New to forums and Rivian - want to discuss my pre-purchase concerns

[mkhuffman]

Holy Socks. I'm a Mustang Mach E owner seriously considering purchasing an R2. I realize most of the time you see mostly bad, rather than good on forums.....but the original post here kinda set me back. Has anyone made the switch from a Mach E to an R1 or to the truck and lived to tell about it? If so, what were your experiences, good and bad. Thanks !!!

Apologies for hijacking the thread. If there is already a similar discussion, I would greatly appreciate being pointed to it.

I did. I purchased a Mach-e GT new the year it was released. It was a great car. My biggest complaint was related to range and charging speed. Both suck. For local driving it is great.

My R1T Tri Max is amazing. It is vastly different from my old MME GT, but all in good ways. It is my first pickup truck, and I have overused the bed already. As long as Rivian continues to make the R1T platform better, I plan to keep upgrading.

The range of my R1T is game changing. I hate that phrase, but it is. It easily goes 100 miles farther on the highway compared to my MME GT.

And Rivian actually releases useful OTA updates. There were some good ones for my MME, but not on a regular schedule.

Feel free to DM me if you have specific questions.

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[DuoRivian]

Curious...do you own a cell phone? Have an account on ANY social media outlet, or even a gmail account? Because, if you do...I've got some bad news for you...

Also he says he won’t buy an old car, all new cars ICE or EV are more connected and that will continue.

 

[getut]

Curious...do you own a cell phone? Have an account on ANY social media outlet, or even a gmail account? Because, if you do...I've got some bad news for you...

Ah, the old straw man argument. What I do and want with one thing is irrelevant to this discussion, but I'll answer you. Yes, I used an android cell phone, but my phone is rooted to where I have the ultimate control over it, it is also partially de-googled, but is using island to spoof location and phone ID's and isolate every application including the google built in ones. On my phone every app, at every start for that app, receives a randomized set of hardware ID's to make sure the data is unusable. The only one that can't truly be spoofed is the phone companies themselves. They still have tower data, but that is understandable. Everything else is my prerogative to lock out the companies especially when they feel like they should have more control over a device than the owner. That's a big hell no.

 

[mkhuffman]

Just writing back to everyone saying I should hard pass. Let me explain. I am not a luddite. I make my living with technology. But that also better equips me to understand the security ramifications of any decision I would make. As for sideloading and hacking, I would have to do that with every EV I may potentially purchse. I will not submit my data to them no matter which EV I end up choosing so look at it like this. I am trying to find the most hackable EV as a platform to be able crack down on security wise to protect myself from the manufacturer and everyone else. I refuse to go to older vehicles, but I also refuse to allow MY vehicles to be data mined. You guys have been brainwashed into believing you either have to accept tracking with newer vehicles or drive something old. Also, sideloading is not a security risk in and of itself. Any software that I would choose to put on would be my decision as the owner of the vehicle, it is not their place to decide which software I should use. The definition of malware is software that works against the wishes of the owner. Many systems like you guys describe are malware straight from the manufacturer because the manufacturer wants you to believe they should protect the thing from the owner. That should never happen. But I am fighting these same issues if I decide to go with the silverado as well. Probably even worse becuase Chevrolet has even started encrypting the can bus to keep from having to fight 3rd parties who might try to outdo them. And that is the biggest problem with these walled gardens, once they lock you out, they start thinking of the owner of the thing as what they have to secure against. How messed up is that? These companies actually look at the owners as the security risk. F that and them. But their next step is the worst one, once they have you successfully locked out of everything, then they start artificially crippling things so they can sell that functionality back to you piecemill. These are the things that EVERYONE should be fighting like hell against, not accepting blindly.

I am with you in spirit, but IMO it is impossible to protect all your data and drive a new vehicle.

The good thing about Rivian is you don't have to link your other tech accounts with it if you don't want to. For example, there is no way to connect your Google account with the truck, so Google can't see the data from your truck. Spotify requires an account, but you can create a Spotify account that is independent of all others.

Rivian's infotainment solution is proprietary to Rivian. They do not plan to introduce Android Auto or Car Play. So at least your truck's data is independent. They do use Google maps, but the navigation is a Rivian controlled stack and Google has no idea who is using it.

Keep fighting the good fight, but it is a losing battle.

 

[madhat]

An AI could easily answer the OP, tempted to ask one.

I did. Decided not to post.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Quick takes...

Don't pay too much attention to Out of Spec and most other long form drivel from influencers. Understand how they monetize their content, then you'll understand their motives. Some info is valid and food for thought. Lots of it are trying to be gotchas fishing for clicks and ad dollars. Don't let them live in your head rent-free. If you're going to let them in, apply your own critical thinking.

Chewing through tires? Are you driving too much in lower ride heights? Suspension geometry, negative camber, alignment, and failure to rotate tires as part of regular maintenance routine negative camber, is responsible for uneven wear. Lower-than-standard ride heights induce more and more negative camber. Is your alignment out of spec and car not tracking straight on flat level ground? Or are you simply ignoring the fact that you chose a vehicle that weighs over 7k pounds? Tires are like pencil erasers. The harder you press down and rub, the faster it wears out.

 

[Oldcarguy]

My son has driven EV's since 2018 and he introduced me to them. There is no perfect vehicle out there. I really enjoy driving my R1T Quad. I'm not trying to save the world, I'm just having fun. Go spend some time in a R1T. Enjoy.

 

[SwampNut]

Ah, the old straw man argument. What I do and want with one thing is irrelevant to this discussion, but I'll answer you. Yes, I used an android cell phone, but my phone is rooted to where I have the ultimate control over it, it is also partially de-googled, but is using island to spoof location and phone ID's and isolate every application including the google built in ones. On my phone every app, at every start for that app, receives a randomized set of hardware ID's to make sure the data is unusable. The only one that can't truly be spoofed is the phone companies themselves. They still have tower data, but that is understandable. Everything else is my prerogative to lock out the companies especially when they feel like they should have more control over a device than the owner. That's a big hell no.

I knew this silliness would be the answer as soon as I read the question. Hilarious.

 

[Luxus]

In your first points you seem to indicate that you would do a lot of towing in the mountains over long distances. If that is true, don't get any EV. You'd be better off in an ICE truck with a diesel for now. As you state, those conditions will significantly cut your range down. An then recharging will be like a half hour per stop given the 400 V battery architecture Rivian uses. That's assuming the station you stop at can provide the max charging speeds for your vehicle.

I do believe EVs will get better at long distance towing in the coming years but we are not there yet IMHO.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I thought about replying to your individual concerns, but about 3/4 of the way through your list, my opinion is that you should not buy a Rivian.

One thing I can’t fathom is that you have a ton of security concerns but then you blast Rivian for not allowing side loading, which is the mother of all security risks.

good luck.

100% agreed. It simply doesn't meet your requirements. The GM is your solution at this point in time.

 

[SwampNut]

I thought it would be amusing to run this by SuperGrok with "think" on.

Prompt: Answer all of this briefly and in bullet points.

• 1) Range issues: Rivian's 2025-2026 R1T models with Max Battery achieve EPA estimates of up to 420 miles, but real-world tests show 250-300 miles at highway speeds (70-85 mph) in mild conditions; cold weather reduces range by 20-40% (e.g., 190 miles at subfreezing temps), and towing can halve it further to around 160 miles. Long-term battery degradation is typically 10-20% after 10 years, but Silverado EV outperforms in consistent EPA matching. Gen 2 models perform better but still require mixed speeds for max range.
• 2) Split phase 240v outlet: Rivian vehicles lack a native split-phase 240V outlet; instead, they offer V2H via bidirectional charging on models like R2 (starting 2026), requiring proprietary hardware like an Energy Management Control Module. Workarounds include adapters for trunk outlets (up to 2,400W at 20A), but no pure stock 240V without add-ons. Gen 2 models support V2L accessories, but proprietary systems remain standard.
• 3) Regen limitations: Gen 2 Rivians (2025-2026) have improved regen with tweaks like better dual-motor balancing and cold weather optimizations in updates (e.g., 2026.03), reducing quick limiting on downhills to "a little better" but not fully resolved—still limits after extended use, especially non-towing. Tire wear persists on fronts (e.g., 21" Pirellis at 9k miles down to 4/32nds) due to regen focus; brake wear is higher than peers without blended braking, but no full fixes confirmed; owners report ongoing issues.
• 4) Security and privacy concerns: Rivian vehicles are always connected; you can disable cellular connectivity via settings (Data and Privacy menu) for Canadian models, or hardware disconnect telematics (like Equinox), but this loses OTA updates, remote access, navigation, streaming, autonomy features, and some safety data sharing. Cameras send data to Rivian for improvements (opt-out available in 2025.46 update); no open local API, but firewall routing possible via hotspot. Insiders pose risks, but Rivian emphasizes privacy in policies; full disable means no dashcam remote access or app features.
• 5) Durability for the long haul: Half-shaft failures persist in 2022-2026 models (e.g., clunking sounds, warranty fixes up to $28k including subframe retrofits); suspension issues common in early builds. Long-term costs post-warranty (after 8yr/175k mi battery, 5yr/60k mi vehicle) average $300/yr maintenance, but reliability concerns remain—owners report multiple services, rattles, and higher repair needs; extended warranties recommended for 10+ year ownership.
• 6) Streaming video while charging: Yes, via Connect+ subscription (introduced 2024, updated through 2026)—supports YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Cast, and SiriusXM directly on infotainment while parked/charging; no need for workarounds in latest updates.
• 7) Sideload apps on infotainment: No confirmed sideloading; Rivian uses a walled ecosystem with OTA updates adding features (e.g., 2026.03 for Apple Watch, Assistant integrations), but no user app installs. Third-party hacks exist but risk warranty; focus on built-in expansions like voice controls over CarPlay.
• 8) Lack of brake blending and true two pedal mode: Rivian lacks blended braking—regen is one-pedal only (soft/medium/high settings), no pedal blending like GM EVs; conserve mode offers low regen for coasting, but friction brakes engage separately. 2026 updates improve efficiency but no true two-pedal with granular regen; owners note it wastes energy in ADAS vs. full regen use.

 

[shamoo]

Since I have a bit of time, I'll try my best to answer and comment on each of your points.

Source: Rivian R1S owner for 3+ years. Had a Tesla Model S before this. But also am an enthusiast in general with ICE "fun cars" like M3, 911s, X5M, and tons of motorcycles. I've instructed during track days and HPDEs for both cars and motorcycles.

Hello everyone, new forum user here and hoping to get some discussions going to help ease my concerns with these cars. I have been HEAVILY researching in the weeds for many months now and am getting close to pulling the trigger, but these lingering issues still concern me if I end up going with Rivian. I work in IT security, so many of my issues are related to that but also some pretty deep, in the weeds issues as well since I am a research junkie and I work on and hack all of my stuff. So with that said.. here we go. I apologize this will likely be long. I also want to state I come at a lot of these potential issues from the viewpoint of someone who does not lease and typically holds on to vehicles at least 10 years. Other than these issues that I list, Rivian is at the top of my list, but I do feel like I'm forcing it given these potential issues but driving one of these makes me not think clearly with all that power.

If it comforts you, as I answer these, I've been in IT cybersecurity (and infrastructure) for 20+ years now. Most recently in automotive cybersecurity (Hyundai, Kia, and all their related business units), and currently overseeing cybersecurity in the semiconductor industry.

1) Range issues. I don't have a warm squishy that Rivian has done a good job with their EPA range estimates and that is the #1 most critical feature to me. I use my trucks for real truck work, so I consider 400 miles in optimal conditions the absolute bare minimum for a truck. Not because I use 400 mile range, but because I use more than what lesser EPA ranges would reduce to in LESS than optimal conditions. When you consider about 60% range loss in cold weather and another 60% if towing, that puts it at around 150 miles usable and even less with 10 years of wear on the battery. So that 400 mile starting point is the absolute least range that I can live with. But my concern is that Rivian has fudged this. Unlike the Silverado EV that seems to always easily hit EPA estimates even at 70MPH constant, I don't get the feeling that the Rivians can do that. I REALLY hope someone tells me different. The 420 mile range seems to be doable when a significant amount of slower driving is involved. I have not yet found where Rivians can do that 420 mile range on a

As others have said here, the advertised rate is best case scenario on perfect roads, conditions, and probably in conserve mode from 100% to 0%. That's something nobody will do. You typically charge to 60-80% a day in your garage and use maybe 10-20% of that a day.

In my experience, the range estimates in the Rivian are very accurate. Will you get 400 miles on a charge on a regular basis? Probably not. If you need that, a Rivian is not for you.

Where are you hearing 60% range loss in cold weather? That's way too much. Maybe 20-30% at most during the most frigid temps.

2) Not a deal breaker but close to it. I am prepared to do work arounds if I decide on the Rivian, but not happy about it. But the Rivians NEED a split phase 240v outlet. Proprietary V2H systems are not acceptable. Pure stock 240v outlet that works with no proprietary system at all. The most proprietary system I would willingly accept is a charging port dongle with 240v split phase on it.

Not available at this time. Care to explain your use case? Home backup power?

3) Severe concerns over regen limitations. I watched closely for years on out of spec reviews with people talking about it and demonstrating it compared to other EV trucks. I spend a large portion of my time in the mountains on very steep hills. A truck that limits regen in 2 minutes or less of downhill even when not towing are a real concern and with someone in the mountains as much as me, it is leaving a large amount of free charging on the table with a truck that wont regen properly. I really want to hear that they got it resolved with gen 2, but I have not found a smoking gun to say they have. It still seems more like, "we made some tweaks that made it a little better but it still exists" type thing. That one very much is a deal breaker for me. I hear this issue is also potentially strongly related to 2 other issues that I have ever only heard of with Rivian EV's. Eating up tires very quickly because the overheat or whatever it is seems to be strongly focused on the front motor since their settings make this one do 90% or more of the regen rather than using both front and back motors. Somehow this also seems to play into the fact that Rivians seem to be eating brakes faster than any other EV I have researched. Have any of these issues seen fixes that I am unaware of? See this interesting video on the regen issue research.

I haven't heard of any serious issues with regen. There's some limitations when the state of charge is near full, but that's normal.

I've gone downhill for many miles and have never experienced any issues. After a certain amount of time, it becomes a physics issue which nobody can overcome. But remember, you have friction brakes too that you can enable when regen is limited.

As far as eating tires, it is dependent on many things. Some people are getting 10K miles on their tires, some are getting 30K miles. How are you driving? What tires are you running? What modes are you driving? Towing? Off roading?

I personally drive hard and my OEM Pirellis lasted about 28K miles. That's acceptable to me since it is more of a performance all season. Performance anything don't last long so I'm shocked it lasted this long. Owning RWD sports cars, I'm lucky to get 8K miles per rear set.

4) Security and Privacy concerns about the connectivity on the vehicle. This one will likely tweak some people who trust too much, but being an IT security worker I have large problems with devices that are always connected to the manufacturer. Would love if there was an open LOCAL API for communicating with the truck. First and foremost, every system on the planet that cares about security uses a trust no one model. That means not even trusting the manufacturer and keeping it firewalled or airgapped until there is a documented need. Full time access to my vehicle will not be allowed by anyone other than me as the owner. I have real trouble knowing that this system has cameras that watch everything that get sent back to Rivian. I would love a way to run this truck with 4G/5G completely and utterly disabled at the hardware level and then run it through a combo 4g/4g hotspot with firewall that is under MY control to make sure it only communicates when and with entities that I am aware of and approve only when there is a documented need. But with that said, I find the built in dashcam immensely helpful and usable. It just wont happen if the only way to use it requires having to ask permission from servers that I don't control to get someone elses access approval to something that I own and exists behind my firewall. My wife drives an equinox EV and we have teh telematics module hardware capped off and do the same with the equinox and block it from accessing GM, but the equinox does not have anything like the dashcam feature on the Rivians. I am just not OK with the system sending photos and video about my movements away from home or at home in a way that a bad employee at Rivian could use to do bad things. And 90% of breaches are from insiders. I don't trust Rivian or any company to control my devices for me. What functionality would I lose if I completely disable built in connectivity at a hardware level and run it through a firewall that I control?

This won't happen. You may or may not be aware, but almost every vehicle in the last decade are "connected cars". Not just Teslas and EVs. No manufacturer wants the owner to have access to APIs because a lot of what you can see in there is proprietary (meaning they also don't want competitors to see). Remember, I worked in automotive cybersecurity.

EVERY manufacturer has access to the "photos and videos" you talk about, but they're used in troubleshooting scenarios. If the data exists, you can be sure engineers have access to it. But (as you know from a security perspective), there are logs, compliance frameworks, and a host of other things that are taken into account when personal data or data that's able to be linked to PII is involved. Could I remotely log into your car and turn on your camera and see the camera view? Sure, I could. but nobody is doing that. Nobody cares unless there's a problem with your camera. Further more, only a select group of individuals at the company would even have access to that, and that access is controlled in a number of ways.

Anyway, this is probably a deal breaker for you. Seems a bit silly to me. Like others say, every connected device you have is tracking you in some ways.

I've worked in marketing companies before and you will be shocked what a marketing agency knows about you. It is insanely accurate. There are hundreds of sources of data which is compiled to "build your persona". And that technology is improving every day with AI.

5) Durability for the long haul. I don't lease. I keep vehicles for 10 years or better. But Rivian is scaring me just a little with repeated issues like half shafts that keep failing. Will this vehicle eat me alive in costs after the warranty goes out?

No. If you're that worried, there are a number of 3rd party warranties which take effect after the factory warranty. Those are prorated so if you ever sell the vehicle, you get back what you didn't use.

6) Can I stream video like netflix, amazon prime and youtube to the infotainment system while charging?

Yes.

7) Is there any confirmed way to sideload apps on the infotainment system. This is more of that, I refuse to submit to what they say I should have. If the app is physically able to run on the infotainment system, it should be allowed and no one should be able to decide that other than the owner. Walled garden ecosystems are never not a$$tastic. I'm OK with making add on apps only usable while parked, but beyond that, its not their decision.

No. It is absolutely their decision. Don't like it? Buy another vehicle.

8) Lack of brake blending and true two pedal mode. This is one of the things i vastly like better about the GM ev's. GM tunes their EV's so that when in 2 pedal mode, the default regen pretty closely simulates the engine braking of a gas car. Then the 1st half of brake pedal increases that regen until max until it starts blending in friction brakes. I think this allows much more granularity of regen, because COASTING is more efficient than even regen. Two pedal mode makes coasting much easier with the same amount of regen available if you want it. It's amazing how many people think that single pedal mode is the only way to get regen. Maybe that is true with Rivian, but not with most others.

I'm not sure I understand. You're able to enable friction brakes so that regen is always the same, if that's what you mean.

As others have said, I feel you're being too nitpicky about the vehicle. I thought I was bad.

Rivian is likely not for you. But I'm not sure what other manufacturer would even satisfy you.

 

[mpshizzle]

Holy Socks. I'm a Mustang Mach E owner seriously considering purchasing an R2. I realize most of the time you see mostly bad, rather than good on forums.....but the original post here kinda set me back. Has anyone made the switch from a Mach E to an R1 or to the truck and lived to tell about it? If so, what were your experiences, good and bad. Thanks !!!

Apologies for hijacking the thread. If there is already a similar discussion, I would greatly appreciate being pointed to it.

I used to have a Mach E, and now have an R1S. Mach E was great for it's time when it came out. I liked my Mach E, I LOOOOOOVVVEEEEEEE My R1S.

My expreience with Ford is that software was their Achilles heal. The few software updates they managed to deliver were relatively unimpressive. My R1S has improved significantly since I got it. Not to say Ford's engineers are bad. But in the world of software defined vehicles, the legacy architecture underpinning the Mach E really limits what the software engineers can do.

Because of Rivian's groud up approach, I've found the software to be a lot more well thought through and robust. And the improvements (especially around autonomy) have been big.
Just to name a few improvments that happened via monthly software updates: Improved audio system quality, improved ride and handling, improved phone key functionality, added hands free lane centering on any road with a line, added chromecast/youtube. (The list of things over the last year and a half of ownership would be a mile long)

Not to say Rivian software is problem and bug free. It's absolutely not. But I'll take some bugs and rough edges, in favor of not being stagnant.

 

[VegasWeezy]

I've got a 2024 R1T max pack as a loaner right now. 15,000 miles on the clock, lifetime average of 2.3 mi/kwh. On a 141 kwh battery going 100% -> 0% you're looking at 329 miles, unladen, on 22" wheels with all-season tires. My Gen 2 2025 Rivian R1S large pack has an average of 1.5 mi/kwh with a 109 kwh pack making for real-world range of <165 miles. About half EPA. From what I've seen Rivian real-world range is comfortably lower than EPA.

Is this for your normal every day driving? Or are you doing a lot of towing at freeway speeds in the mountains during winter?

The range of my R1T is game changing. I hate that phrase, but it is. It easily goes 100 miles farther on the highway compared to my MME GT.

This is completely at odds with the other guy's experience. I know people have different driving styles, city vs highway mixes, and climates, but damn... There are some major gaps in individuals' experiences.

Also, is the R1T inherently better than the R1S at achieving or nearly achieving its EPA estimate?

 

[BaldThunder]

I used to have a Mach E, and now have an R1S. Mach E was great for it's time when it came out. I liked my Mach E, I LOOOOOOVVVEEEEEEE My R1S.

My expreience with Ford is that software was their Achilles heal. The few software updates they managed to deliver were relatively unimpressive. My R1S has improved significantly since I got it. Not to say Ford's engineers are bad. But in the world of software defined vehicles, the legacy architecture underpinning the Mach E really limits what the software engineers can do.

Because of Rivian's groud up approach, I've found the software to be a lot more well thought through and robust. And the improvements (especially around autonomy) have been big.
Just to name a few improvments that happened via monthly software updates: Improved audio system quality, improved ride and handling, improved phone key functionality, added hands free lane centering on any road with a line, added chromecast/youtube. (The list of things over the last year and a half of ownership would be a mile long)

Not to say Rivian software is problem and bug free. It's absolutely not. But I'll take some bugs and rough edges, in favor of not being stagnant.

Thank you so much for your input. We love ours too. But my wife is NOT a fan of charging. So I'm thinking the extended range of the R2 would get her to almost everywhere she wants to go and back with one charge.

Now that my 21 Select is out of warranty, etc, software updates are non-existent. Plus the dealer actually charged me almost a grand once to update the 13 that were lagging in Ford's system. Was really bogus. I switched dealers after that. Do you have a home charger? I have a Ford one and wonder if it would interface with the Rivian. Don't want to spend another grand on that.

Thanks again

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