I really can't decide! (Gen 2 R1T or R1S)

[Jard]

Hey buddy, I'll help you out. It's easy....

People or Plywood

Which will you carry more often?

Done.

There is absolutely no way I would buy another Tesla at this point, especially a Y or X. I did own a 2019 Model S Performance.

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[mikehmb]

I have been agonizing over this for weeks now!

I am replacing a 2021 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with captain's chairs in the 2nd row. I often said if someone would make a fully electric version of that car, I would buy it in a moment. I want the R1S to be that car, and I feel like it's close, but not quite...

That leads me to the R1T. It's just cooler and the Gen 1 seemed to be much better than the Gen 1 R1S (suspension and ride quality being the biggest factors). I have driven the Gen 1.

I have driven a Gen 2 R1S and feel they updated the suspension to the point I would own one. I have not driven a Gen 2 R1T.

Desired spec in either: Forest Green or Limestone (LA Silver being 3rd choice), Dual Max, 22" Range wheels, Premium Audio

I am leaning toward purchasing or financing and I am a November 2021 pre-order holder with a full voucher. I may (not treating it like a certain) be able to get the $7,500 federal tax credit by amending my 2022 return. I did sign the binding contract.

Pros and Cons:
(this is all subjective to my specific use case, thoughts, and worries - looking for real opinions from other owners)

R1S pros:
- can haul 6 people, which I do occasionally - a few road trips a year
- more secured storage due to the nature of it being a SUV - I routinely haul kids and bikes and golf clubs (I already have a hitch mount bike rack and a rooftop cargo box)
- 2.99% financing
- my desired config is available in the shop right now!

R1S cons:
- complaints about sound system and HVAC (I think this is a bit related to the truck vs. SUV nature of the systems, the HVAC has to work harder to cool the interior volume of the R1S)
- the 3rd row feels claustrophobic compared to my CX-9 with the captain's chairs

R1T pros:
- more towing capacity
- better ride than the R1S (not sure if this will apply to Gen 2)
- coolness factor
- expect the sounds system and HVAC operate better

R1T cons:
- lose the ability to carry a 6th person
- unknown status of powered tonneau cover
- higher financing rates
- desired config may not be likely to show up in the shop in time for me to use my voucher (have spoken to several guides on this) - LA Silver is a fallback

Happy for your opinions!

TL;DR - I use my truck for dirty things like mountain biking, camping, and backpacking, and can toss
dirty stuff in the back without having to smell it or clean a fine layer of filth from the cab.

Also, I love how the R1T handles and the stereo is fantastic (Meridian Elevation).
—

I’m a long-term truck person, so take this with a mine’s worth of salt.

Major benefit of a truck is the ability to haul stuff. I don’t just mean the weekend Lowes runs - although that’s certainly useful. Dirty stuff, big stuff, small stuff you just don’t want in the cab for whatever reason, smelly stuff, etc.

The R1T is especially great because of the frunk and gear tunnel. I also have a (currently) functioning powered tonneau, so dirty stuff post-ride / backpack / etc can be tossed back there without concern for making the inside of the cab gross.

I can put wet stuff back there and not care, and I do not care if my cooler leaks.

Room for a full-size spare. A tent over the bed, tons of room for camping gear safely secured, etc - without sacrificing aero over the cab for storage.

 

[FrankieJ]

Sure. Pretty much everything about owning it is a better experience. Charging options, Autopilot, overall software maturity, nearly everything. Giving up AP really sucked, a lot. Only being able to use certain chargers has impacted us very directly on trips. AP is ultra reliable and just saves so much energy and driving annoyance. Driver+ is pretty lame.

I understand the software maturity, charging options (which has been vastly improved now that Rivian has access to many of the Tesla sites) and Autopilot (which at least for me doesn’t matter). It‘s the nearly everything where your explanation falls apart. So you think the fit and finish, ride quality, get up and go, interior appointment and quality of materials is better in the Tesla- WRONG!

 

[Jard]

Thanks all, for the opinions and words of wisdom!

 

[mpshizzle]

Thanks all, for the opinions and words of wisdom!

I ended up with an S as well! I started with a reservation for a T, but the incentive swayed me. It'll end up being cheaper with the low interest rate despite the fact that the S is a higher MSRP. Pick it up in one week!

 

[usulio]

Thanks all, for the opinions and words of wisdom!

Grats. I'm sure you'll love it. Around town the smaller length of the R1S is nice to have. Fold down the third row most of the year and you can throw a ton of stuff back there. Also it has a slightly better breakover angle than the T, use this to your advantage.

 

[Jard]

I ended up with an S as well! I started with a reservation for a T, but the incentive swayed me. It'll end up being cheaper with the low interest rate despite the fact that the S is a higher MSRP. Pick it up in one week!

I will say the financing incentive weighed heavily here too. I debated grabbing the Large (versus the Max I bought - and I assume it was actually the same VIN in the shop, software locked) and maybe upgrading it later but with the promo financing rate and my voucher, it made more sense to buy once cry once.

if there had been a Performance Dual Max in green (with Darkout), I might have sprung for that!

 

[KRG]

Sure. Pretty much everything about owning it is a better experience. Charging options, Autopilot, overall software maturity, nearly everything. Giving up AP really sucked, a lot. Only being able to use certain chargers has impacted us very directly on trips. AP is ultra reliable and just saves so much energy and driving annoyance. Driver+ is pretty lame.

Have both…I realize I’m in Southern California which is a different beast than most of the country, but none of these issues affect me. Driver+ works on all the highways here; pretty much the same experience as AP for me. I also like the Rivian software better, though the latest Tesla UI is pretty cool too.

 

[KRG]

Thanks all, for the opinions and words of wisdom!

Love that color, congrats!

 

[Type_R]

One thing I can say for the T, there is storage everywhere on this vehicle! I use the Frunk first, overflow goes in the Gear tunnel, if I still need more space... the bed!

There's storage under the rear seat too.

 

[Jard]

Delivery was originally 9/20 but then moved up to tomorrow at 5 pm!

 

[Jard]

Delivery on Thursday went well!

I did find two small cosmetic issues with the car before accepting delivery but the delivery guide and service manager (?) worked with me to for a resolution.

- The interior trim around one of the 3rd row vents had a corner where the fabric was not tucked under. They fixed this immediately.
- There were three small imperfections in the rear bumper blackout trim piece that could have been there from manufacturing or installation. The service center agreed that I should put in a ticket and they would replace the piece when it was available. Since I paid more for blackout and it’s truly cosmetic, I’m happy with getting it fixed even if not immediate.

The delivery guide in Gaithersburg was very patient with us and took more time than planned. It was overall a very positive experience!

A few more notes:
- The car was charged to 93% and my drive home is less than 10 miles. I would have preferred to discuss desired SoC at delivery. I am traveling this weekend so the car is sitting at home at 91% SoC until Sunday. It’s not the biggest deal, and I’m being picky.
- The guide made it very clear that using a Tesla Supercharger with a 3rd party adapter could void my Rivian warranty. No ETA for the official adapter.

 

[Jard]

Rear bumper imperfections.

 

[Jard]

I had a 2019 Model S Performance that I probably should have rejected at delivery due to paint issues and panel fitment issues, including a front quarter window that allowed cold air to flow into the cabin in the winter.

I fully accept my pickiness comes from that experience!

 

[dcmackintosh]

Reasons to choose an R1S for me:

Shorter, easier to park in the city, or in garage.

My longer sports equipment surfboards, skis, etc., fit inside, where they're not getting filthy or stolen.

I'm 6' 3" and I can sleep in it.

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