecessary.
It’s understandable. There’s often hesitation when asked to use a screen to control something as simple as air vents. However, there are cases where a screen-dominated interior can be impressive, especially when designed with user-friendliness in mind. One automaker that has excelled in this area is Rivian, the California-based brand behind the R1S SUV.
Rivian’s approach to interior tech has been crafted thoughtfully, with only a handful of physical buttons while a large digital command system manages almost everything else. After spending 10 days with a 2025 Rivian R1S, it was clear that the driving experience is greatly enhanced by Rivian’s digital system, something not typically associated with automotive software.
Intuitive Infotainment in the Rivian R1S
The 2025 Rivian R1S comes with a large, centrally placed 15-inch touchscreen, which fits seamlessly within the Rivian R1S interior. This screen handles nearly every function of the vehicle aside from the throttle, brakes, and steering. Behind the steering wheel sits another 12-inch screen, providing key information such as speed, range, and battery status, making the driver’s experience easier.
What sets Rivian apart is its focus on simplifying the system without compromising functionality. While most traditional automakers rely on multiple computers for different functions, Rivian has streamlined its electrical system to run on fewer, more powerful computers, all of which are developed in-house. This streamlined approach translates into a more cohesive and smoother user experience.
Infotainment Screen Sizes (inches)
| Vehicle Model | Infotainment Screen Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Rivian R1S | 15 |
| Tesla Model X | 17 |
| Lucid Air | 34 (divided into 3 panels) |
This chart highlights the difference in screen sizes between the three vehicles, showcasing how Rivian’s screen compares in size with other top competitors.
A Closer Look at Rivian’s Interface
The Rivian R1S interior boasts an interface that not only looks sleek but is highly intuitive. Designed to mimic the simplicity of popular tech products like Apple devices, the system’s responsiveness and graphical quality set it apart from other vehicles on the market. Every tap, swipe, or pinch on the screen is met with smooth feedback, enhancing the user experience.
One feature that stands out is the vehicle settings menu. Each driving mode is accompanied by visually appealing, animated backgrounds. Whether you’re switching to snow mode or camp mode, the attention to detail in these graphics provides both functionality and fun. The interface offers an overall clean and simple layout, with key functions placed around the screen’s perimeter for easy access.
For instance, the climate controls are conveniently located at the bottom corners, allowing you to adjust settings like temperature and seat heating without going deep into complex submenus. Although some might miss physical buttons, Rivian compensates with clever design elements that maintain ease of use.
Driver Display Data Distribution
| Information Type | Percentage of Display Space (%) |
|---|---|
| Speed and Range | 40 |
| Battery and Energy Efficiency | 30 |
| Navigation and Turn-By-Turn | 20 |
| Cruise Control Settings | 10 |
This chart shows how information is divided on the Rivian R1S driver screen, indicating the emphasis placed on speed, battery information, and navigation.
Driver Display: A Handy Addition
In addition to the central screen, the driver’s display offers its own benefits. The display is less complex but highly functional, providing real-time visuals of your surroundings, blind spots, and critical vehicle data. The driver can quickly toggle between energy efficiency data, tire pressure information, and turn-by-turn directions, all while maintaining focus on the road.
A unique touch is the live camera feed that pops up when using the turn signals, showing blind spots to further enhance safety. This feature should be more common in the industry, as it can make a significant difference during everyday driving situations.
Why Apple CarPlay Isn’t Missed
Rivian has made the decision to exclude Apple CarPlay, favoring its in-house software. While this might seem like a drawback to some, the navigation and music apps built into the system are more than capable of delivering a seamless experience. The navigation app has a simple, Google Maps-like design and can provide essential information like charging station locations and route energy estimates, making it particularly suited for EV drivers.
For entertainment, popular apps like Spotify and Apple Music are integrated smoothly. Rivian charges a monthly fee for accessing some services, but for many, the cost is worth it for the convenience of the system.
Rivian System vs. Apple CarPlay
| Feature | Rivian System | Apple CarPlay |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| App Integration | Limited | Extensive |
| Customizability | High | Medium |
| EV Charging Information | Yes | No |
| Subscription Cost ($/month) | $14.99 | None |
This comparison chart between Rivian’s in-house system and Apple CarPlay gives readers an easy-to-understand analysis of the pros and cons of each system.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Rivian R1S interior isn’t without its limitations. Some features, like the screen-operated air vents and multiple-step climate control adjustments, might frustrate drivers who prefer more straightforward controls. While Rivian’s voice assistant, Alexa, generally performs well for tasks like route planning, it does occasionally struggle with simpler commands such as seat heating.
Conclusion: The Future of In-Car Tech
Rivian’s R1S exemplifies how the future of car interiors can blend technology with ease of use. Though the reliance on touchscreens may not appeal to everyone, Rivian’s well-executed system demonstrates how tech can enhance, rather than complicate, the driving experience. For those looking for a tech-forward vehicle with an emphasis on user experience, the Rivian R1S interior is a promising option.