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Should I upgrade my Gen1??

Agassi

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If you’re going to upgrade to the next-gen Rivian, it better beat the Cybertruck’s hardware specs—otherwise, what’s the point?
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Electrified Outdoors

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Its a common question. The answer will be different for different folks. I would say this to keep it short.

Look at the features/improvements on Gen2 over Gen1 (cameras, driver assist, headlights, etc.) and then decide if its worth the cost to upgrade which will also be different for different folks.

Wife has one on order which I will be sharing more on very soon

Rivian R1T R1S Should I upgrade my Gen1?? BreakfastClubSunglassesGIF
 

DayTripping

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If you’re going to upgrade to the next-gen Rivian, it better beat the Cybertruck’s hardware specs—otherwise, what’s the point?
That has sort of been my point in other threads. I'd say even more so when it comes to the G2 quad. Given all the extra time, more HP, etc. you would hope it would crush the Cybertruck at least from a performance perspective.

Sadly, one area where I think Rivian lags, and likely will for some time, is efficiency. My friends with CTs get better efficiency than I do with similar configurations. They have a 10 kWh smaller battery pack and consistently get more range than I do. Which sort of points to how inefficient Rivian's drivetrain is compared to Teslas. Tesla's drag coefficient is worse than the Rivians by at least 10% and the Rivian has less frontal area. If Rivian's drivetrain was at least as efficient as Tesla's that would result in significantly better efficiency than Tesla. Unfortunatley the Rivian's is worse, even with those significant advantages.
 

Great Gatsby

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I had the bug in me and thought about upgrading from Gen1 Quad to the Tri. Going from quad to dual honestly feels like a downgrade. Test drove the dual and something was missing. The way it handled and the power delivery just felt kinda meh in comparison. The tri on the other hand is more comparable. The ascend interior is quite nice, but nothing I'd consider worth upgrading for. The dynamic glass was cool but I already use an aftermarket cover during the summers and that solves my problem. Unlike others, I don't mind the button to open the doors. Them being lighter actually means they don't have to be slammed to be closed. Another unspoken benefit of Gen2 is how much smoother the regen is. That was the biggest benefit to me. The gen1 regen can feel jerky at times and coming to a smooth stop is not always the order of the day. As far as the suspension, it was slightly better, but again, nothing revolutionary. General noise isolation was about the same as my quad.

I'd say test drive or wait. Gen2 is more of a soft refresh than a new gen, and as others have said here, most of the upgrades do come with some trade offs. Specially having a reliable gen1, why risk it?
 

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great thread! you guys stopped me from putting a deposit down (for now) ;)
 

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DayTripping

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great thread! you guys stopped me from putting a deposit down (for now) ;)
Wait until Gen 3.

I have figured I can totally deck out my Gen 1 with all the options I want and still have money left over rather than buying a Gen 2.

So far here is how I've spent some of my savings:
  • Forged Atomic AW01 wheels
  • Goodyear Territory AT tires
  • Full PPF
  • Ceramic coating
  • Ceramic window tint
  • Heavy-duty tinted PPF for roof glass
  • AutofitPro group buy topper
  • Xcare 10yr/175k extended warranty
  • AirCruiser rooftop tent
  • Rivian cargo bars
  • Running boards
  • Manual tonneau cover
  • Material for wind noise reduction
  • Gear tunnel slide
  • Console safe
  • Bed rug
  • Dash mat
  • Screen protectors
  • Traction boards and rescue accessories
  • Badlands jack
  • Good lifting puck
  • And a partridge in a pear tree
Despite what I've spent, I still have money left over for the next 5 years of insurance (barring no major increases) and a trip for 2 to Europe.

On the plus side, if I do somehow stumble across a good enough deal on a Gen 2 truck (would have to be a quad), some of my accessories would probably transfer over pretty easily.

Most likely though, I'll be waiting for Gen 3.
 

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@meshugy what did we learn about dampers? I fed you all the info, but you understood it all better than me haha.
sorry, just saw this. When the front dampers of my 2023 R1S where replaced they installed these ones which where stock for a 2024 R1S


Right: PT00055320-C
Left: PT00055318-C

I think these are the last Gen 1 dampers. It may be possible to retrofit Gen 2 dampers but the Rivian catalog does mention something about “restricted backwards compatibility” for the Gen 2 dampers.

I’m guessing they have a lot of these 2024 dampers lying around as they offered to install them on my 2023 no questions asked. Technically it’s like $4K job but they did it for free.
 

RandomMcRandomFace

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I am currently having this debate given the various incentives. I have a Quad 22k miles, with 20’’. Winter range isn’t terrific and I drive up to VT frequently so a max pack is intriguing. If I maxed out the incentives, it’s about $15-20k to upgrade (via a lease/lease buyout and based on the Rivian trade in value). I‘d prefer a tri, but the down payment Incentive is only on the Dune version (it seems). The latest software update indicates better charging on the max pack . . . Unsure if that will be real or not. I love the Quad, but l’ll be honest, I don’t need it (I really want the Tri for the interior and, well, to brag . . .).

Any recent tri owners - chime in on build, etc. I am looking at other threads too so no need to repeat yourself if I can find the info elsewhere.
 

NC-Rivian

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I run a Gen1 Quad R1S. Owned from new and I’ve put 21k on it. I’m not really interested in self drive but, whilst I’ve still got good value in the car and before I add too many more miles I was wondering if it’s worth trading to a Gen2 Dual. I like the idea of 400+ miles and the updated tech. Thoughts? What do you all think? Stupid idea and keep the Quad? I’ll admit I love this car. Had zero problems. Maybe that’s a sign. If it ain’t broke…:
Metaphor alert …. This is like asking if you should upgrade your 286 computer to the latest 386 version.
 

23R1TFGFE

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I am currently having this debate given the various incentives. I have a Quad 22k miles, with 20’’. Winter range isn’t terrific and I drive up to VT frequently so a max pack is intriguing. If I maxed out the incentives, it’s about $15-20k to upgrade (via a lease/lease buyout and based on the Rivian trade in value). I‘d prefer a tri, but the down payment Incentive is only on the Dune version (it seems). The latest software update indicates better charging on the max pack . . . Unsure if that will be real or not. I love the Quad, but l’ll be honest, I don’t need it (I really want the Tri for the interior and, well, to brag . . .).

Any recent tri owners - chime in on build, etc. I am looking at other threads too so no need to repeat yourself if I can find the info elsewhere.
I’m being offered the same incentives on both the TriMAX and Dune — check with your Guide….could be your lucky day! Best, MJP
 

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23R1TFGFE

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I’m being offered the same incentives on both the TriMAX and Dune — check with your Guide….could be your lucky day! Best, MJP
*apparently this incentive ends today (Saturday, 31 May) so please move swiftly if interested. Best of luck.
 

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For me, it’s not worth it.
My Gen 1 Launch edition has the Meridian sound system, excessive POWER, and is assembled like it’s Ft Knox. The Gen 2 has been criticized for poor build and sound system quality. It doesn’t sound like the infotainment system is that big of an improvement either.

I’ll eventually replace my R1T, but it won’t be for another year or two when I either lease and R2 or Scout Terra.
 

cthelan

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For me, it’s not worth it.
My Gen 1 Launch edition has the Meridian sound system, excessive POWER, and is assembled like it’s Ft Knox. The Gen 2 has been criticized for poor build and sound system quality. It doesn’t sound like the infotainment system is that big of an improvement either.

I’ll eventually replace my R1T, but it won’t be for another year or two when I either lease and R2 or Scout Terra.
Sound system is a major downgrade. Getting better, but not ‘premium’ better. Gen2 is a rattle trap. Brought it in for service, fixed about 1/2 of the rattles, couldn’t recreate a horrendous clacking/rattle from AC compressor (despite video and multiple time stamps). Now new rattles are popping up. 1200 miles on the thing. Not impressed. Hanging on to my GEN1 T forever!
 

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For me, it’s not worth it.
My Gen 1 Launch edition has the Meridian sound system, excessive POWER, and is assembled like it’s Ft Knox. The Gen 2 has been criticized for poor build and sound system quality. It doesn’t sound like the infotainment system is that big of an improvement either.

I’ll eventually replace my R1T, but it won’t be for another year or two when I either lease and R2 or Scout Terra.
I just had a Gen2 DM loaner yesterday, and concur, I'll be holding onto my Gen1 quad for longer. The sound system was terrible, granted not the "premium," it had decent torque at low speeds but sluggish at highway speeds where you really need it, I really don't like the forced Conserve mode and slow to engage rear motor.

The improved cameras and ADAS were great, but not worth what I'd be giving up. I'll stick with the powerful devil I know over the devil I don't. Plus the same money difference is literally what I'd spend on a used Airstream, so I'd rather have that with my quad.
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