R2 non-powered frunk is a mistake?

[madhat]

Rivian says you can close with a finger... why not walk to the side and grab it? It's lower the further back you go. If it's so easy to close the lack of leverage shouldn't be an issue

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[windblowlc]

not sure how we would be paying more for less, but ok...

Of all the R2 competitors, none can beat the R2 for the combination of power, software stack, versatility, functionality, looks, and low cost IMO. If you can find one, please let us know. But if you have a preference for something else, all the better for you. We all have our own.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Ah, does it self-rise, or is it just reduced-weight?

Up until yesterday I had never seen an R2 in person... but got a chance when my neighbor brought home a test vehicle yesterday. I went straight to the frunk and was surprised how easy it was to operate. It opens the same as our R1 with small button under the lightbar. It has the gas operated struts that open it smoothly. Closing, although not powered, was pretty easy as stated above. One finger down until the latch draws it in. First 2 years we never even opened the frunk, but once Club Volleyball started for my youngest this year, that is the storage spot for the camping chairs. I personally do not see the non powered frunk as a downside.

I will say, the powered rear hatch window (ala Toyota 4runner) is pretty awesome. The one touch auto opening and closing of all the windows is a nice touch.

 

[Thebandit]

Did you guys not have cars with trunks? Or SUVs with manual cargo doors? Or -gasp - a truck with a manual tailgate? How is this an issue?

 

[Killer95Stang]

Did you guys not have cars with trunks? Or SUVs with manual cargo doors? Or -gasp - a truck with a manual tailgate? How is this an issue?

Well... all my other cars never had a frunk... and every manual lift gate I've ever had has come down on my head in cold weather.. so their is that... I have a brand new explorer as my take home work vehicle and not having an automatic lift gate for the hatch is a major pita when I have my hands full of gear or even things that I don't want to get dirty by putting them on the ground. I work in LA, so putting anything other than the bottom of your shoes on the ground, means you risk bringing urine, feces or bloodborn pathogens home with you.

 

[Nadus]

One finger down until the latch draws it in.

Oh, so the latch itself is automatic? I assumed there was a spring mechanism you had to push the hood into. That's a nice unexpected feature for me.

 

[sparked]

Oh, so the latch itself is automatic? I assumed there was a spring mechanism you had to push the hood into. That's a nice unexpected feature for me.

Yes. You just close it lightly and then it pulls the hood down firmly and secures itself. I guess it's like those soft-close doors.

 

[ElGuano]

Ok just tried the R2 frunk. The open button is capacitive and right in front middle, similar to the charge door button.

You can close with one finger, but the gas springs are quite resistive and solid. You do have to press down to get the electric latch to catch and finish closing. But definitely easier than closing a Tesla frunk.

 

[zefram47]

I'm guessing you're a rare outlier who uses the frunk that often. That's a bummer for you, but I doubt 90% of owners will be in their frunk more than weekly. Rivian had to make a lot of decisions to lower the cost and complexity of the R2 so they could meet volume and price targets, and the motorized trunk and charge port were easy deletes IMO.

Sounds more like a you thing, or perhaps R1S people. In the R1T I use the frunk and the gear tunnel all the time and use the bed as the "last-resort" storage unless I'm hauling larger items. The frunk and gear tunnel were the single biggest reasons I was willing to get a truck over the SUV.

 

[Nadus]

Sounds more like a you thing, or perhaps R1S people. In the R1T I use the frunk and the gear tunnel all the time and use the bed as the "last-resort" storage unless I'm hauling larger items. The frunk and gear tunnel were the single biggest reasons I was willing to get a truck over the SUV.

I specifically checked the OP's flair to make sure he's talking about the R1S. Obviously, it's different with the truck since there's no enclosed storage behind the backseats. But I'm glad you got a kick out of it.

 

[Supratachophobia]

I.... don't think that's a thing. I managed to get by with a Tesla frunk for the last 12 years and I wouldn't say hot pads have ever been needed to shut it.

 

[ElGuano]

Testing R2 closing pressure:

 

[sparked]

Testing R2 closing pressure:

this guy just brought it down with one finger and then give it a little push at the end once it's down at the 22:42 mark in the video

https://youtu.be/_an4rBjL1H8?si=YHpWpcy_7iLz3IAN&t=1362

 

[ElGuano]

this guy just brought it down with one finger and then give it a little push at the end once it's down at the 22:42 mark in the video

https://youtu.be/_an4rBjL1H8?si=YHpWpcy_7iLz3IAN&t=1362

I’d say the two videos are consistent. An average guy can get it down with 1-2 fingers, but you need a bit more pressure to activate the soft-close.

 

[sparked]

I’d say the two videos are consistent. An average guy can get it down with 1-2 fingers, but you need a bit more pressure to activate the soft-close.

I probably used my full hand when I tested this at a block party so didn't notice too much. I did make sure a shorter family member could reach and close properly though. IIRC, she closed too hard the first time.

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