About to lease a R1T. Need some help.

[robbyrob505]

Hi everyone I am about to lease a R1T 2026 dual motor max. This is my first EV. Ive been doing research but have found a lot of negative reviews that seem more related to the older models. I am curious if things seem to been improving for those that have done updates on their older models or have newer models with less issues. What are your thoughts? Sorry if this belongs in a different thread.

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[SteveInBend]

It would be helpful if you could specify which negatively reviewed items concern you. Respondents could then address those issues.

 

[robbyrob505]

Thx. Issues with the card or phone being recognized, 12v, the car suddenly stopping, tonneau cover, door molding quality, software issues, warnings going off, range inaccurate, air suspension issues.

 

[SteveInBend]

I have a 2022 R1T and haven't had any of those issues. Still have original 12V battery, tonneau cover never had an issue but Rivian upgraded it at no charge. I do have some weirdness going on with my compass heading not updating properly when switching between Wi-Fi and LTE.

 

[robbyrob505]

Thx Steve good to know.

 

[SteveInBend]

The problem with asking for this type of information on a forum is that it's all anecdotal. Just keep in mind that people tend to post about their negative experiences and not about the positive ones.

 

[Taco Corp]

I had a Gen1 R1T - Phone key generally worked fine, actually a bit to well initially and I had to disable unlock at home. The key card I found to be hit or miss, but that turned out to be a fault with the reader in the door.

Currently have a 2025 Gen2 R1S and the PaaK initially was a bit inconsistent, that was addressed with software/app updates. More recently the move to Apple Car Key has resolved all of those issues for me. Key card the couple times I've used it has been trouble free.

 

[skyguyscott]

I have a 2026 R1T dual max, picked it up early August, and really have not had any real issues so far.

Here is a thread I wrote shortly after I got it. Some of my concerns were answered in the thread. This is a pretty good community and lots of folks here can answer your questions.

I have not yet had any problems in the areas you mentioned. The most common grumbles I have heard, in no particular order are: the somewhat disappointing sound system, the glass roof (get some shades), the wireless phone charger (practically worthless, really, use something else) and the ridiculously complex screen driven vents.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the comic-looking headlights, and lots of folks would like to have Apple CarPlay -- but these are issues you've already had to make peace with.

Regardless, all these are relatively mild quibbles, no vehicle is perfect. You may or may not experience some gremlins in your vehicle, if so, call Rivian and they will take care of it sooner or later. I can say that the fun and practicality of the R1T more than makes up for any disappointments I have experienced, and you are likely going to really, really like your new truck.

 

[cbrcanuck]

Hi everyone I am about to lease a R1T 2026 dual motor max. This is my first EV. Ive been doing research but have found a lot of negative reviews that seem more related to the older models. I am curious if things seem to been improving for those that have done updates on their older models or have newer models with less issues. What are your thoughts? Sorry if this belongs in a different thread.

I have a 2023 R1T, coming up on 3 years ownership in March (is/was my first EV too). I haven't had any of the issues you mention and still LOVE driving this truck. Some folks have had some issues (as with all brands), Rivian has been really good about taking care of their customers. If I had to replace this truck, I'd 100% want to get straight back into another Rivian.

The single biggest thing I've learned is that I would only ever buy an EV if I can charge at home (which I can). If I had to deal with public charging regularly - no way. Otherwise the whole experience is awesome and I'd never go back to driving an ICE vehicle.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

As someone else said, people are far more likely to come online to "complain". Most happy owners aren't sitting on forums, they're outside enjoying their vehicles. Well, those of us who aren't crazy, anyway.

From your list of potential concerns: the tonneau cover has been completely redesigned, and the door molding beefed up substantially from early vehicles. Air suspension is a complex beast for any brand (not just Rivian) but that's why we have warranties. I have a Pixel 8 Pro phone and have never had a problem with PaaK, but I carry a fob in my pocket and keycard in my wallet always as backups. YMMV with that one, so I recommend keeping a backup method handy. Minor software issues have been extremely rare (in my experience), just learn the soft & hard reset procedures "just in case".

I've had mine for three years, by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. Best of luck with yours.

 

[robbyrob505]

You guys are all great thx for sharing tour thoughts.

 

[R1Tacoma]

Thx. Issues with the card or phone being recognized, 12v, the car suddenly stopping, tonneau cover, door molding quality, software issues, warnings going off, range inaccurate, air suspension issues.

Out of all of these issues, I've only had a 12v replaced and even that definitely could've waited. No issues to speak of for the past near three years

 

[lefkonj]

Phone/Card issues I never really experienced in my 3 years of ownership but like most things it varies. Software quality I don't see as an issue. The tonneau cover I can't speak to as I have owned 2 R1S's over 3 years. I would buy my Rivian again, if that helps answer your question though ( I did actually after over 2 years of ownership, replaced it with a 2025.)

 

[Time2Roll]

Thx. Issues with the card or phone being recognized, 12v, the car suddenly stopping, tonneau cover, door molding quality, software issues, warnings going off, range inaccurate, air suspension issues.

Six months in and not but a few stray warnings that cleared next drive.
Have not been into service and have nothing pending.
Enjoy the vehicle.

 

[CosmicRivian]

I love the “comic-looking headlights,” for what it’s worth. I had an R1T, now I have an R1S. Both are awesome (I only switched because the SUV made more sense for how much I travel and the kind of adventuring I do in it, but I do miss the truck too).

As others have said, if I had to replace my Rivian, I would replace it with a Rivian, and I would never go back to gas.

Good luck as you move forward on everything. I envy you getting your first Rivian. It’s such a great feeling of excitement. Enjoy it all.

Stay adventurous!

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