R1S test drive - My honest opinion

[jebinc]

I don’t think I’ve ever done that myself. ?

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[zefram47]

Appreciate the honest review. I felt the same "wait a second" response after driving the R1T in first mile tests I have a M3D and felt that the R1T was slower due to throttle mapping (i.e. you have to mash the pedal to the floor to access any power whereas the M3 requires just a few mm of travel. The specs suggest it should trounce the M3D but it really didn't feel like it. Otherwise, I agree with the floaty/bouncy feel of the car. I'm comparing apples to oranges I know, but was hoping the experience would be closer to sports-car and less "floating boat". The only other SUV I've driven a lot is an MDX Type-S which is super fun. Will def take delivery (barring an major issues with the car) and keep both the M3D and R1S, but I was originally going to drop the M3D entirely and decided against doing that after driving both.

Watch the Out of Spec drag race video. I can assure you it is just as quick as a Model 3 Performance and actually just edged out the M3P in that particular test...and the R1T was on 20" ATs.

 

[R1Sky Business]

I was lucky enough to be invited to an R1S test drive last week at my local Costa Mesa, California center. I typically never test drive any vehicles I'm interested in since I research specs, "quirks and features", and other things quite extensively. The quality of the ride itself never matter to me since I'm used to sports cars. I typically prefer a harder/harsher ride vs. a floaty/comfy one. But hey, I had some time, so why not try out the Rivian. Plus I have limited experience with EVs (my first EV is a 2022 Tesla Model S which I received only a few weeks ago). I do have a couple of friends who work at Rivian and I've been driven around in a couple of R1Ts (but never drove myself).

Outside of the Venice, CA hub invite to check out the R1S several months ago and a few sightings around my area, this is my only experience with the R1S.

I'm an enthusiast, in my 40s, and owned multiple types of fun vehicles over the years. I recently sold my BMW X5M which I would say *should* be the closest competitor I've owned to the R1S (with the exception of its non-existing offroad capability). It was fast (~570hp, twin turbo V8, etc). Despite its heavy weight, it handled like a sports car if you were willing to bring it to its limits. Other ones I've experienced (but not owned) are Audi RSQ5, multiple variants AMG SUVs, and the Range Rover SVR. They all have similar driving dynamics...but far different than the Rivian as you'll read below.

My main reason for interest in the Rivian is I want an SUV (room for family/dog/storage) and I want power. For the first time, the option for off-road is possible whereas it was never possible in the past for high horsepower luxury/sport SUVs. Their large brakes do not allow for beefy tires.

Picture first. Nothing too exciting at this point since they are showing up on public roads now. We've all seen these before. Launch green with 22" black wheels.

Short summary: I was not impressed with the driving dynamics, but great tech, looks great, and use of space is amazing.

Long summary...

With the Rivian's 4 motors, ~835hp, and an advertised 3 second 0-60mph sprint, I was expecting the driving dynamics to be similar to a performance SUV, or dare I say it, a heavy sports sedan/wagon (think M5, E63 S Wagon, etc). Getting in, the guide had me in All Purpose Mode, which significantly toned down the throttle response and suspension. Okay, I get it, it isn't Sport mode. The Rivian was VERY floaty in the up/down direction but surprisingly flat on turns. Staying flat from side to side for such a heavy vehicle was great, but the up/down movement was pretty crazy. It was almost as "bad" as a Jeep Wrangler. Power wise in All Purpose Mode was very smooth, but in no way felt very quick and definitely did not feel like 835hp. Granted it is ~7200lbs but my X5M was 5400lbs and ~570hp and it felt significantly faster and more violent while the pure numbers should make it slower than the Rivian.

I mentioned this to the guide and he moved me to Sport and the throttle immediately got more sensitive and the up/down movement toned down a lot (but it was still noticeably present). It accelerated marginally faster, but for some reason felt very slow. This was while merging onto freeways relative to other vehicles. For someone who drives all his vehicles in "sport mode" 24/7, I'm concerned my real world usage is the 220mile range (assuming you charge to ~75%). As soon as the guide moved me to Sport, the range number dropped ~35 miles that I saw. My Model S Long Range gets me ~365miles charged to 85% which is significantly more (and I'm set to "Insane" acceleration mode 24/7). Yeah yeah its all about efficiency, but this is the metric I'm using now and its been accurate. Will 220ish miles be enough on a day to day basis? Sure but a full day from my place to Los Angeles, exploring, then back home, might use it all up. That happens once every couple of weeks.

So I guess I was disappointed it wasn't as fast as I expected. It SHOULD be faster than my X5M on paper, but is it really? It doesn't seem so accelerating next to other vehicles on the road. Speed/power is on the top of my list, which is probably different than other peoples' priority. I understand larger/heavier vehicles may not feel fast when they actually are. But with my years of experience on track, sports cars/SUVs, I'd say I'm a pretty good judge of performance.

I still love the look and the tech. The use of space and available storage is amazing. I could sit in the 3rd row (I'm 5'9"ish) and have plenty of room. For the price I would pay (~$80K) I think it is still a great deal. I don't know about current pricing. Will I take delivery? Most likely. Will I keep it and sell the Tesla? I don't know. Will I keep both? I don't know. I'd like to keep both (if my wife will allow it ), I just don't know if I'm willing yet to have the R1S as my only daily driver/family hauler. We have a company Hyundai Accent which my wife drives to work (I work for them in the Cybsersecurity space) and a weekend sports car that only gets driven ~2K miles a year.

Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree. I guess I place too much emphasis on power/speed even if it isn't the purpose of the vehicle. It is more about being a versatile EV. But with 4 motors and over 800hp, is it wrong of me to expect more?

Maybe a ME problem.

Anyway, wanted to present my thoughts to the forum. I'm ready for the backlash.

Thanks for the post

 

[R1Sky Business]

How did you arrange the test drive?

I was lucky enough to be invited to an R1S test drive last week at my local Costa Mesa, California center. I typically never test drive any vehicles I'm interested in since I research specs, "quirks and features", and other things quite extensively. The quality of the ride itself never matter to me since I'm used to sports cars. I typically prefer a harder/harsher ride vs. a floaty/comfy one. But hey, I had some time, so why not try out the Rivian. Plus I have limited experience with EVs (my first EV is a 2022 Tesla Model S which I received only a few weeks ago). I do have a couple of friends who work at Rivian and I've been driven around in a couple of R1Ts (but never drove myself).

Outside of the Venice, CA hub invite to check out the R1S several months ago and a few sightings around my area, this is my only experience with the R1S.

I'm an enthusiast, in my 40s, and owned multiple types of fun vehicles over the years. I recently sold my BMW X5M which I would say *should* be the closest competitor I've owned to the R1S (with the exception of its non-existing offroad capability). It was fast (~570hp, twin turbo V8, etc). Despite its heavy weight, it handled like a sports car if you were willing to bring it to its limits. Other ones I've experienced (but not owned) are Audi RSQ5, multiple variants AMG SUVs, and the Range Rover SVR. They all have similar driving dynamics...but far different than the Rivian as you'll read below.

My main reason for interest in the Rivian is I want an SUV (room for family/dog/storage) and I want power. For the first time, the option for off-road is possible whereas it was never possible in the past for high horsepower luxury/sport SUVs. Their large brakes do not allow for beefy tires.

Picture first. Nothing too exciting at this point since they are showing up on public roads now. We've all seen these before. Launch green with 22" black wheels.

Short summary: I was not impressed with the driving dynamics, but great tech, looks great, and use of space is amazing.

Long summary...

With the Rivian's 4 motors, ~835hp, and an advertised 3 second 0-60mph sprint, I was expecting the driving dynamics to be similar to a performance SUV, or dare I say it, a heavy sports sedan/wagon (think M5, E63 S Wagon, etc). Getting in, the guide had me in All Purpose Mode, which significantly toned down the throttle response and suspension. Okay, I get it, it isn't Sport mode. The Rivian was VERY floaty in the up/down direction but surprisingly flat on turns. Staying flat from side to side for such a heavy vehicle was great, but the up/down movement was pretty crazy. It was almost as "bad" as a Jeep Wrangler. Power wise in All Purpose Mode was very smooth, but in no way felt very quick and definitely did not feel like 835hp. Granted it is ~7200lbs but my X5M was 5400lbs and ~570hp and it felt significantly faster and more violent while the pure numbers should make it slower than the Rivian.

I mentioned this to the guide and he moved me to Sport and the throttle immediately got more sensitive and the up/down movement toned down a lot (but it was still noticeably present). It accelerated marginally faster, but for some reason felt very slow. This was while merging onto freeways relative to other vehicles. For someone who drives all his vehicles in "sport mode" 24/7, I'm concerned my real world usage is the 220mile range (assuming you charge to ~75%). As soon as the guide moved me to Sport, the range number dropped ~35 miles that I saw. My Model S Long Range gets me ~365miles charged to 85% which is significantly more (and I'm set to "Insane" acceleration mode 24/7). Yeah yeah its all about efficiency, but this is the metric I'm using now and its been accurate. Will 220ish miles be enough on a day to day basis? Sure but a full day from my place to Los Angeles, exploring, then back home, might use it all up. That happens once every couple of weeks.

So I guess I was disappointed it wasn't as fast as I expected. It SHOULD be faster than my X5M on paper, but is it really? It doesn't seem so accelerating next to other vehicles on the road. Speed/power is on the top of my list, which is probably different than other peoples' priority. I understand larger/heavier vehicles may not feel fast when they actually are. But with my years of experience on track, sports cars/SUVs, I'd say I'm a pretty good judge of performance.

I still love the look and the tech. The use of space and available storage is amazing. I could sit in the 3rd row (I'm 5'9"ish) and have plenty of room. For the price I would pay (~$80K) I think it is still a great deal. I don't know about current pricing. Will I take delivery? Most likely. Will I keep it and sell the Tesla? I don't know. Will I keep both? I don't know. I'd like to keep both (if my wife will allow it ), I just don't know if I'm willing yet to have the R1S as my only daily driver/family hauler. We have a company Hyundai Accent which my wife drives to work (I work for them in the Cybsersecurity space) and a weekend sports car that only gets driven ~2K miles a year.

Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree. I guess I place too much emphasis on power/speed even if it isn't the purpose of the vehicle. It is more about being a versatile EV. But with 4 motors and over 800hp, is it wrong of me to expect more?

Maybe a ME problem.

Anyway, wanted to present my thoughts to the forum. I'm ready for the backlash.

 

[jffkm]

Watch the Out of Spec drag race video. I can assure you it is just as quick as a Model 3 Performance and actually just edged out the M3P in that particular test...and the R1T was on 20" ATs.

Yeah I agree, the truck should trounce the m3d, but in practice the m3d “feels”quicker due to throttle mapping. As soon as you touch the accelerator it leaps off of the line. In contrast the r1t needs you to mash the pedal all the way to the floor to get that level of response. Should be a quick software fix to make it just as responsive. The r1t def has power for days up to 60 whereas the m3d tapers a bit.

 

[mkg3]

I believe his statement that it "felt slow".

When you are used to quick response vehicles, as he stated, moving 7K+ lbs vehicle responded as I am expecting it to. One gets used to quickness rather fast and its not at all surprising.

While the time sheet may say it's quick, driver feedback and sense says slow. There's nothing to argue about. Its his perception of driving the R1S.

Thanks for an honest feedback on the drive!

 

[SoCal Rob]

I was lucky enough to be invited to an R1S test drive last week at my local Costa Mesa, California center. I typically never test drive any vehicles I'm interested in since I research specs, "quirks and features", and other things quite extensively. The quality of the ride itself never matter to me since I'm used to sports cars. I typically prefer a harder/harsher ride vs. a floaty/comfy one. But hey, I had some time, so why not try out the Rivian. Plus I have limited experience with EVs (my first EV is a 2022 Tesla Model S which I received only a few weeks ago). I do have a couple of friends who work at Rivian and I've been driven around in a couple of R1Ts (but never drove myself).

Outside of the Venice, CA hub invite to check out the R1S several months ago and a few sightings around my area, this is my only experience with the R1S.

I'm an enthusiast, in my 40s, and owned multiple types of fun vehicles over the years. I recently sold my BMW X5M which I would say *should* be the closest competitor I've owned to the R1S (with the exception of its non-existing offroad capability). It was fast (~570hp, twin turbo V8, etc). Despite its heavy weight, it handled like a sports car if you were willing to bring it to its limits. Other ones I've experienced (but not owned) are Audi RSQ5, multiple variants AMG SUVs, and the Range Rover SVR. They all have similar driving dynamics...but far different than the Rivian as you'll read below.

My main reason for interest in the Rivian is I want an SUV (room for family/dog/storage) and I want power. For the first time, the option for off-road is possible whereas it was never possible in the past for high horsepower luxury/sport SUVs. Their large brakes do not allow for beefy tires.

Picture first. Nothing too exciting at this point since they are showing up on public roads now. We've all seen these before. Launch green with 22" black wheels.

Short summary: I was not impressed with the driving dynamics, but great tech, looks great, and use of space is amazing.

Long summary...

With the Rivian's 4 motors, ~835hp, and an advertised 3 second 0-60mph sprint, I was expecting the driving dynamics to be similar to a performance SUV, or dare I say it, a heavy sports sedan/wagon (think M5, E63 S Wagon, etc). Getting in, the guide had me in All Purpose Mode, which significantly toned down the throttle response and suspension. Okay, I get it, it isn't Sport mode. The Rivian was VERY floaty in the up/down direction but surprisingly flat on turns. Staying flat from side to side for such a heavy vehicle was great, but the up/down movement was pretty crazy. It was almost as "bad" as a Jeep Wrangler. Power wise in All Purpose Mode was very smooth, but in no way felt very quick and definitely did not feel like 835hp. Granted it is ~7200lbs but my X5M was 5400lbs and ~570hp and it felt significantly faster and more violent while the pure numbers should make it slower than the Rivian.

I mentioned this to the guide and he moved me to Sport and the throttle immediately got more sensitive and the up/down movement toned down a lot (but it was still noticeably present). It accelerated marginally faster, but for some reason felt very slow. This was while merging onto freeways relative to other vehicles. For someone who drives all his vehicles in "sport mode" 24/7, I'm concerned my real world usage is the 220mile range (assuming you charge to ~75%). As soon as the guide moved me to Sport, the range number dropped ~35 miles that I saw. My Model S Long Range gets me ~365miles charged to 85% which is significantly more (and I'm set to "Insane" acceleration mode 24/7). Yeah yeah its all about efficiency, but this is the metric I'm using now and its been accurate. Will 220ish miles be enough on a day to day basis? Sure but a full day from my place to Los Angeles, exploring, then back home, might use it all up. That happens once every couple of weeks.

So I guess I was disappointed it wasn't as fast as I expected. It SHOULD be faster than my X5M on paper, but is it really? It doesn't seem so accelerating next to other vehicles on the road. Speed/power is on the top of my list, which is probably different than other peoples' priority. I understand larger/heavier vehicles may not feel fast when they actually are. But with my years of experience on track, sports cars/SUVs, I'd say I'm a pretty good judge of performance.

I still love the look and the tech. The use of space and available storage is amazing. I could sit in the 3rd row (I'm 5'9"ish) and have plenty of room. For the price I would pay (~$80K) I think it is still a great deal. I don't know about current pricing. Will I take delivery? Most likely. Will I keep it and sell the Tesla? I don't know. Will I keep both? I don't know. I'd like to keep both (if my wife will allow it ), I just don't know if I'm willing yet to have the R1S as my only daily driver/family hauler. We have a company Hyundai Accent which my wife drives to work (I work for them in the Cybsersecurity space) and a weekend sports car that only gets driven ~2K miles a year.

Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree. I guess I place too much emphasis on power/speed even if it isn't the purpose of the vehicle. It is more about being a versatile EV. But with 4 motors and over 800hp, is it wrong of me to expect more?

Maybe a ME problem.

Anyway, wanted to present my thoughts to the forum. I'm ready for the backlash.

I appreciate the review from a performance perspective. I’m comparing to a 2006 LR3 so I’m not as concerned with the performance aspect. This line summed things up for me, “Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree.” given that the performance will blow away the vehicle it’s replacing.

Thanks for taking the time to do this write up!

 

[shamoo]

Did you actually floor it? The Rivian does have kind of a long pedal calibration, even in sport mode. As for efficiency in Sport mode, it will all depend on how you drive it. The act of changing modes doesn't do much to actual consumption so much as your right foot will. I drive my MINI 100% in Sport mode now and get the same efficiency numbers I did when I drove it in Green/economy mode unless I'm having fun in the canyons. And even then the regen coming back down more than makes up for my antics on the way up.

I will agree, in part, that the suspension tuning leaves something to be desired. I still think they are undersprung at lower ride heights, which can't really be fixed by damping adjustments either.

I did not floor it all the way, good point. Since my guide was in the passenger seat, I didn't want to get too crazy. I admit, there could be a lot I'm missing by not pushing that pedal down another couple inches. The pedal travel is quite long I noticed.

The lack of sound may make it feel slow but I can assure you it handles way below its weight class and accelerates faster than a X5M. With that being said if your butt baseline is a Porsche GT3 you will have a hard time with ALL cars lol.

I'm happy to hear this from someone else. And yes, on paper it should be faster but for some reason it really didn't feel that way. Perhaps like the above comment, I need to "floor it".

The GT3 isn't THAT fast but it also isn't meant to be drag raced. Maybe 11 in the quarter, which is close to the Rivian actually haha.

The difference between the Rivian and my GT3/X5M is the immediate/violent nature of what happens when the pedal goes down.

I don't know if I'll have another opportunity to test drive where I can actually floor it. But after these comments, I wish I had.

Appreciate the honest review. I felt the same "wait a second" response after driving the R1T in first mile tests I have a M3D and felt that the R1T was slower due to throttle mapping (i.e. you have to mash the pedal to the floor to access any power whereas the M3 requires just a few mm of travel. The specs suggest it should trounce the M3D but it really didn't feel like it. Otherwise, I agree with the floaty/bouncy feel of the car. I'm comparing apples to oranges I know, but was hoping the experience would be closer to sports-car and less "floating boat". The only other SUV I've driven a lot is an MDX Type-S which is super fun. Will def take delivery (barring an major issues with the car) and keep both the M3D and R1S, but I was originally going to drop the M3D entirely and decided against doing that after driving both.

Good feedback, thanks. Seems in line with what I experienced.

I have a T not an S but I don't really get felt slow out of mine. It doesn't handle like a track car but the acceleration is there. I will agree with the float in all purpose with a minor level of float in sport. It's heavy and I give it a pass being a pickup truck. It's the most planted feeling pickup I've ever driven but it's still a pickup.

I've never driven the R1S so idk how that feels in relation to my T but launching mine always feels impressive to me. I might get where you're coming from though, and it's more the "experience" that makes it feel that way. It's stupid fast, but it doesn't whine, doesn't spin tires, there's no engine to ramp up, no turbos to dump waste boost and no gears to shift. It just goes and that's the major difference between it an the ICE sports cars I've driven.

So you have the speed but not the theatre of it all. Maybe that's where your feeling is coming from?

With the guide sitting in the passenger seat, I didn't really floor it or even take any hard corners. I wish I had but missed opportunity.

I have a Model S Long Range (2022 model year) and while it is apples vs. oranges, the feel is completely different. Driving dynamics, throttle response, etc. Should it be different, yes. But I didn't think it would be that drastic of one.

I was trying my best to "ignore the theater of it all" when comparing vehicles. But I suppose it is always in the back of your mind.

You almost need to think of the Rivian as it's own separate category since it's built to be a performance vehicle on road and an adventure vehicle on the trails.

If you want to say it's a jack of all trades, master of none, that's fair... but it's a pretty amazing jack. Not too many vehicles can pull that off.

Agree with this. For a "jack of all trades", the Rivian is very close to a master of all, and that's why I placed an order. It was only the performance that felt a little off.

You're right, outside of ICE (for a very high price of entry), there is no other vehicle which can do all of it (off road, luxury, performance). Maybe the Mercedes G63 AMG but many know the prices for those now are over $200K if you can even get one.

Opinions are not tolerated here! Just kidding.

As far as speed goes, it's a number, feel has nothing to do with it. It's either X or Y. I own or have owned driven all the cars you mentioned (and in your signature - except the Jeep & Lesla, opps I mean Tesla). First, let's get one thing out of the way. The E63 AMG S Wagon is the best daily driver EVER. Your GT3...well, no explanation need. But lets focus on the X5M. After several thousand miles in the R1T I can say it's faster and better handling than an X5M. Clear winner. The R1T in sport mode with low suspension setting is amazing. Not just for a truck but for anything! I get where you are coming from and I think your test drive didn't really give you the full picture. If you want an SUV that will kick the crap out of you X5M...both on or off road...the R1S is your pick.

Maybe. I've done numerous track events (not in the X5M though) but I have done track instruction for ~3-4 years in the past. So I've driven my X5M hard. For some reason I didn't feel the Rivian could do the same. Of course I wasn't doing any canyon carving on my Rivian test drive .

Maybe I just need more seat time. Not sure how that will be possible at this time.

Rivians are many things, but slow isn't one of them.

Genuinely wondering if there was an issue with the vehicle you drove, or the long travel of the go-pedal threw you off a bit.

Of course, I don't have a GT3 to compare it to - which I'm sure changes your perspective on "fast" a bit.

Doubt there was an issue with the vehicle, but as the first person said, it could very well be the long travel of the pedal. I certainly didn't floor it, although I *thought* I got close. Maybe not.

In Sport mode, if I floored it all the way, I'm sure it would have been happier. I just didn't get that opportunity.

The GT3 isn't actually THAT fast. You'd have to be GT2 or Turbo S for that. GT3 is more of a track focused car. I named it because it is pretty quick and I expected some similarities in driving dynamics from a performance aspect. Relax, I said "some". A fun vehicle is a fun vehicle whether it is a Mazda Miata or Ferrari F8.

I'm with everyone else. My T is insanely quick (not sure I'll call it fast with a limiter just over 110mph). I have yet to run into anyone on the streets that could take me off the line at a stop light (Yes, I know, I shouldn't do this on surface streets). Most everyone I've come up against I've walked so badly I've wanted to throw a collar out the window for them to stop and pick up.

I've not driven a LOT of really quick/fast cars, but I've never been in anything that punches it like my T does. At 7k lbs no less. It feels every bit as quick to me as I'd expect based on the specs. The only things out there quicker are supercars and motorcycles (I doubt either of my bikes could take my T in the 1/4 mile. Neither are particularly quick for motorcycles.)

Good to hear, happy about that. Looks like the main takeaway so far on the comments are I needed to take advantage of more of the go-pedal travel and/or floor it.

He probably forgot to turn off stability control/traction limiting in the drivers screen.

I didn't have it turned off, but I also wasn't close to breaking traction. Probably needed to push the pedal down further as mentioned above.

Watch the Out of Spec drag race video. I can assure you it is just as quick as a Model 3 Performance and actually just edged out the M3P in that particular test...and the R1T was on 20" ATs.

I did see them. Too bad guide was with me. Or there would have been multiple "floorings" of the go-pedal.

Thanks for the comments/feedback! Don't get me wrong, still love the R1S and I plan to take delivery. These are simply my initial opinions after a very short test drive.

 

[shamoo]

How did you arrange the test drive?

I received an email saying I could schedule a test drive/first drive at my local service/delivery center. Spots filled up very quickly. I signed up within the hour. 2 hours later, I tried to change it to the following Friday and every Friday was completely booked.

Interestingly enough, the place was empty when I arrived for my time slot.

Thanks for an honest feedback on the drive!

You're welcome!

I appreciate the review from a performance perspective. I’m comparing to a 2006 LR3 so I’m not as concerned with the performance aspect. This line summed things up for me, “Doug Demuro rated it as one of the best vehicles to date and I agree.” given that the performance will blow away the vehicle it’s replacing.

Thanks for taking the time to do this write up!

You're welcome!

 

[Dark-Fx]

You lost me at "felt slow"

Felt slow because OP admitted to not putting the PEDAL TO THE METAL! What a lame ass review of a performance vehicle. Probably cornered terribly because he didn't push it into any as well.

 

[shamoo]

Felt slow because OP admitted to not putting the PEDAL TO THE METAL! What a lame ass review of a performance vehicle. Probably cornered terribly because he didn't push it into any as well.

Well, with a guide sitting there next to you who didn't really seem like the "performance enthusiast" type, it is going to be a little difficult.

Side to side movement was very floaty so I assumed cornering hard may not be that great. Is it categorized as a "performance vehicle"? I'm not sure that it is, other than it has the numbers of one.

Source: I've done years of track events (both motorcycle and car), and even taught track instruction for a few years. I have experience in high power cars and SUVs over the course of many years. I'd say I have a pretty good "eye" for how vehicles perform. Then again, there's only so much you can do on a 8 minute test drive with my mom in the backseat.

I'm relatively new to EVs and I'm willing to take the criticism.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Well, with a guide sitting there next to you who didn't really seem like the "performance enthusiast" type, it is going to be a little difficult.

Side to side movement was very floaty so I assumed cornering hard may not be that great.

Source: I've done years of track events (both motorcycle and car), and even taught track instruction for a few years. I'd say I have a pretty good "eye" for how vehicles perform. Then again, there's only so much you can do on a 8 minute test drive with my mom in the backseat.

I'm relatively new to EVs and I'm willing to take the criticism.

I'm sure your guide, and mom, appreciated you driving the way you did. I've read several complaints from others about giving their passengers motion sickness. I definitely believe it, and if you've ever been a passenger in a track car on the track, you'd understand that feeling too.

 

[Inkedsphynx]

Funny, I didn't give two shits about the Rivian dude in my passenger seat. As soon as I hit the freeway onramp I floored it and, if I remember my description from the time word for word, "squealed like a school girl". I do the same thing when test driving something on my own, so in my mind them getting in the car is a tacit agreement they're willing to risk themselves in the service of my putting the vehicle through its paces.

I guess this certainly makes me wonder if, given how in the US at least dealerships tend to be clustered together, it makes sense for them to start pooling on shared test drive tracks where these types of things can be done safely. That runs up against them clearly not really wanting people to do this during test drives, but plenty of us do anyway.

Anyway, yea, if you didn't floor it you missed out. It pulls harder every millimeter down to the floorboard, and, the 'brake depressed, accelerator mashed, lift off the brake and fly from a stop' thing is really fun. You can see the front end lift up a bit and it rocks you back in the seat. Before you have time to register it, feel like you're in control, and look down, you're already at 60+.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Funny, I didn't give two shits about the Rivian dude in my passenger seat. As soon as I hit the freeway onramp I floored it and, if I remember my description from the time word for word, "squealed like a school girl". I do the same thing when test driving something on my own, so in my mind them getting in the car is a tacit agreement they're willing to risk themselves in the service of my putting the vehicle through its paces.

I guess this certainly makes me wonder if, given how in the US at least dealerships tend to be clustered together, it makes sense for them to start pooling on shared test drive tracks where these types of things can be done safely. That runs up against them clearly not really wanting people to do this during test drives, but plenty of us do anyway.

Anyway, yea, if you didn't floor it you missed out. It pulls harder every millimeter down to the floorboard, and, the 'brake depressed, accelerator mashed, lift off the brake and fly from a stop' thing is really fun. You can see the front end lift up a bit and it rocks you back in the seat. Before you have time to register it, feel like you're in control, and look down, you're already at 60+.

That How I drove it too,I figured I already signed for the truck and the Rivian lady had done it before. She didn’t care.

 

[R1T-8171]

Coming out of Hellcat Durango into the R1T, it's anything but slow. Now, the S Plaid is insanely quick and I would be a little terrified in a pickup doing 1.99 0-60 but there is nothing in the truck/suv segment that can compare with quickness of the R1T. The R1S claims to have the same specs. Overall speed is a little disappointing but it's not a race car. I was in a customers Urus the other day and wanted my Rivian back....

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