Almost 1 Year, Rivian R1S Quad Large Pack is Great | Plenty of Room for Improvement Though

[WFR1S]

I have a 2024 Rivian R1S Quad Motor Gen 1 (Adventure Large Pack Battery) , I have had it since May of 2024 so almost coming up on a year. Prior to purchasing the R1S I had a 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range. (Still have a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard).

We have always had SUVs for the past 20 years, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, etc. Prior to the Teslas we owned a 2015 Honda Pilot that would have run forever. It has plenty of space inside and for cargo, super durable for the kids. Great vehicle! Unfortunately, it's not an EV right!? For that reason we ended up going with the Tesla Model Y until the R1S was available.

That being said, the number one reason for me purchasing the R1S is because it is an EV SUV. That's pretty much it, no other reason. (If the R1S were a gas vehicle I NEVER would consider it.)

With that comes some truths...

I personally do not think that the R1S is that attractive of a vehicle. I am one that does not like the headlights. Again, it's an EV SUV, it has the space, and you don't have to put gas in it. After having it for almost a year, and keeping in mind it is a first generation vehicle from a start up, there are a lot of flaws to the vehicle that I feel are overlooked, or at the least just buried. I'm going to keep it real.

It's not the best looking vehicle.
The sound system is horrible!
The HVAC system is also subpar.
Driver+ is next to useless.
Navigation/maps is extremely limited

There are also some other knitt-picky things here and there, like when you raise your rump off of the seat just bit while in reverse, because you're trying to get a better look over cars while backing out, the vehicle automatically puts the car in park. (SUPER FRUSTRATING AND UNSAFE!)

Also having a "soft button" to unlock the doors. Wish it had a hard button to unlock the doors, and not having to rely on the touch screen when your body is already out of the vehicle before you realize the doors are all locked.

I'm sure there are a few other things that I'm leaving out (will update the post if need be), but every morning I get into the vehicle to drive to work I'm reminded of something that just needs major improvement.

I'm trying not to be "that person", but it's tough not to directly compare any other ground up EV automaker to Tesla. It's just kind of par for the course, but Rivian really needs to get up to these standards and really expectations at this point.

First things first get the Infotainment system to GOAT status. Please Rivian, blow Tesla out of the water. Add all of their features and then go a step further. (Put a pass code lock on the apps like, YouTube and others that you wouldn't want your kids to get into, as one of those features.) Update the maps to be interactive right on the navigation screen, and connect them directly to a full functioning web browser.

Not trying to start a big brouhaha with this post, this is just my opinion. I love my Rivian, would not want another vehicle at this point, but it's not 100% There is a lot of room for improvement.

Everyone have a great week!!!

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[NY_Rob]

^ time to put on your flame proof suit...

 

[WFR1S]

Ha, ha. It shouldn't be that way.

One can love their vehicle, but can't be blinded by the facts. (Maybe it's different for me because I've owned other EV's, especially a Tesla, but for some if this is their first EV, they won't have anything to really compare it to other than the features of their ICE vehicle.)

But come on, compared to any other vehicle, EV or ICE, the sound system is horrible. This is a $100k vehicle with a whack sound system. Again, $100k vehicle, and the HVAC vents can't be 100% accurately manipulated. You'll have the temp set the same on both sides, but one will be coming out hot and the other cold. Maybe it's just an issue with the dampers on my particular unit?

 

[Ecupip]

I don’t have any issue with the criticisms. I just find it wild someone would purchase a car they don’t think looks good. I don’t care what it is or does. Looks inside and out tops all my other requirements.

 

[DuoRivian]

Surprised by the statement that the R1S is not attractive. Always someone to be a contrarian.

 

[NY_Rob]

Ha, ha. It shouldn't be that way.

I don't disagree, but have you ever posted something negative about your Tesla on the TMC forum? This place is tame compared to that savage land

 

[WFR1S]

I hear both of you on appearance of the vehicle, but with me it was totally about utility. It was about having an SUV that was the size of a Honda Pilot, and that it was an EV; period. (When you're at my point in life, having a nice looking vehicle is overrated, especially when you have kids. They are going to jack it all up anyway.)

I get it though, I'm abnormal in that regard.

Now I guess I should have been a bit more balanced, with the post, but it was more about the gripes, but on the positive, it's comfortable as heck! As you all know, crazy room in the back seats, and even the 3rd row is decent. I love that I can put all of my crap in the front truck, but still have room for all of the kids; stuff in the rear. (It nice to keep that separate so they can't mess with my stuff.)

 

[mkg3]

...There are also some other knitt-picky things here and there, like when you raise your rump off of the seat just bit while in reverse, because you're trying to get a better look over cars while backing out, the vehicle automatically puts the car in park. (SUPER FRUSTRATING AND UNSAFE!)

Also having a "soft button" to unlock the doors. Wish it had a hard button to unlock the doors, and not having to rely on the touch screen when your body is already out of the vehicle before you realize the doors are all locked....

As for vehicle putting itself into Park, I think you just need to get used to using the camera view and set your side mirrors to cover the blind spots. Clearly, you probably know that you must have seat belt on or it will put the vehicle into Park every time when you lift the accelerator pedal.

As for the unlock physical switch/button on the door, I could not agree more. What a pain in the arse that is to have to use the screen just to unlock the vehicle. This is a problem for Tesla too. It is so much simpler and easier to have unlock switch on the door.

 

[WFR1S]

As for vehicle putting itself into Park, I think you just need to get used to using the camera view and set your side mirrors to cover the blind spots. Clearly, you probably know that you must have seat belt on or it will put the vehicle into Park every time when you lift the accelerator pedal.

As for the unlock physical switch/button on the door, I could not agree more. What a pain in the arse that is to have to use the screen just to unlock the vehicle. This is a problem for Tesla too. It is so much simpler and easier to have unlock switch on the door.

Yup, aware of the seatbelt. Honestly that bugs a bit too, especially when you you're on a large property (not out on the public roads yet), when you're just trying to jockey the vehicle around. How about when you just want to take your jacket off at a stoplight and the frickin' car goes into park when you take the seatbelt off. Hate that!! Lastly, while we're on it, LET US HAVE VIDEO ON IN-MOTION RIVIAN (AND TESLA)! I know they disable this for liability sake, but they don't put seatbelts on a 1/5 of Jack Daniels. I know that probably doesn't make sense, but we own the car, we're adults, if an adult gets in a collision because they're watching the screen, that's on the adult. I have had video in-motion (in the front on the dash) for my passengers on pretty much all of my vehicles since video was a thing in the car. Have never had an issue. I'm driving the car not watching TV!!! You are more likely to get in a collision being distracted on a phone.

I don't believe anyone should ever trust the cameras 100%. (I just instructed my kid, a new driver, on how to rely on what your eyes can see out the windows and mirrors.) There can be latency with cameras, hiccups from time to time, and I'm sure you've noticed yourself when you're in reverse, and you see a car swooping by, you brake almost an entire second to a second and a half before the Rivian barks with the chime and the red. I'm always ahead of it.

I hear ya' though bro!

 

[Captain JB]

Interesting as I always get compliments on the look of my R1S. It is pretty elegant looking to me and then look what it can do. I can safely and easily without breaking a sweat tackle the White Rim Trail in Moab, Utah and be able to camp in the vehicle very comfortably. I can drive by gas stations and flip them off, I can choose one of several off road modes and give the car 15 inches of ground clearance. The cameras allow for great and safe views while off roading. I realize some people only own a SUV for speed bumps but this car has UTILITY and that is what I bought it for. It works perfectly for UTILITY. Yes, the speakers could be better and the vents are marginal but small items to me. My driver plus works fine so confused about that complaint.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

The OP isn’t a fan of the looks and a few other things—totally fair since most of that is 100% subjective. Personally, we love the design, especially after ditching the embarrassment that was our Model Y—my wife calls it a melted bar of soap on wheels. ?

I do agree that the unlock/lock feature and the lack of manual vent controls are ridiculous. But my Meridian sound system? Absolutely stellar.

The R1S is an incredible vehicle with its quirks, but we love both our R1T and R1S!

 

[WFR1S]

Interesting as I always get compliments on the look of my R1S. It is pretty elegant looking to me and then look what it can do. I can safely and easily without breaking a sweat tackle the White Rim Trail in Moab, Utah and be able to camp in the vehicle very comfortably. I can drive by gas stations and flip them off, I can choose one of several off road modes and give the car 15 inches of ground clearance. The cameras allow for great and safe views while off roading. I realize some people only own a SUV for speed bumps but this car has UTILITY and that is what I bought it for. It works perfectly for UTILITY. Yes, the speakers could be better and the vents are marginal but small items to me. My driver plus works fine so confused about that complaint.

Right there with you. I can't recall the last time I was at a gas station. My kids always like to joke and tell me to pull into the gas pumps and just sit there for a minute to see what people do. They probably don't even know it's an EV.

Truly appreciate being able to drive from state to state with no charging stops. Conserve mode is a game changer!!!!! Especially on the quad motor.

 

[Webleyaz]

I'm not too hip on the front end either. I tend to like the more aggressive look like the ICE trucks. I'm certainly not offended by my R1T, however. At the time, it was the only EV truck and it still hasn't been rivaled so I'm very happy with mine.
I did just get it back from having the front drive unit replaced and the loaner I had was strikingly different even though it was built just 3 months after mine. Nearly identical save for the color.
The sound system in the loaner was crap. Mine is far superior even with the same specifications. I now see why some complain about the volume level. 1 is off and 2 is too loud to talk over. Mine has a similar volume level at 7 as the loaner has at 2.
The oe 20" scorpions were so loud I was suspicious of hub bearings going out. I have 20" wildpeaks which are much more aggressive but nearly silent.
The proximity unlock let me stand next to the loaner wiggling around trying to get in while my truck is normally unlocked by the time I'm 15' from it.
Mine also has quieter suspension even with 41k more miles.
Interestingly, the infotainment in the loaner was probably twice as quick as mine.
I just found the differences in identical vehicles to be odd and noticeable.
The El Cap granite was sure nice, tho.

 

[SANZC02]

I have a 2024 Rivian R1S Quad Motor Gen 1 (Adventure Large Pack Battery) , I have had it since May of 2024 so almost coming up on a year. Prior to purchasing the R1S I had a 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range. (Still have a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard).

We have always had SUVs for the past 20 years, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, etc. Prior to the Teslas we owned a 2015 Honda Pilot that would have run forever. It has plenty of space inside and for cargo, super durable for the kids. Great vehicle! Unfortunately, it's not an EV right!? For that reason we ended up going with the Tesla Model Y until the R1S was available.

That being said, the number one reason for me purchasing the R1S is because it is an EV SUV. That's pretty much it, no other reason. (If the R1S were a gas vehicle I NEVER would consider it.)

With that comes some truths...

I personally do not think that the R1S is that attractive of a vehicle. I am one that does not like the headlights. Again, it's an EV SUV, it has the space, and you don't have to put gas in it. After having it for almost a year, and keeping in mind it is a first generation vehicle from a start up, there are a lot of flaws to the vehicle that I feel are overlooked, or at the least just buried. I'm going to keep it real.

It's not the best looking vehicle.
The sound system is horrible!
The HVAC system is also subpar.
Driver+ is next to useless.
Navigation/maps is extremely limited

There are also some other knitt-picky things here and there, like when you raise your rump off of the seat just bit while in reverse, because you're trying to get a better look over cars while backing out, the vehicle automatically puts the car in park. (SUPER FRUSTRATING AND UNSAFE!)

Also having a "soft button" to unlock the doors. Wish it had a hard button to unlock the doors, and not having to rely on the touch screen when your body is already out of the vehicle before you realize the doors are all locked.

I'm sure there are a few other things that I'm leaving out (will update the post if need be), but every morning I get into the vehicle to drive to work I'm reminded of something that just needs major improvement.

I'm trying not to be "that person", but it's tough not to directly compare any other ground up EV automaker to Tesla. It's just kind of par for the course, but Rivian really needs to get up to these standards and really expectations at this point.

First things first get the Infotainment system to GOAT status. Please Rivian, blow Tesla out of the water. Add all of their features and then go a step further. (Put a pass code lock on the apps like, YouTube and others that you wouldn't want your kids to get into, as one of those features.) Update the maps to be interactive right on the navigation screen, and connect them directly to a full functioning web browser.

Not trying to start a big brouhaha with this post, this is just my opinion. I love my Rivian, would not want another vehicle at this point, but it's not 100% There is a lot of room for improvement.

Everyone have a great week!!!

Interesting take on some things here. Style is always subjective, as is take on sound systems. My ears are old so a base AM radio probably exceeds the capabilities of my hearing but everyone that has been in my R1S were impressed with the Meridian system in it.

I purchased my R1S as you did as it was the only true EV SUV to replace my Jeep GC Overland.

I have a different take on my Tesla to Rivian comparison though. I purchased a Model S in 2016, still have it today, mostly because it comes with free Supercharging and premium connectivity. The Model S EV experience turned me on to EVs, don’t see going back to ICE.

Comparing my 2016 Model S which is the 4th year for Tesla, to my 22 R1S which is the first year for Rivian is much different than yours.

Cost/value - Rivian, sure the early adopter pricing helped but I paid 75K in 2016 (95k in adjusted 2023 dollars) for a Model S with a 75 kWh battery and rear wheel drive. At 79k for a 2022 LE R1S delivered in January of 2023 the comparison is laughable but even without the discount pricing the 97k it would have cost was still a huge win.

Interior - Rivian, the interior of the Model S was ok at 75k but Tesla had the same interiors in the vehicles they were selling for 140k. The Rivian interior to me is much more premium than the Tesla.

Build Quality - Tie, even though I’m comparing a 4th year to a first year I’m still calling it a tie. Both vehicles I had delivered were as good as any of the new cars I purchased recently with no real issues to report.

Driver assist - Tie, I only use these on long trips so the limit of Rivian on mapped freeways is not an issue for me. My Tesla is AP1 and both systems are comparable for me based on how I use them.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Looks are subjective, but I like the fact that the Rivian isn’t another jacked up bro dozer testosterone mobile. I think those are compensation mobiles. The R1S is similar in appearance to the Range Rover and I quite like that design.

The seatbelt thing has never been as issue with me because I know how to back up using my mirrors. Try driving a vehicle with no rear window and it will cure that driver skill deficiency. If a tractor trailer can back up without getting up off the seat so can you.

The Rivian sound isn’t as good as my old Meridian was, but it’s far and away better than the premium sound in my wife’s BMW. If you’re listening to Apple Music make sure the sound check feature is turned off in the settings. With it off I think the sound system is one of the best I’ve owned.

Driver+ does suck in the gen 1. It is significantly improved in the gen 2 and we are about to get hands off freeway driving as well. I wouldn’t be confident in that with a Gen 1 but in the gen 2 I’m sure it will be good.

Software wise it depends on what you’re used to/familiar with. I didn’t start with Tesla, so when I’m in one of those I find the software to be worse than the Rivian. I chalk that up to being used to the Rivian’s and perhaps that’s your case with the Tesla.

Passcodes on apps would be fine, but personally my son won’t be driving my Rivian unless I’m in the truck in a couple years when he starts driving.

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