Extremely Picky Owner Reviews R1T @ 699 Miles

[JustBarely]

5. Do you mean toughen it up physically or visually?

6. I would be very surprised if you can replace the camera with a higher resolution one. The camera is part of the security and driving systems. Changing resolution would almost certainly "break" the software.

I feel like the back up camera could be clearer as well. It's interesting because the Security videos are super clear as well as the Blind Spot monitor images.

Sponsored

 

[domoplaytime]

off-road it seems like a dual-motor with locking diffs could be a better options, but they haven't announced locking diffs.

I'm new to this, can someone explain why the quad motor config can't emulate locking diff through software / firmware?

 

[thrill]

I'm new to this, can someone explain why the quad motor config can't emulate locking diff through software / firmware?

Quad motors with as Rivian has built can, and will, perform with significantly better traction, which is supposedly the point of the diff lock. People just keep mentally equating a slowly spinning wheel that's slightly elevated as a loss of power that could be sent to the other end of the axle. With a couple hundred lb-ft of torque available to each wheel that's simply not a problem, and the slow free-wheel spin is just how the system determines what traction is available. Putting different tires on the vehicle more specific to the given terrain would be a value add, but those don't yet exist for this vehicle and that are *also* suitable for reasonably comfortable and quiet general use.

 

[FrankieJ]

I waited a really really long time for this truck, 12/12/2018 to 08/24/2022 to be precise.
Total dropped ball by Rivian, that to their credit, they picked up, admitted to, made right, and got it delivered.

Delivery Experience - I can not say enough about the fact that the entire San Diego Team was present to greet me and review the truck with me. Managers, Service, Customer Experience, and even my newly assigned guide "J" drove a few hours for me. They openly acknowledged the miscues that occurred in my reservation, configuration, and delivery process with honesty and offered a few thoughtful items of Rivian Swag and a gift certificate to my daughters favorite Little Italy restaurant. We had a last minute issue with the title and registration that was resolved in minutes.

Were there the usual gap issues identified? Yes, they were minimized to my liking.
Were there issues with orange peel? Yes, mainly on back of truck and near charging port. This is being looked at next week
Did the tonneau operate? As expected it broke down right at delivery and they ordered the new system which is being installed right after Labor Day. Actually happy I am getting the new and improved power T system right from the get go to be honest.

Calling them out by name: James and Sarah - THANK YOU SAN DIEGO RIVIAN.

And I drove off . . . . have had it only 8 days now and driven it 400 miles. We have taken it all around Point Loma, Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, OB, PB, MB and then up to OC for the Yankees Angels game in Anaheim and back. So, good variety of stop and go, flats, hills, beach cruising, highways, and parking.

Background: I am 49 years old and a huge car enthusiast - classics, electrics, exotics, sports, you name it. Have owned many electrics and intimately familiar with the technology since its infant stages over a decade ago.

All this makes me extremely picky and admittedly extremely hard to please.

Where would I rank the Rivian R1T in the pantheon of cars I have owned? NUMBER ONE.
It has the performance of my McLaren, Lambo, or Ferrari it has the rugged road utility of my old H2s and Range Rover Sports and matches them and all my Jeeps in off road looks and capability. It never feels too slow even in conserve mode. It is far more luxurious when compared to my Tesla 3s or Xs, and feel, fit and finish are eons above my Karma Revero or GS-6 - both cars I love from a company beloved by me -- but sorry, no comparison, its hands down Rivian.

Top 3 Most striking aspects of the R1T:
1. Fit and Finish - Lord, the luxurious feel and look of this truck is second to none. Get in one and then get in a Bentayga, Cullinan, Urus, X, any Range and tell me it does not meet, compete, or beat them all. It is impressive. The gripes about little fit and finish pieces are very minor. A part of the door handle is made of a cheaper plastic than would be desired and prone to micro scratches . . . literally the Ferraris suffer from worse I assure you. There is just flat out industry leading attention to detail here and I very much appreciate the final product I received. Super bummed I took delivery and suddenly the long awaited Ocean Coast is here, but honestly the nostalgic Retro Brady Bunch Hollywood Hills vibe that the Forest Edge puts off is so appealing and different that I would not go back and change even if able to.

2. Performance - Okay, are Rivian owners just being coy or just not that experienced as owners/drivers of high performance vehicles? Becuase we all watch the reviews of YouTube saying "wow, it is so fast and the power is immediate" and then they move on to something else, but LADIES AND GENTS - this is a BAD BOY TRUCK . . . impressive off the line in ANY mode, hauls up a hill like it is being yanked up by a jet, the best regen braking I have ever experienced, handles like a Lambo or Lotus around a bend, and is so comfortable on the HOV to just slide into cruise control and active lane assist and chill. The driving experience on this truck makes it my first choice every morning. Which is going to become a problem, lol. Put it this way, I drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to OC with a Ferrari 458 Spider on Monday and then did the same drive in the Rivian R1T on Wednesday -- had as good if not better time in the Rivian (and no $100 fill up at the gas station)

3. Lighting - great headlights, love the look at night. absolutely love all the green charging strips flashing all over the car when plugged in. Interior lights are very high quality switches and bulbs. screen dimmers are very nice. JUST discovered there is ambient lighting with three levels, brightest is best (wish they were soft multicolor like "za Germans" though)

Top 10 Smaller things I LOVE about the R1T:
1. Best ventilated seats I have ever experienced. used in humid 100+ weather and cooled passengers immediately.

2. Sound system is Sickkkk. Fire? Lit? The GOAT? Not sure what is the groovy way of saying it is second to none, but I'm truly hard pressed to tell you another car that sounds as good in the cabin stock with OEM.

3. Gear Guard Camera and Locking System are actually functional and useful not just a silly gimmick like I figured they would be with the mascot etc.

4. Wristband, Phone, Cards, and Fob are all very nice ways to get in and out of this truck - Yes, the wristband is totally waterproof - I did not take it off when sleeping, showering, or even doing Hot Power Yoga -- no issues at all.

5. USBs and Power Outlet are all oh so wonderful. I bought Silver and Yellow cords to match my R1T Limestone vibe both for iPhone and Android devices as well as used the 110 outlet for my laptop so far. It has become a rolling workplace for me in a way I have not been able to accomplish with any other vehicle I have owned.

6. Huge Sunroof is not very noticeable from drivers seat but when you are in the back seat it feels like a glass orb. I love it. It has been getting pretty hot in the cabin here in SoCal with this 100+ degree heat wave, but hey, you have remote cabin climate control for a reason, I will use it as needed.

7. Hotspot works great and all interfaces with Alexa and Spotify are seamless and high resolution.

8. The Gear Tunnel has come in handy at the Farmers Market, for cool photo shoots with friends, and as a step to jump into the bed.

9. Storage Space has been well documented and covered, but it is really awesome - is that technical enough of a review for it? It is just so great.

10. So glad I went with the Sport 22s - the ride is not that bumpy and the decrease in electric mileage is nothing compared to how they look parked and rolling. And to get them at no cost as part of the early Launch Edition promotion? a steal.

Now the Nitpicky List
1. The aforementioned inside door handle plastic is just out of place with all the premium interior components

2. Ergonomically the center console needs some after market love to upgrade the user experience.

3. When you jump into the car sometimes it asks you for the proof you have a key again and that can be annoying in a rush or cumbersome with a wristband having to reach back out the door. Maybe I am doing something wrong, will check this with the service team in a few days

4. The panel gaps are there no question. Mine look as good as can be, it will be okay

5. The back of the truck needs something to toughen it up visually - I will think of something.

6. Why is the front camera awful when the rear camera is so high resolution? I hope Rivian replaces the front one or offers an alternative upgrade, because I would do it in a heartbeat. The 360 camera and the side views are as good as the industry leading Rolls Royce product I had in the Ghost.

7. So much storage, but a glove box is still useful, and we do not get it - also, a dedicated space to place sunglasses would be really great to have -- and thanks to a Rivian forum member, I found awesome compartments in seat bottom - excellent location, fit, finish. Guess this "nitpick" is eliminated.

8. When you exit the vehicle there is a rubber moulding that frictions off every other time. Need a step there of a better affixed moulding. Have put it back a dozen times in 250 miles! lol.

9. The APP is basic and I look forward to updates soon increasing its functionality. PS - thanks to forum member for getting my App changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

10. I could not think of any others, okay yeah, whoever approaches vehicle first is the "Driver" and the seat moves for them, not the person with proximity to the front seat - easy fix Rivian Techs, lets get that one done quick.

That is all for now. Live in San Diego part time so idle mile loss, remote connectivity, cabin climate control, paint preservation, security while parked, battery management, are all bid deals to me and I will review when I come back after being away for October.



Requested Photos.

Goofing around with my daughter pose in front of my project home in Point Loma. Coincidently R1T matches my FJ I customized years ago . . .

J and Sarah - James not pictured. All 3 made this delivery happen.
(Another goofy thing I do, at vehicle deliveries, I match my outfit to the truck - it's a decades old 'thing' - think I pulled off Forest Edge pants and Limestone camo pretty well. ;-)

Yay, for once I am the FIRST with something . . . . JUST had my first door opening delay when trying to enter with wrist band though. . . hope it was something I did wrong.

Sunset Cliffs, Full Time for the R1T, part time for me.

I completely agree with your review. I have read countless nit-picky comments about small fairly minor issues most of which can be fixed with a software update. It’s nice to see a review from someone that has experienced quality vehicles to compare it to. I get particularly annoyed by comments about subpar audio system- you have got to be kidding. Nice to see yours came with a wristband. My Launch Edition arrived 6 months ago and I still haven’t received mine. I hope that doesn’t come across as a minor nit-picky comment.

 

[daeHelkcunK]

I completely agree with your review. I have read countless nit-picky comments about small fairly minor issues most of which can be fixed with a software update. It’s nice to see a review from someone that has experienced quality vehicles to compare it to. I get particularly annoyed by comments about subpar audio system- you have got to be kidding. Nice to see yours came with a wristband. My Launch Edition arrived 6 months ago and I still haven’t received mine. I hope that doesn’t come across as a minor nit-picky comment.

Likewise, no wristband yet. Otherwise the truck has outperformed my expectations and has been flawless for my first 2 months of ownership. Fingers crossed that it will be as bulletproof as my Porsche.

 

[Gsxr150]

Great review. Just what I needed after seeing Rivian's cheap move using mismatched, spare part (black), speaker grills on the OC headliner.

 

[calsailor]

I waited a really really long time for this truck, 12/12/2018 to 08/24/2022 to be precise.
Total dropped ball by Rivian, that to their credit, they picked up, admitted to, made right, and got it delivered.

Delivery Experience - I can not say enough about the fact that the entire San Diego Team was present to greet me and review the truck with me. Managers, Service, Customer Experience, and even my newly assigned guide "J" drove a few hours for me. They openly acknowledged the miscues that occurred in my reservation, configuration, and delivery process with honesty and offered a few thoughtful items of Rivian Swag and a gift certificate to my daughters favorite Little Italy restaurant. We had a last minute issue with the title and registration that was resolved in minutes.

Were there the usual gap issues identified? Yes, they were minimized to my liking.
Were there issues with orange peel? Yes, mainly on back of truck and near charging port. This is being looked at next week
Did the tonneau operate? As expected it broke down right at delivery and they ordered the new system which is being installed right after Labor Day. Actually happy I am getting the new and improved power T system right from the get go to be honest.

Calling them out by name: James and Sarah - THANK YOU SAN DIEGO RIVIAN.

And I drove off . . . . have had it only 8 days now and driven it 400 miles. We have taken it all around Point Loma, Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, OB, PB, MB and then up to OC for the Yankees Angels game in Anaheim and back. So, good variety of stop and go, flats, hills, beach cruising, highways, and parking.

Background: I am 49 years old and a huge car enthusiast - classics, electrics, exotics, sports, you name it. Have owned many electrics and intimately familiar with the technology since its infant stages over a decade ago.

All this makes me extremely picky and admittedly extremely hard to please.

Where would I rank the Rivian R1T in the pantheon of cars I have owned? NUMBER ONE.
It has the performance of my McLaren, Lambo, or Ferrari it has the rugged road utility of my old H2s and Range Rover Sports and matches them and all my Jeeps in off road looks and capability. It never feels too slow even in conserve mode. It is far more luxurious when compared to my Tesla 3s or Xs, and feel, fit and finish are eons above my Karma Revero or GS-6 - both cars I love from a company beloved by me -- but sorry, no comparison, its hands down Rivian.

Top 3 Most striking aspects of the R1T:
1. Fit and Finish - Lord, the luxurious feel and look of this truck is second to none. Get in one and then get in a Bentayga, Cullinan, Urus, X, any Range and tell me it does not meet, compete, or beat them all. It is impressive. The gripes about little fit and finish pieces are very minor. A part of the door handle is made of a cheaper plastic than would be desired and prone to micro scratches . . . literally the Ferraris suffer from worse I assure you. There is just flat out industry leading attention to detail here and I very much appreciate the final product I received. Super bummed I took delivery and suddenly the long awaited Ocean Coast is here, but honestly the nostalgic Retro Brady Bunch Hollywood Hills vibe that the Forest Edge puts off is so appealing and different that I would not go back and change even if able to.

2. Performance - Okay, are Rivian owners just being coy or just not that experienced as owners/drivers of high performance vehicles? Becuase we all watch the reviews of YouTube saying "wow, it is so fast and the power is immediate" and then they move on to something else, but LADIES AND GENTS - this is a BAD BOY TRUCK . . . impressive off the line in ANY mode, hauls up a hill like it is being yanked up by a jet, the best regen braking I have ever experienced, handles like a Lambo or Lotus around a bend, and is so comfortable on the HOV to just slide into cruise control and active lane assist and chill. The driving experience on this truck makes it my first choice every morning. Which is going to become a problem, lol. Put it this way, I drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to OC with a Ferrari 458 Spider on Monday and then did the same drive in the Rivian R1T on Wednesday -- had as good if not better time in the Rivian (and no $100 fill up at the gas station)

3. Lighting - great headlights, love the look at night. absolutely love all the green charging strips flashing all over the car when plugged in. Interior lights are very high quality switches and bulbs. screen dimmers are very nice. JUST discovered there is ambient lighting with three levels, brightest is best (wish they were soft multicolor like "za Germans" though)

Top 10 Smaller things I LOVE about the R1T:
1. Best ventilated seats I have ever experienced. used in humid 100+ weather and cooled passengers immediately.

2. Sound system is Sickkkk. Fire? Lit? The GOAT? Not sure what is the groovy way of saying it is second to none, but I'm truly hard pressed to tell you another car that sounds as good in the cabin stock with OEM.

3. Gear Guard Camera and Locking System are actually functional and useful not just a silly gimmick like I figured they would be with the mascot etc.

4. Wristband, Phone, Cards, and Fob are all very nice ways to get in and out of this truck - Yes, the wristband is totally waterproof - I did not take it off when sleeping, showering, or even doing Hot Power Yoga -- no issues at all.

5. USBs and Power Outlet are all oh so wonderful. I bought Silver and Yellow cords to match my R1T Limestone vibe both for iPhone and Android devices as well as used the 110 outlet for my laptop so far. It has become a rolling workplace for me in a way I have not been able to accomplish with any other vehicle I have owned.

6. Huge Sunroof is not very noticeable from drivers seat but when you are in the back seat it feels like a glass orb. I love it. It has been getting pretty hot in the cabin here in SoCal with this 100+ degree heat wave, but hey, you have remote cabin climate control for a reason, I will use it as needed.

7. Hotspot works great and all interfaces with Alexa and Spotify are seamless and high resolution.

8. The Gear Tunnel has come in handy at the Farmers Market, for cool photo shoots with friends, and as a step to jump into the bed.

9. Storage Space has been well documented and covered, but it is really awesome - is that technical enough of a review for it? It is just so great.

10. So glad I went with the Sport 22s - the ride is not that bumpy and the decrease in electric mileage is nothing compared to how they look parked and rolling. And to get them at no cost as part of the early Launch Edition promotion? a steal.

Now the Nitpicky List
1. The aforementioned inside door handle plastic is just out of place with all the premium interior components

2. Ergonomically the center console needs some after market love to upgrade the user experience.

3. When you jump into the car sometimes it asks you for the proof you have a key again and that can be annoying in a rush or cumbersome with a wristband having to reach back out the door. Maybe I am doing something wrong, will check this with the service team in a few days

4. The panel gaps are there no question. Mine look as good as can be, it will be okay

5. The back of the truck needs something to toughen it up visually - I will think of something.

6. Why is the front camera awful when the rear camera is so high resolution? I hope Rivian replaces the front one or offers an alternative upgrade, because I would do it in a heartbeat. The 360 camera and the side views are as good as the industry leading Rolls Royce product I had in the Ghost.

7. So much storage, but a glove box is still useful, and we do not get it - also, a dedicated space to place sunglasses would be really great to have -- and thanks to a Rivian forum member, I found awesome compartments in seat bottom - excellent location, fit, finish. Guess this "nitpick" is eliminated.

8. When you exit the vehicle there is a rubber moulding that frictions off every other time. Need a step there of a better affixed moulding. Have put it back a dozen times in 250 miles! lol.

9. The APP is basic and I look forward to updates soon increasing its functionality. PS - thanks to forum member for getting my App changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

10. I could not think of any others, okay yeah, whoever approaches vehicle first is the "Driver" and the seat moves for them, not the person with proximity to the front seat - easy fix Rivian Techs, lets get that one done quick.

That is all for now. Live in San Diego part time so idle mile loss, remote connectivity, cabin climate control, paint preservation, security while parked, battery management, are all bid deals to me and I will review when I come back after being away for October.



Requested Photos.

Goofing around with my daughter pose in front of my project home in Point Loma. Coincidently R1T matches my FJ I customized years ago . . .

J and Sarah - James not pictured. All 3 made this delivery happen.
(Another goofy thing I do, at vehicle deliveries, I match my outfit to the truck - it's a decades old 'thing' - think I pulled off Forest Edge pants and Limestone camo pretty well. ;-)

Yay, for once I am the FIRST with something . . . . JUST had my first door opening delay when trying to enter with wrist band though. . . hope it was something I did wrong.

Sunset Cliffs, Full Time for the R1T, part time for me.

I’m one of your neighbors. A little more south by the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

Just wanted to say hi ? and congratulations on the truck

I got my Blue R1T yesterday. Will see you around ?

 

[DJG]

Great review. Just what I needed after seeing Rivian's cheap move using mismatched, spare part (black), speaker grills on the OC headliner.

So just to clarify, they use the same grills on FE too. I never even noticed until people starting pointing it out on OC. It's really not a big deal and not worth them carrying two extra SKU's right now. That's something you get the luxury of worrying about when you haven't little else to. I couldn't even tell you what color my grills were in the eTron or any other vehicle I've owned, or whether they matched the headliner or not.

 

[zefram47]

I'm new to this, can someone explain why the quad motor config can't emulate locking diff through software / firmware?

Quad motors with as Rivian has built can, and will, perform with significantly better traction, which is supposedly the point of the diff lock.

A 4x4 with locking front and rear differentials can put 100% of the power to the wheels at all times. With open differentials, the power split front to back is fixed, but left to right the power (really torque) goes to the one with the least amount of grip/traction. Modern 4x4s mimic a locking diff by braking the wheel that's spinning / without grip, which then allows all available engine power to go to the wheel with grip. Add to that the gearing advantage offered by 1st gear and a low range transfer case and you can get many times more torque at the wheels than the engine is rated for.

In Rivian's case, there is a motor at each wheel and none of them are connected to anything other than that one wheel. There is no way to put more than the ~210 hp / ~225 lbs-ft (plus gearing advantage of the single speed transmission) to any given wheel. With locking diffs front and/or rear, that would allow two motors to combine their output. This can be important at weird angles while off-road if say only the rear-right wheel has enough available grip to move the vehicle because that's where they majority of the weight is. Yes, theoretically the Rivian will be able to sense the available grip at each wheel and apply as much torque as it can to each wheel. But if you're also flying one or two wheels in the air, they can add no additional torque. It might be rare, but with a vehicle this heavy it can be an issue and software will only be able to help so much...then it's down to simple physics.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

No, no it doesn't. While I haven't driven one on 22s, only the 20s, it's still a 7000 lbs truck. Yes, it's fast AF in a straight line and has good suspension. But it can't break the laws of physics and will *never* handle as well as a Lambo, Lotus, Miata, etc. Anyone saying it does clearly hasn't pushed a car to and/or beyond its limits. That said, it does handle better on a canyon road than a 7000 lbs truck has any right to, but it's no sports car, no matter how much an owner might want it to be.

These reviews are simply ridiculous. I get it people are in their honeymoon phase, but I wish people would tone it down a little and try to be reasonable. When so much is demonstrably false, I must throw out the entire review as fantasy.

 

[ESTRUCK]

Test drove the R1T twice and loved it. My only gripe was the regen was way to high, I hope RIVIAN can add adjustable regen in the future. My Kona EV has 3 levels of regen to select so I am sure RIVIAN can add that. We also bought stock on the pre IPO and bought more yesterday based on the additional orders that AMAZON is contemplating to purchase.Apparently the AMAZON driver love the new RIVIAN EV vans. Still waiting for mine since I want the MAX PACK BATTERY

 

[bd5400]

These reviews are simply ridiculous. I get it people are in their honeymoon phase, but I wish people would tone it down a little and try to be reasonable. When so much is demonstrably false, I must throw out the entire review as fantasy.

So…you don’t believe that an R1T has the same fit and finish as a $350k Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

 

[greyhatninja]

After using the infotainment system for a bit, does the interface feel pretty snappy going into various menus and playing with the map/navigation?

 

[moosehead]

I changed my rear end a bit, originally was just gonna stick with the Rivian badge but ended up adding lettering to the light bar as well...

Very nicely done. Favorite rebadging.

Did you leave the front quarter panels as-is? Was considering the logo only there.

 

[R1Tom]

One of our other vehicles is a Wrangler Rubicon. One advantage of locking front and rear differentials, is all 4 tires rotate at exact same speed. Throttle application is controlled by driver and slipping tires are sensed by driver. So careful power application can be used preventing or minimizing breaking free of traction and the subsequent loss of friction.

With a system such as Rivian, which I would consider next best for pure rock crawling to Jeep, it relies on computer determining when a tire loses traction. For that to happen.....it has to lose....traction. Which is undesirable.

In addition as others have pointed out, the Rivian is limited to each motors particular torque, which however, is very high, even for a 7000# vehicle.

But for what little the Rivian may give up as a pure rock crawler, it massively gains in all other areas of use. As all other uses of the Jeep requiring unlocking axles and driving with all open diffs...which sucks in general.

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