12-Month review: I can't recommend the R1S for most people

[ATLRivvy]

I have 2 gen 2 R1S's and have none of the issues that you describe. The ride in both of mine is impeccable. AC is always smooth and top notch. Third row seats slide very easily to allow accomodation into and out of the 2nd and 3rd rows. It kind of makes me wonder if you even have an R1S...

if you would like to believe I created this account and started posting on this forum a year ago for the sole purpose of posting this negative review then go right ahead. Perfectly in line with with the echo chamber mindset people seem to be into these days.

Sponsored

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Can't help spewing nonsense? I think they make meds for that.

I just took a drive in a friend's new Y. It has really nice improvements all around. Tesla AP still blows away Rivian ADAS by a long shot. Price was cheap.

LOL, you're telling me about spewing nonsense. That's cute.

 

[bigsky]

For me, I appreciate a great deal that PAAK works flawlessly. EV and PAAK are two peas in a pod. There is no way in freaking hell that I ever would use that detestable, heinous ICE-age key fob. It belongs in the heap of ICE legacy garbage. The key card, I carry it in my wallet for emergency use only.

 

[2kwik4u]

For me, I appreciate a great deal that PAAK works flawlessly. EV and PAAK are two peas in a pod. There is no way in freaking hell that I ever would use that detestable, heinous ICE-age key fob. It belongs in the heap of ICE legacy garbage. The key card, I carry it in my wallet for emergency use only.

When, for any vehicle, have you not trusted the primary method of permission to acces so badly that you carry a spare around at all times?

I feel that speaks volumes in itself. You trust it so much that you carry a secondary form of permission (not access).

Also, PaaK doesn't work for me on a regular basis, and interferes with other devices I have attached to Bluetooth at the same time. It's a garbage system that's of both poor design and terrible execution.

 

[mkhuffman]

if you would like to believe I created this account and started posting on this forum a year ago for the sole purpose of posting this negative review then go right ahead. Perfectly in line with with the echo chamber mindset people seem to be into these days.

When, for any vehicle, have you not trusted the primary method of permission to acces so badly that you carry a spare around at all times?

I feel that speaks volumes in itself. You trust it so much that you carry a secondary form of permission (not access).

Also, PaaK doesn't work for me on a regular basis, and interferes with other devices I have attached to Bluetooth at the same time. It's a garbage system that's of both poor design and terrible execution.

PaaK has been flawless for me since I brought the truck home in March. There could be some hardware difference between my truck and yours, but I think it is more likely the phone. Some phones just don't work well with PaaK, and for sure if the Rivian app is going to sleep it isn't going to work reliably. All permissions for the app need to be enabled with no restrictions. Have you checked that?

I also keep the card in my wallet for backup - for the car wash kids and anyone else who needs to get in or drive it, or in case I have a problem with my phone. I had lots of very poor PaaK experiences with my Mach-e, so I am paranoid about it failing. And there is the chance the phone could die, or be stolen, or broken. I have dropped it before, so phone malfunction is what I worry most about.

 

[bigsky]

When, for any vehicle, have you not trusted the primary method of permission to acces so badly that you carry a spare around at all times?

I feel that speaks volumes in itself. You trust it so much that you carry a secondary form of permission (not access).

Also, PaaK doesn't work for me on a regular basis, and interferes with other devices I have attached to Bluetooth at the same time. It's a garbage system that's of both poor design and terrible execution.

I carry key cards in my wallet for both my Teslas and my Rivian not because I plan on using them (I don't). Nor do I worry about PAAK not ever working. It works great, exceedingly well always. Key cards I carry only as an emergency should I ever be stupid enough to drain my phone dead or lose it. Or have it stolen. You know, a backup, a good idea, tale as old as time.

Now, were my only choices PAAK and that detestable, hideous ICE key fob, no way I would ever carry that garbage around. PAAK only.

 

[SANZC02]

When, for any vehicle, have you not trusted the primary method of permission to acces so badly that you carry a spare around at all times?
…

Since the key fob became a thing I always had a key in my wallet as a backup…

 

[SwampNut]

I've had a physical key break, and of course, who hasn't lost one? What was the backup? I don't carry a card on me, just don't worry about it that much.

 

[mkhuffman]

I've had a physical key break, and of course, who hasn't lost one? What was the backup? I don't carry a card on me, just don't worry about it that much.

Do you give the car wash kids your phone, or do you give the valet your phone? When your friend needs to get something out of the truck do you give him/her your phone? (I guess in that case you can remote unlock/lock it, but handing over the key card is much easier.) When you get a flat tire, do you give the tow truck driver your phone? What about Discount Tire when they fix your flat? You leave your phone with them?

 

[TexasBob]

Can't help spewing nonsense? I think they make meds for that.

I just took a drive in a friend's new Y. It has really nice improvements all around. Tesla AP still blows away Rivian ADAS by a long shot. Price was cheap.

Model Y is definitely in the top 10 mid-sized electric SUVs in terms of price/performance/features and it is the only one that communicates so clearly that personal "I'm not necessarily a fascist but I definitely like to affiliate myself with them" brand identity.

A good friend of mine just got his first BEV - a new Tesla Model Y. He took me out for a FSD drive yesterday, and it was amazing. The car is very well put together, was quiet, smooth and very nice. Sure, there are few buttons, and one screen, but it is a good car. IMO.

He loves it so far, BTW.

Looks like it is official: Model Y has the worst defect rate of any vehicle every recorded in the past decade.

TÜV has just published its 2026 reliability report, and it included a thorough assessment of electric vehicles for the first time. Echoing concerns that rental car companies and fleet companies have shared in past, TÜV found that the Tesla Model Y had shockingly bad reliability — the worst in the industry in a decade. It had a 17.3% defect rate for cars 2–3 years old, the worst TÜV recorded in the auto industry in 10 years.

https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/0...-worst-reliability-of-2022-2023-models-yikes/'

 

[mkhuffman]

... and it is the only one that communicates so clearly that personal "I'm not necessarily a fascist but I definitely like to affiliate myself with them" brand identity.
...

No, it doesn't.

 

[bigsky]

Looks like it is official: Model Y has the worst defect rate of any vehicle every recorded in the past decade.

https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/0...-worst-reliability-of-2022-2023-models-yikes/'

I am sure I can find another report that totally contradicts the findings in this one. Total German malarkey.

Speaking in terms of firsthand, my real-world experience, my 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance is hands down THE most stunning, most beautiful, most fun to drive, most reliable, bestest EV, a true masterful EV work of art in most every way. My 2024 Rivian R1S Gen 1 Quad...well, I am the hapless owner of one.

In terms of reliability:
My 2022 Model Y Performance issues, defects: 4 years in, NONE, NOTHING, ZERO, NADA, ZILCH, 'NICHTS, REIN.'
My 2024 R1S Gen 1 Quad: don't get me started. Junk.

Just the facts.

 

[mkg3]

Interesting thing about what we own or buy into. Whenever anyone criticize anything about it, they react as though we called their kid ugly or stupid.

The OP, @ATLRivvy, provided a honest view and his experience. Take it or leave it. If your experience is different, say that and stop there. No need to bash the OP.

Another thing is expectations are different for each person. I have owned the original Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Durango and now R1S, all trucks frame with body. My expectation going in was exactly that. I have also owned XC90 and Outback built on unitized body and they do ride much more comfortable than R1S.

As for the price point of R1S, it is expected to be compared to others in the same price range. Off road capability or no off road capability.

When Rivian sent me a survey shorty after I bought the R1S, I said I can only recommend the vehicle to person who really wants the off road abilities or someone with eyes wide open and understand the pros and cons.

Just as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, If one thinks Rivian is perfect or the best vehicle, great - it is for that person. For others, maybe so so much. It definitely is not the best vehicle from my perspective. Its just good and okay.

 

[technerd]

I have a love/hate thing with my Rivian. I love it most days, but it's made me want to scream too. Not sure I'd recommend one to most people, I still consider it an enthusiasts vehicle. I think they'll mature, like Tesla did, once the R2 comes out, but right now they still have some things to figure out with reliability, service and software updates.

I still enjoy every drive, but I'm realistic.

 

[ATLRivvy]

Nice try. Next time maybe don't make a post with formatting that looks like it was generated by AI while stating "facts" that make it appear that you don't even own the vehicle.

By the way - I’ve never had my R1S randomly pull to the right or the trunk open on its own. It appears you have according to your posts - guess you must be AI too?

Sponsored