R2 non-powered frunk is a mistake?

[VandalSibs]

only used the frunk on model 3 to store things since it was inconvenient to use regularly.

I just got my R1T and found the frunk highly useable...i'll use it the same way I used the trunk on the model 3. with the R2 having the back lift gate, I don't see a fully automatic frunk as being as necessary as it is in the R1T.

rember that up until around 2021/2022, the model 3 did not have a fully automatic trunk...I don't even know what the state of the model 3/y frunk is these days.

Model 3 & Y still have a fully manual frunk - it doesn't even fully open pneumatically (like R2 does). The owner's manual for both vehicles refers to lifting it open after pressing the "open" button on the inside screen, key fob or app - yep, it has no way to open it from outside unless you use the emergency open cable. Even R2 has a button!

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[BigSkies]

Interesting to see how people use the front trunk differently. I use mine all the time. It's my preferred spot for groceries. Maybe there's a difference for R1T vs R1S users due to bed vs. rear hatch decision?

For our Model Y, I use the front trunk for rarely used items like a tire repair kit, road flares, etc. It carries useful stuff, but is rarely opened. The design discourages use.

I would use a manual-open front trunk on an R2 significantly more than the Model Y, as it's larger, and still (presumably) has a physical button to unlock the hood while standing in front of it.

 

[narmstrong79]

I use my frunk on my R1S for everything. I hardly used my Frunk on my Mach-E. Powered open and close makes a huge difference. I don't want my hand on dead bugs and road dust. But I understand, you have to cut cost someplace

 

[kelr316]

I'm a pretty heavy frunk user - I can't open my R1S tailgate with the garage door closed so the frunk is the first place I put stuff (unless it's a long trip and then I have to think about temps in the frunk). For groceries and the like? They go in the frunk. I'll miss the powered close, but not enough to worry about it.

This is the same reason I used my Model Y frunk regularly. The owner would be a nice option.

 

[ENVErider]

Our family had a chance to interact with the R2 at the Denver block party. Absolutely loved the vehicle, however it was a very hot day and trying to close the manual-only frunk was tough without getting burned on the hot paint. It was a stretch for my wife to reach and kids couldn't do it all. We use the frunk every single day in our R1 and find the powered feature really helpful. I would certainly have paid a bit more to have that feature in the R2.

Powered close is definitely a cool feature, especially when we can operate it remotely, BUT maybe you've been a bit spoiled driving one a premium vehicle? You're not the first R1 owner who's disappointed by some compromise the R2 made. My interpretation of what Rivian was trying to accomplish was not to make a smaller R1 for us R1 owners to transition into; it was instead one affordable enough to appeal to new 1st time Rivian owners, buyers who would have otherwise been looking at a Tesla, Chevy, Kia, or similar, more affordable EV.
I put my R2 reservation in day 2, but honestly, I'm not sure that I'm willing to give up my awesome R1T for anything on the road today, even for this very cool R2.

 

[BTOR]

It would be nice if it had a strap attached to the underside to help pull it down. Had one on my 2003 4Runner and it was handy. The 4Runner also had the soft close hatch similar to the soft close frunk on the R2.

Great idea... engineer

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I just wonder if we'll use it only because we aren't used to a space being there.

How do all habits form? Starts with conscious decision, followed by repetition to the point where what was done consciously becomes routine and almost subconscious?

I don’t have a habit of using the frunk. Initially made conscious decision to use it. But soon found it inconvenient because, with front-first parking, there often aren’t enough room for me to stand at front or have enough elbow room to maneuver larger items in and out of the frunk.

The R2 being much shorter that the R1T… YMMV.

 

[RedScare]

I have a Porsche Boxster that has front and rear trunks. Neither is powered, obviously, but more importantly, both have a loop latch just like RS's frunk lid. I simply slide my finger in the loop and pull the lid down. I have even gotten good enough to sling the lid downward to close it so that I do not need to get grubby finger and palm prints on the trunk lids. Unlike other complaints about the R2 frunk lid, I find the soft close an improvement over my Boxster.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Great idea... engineer

After quick glance at McMaster-Carr, a possible solution: Elevator bolt through a hole drilled through the plastic panel, with a piece of rubber mat covering flange of bolt, then a eye nut on the shaft of bolt. Might need to shorten bolt. A paracord or nylon strap could then be attached to ring of eye nut. Better yet, if ring is large enough to take a soft recovery shackle… dual use.

 

[windblowlc]

Would be interesting to see usage rates for R1S vs R1T. With the truck, i have no trunk and use the frunk almost daily as the convenience is much better than the gear tunnel. I’m sure rivian knows exactly how many times the frunk is opened on every R1S and made a strategic decision.

I had two R1T which I used the frunk all the time. On my current R1S, once since I own in the last 4 months.

 

[windblowlc]

Interesting question...I'll be paying the upcharge for 20" wheels and the ocean cloud interior, but I don't know if I'd pay $800 for a frunk that has a power-close option. What scares me is that I have the ability to open it with my phone from anywhere but can't say "oops" and close it again remotely.

Rivian will s00n have a fix for that.

 

[CarseatHeadrest]

Personally, I'm glad it's not a standard feature that would raise the price. Maybe they will offer an optional power-operated frunk in the future for those who would pay extra for it.

 

[KBabione]

Personally, I'm glad it's not a standard feature that would raise the price. Maybe they will offer an optional power-operated frunk in the future for those who would pay extra for it.

Or just make it standard on the Tri to further differentiate that level when they get around to making it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Personally, I'm glad it's not a standard feature that would raise the price. Maybe they will offer an optional power-operated frunk in the future for those who would pay extra for it.

It’d just be one more thing to go bad with wear and tear or manufacturing defect. I would take non-powered open/close if given the choice. This is still a premium brand with comparatively low production volume of cars and parts. Anyone expecting average or below average repair costs need a reality check.

 

[rogerspix]

In the history of owning my S and T I have maybe used the frunk 10 times in 3 years. It does suck that it's not powered but at the end of the day I do like the compromise.

Crazy to read that people don’t use the frunk often. I’m in mine a few times a day. The frunk feels like a secure place to leave things, while the bed is just asking to be broken into (I live in the city).

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