What shoud l buy R1S, Hummer SUV or Gravity Update: R1S Tri motor ordered

[SoCal Rob]

I'm back after a long break to get some advice. I own a '22 R1T, and it has been great. I have close to 40K on it and have only had occasional minor issues with it, like a broken cup holder and loose trim. However, with my son getting older and having to transport him and our two large dogs simultaneously, it is becoming increasingly crowded and, more importantly, unsafe, with them all crammed in the back.

If I do go the Rivian route, I will probably get the tri-motor. I wouldn't want to feel like I was stepping down from my R1T regarding interior quality. My truck has the Meridian sound, and it was before they removed all the extra wood trim that looks also to be included on the Ascend trim. I also like the brown wood with the black interior. I would avoid the quad, however, as I feel it will eat tires, and after burning off my set of 21's in 16K miles, I'm not eager to repeat that. I bought the 22s and Michelin Defenders, and they are much more solid tires.

Despite my initial reservations, I test-drove a Hummer SUV and was surprised to find it a viable option. This unexpected turn has added another layer to my decision-making process. The HEV is exaggerated and impractical, making it fun and unique. The rear-wheel steering makes the HEV better in parking lots than the Rivian is. I was amazed by how much of a difference it makes in low-speed maneuvers. The things that worry me about Hummer are the inefficiency and size of the battery pack and how that would factor into long trips. I take at least one 2K mile road trip a year. My R1T has done 3 so far, and I would like something better regarding range and charging. I know the Hummer charges fast, but it isn't very efficient, and I would worry that the much larger battery would take significantly longer to charge while going around the same distance, adding time to my already long trips. On paper the Hummer is a better road tripper than my gen 1 R1 but I'm not sure if it would be in actuality.

That brings me to my last possible contender, the Lucid Gravity. This one isn't very likely as I still don't know all the specs. It looks like a minivan, and I'm still not convinced of Lucid making it as an auto manufacturer. I am only mentioning it as what is out on it so far promises a roomy vehicle with superior driving dynamics to either of the other two options. Lucid also has an 800V charging system, which is a massive bonus for road trips. However, the fact that Lucid is still a boutique automaker and buying one would probably be the riskiest of the three adds a layer of complexity to my decision-making process.

As far as servicing goes I don't know which would be better the Rivian or the HEV. The Hummer can be serviced at the dealer, and I have a good local dealer, but the forum is populated with service horror stories. The same stories are frequent here but contrast directly with my personal experience. The Atlanta service center and the Nashville remote center are full of competent mechanics, and the service at my house is even better than that of the dealer. Lucid here is probably the worst because they have fewer resources than the other companies.

Emotionally, the HEV speaks to me most. I liked driving it. I felt very cool driving it. I am not usually one for the jacked-up bro dozer aesthetic, but the Hummer feels so over the top that it gives me more cartoon truck vibes. I do worry about its downsides, being comically huge is a double edged sword. While it is fun to drive I could see a possibility of regretting that choice.

I know most of the people here are going to be Rivian-biased, but what does everyone else think?

Sorry that I have no hands-on advice, but I think I’d have to eliminate the Gravity for the reasons you already mentioned. I’ve seen several HEVs on the road and they don’t look as outrageously large as I thought they’d be. I’ve owned quite a few GMs over the years and I’d still buy another. On the R1S front, my thinking is the same as yours: as a Gen1 QM owner, anything less than a Tri-Motor would feel like a serious downgrade. The Gen2 has quite a few meaningful improvements and, with the Ascend interior, almost no cons. The frunk is a little smaller but probably not a deal-breaker for someone used to the Gen1 size.

I’m very happy to see you back! When I noticed you hadn’t posted in a couple weeks I tried starting a conversation to check in but it didn’t go through. I hope you’re doing well.

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[Donald Stanfield]

Sorry that I have no hands-on advice, but I think I’d have to eliminate the Gravity for the reasons you already mentioned. I’ve seen several HEVs on the road and they don’t look as outrageously large as I thought they’d be. I’ve owned quite a few GMs over the years and I’d still buy another. On the R1S front, my thinking is the same as yours: as a Gen1 QM owner, anything less than a Tri-Motor would feel like a serious downgrade. The Gen2 has quite a few meaningful improvements and, with the Ascend interior, almost no cons. The frunk is a little smaller but probably not a deal-breaker for someone used to the Gen1 size.

I’m very happy to see you back! When I noticed you hadn’t posted in a couple weeks I tried starting a conversation to check in but it didn’t go through. I hope you’re doing well.

Yeah if I had a list with a score card the R1S and the HEV would be really close and the Gravity would be pretty far down. I don’t use any of the off road capabilities of these vehicles like you do, so the more sporty driving dynamics promised by Gravity are the only thing keeping it on the list.

I don’t think I could go full soccer dad though and cruise the minivan. My brain tells me I’m far too cool for that, although reality begs to differ. I just don’t want to admit it. These days those college girls I once tried to impress remind me much more of my 13 year old than someone I want attention of and people my age couldn’t care less.

I’m doing well, I just had to step back from here for my own mental health reasons. I was becoming far too antagonistic with the trolls and Rivian bashers and it wasn’t who I wanted to be. After the break I’m hoping to reconnect with the people who’s opinions I value and not get sucked back in to that trap.

 

[iansriv]

What I want for sure is the Hummer platform with Rivian’s tech and functionality. Unfortunately that’s not in the cards. I do want the Hummer because it’s new and different and I’m a big fan of novelty but my R1 has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

It’s a question of do I want the increased fun factor of the comic book car and all the drawbacks that come with such an impractical vehicle or do I want the known quantity with the excellent software and the features expanding over time.

Scout?

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

Yeah if I had a list with a score card the R1S and the HEV would be really close and the Gravity would be pretty far down. I don’t use any of the off road capabilities of these vehicles like you do, so the more sporty driving dynamics promised by Gravity are the only thing keeping it on the list.

I don’t think I could go full soccer dad though and cruise the minivan. My brain tells me I’m far too cool for that, although reality begs to differ. I just don’t want to admit it. These days those college girls I once tried to impress remind me much more of my 13 year old than someone I want attention of and people my age couldn’t care less.

I’m doing well, I just had to step back from here for my own mental health reasons. I was becoming far too antagonistic with the trolls and Rivian bashers and it wasn’t who I wanted to be. After the break I’m hoping to reconnect with the people who’s opinions I value and not get sucked back in to that trap.

I will say, the “Ignore” button is a wonderful thing ?

 

[ads75]

If the Hummer speaks to you emotionally the most, that's what I would go with. Its ok for vehicles to be emotional purchases, as long as it does the basic things you need from it. It sounds like you would be happy with service or Rivian. I would just try to research how much longer charging a Hummer takes than the Rivian, at Tesla stations specifically, since they seem to be the most plentiful, and have the best reputation (at least currently). Sure, you may get tired of the Hummer eventually, but you may also get tired of having Rivian back to back.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Scout?

The renderings I’ve seen of it look great, but there’s not even a release date for the scout yet. The main reason I’m switching is because my son and dogs making the trip to my father’s lake house is too difficult so I’d like to be in something before playing on the water next season.

Scout might be the vehicle after this one considering I seem to change those every couple years.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

If the Hummer speaks to you emotionally the most, that's what I would go with. Its ok for vehicles to be emotional purchases, as long as it does the basic things you need from it. It sounds like you would be happy with service or Rivian. I would just try to research how much longer charging a Hummer takes than the Rivian, at Tesla stations specifically, since they seem to be the most plentiful, and have the best reputation (at least currently). Sure, you may get tired of the Hummer eventually, but you may also get tired of having Rivian back to back.

Appreciate the feedback and the charging speed is what worries me the most about the Hummer. Judging by the few people who’ve tried it, the HEV charges at 170ish kW at Tesla stations as V3’s don’t support 800V architecture.

170 is passable speed in a Rivian but charging that massive battery in the HEV at that speed is a big step backwards from what I have now.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I will say, the “Ignore” button is a wonderful thing ?

I’m going to do my best to remember that.

 

[ads75]

Appreciate the feedback and the charging speed is what worries me the most about the Hummer. Judging by the few people who’ve tried it, the HEV charges at 170ish kW at Tesla stations as V3’s don’t support 800V architecture.

170 is passable speed in a Rivian but charging that massive battery in the HEV at that speed is a big step backwards from what I have now.

1I can't say I would blame you on the charging time. Longest trip I've done with my Rivian was 450 miles each way, in the winter. I take my 2 door soft top Wrangler on road trips now, and that isn't great for road trips either, for a slew of other reasons.

 

[Chewy734]

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...um-effort-motortrend-comparison-review.33493/

 

[Tango45]

I’m doing well, I just had to step back from here for my own mental health reasons. I was becoming far too antagonistic with the trolls and Rivian bashers and it wasn’t who I wanted to be. After the break I’m hoping to reconnect with the people who’s opinions I value and not get sucked back in to that trap.

Good call, I've been there.

As for advice... I don't know you, but I've seen you post a lot over the years with evidence of your life and use case. I agree that the gravity doesn't strike me as fitting with the image that your postings over the years have built in my mind. You're right in thinking I'm Rivian biased, but I wonder if the image of the Hummer will bother you in the future. You don't seem like the kind to put much weight in the judgement of others, but I also think you aren't the kind to seek the level of attention that a Hummer attracts.

FWIW, I'm a huge fan of my R1S and the addition of a roof rack adds an absurd amount of capability. I'd be happy to share more details about my setup, but I think there's many here who have already demonstrated and advanced capacity set-up in R1S/T builds that you can use to fit your needs while also not screaming "look at me!" But again, I'm biased.

Either way, godspeed; continue to report your findings.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

1I can't say I would blame you on the charging time. Longest trip I've done with my Rivian was 450 miles each way, in the winter. I take my 2 door soft top Wrangler on road trips now, and that isn't great for road trips either, for a slew of other reasons.

I'd imagine one of those issues is road noise. The HEV has appreciable road noise because of the removable glass roof panels.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Good call, I've been there.

As for advice... I don't know you, but I've seen you post a lot over the years with evidence of your life and use case. I agree that the gravity doesn't strike me as fitting with the image that your postings over the years have built in my mind. You're right in thinking I'm Rivian biased, but I wonder if the image of the Hummer will bother you in the future. You don't seem like the kind to put much weight in the judgement of others, but I also think you aren't the kind to seek the level of attention that a Hummer attracts.

FWIW, I'm a huge fan of my R1S and the addition of a roof rack adds an absurd amount of capability. I'd be happy to share more details about my setup, but I think there's many here who have already demonstrated and advanced capacity set-up in R1S/T builds that you can use to fit your needs while also not screaming "look at me!" But again, I'm biased.

Either way, godspeed; continue to report your findings.

That's a fair read on my personality. I do worry about the sort of attention the HEV attracts. It is cool, but it is very bold, and the perception behind it may not necessarily reflect my views and beliefs.

 

[Fmc]

I wanted to like the hummer but it is inefficient and has that cheap plastic removable roof.

 

[R1Tom]

I'm back after a long break to get some advice. I own a '22 R1T, and it has been great. I have close to 40K on it and have only had occasional minor issues with it, like a broken cup holder and loose trim. However, with my son getting older and having to transport him and our two large dogs simultaneously, it is becoming increasingly crowded and, more importantly, unsafe, with them all crammed in the back.

If I do go the Rivian route, I will probably get the tri-motor. I wouldn't want to feel like I was stepping down from my R1T regarding interior quality. My truck has the Meridian sound, and it was before they removed all the extra wood trim that looks also to be included on the Ascend trim. I also like the brown wood with the black interior. I would avoid the quad, however, as I feel it will eat tires, and after burning off my set of 21's in 16K miles, I'm not eager to repeat that. I bought the 22s and Michelin Defenders, and they are much more solid tires.

Despite my initial reservations, I test-drove a Hummer SUV and was surprised to find it a viable option. This unexpected turn has added another layer to my decision-making process. The HEV is exaggerated and impractical, making it fun and unique. The rear-wheel steering makes the HEV better in parking lots than the Rivian is. I was amazed by how much of a difference it makes in low-speed maneuvers. The things that worry me about Hummer are the inefficiency and size of the battery pack and how that would factor into long trips. I take at least one 2K mile road trip a year. My R1T has done 3 so far, and I would like something better regarding range and charging. I know the Hummer charges fast, but it isn't very efficient, and I would worry that the much larger battery would take significantly longer to charge while going around the same distance, adding time to my already long trips. On paper the Hummer is a better road tripper than my gen 1 R1 but I'm not sure if it would be in actuality.

That brings me to my last possible contender, the Lucid Gravity. This one isn't very likely as I still don't know all the specs. It looks like a minivan, and I'm still not convinced of Lucid making it as an auto manufacturer. I am only mentioning it as what is out on it so far promises a roomy vehicle with superior driving dynamics to either of the other two options. Lucid also has an 800V charging system, which is a massive bonus for road trips. However, the fact that Lucid is still a boutique automaker and buying one would probably be the riskiest of the three adds a layer of complexity to my decision-making process.

As far as servicing goes I don't know which would be better the Rivian or the HEV. The Hummer can be serviced at the dealer, and I have a good local dealer, but the forum is populated with service horror stories. The same stories are frequent here but contrast directly with my personal experience. The Atlanta service center and the Nashville remote center are full of competent mechanics, and the service at my house is even better than that of the dealer. Lucid here is probably the worst because they have fewer resources than the other companies.

Emotionally, the HEV speaks to me most. I liked driving it. I felt very cool driving it. I am not usually one for the jacked-up bro dozer aesthetic, but the Hummer feels so over the top that it gives me more cartoon truck vibes. I do worry about its downsides, being comically huge is a double edged sword. While it is fun to drive I could see a possibility of regretting that choice.

I know most of the people here are going to be Rivian-biased, but what does everyone else think?

If I had a good relationship at the GMC dealership, which I do, I might actually go HEV.....but G2 QM speaks to me, but I do share your tire concerns. Those performance tires are needed for that dominant acceleration but will be certainly super short life. And with All Terrains like I would go....probably makes it barely out perform G1 QM.

How is your local Rivian service? Mine is great....so I might go Rivian QM or TM.

Dang....now even I am confused...

Might have to drive each a bunch to really decide....

And...welcome back!

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