Would You Trust an Electric Truck in the Backcountry? These Drivers Did

Yeah, yeah, you like engine noises.

Me too.

But the electric vehicles are coming. The Rivian’s got some pretty good features and doesn’t look like it was designed by a kitchen appliance company (lookin’ at you Cybertruck, you ugly bastard).

Now, if you’ve been eyeing the Rivian as your next off-road adventure vehicle, you’re not alone. This electric powerhouse has been turning heads in the 4x community with its interesting capabilities.

They aren’t just for weenies anymore.

From rock crawling in Moab to snow wheeling in Oregon, the Rivian is proving itself as a legit contender in the off-road world.

Quad-Motor Magic: The Heart of Rivian’s Off-Road Prowess

The most revolutionary aspect of the Rivian’s off-road capability comes from its quad-motor setup. Unlike trad 4x4s that rely on mechanical differentials and transfer cases, the Rivian features independent motors at each wheel, delivering precise power exactly where it’s needed.

(Disclaimer: not all Rivians have the quad motor)

“Electric motors can adjust traction control every millisecond, so in theory a vehicle with a motor for each wheel should be able to give the best possible traction,” notes one trail enthusiast. This system allows for incredible wheel control that traditional vehicles simply can’t match.

Each motor pumps out approximately 200 horsepower (this is not a typo. I would tell my 22RE to suck it if I didn’t love it so much), giving the Rivian instant torque delivery that’s perfect for technical climbing. When one wheel loses traction, the system doesn’t divert power away from the others — instead, each wheel receives exactly the power it needs independently.

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Gets a little tippy

This isn’t exactly new - independent motors at each wheel is common on lots of heavy equipment, like mining trucks.

Ground Clearance and Suspension That Impresses

The Rivian comes equipped with an adjustable air suspension system that can provide up to 15 inches of ground clearance in its highest setting — way more than almost any stock 4x4s on the market. This impressive clearance, combined with the flat, armored underbody, means there’s very little underneath to get hung up on obstacles.

“Put the air shocks at max height and it’s got good stock clearance due to nothing under to get hung up,” explains one Rivian owner who regularly takes his truck off-road.

The suspension articulation might not match a purpose - built rock crawler with disconnected sway bars, but for a stock vehicle, it performs just fine across various terrains. The ability to level the truck at camp is another handy feature that traditional 4x4s don’t offer without aftermarket modifications.

Like, my wife finally won’t complain about me sliding onto here when we camp in the bed!

Tire Options and Airing Down

Rivian offers several wheel and tire packages, including the 20-inch all-terrain option that comes with 34-inch tires - a solid size for off-road use straight from the factory. Many owners report airing down to around 20-25 PSI for technical trails, though the vehicle’s considerable weight means you shouldn’t go too low.

“Usually I run 25 PSI. Sometimes down to 20 for the sharper rocks trail,” shares one Rivian owner. The factory all-terrain tires provide decent traction, though some owners are looking forward to more aggressive aftermarket options as they become available.

Even on the standard street tires, the Rivian has shown surprising capability. In one comparison video, a Rivian on street tires successfully navigated technical terrain that would challenge purpose-built off-roaders.

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Increasing the ground clearance! Running a 7/10 Trail Gets High-Centered!

A couple tire problems:

First, there are limited tire options, especially for the 21" wheels.

Second, you can’t just go crazy trying to lift this thing and stick different tire sizes on it - there are cameras and sensors that detect that stuff for the traction control, so making small changes would screw up the software.

It sure ain’t no carbed Blazer from 1978.

But look, if you can use the stock 34s with the 15" of adjustability and locker-like traction control, you’re going to get pretty far down the trail.

Off-Road Specific Features and Driving Modes

The Rivian comes equipped with several drive modes specifically designed for off-road use, including Rock Crawl mode and Sand mode. These adjust the power delivery, suspension, and traction control settings to optimize performance for different terrain types.

It also features a useful surround-view camera system that provides visibility of obstacles from multiple angles — a big advantage when navigating technical sections without a spotter. “This actually lets you at any speed do this… and you can actually see it’s good enough definition that you can see what’s happening,” explains one impressed driver.

For water crossings, the Rivian boasts a fording depth of over 40 inches, which exceeds the capabilities of many traditional off-roaders. The sealed battery and electrical systems make water crossings less nerve-wracking than they might be in a combustion vehicle.

Range and Battery Management for Overlanding

Perhaps the biggest question for potential Rivian off-roaders is range. How far can you really go, and will you get stranded? The evidence from real-world use is helpful.

In one documented trip, a Rivian owner covered over 1,000 miles including significant off-road sections, managing charging stops along the way without issue. The vehicle used approximately 10% battery for 12 miles of technical off-road driving — maybe more efficient than you might expect?

Some people get literal gallons per mile on some trail sections, so this might be a little better than that.

“Haven’t charged since Friday in Trucky, so it’s been 2 days, and could easily reverse the route that we just did and still have enough battery. Really, really impressed with how the Rivian did,” reported one owner after a weekend trip with Jeep-driving companions.

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Rocky Creekbed Crossing Rocky Trail Undercarriage Clearance

The Rivian’s regenerative braking system actually helps recover some charge when descending hills — something traditional vehicles can’t do. One owner noted gaining 1% battery on a long downhill section after a challenging climb.

But practically, yeah:

Your buddy isn’t going to roll up with a can of electricity when you run out.

This is probably one of the biggest downsides of taking an electric far off the beaten path.

Winter Performance and Snow Wheeling

Cold weather traditionally impacts EV range, but the Rivian has proven capable in winter conditions as well. In snow wheeling scenarios, the instant torque and precise control offered by the quad-motor system provide excellent traction.

During a snow wheeling expedition in Oregon, a Rivian kept pace with modified Jeeps and Broncos, impressing even traditional off-roaders. “The Rivian did better than expected; it would be interesting to see it with a more aggressive set of tires,” noted one observer.

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Slippery Snow Rivian Stuck

Real-World Overlanding Experiences

Rivian owners are increasingly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electric overlanding. With careful planning around charging infrastructure, many are completing multi-day trips that combine highway driving with technical off-road sections.

The gear tunnel and frunk provide unique storage options not available in traditional trucks, while the built-in air compressor makes airing up tires after trail runs convenient. Some owners are even using the vehicle’s HVAC system with aftermarket ducting to heat or cool their rooftop tents.

“All I can say is I’ve gotten about 220-230 miles at 70-75 mph from a full charge to running on ‘fumes’. 1.35-1.85 mi/kwh,” reports one Rivian owner with a rooftop tent installed.

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Tire spins backward on descent Good departure angle Short ledges Traction control

The Verdict: Is a Rivian in Your Off-Road Future?

This thing is different than what we’re used to.

The Rivian isn’t just going to keep up with traditional 4x4s, it’s probably going to set new standards for what can come out of a factory. Its combination of ground clearance, instant torque, precise wheel control, and thoughtful features make it a compelling option for the tech-savvy adventurer.

There are legit concerns about charging infrastructure in remote areas and the higher cost of repairs compared to simpler vehicles, but the Rivian’s capabilities can’t be denied. As one converted skeptic put it, “I think electric vehicles are stupid, but that was actually pretty cool!”

Whether you’re ready to make the leap to electric off-roading or still watching from the sidelines, the Rivian has proven that EVs can do more than just commute—they can conquer trails with the best of them. As charging infrastructure continues to expand and the technology matures, we’ll likely see more of these silent crawlers tackling terrain that was once the exclusive domain of rumbling V8s and diesel engines.

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Rocky Trail

So, will you be running a Rivian off-road in your future? The evidence suggests it’s worth serious consideration for your next adventure rig