Friend bought ModelY after keeping R1S for a day, and after learning about R2

[phaduman]

We have both Teslas (M3, MY, had MS before - and love them) and a R1T Gen2 (love it). Our family friends have only Teslas (M3 and MX). Their kids are blown away with R1's looks, presence. They bought a R1S for one day but returned it next day and immediately purchased and picked up a MY. Their reasons:
- R1 is beautiful, powerful but very big. We all knew that would be the case.
- R2 is likely the best car for them, but they couldn't wait that long.
- But really what killed the Rivian option for them - they didn't realize how much they used the AutoPilot/FSD in their current Teslas that they missed in other cars and in R1S. They also test drove Lucid Gravity (really liked the interior, exterior not so much - like a minivan, but again no autopilot), Benz EQS (felt even it's own company is abandoning it), as well as a Taycan (cramped seats & old tech!).

They realized they are VERY DEPENDENT on the Tesla cars' EASY nature - teens and parents can easily switch between cars for driving, the Tesla mobile app (works so well), zero learning curve moving between M3, MX and now MY...it is very much an Apple experience. Those who are on Apple ecosystems (phones, iCloud storage, MACs, AppleTV etc.) will realize just how difficult it is to move to non-Apples, and this is the SAME EFFECT with Teslas. And the autopilot/FSD (if you are using it today you know...) is a real differentiator. Rivian needs to move real fast on autonomy to have a global true successful competition to Tesla - for themselves as well as for VW.

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[2kwik4u]

Neat story.

Feels significantly short sighted to me, but I'm closer to a Luddite than an early adopter; so what do I know?!?!

 

[macb00kemdanno]

Some people are just stubborn and unwilling to look past their experiences/preferences, for better or worse.

We own a Model 3 and a Model Y and have been spoiled by the Tesla ecosystem. However, I test-drove a 2026 R1S Tri Max (hated the ride quality) and a 2026 R1T Dual Motor Max (absolutely loved) at my local Rivian Service Center and came away impressed. I did this to introduce myself to the Rivian experience prior to the R2 arriving.

I enjoyed the R1T so much that I ordered a used 2025 R1T Dual Motor Max from CarMax and paid $1,100 to have it shipped to me. Unfortunately, that truck ended up arriving a disaster (the charge port door was broken, someone taped it shut with duct tape, and it had large scratches and trim falling off -- none of which was shown in the pictures). So I decided to nix the whole "buying used" angle and am falling back to my existing R2 reservation.

So what am I rambling on about? If you're willing to expand your horizons a bit, there's no reason that someone who loves Teslas can't move on to and enjoy Rivians after an adjustment period. They won't operate exactly the same, and they'll both have their quirks, but it's worth making the effort.

 

[sparked]

Rivian needs to move real fast on autonomy to have a global true successful competition to Tesla - for themselves as well as for VW.

Software updates coming out over the next year from Rivian are basically what they wanted. There was a recent Rivian Autonomy Day event that went over all the new software. It's all being released during the R2 launch period over the next year.

VW doesn't have any connection with Rivian for autonomy. Their software deal is for the zonal architecture. Basically connecting all the pieces of the car so it's more centrally software controlled.

 

[Apprunner]

I've driven multiple EVs and have an EV6. I agree that overall, Tesla makes owning an EV easy and brainless. Its the easiest EV to live with but I can see why some would get bored. However, my Teslas have been the most reliable cars i've owned and I've had many Toyotas and Lexus. Hard to beat the combination of software, reliability and ease of ownership.

 

[Great Gatsby]

We have both Teslas (M3, MY, had MS before - and love them) and a R1T Gen2 (love it). Our family friends have only Teslas (M3 and MX). Their kids are blown away with R1's looks, presence. They bought a R1S for one day but returned it next day and immediately purchased and picked up a MY. Their reasons:
- R1 is beautiful, powerful but very big. We all knew that would be the case.
- R2 is likely the best car for them, but they couldn't wait that long.
- But really what killed the Rivian option for them - they didn't realize how much they used the AutoPilot/FSD in their current Teslas that they missed in other cars and in R1S. They also test drove Lucid Gravity (really liked the interior, exterior not so much - like a minivan, but again no autopilot), Benz EQS (felt even it's own company is abandoning it), as well as a Taycan (cramped seats & old tech!).

They realized they are VERY DEPENDENT on the Tesla cars' EASY nature - teens and parents can easily switch between cars for driving, the Tesla mobile app (works so well), zero learning curve moving between M3, MX and now MY...it is very much an Apple experience. Those who are on Apple ecosystems (phones, iCloud storage, MACs, AppleTV etc.) will realize just how difficult it is to move to non-Apples, and this is the SAME EFFECT with Teslas. And the autopilot/FSD (if you are using it today you know...) is a real differentiator. Rivian needs to move real fast on autonomy to have a global true successful competition to Tesla - for themselves as well as for VW.

Having owned both, I kind of see the thought process. I'd point more to snappy software and ease of use over FSD, though I do see the alure there as well.

I do think they should have given the Rivian more time though. It takes time to get used to and they are definitely upside over Tesla. For sales, however, I don't think self driving is a true differentiator YET, but it does keep Tesla people in that ecosystem. For new shopper, I think the R2 will be more interesting of a vehicle though it is hard to argue about the ease of use on Tesla. They just freaking work. In a world of buggy software (at least on this side of the world), it is so nice to have PAAK work and the vehicle get up and going 100% of the time.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Having owned both, I kind of see the thought process. I'd point more to snappy software and ease of use over FSD, though I do see the alure there as well.

I do think they should have given the Rivian more time though. It takes time to get used to and they are definitely upside over Tesla. For sales, however, I don't think self driving is a true differentiator YET, but it does keep Tesla people in that ecosystem. For new shopper, I think the R2 will be more interesting of a vehicle though it is hard to argue about the ease of use on Tesla. They just freaking work. In a world of buggy software (at least on this side of the world), it is so nice to have PAAK work and the vehicle get up and going 100% of the time.

Rivian software that bad? Seems to be a lot better in the past year or so. Coming from Tesla myself, I agree with the OP's points so hoping I don't regret it LOL

 

[Jeremy3292]

So what am I rambling on about? If you're willing to expand your horizons a bit, there's no reason that someone who loves Teslas can't move on to and enjoy Rivians after an adjustment period. They won't operate exactly the same, and they'll both have their quirks, but it's worth making the effort.

Hoping I don't regret it! R2 incoming over my M3P with FSD

 

[Great Gatsby]

Rivian software that bad? Seems to be a lot better in the past year or so. Coming from Tesla myself, I agree with the OP's points so hoping I don't regret it LOL

Not bad but certainly considerably slower than Tesla and probably still much more lag than most of us would want. It appears that the R2 will have this resolved but only time will tell. I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker on Rivian but will certainly be noticeable from any current Tesla owners assuming they aren't on much older software.

I know it is not the full production version but playing with the R2's in the block party in ATL last weekend felt very promising.

 

[phaduman]

Hoping I don't regret it! R2 incoming over my M3P with FSD

You won't . Someone with both brands:
- range - is much more trustworthy on the Rivian. Tesla range drops dramatically as you drive. first year overall range drop is ~ 3%-5% on Teslas (we have had 3) and then it settles down. R1T - 0 % drop after1yr/20K miles. Rivian has more headroom with the cells they put on their vehicles than Tesla. It is natural for some cells in any battery pack to underperform within the first year and Rivian has more reserve cells there than Tesla - to save costs. Tesla decided to put more money on more supechargers vs more cells per car. Diff philosophies.

- ride quality - much more luxurious. Quiet, supple and taller stance is reassuring. Tesla focused on performance but not on comfort/ride quality. Parts are reliable, but not German quality ride. Rivian comes close to European ride quality.

- adventure/offroad possibility - you will be encouraged by many Rivian owners to venture out and enjoy the outdoors more - be it camping, off-roading, cooking outside. It's just amazing!

- S/W is improving. The s/w, the app..there is hope. The monthly updates are good and reassuring that the focus is there.

- The Teslas are super reliable - but the interiors rattle. Man it drives me crazy. lol. I have come to hold the front camera housing on my ModelY while on specific road areas. They just have decided NOT TO spend money on fit & finish (which is OK by me - their focus is tech, reliability, sustainability etc. and as a young company, they have to pick their battle and I understand it. So I just hold on to those parts at some sections of the road. hehe!)

- if you buy Rivian stocks now, you will likely be happier (we all hope so ).

 

[tgrick]

Well, I will never own a Tesla but I'm looking forward to owning a Rivian and ignorance is bliss.

 

[strykerwsu]

We have both Teslas (M3, MY, had MS before - and love them) and a R1T Gen2 (love it). Our family friends have only Teslas (M3 and MX). Their kids are blown away with R1's looks, presence. They bought a R1S for one day but returned it next day and immediately purchased and picked up a MY. Their reasons:
- R1 is beautiful, powerful but very big. We all knew that would be the case.
- R2 is likely the best car for them, but they couldn't wait that long.
- But really what killed the Rivian option for them - they didn't realize how much they used the AutoPilot/FSD in their current Teslas that they missed in other cars and in R1S. They also test drove Lucid Gravity (really liked the interior, exterior not so much - like a minivan, but again no autopilot), Benz EQS (felt even it's own company is abandoning it), as well as a Taycan (cramped seats & old tech!).

They realized they are VERY DEPENDENT on the Tesla cars' EASY nature - teens and parents can easily switch between cars for driving, the Tesla mobile app (works so well), zero learning curve moving between M3, MX and now MY...it is very much an Apple experience. Those who are on Apple ecosystems (phones, iCloud storage, MACs, AppleTV etc.) will realize just how difficult it is to move to non-Apples, and this is the SAME EFFECT with Teslas. And the autopilot/FSD (if you are using it today you know...) is a real differentiator. Rivian needs to move real fast on autonomy to have a global true successful competition to Tesla - for themselves as well as for VW.

All great points. Tesla's are definitely "appliances", we love M3 for my son and cheap road trips. They just don't have the features for what I would want in a daily. Rivian features + Comma AI is perfect for me and what I believe most people would need, unless you truly dislike driving.

Also, pretty expensive to "return" after 1 day.

 

[Dark-Fx]

People buy Teslas because they just want an electric driving appliance, and all of these stories just prove that to me.

 

[forestwalker]

We have both Teslas (M3, MY, had MS before - and love them) and a R1T Gen2 (love it). Our family friends have only Teslas (M3 and MX). Their kids are blown away with R1's looks, presence. They bought a R1S for one day but returned it next day and immediately purchased and picked up a MY. Their reasons:
- R1 is beautiful, powerful but very big. We all knew that would be the case.
- R2 is likely the best car for them, but they couldn't wait that long.
- But really what killed the Rivian option for them - they didn't realize how much they used the AutoPilot/FSD in their current Teslas that they missed in other cars and in R1S. They also test drove Lucid Gravity (really liked the interior, exterior not so much - like a minivan, but again no autopilot), Benz EQS (felt even it's own company is abandoning it), as well as a Taycan (cramped seats & old tech!).

They realized they are VERY DEPENDENT on the Tesla cars' EASY nature - teens and parents can easily switch between cars for driving, the Tesla mobile app (works so well), zero learning curve moving between M3, MX and now MY...it is very much an Apple experience. Those who are on Apple ecosystems (phones, iCloud storage, MACs, AppleTV etc.) will realize just how difficult it is to move to non-Apples, and this is the SAME EFFECT with Teslas. And the autopilot/FSD (if you are using it today you know...) is a real differentiator. Rivian needs to move real fast on autonomy to have a global true successful competition to Tesla - for themselves as well as for VW.

okay.

 

[kanundrum]

People buy Teslas because they just want an electric driving appliance, and all of these stories just prove that to me.

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