For those who migrated from a Tesla Model Y Performance to Rivian - why?

[Mos Eisley]

Had a few hours with a new Model Y Performance today - lot's about it that impressed.
Just curious, for those that moved on to an R1/R2 or will be, what were the deciding factors for you on making that decision?


Thanks in advance.

C.

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[Redmond Chad]

I moved from a Model Y Performance to a Rivian R1S 3 years ago. And very recently, I decided to sell the R1S; the two main considerations for replacement were the R2 and another Model Y Performance.

3 years ago, the main reasons I made the move were:

• I wanted a better vehicle than my wife's Model X to tow our trailer.
• I wanted a vehicle that could occasionally take 6 passengers.
• I wanted a vehicle with that I could use to charge my home backup batteries.

The R1S filled my expectations quite well. I was very happy with it. However, we recently sold the trailer and got a camper van, so I no longer needed the R1S for towing. And the 6-passenger scenario turned out to be awfully rare. I decided I'd prefer something smaller that is more fun to toss into a corner, easier to park and wash, and more efficient.

So recently I considered getting another Y Performance. I prefer the efficiency and how it drives. If it was just me (and maybe one passenger) in it most of the time, I might have done that.

But with an R2 Launch Edition:

• There's more space for car seats in the rear, and the door openings make it easier to get grandkids in and out. (My daughter and one grandkid live with us; my son and 2 more grandkids are 3 miles away and we watch them when both parents are working)
• There's more cargo room; my wife's car always has car seats in so the second row never gets folded; my car will be the one to haul larger things.
• The hitch receiver is a little easier to access, so it's easier to haul my bike around
• We don't off-road, but we do hit some gnarly roads going to trailheads, so the ground clearance can come in handy
• I can get lane keeping without subscribing to FSD
• Rivian gave me a MUCH MUCH better trade-in offer (though I ended up selling privately)

I also feel I have supported Tesla plenty by buying 8 of their vehicles; they have reached manufacturing scale, which is an enormous economic advantage. Rivian is not there yet, so I'd rather support them if all else was equal. But even without this, I think the R2 fits me a little better. At other points in my life, I may have chosen the Y.

 

[SenatorSteak]

Moved from 2023 Model Y LR to 2026 R1T in a June because…

• Wanted an all electric truck and Cybertruck is a horrendous looking vehicle
• Waiting for Ford to catch up will have me waiting a long time
• The interiors on the ascend R1T are much more upscale than the black/white of Tesla Y (re: nice but boring af after two years.
• R1T had every feature I wanted on a truck as a daily driver and truck to haul things between houses
• Air suspension is amazing
• Rivian color palette is more appealing
• Superchargers open to R1Ts
• Do not care at all about FSD - it was never a selling point for me (and I love technology)
• I’m not convinced Tesla cares about making better interiors or other vehicles
• CEO is a political liability that lost his way and doesn’t need my support.

Next car for family will be R2 or electric BMW

I never had any issues with my model Y and it was a well-built vehicle. There are numerous other reasons why I moved away from it but the driving experience wasn’t one of them.

 

[dduffey]

I went from a Model 3 to R1T Quad (I know, apples and oranges) and my wife a 7 seater MY (with performance boost) to R2.

The M3 was great but the MY to me felt full of compromises that could have been so much more if built on its own platform. I have not seen a MYL yet.

R2 is more comfortable to drive and ride as a passenger, the MY has better software (for the moment anyway). The R2 felt like it was built with intention from the ground up. The MY felt like a bloated M3 without much to show for it.

In the end I would say whatever gives you the most smiles. If you like the feel of driving a sedan or hatchback, then maybe MY, if you like softer suspension and a more truck/suv feel with storage and leg room then maybe R2.

You can't go wrong with either, unless you let someone else choose for you .

I am pretty sure my next vehicle will be another R1T as I use the truck bed, gear tunnel, gear tunnel "chair", and large frunk several times a week.

 

[Luckyme]

I don’t have the R2 yet, but order date in Dec-Jan. I

I purchased the ‘26 Model Y Juniper in May ‘25, mostly for the FSD. Never was impressed with Tesla design style ( too plain exterior, and sparse interior) and overall build quality. But……FSD got me in. Liked the car, but FSD I loved.

Then in fall ‘25 some Tesla dweeb nerds, somewhere in their cubicals decided an update to FSD that removed the drivers ability to use the scroll wheel to set a max speed in any of 3 modes ( Chill, normal and Hurry) went away. My freekin’ Y would go 74 in a 55 zone automatically. Ridiculous.

I continued with the car for 2 more months paying $99/mo. Waiting for Tesla to change that mistake, and it did not happen.
I was irritated, and sold it.


That was the main reason, but also paint quality, build quality was not to my expectations for a $60K car. I never became a Tesla “ Fan Boy” so I did not fall in love with it.

Rivian was never on my radar, too $$ but this R2 caught my eye.

 

[Tejkalra]

Because of Elon.

 

[Great Gatsby]

I had an R1S. Sold it and got my wife a 2026 MYP. Have an R2 reservation.

I loved my R1S, but it was far more car than we needed and I started to have concerns over long term repairs. We also had a Ford Mach-E that we sold to get the MYP. The MYP is the best car we both owned. I absolutely love that thing. I wish it was my car but I do drive it often enough to not warrant getting the same thing twice.

My liking of the MYP is what actually got me to reserve an R2. It is the only vehicle on the market that even compares from a tech, performance and price perspective. I like a true ground up EV with a company that supports it and cares about software. Now I anxiously wait for my R2. Personally, I would never trade a Model Y Juniper (specially a performance) for an R2, but can easily see the appeal for the older models to update. Both amazing products that come down to preference.

These are the two best cars at this price point. Period. We are spoiled to get so much for under $60k. Vehicles like these were unheard of 10 years ago. So happy to be alive for it.

 

[rchartson]

I made that move as well. My Model Y was excellent- drove well, reliable, comfortable. For me the issue was utility- we own 2nd homes in NM and CO and want some offroad capability for hiking and sight seeing. Also the hauling capability of my R1T has been a big plus- loads I couldn't have dealt with with the Y. The R1 is a great highway cruiser and range is just right- by the time I need to charge I also need a break anyway. It isnt lost on me that I have likely traded some reliability- I've already replaced a hydraulic pump and manifold in the suspension system. Fortunately local service dept. has been great. I also looked at the GMC Denali EV but it is a huge heavy beast.

 

[carsly]

Owned a 2023 MYP (sold) and a 2025 Rivian R1S. Have had a R2 reservation since unveil day but recently decided to go with a 2026 MYP instead.

My R1S is a great size and had a lot of storage which, with kids and dogs, we use all the time. However the efficiency (1.6 mi/kwh over 18 months) and the not infrequent software issues including phone as a key not working well for over a year along with the suspension that isn’t up to snuff for the price point left me with hesitation on R2, particularly since Rivian has never built a unibody vehicle and is hemorrhaging cash. Luckily we have a service center near enough, and the staff there is great, but I have no doubt they will be quickly overwhelmed if R2 has issues - which it likely will as a new design and first year of production.

I really didn’t want another Model Y. Mostly because I’ve been there and done that. It’s the pod for the masses. BUT I test drove one and it’s markedly improved over the prior generation - quieter, more comfortable, better seats/materials and better built. It’s a ridiculous amount of car for $58k.

So while I have been holding out for R2, this time it’s the 2026 MYP. It also didn’t help that I was never invited to order from Rivian despite owning a R1S and a reservation in the first 30 mins. So it goes.

I may look again in a few years after Coastal Coast and Gen 3 become available. Also will have more clarity on Rivian’s own business survival. In the meantime, I’ll keep rolling the R1S and look into extended warranties when the time comes - no plans to get rid of it any time soon, if at all.

PS having owned a half dozen BMW's over the years I thought about the iX3 for a hot minute. But no ventilated seats for $65-70k? And then I saw the in-car movie ads. Oh, and BMW's driver's assistance which shows as a $2,500 option is actually a limited time subscription if you read the fine print. Nah BMW, don't play me like that.

 

[18650]

We have a 22 MY and will keep it as it's paid for and has the "old school" FSD paid for.

Will/did not consider another Tesla because of one reason, Elon. Simply can't. RJ could be the same type person privately but I can claim ignorance until he proves otherwise.

As also mentioned, Rivian is still in the growth stage as a company and I want to support them. Really helps that the R2 is what I'm looking for in a EV also.

 

[LTAflight]

My main issue with Tesla is that their vehicles are too small. I have kids and we need to take them all over and haul all sorts of gear and supplies. I also have elderly parents that often come to visit and getting in and out of the tesla was always hard for them.
I’m driving an R1s and have a R2 on order. Will never buy another tesla again for other reasons, but my feedback above is fair and objective.

-Steve

 

[DuoRivian]

Owned a 2023 MYP (sold) and a 2025 Rivian R1S. Have had a R2 reservation since unveil day but recently decided to go with a 2026 MYP instead.

My R1S is a great size and had a lot of storage which, with kids and dogs, we use all the time. However the efficiency (1.6 mi/kwh over 18 months) and the not infrequent software issues including phone as a key not working well for over a year along with the suspension that isn’t up to snuff for the price point left me with hesitation on R2, particularly since Rivian has never built a unibody vehicle and is hemorrhaging cash. Luckily we have a service center near enough, and the staff there is great, but I have no doubt they will be quickly overwhelmed if R2 has issues - which it likely will as a new design and first year of production.

I really didn’t want another Model Y. Mostly because I’ve been there and done that. It’s the pod for the masses. BUT I test drove one and it’s markedly improved over the prior generation - quieter, more comfortable, better seats/materials and better built. It’s a ridiculous amount of car for $58k.

So while I have been holding out for R2, this time it’s the 2026 MYP. It also didn’t help that I was never invited to order from Rivian despite owning a R1S and a reservation in the first 30 mins. So it goes.

I may look again in a few years after Coastal Coast and Gen 3 become available. Also will have more clarity on Rivian’s own business survival. In the meantime, I’ll keep rolling the R1S and look into extended warranties when the time comes - no plans to get rid of it any time soon, if at all.

PS having owned a half dozen BMW's over the years I thought about the iX3 for a hot minute. But no ventilated seats for $65-70k? And then I saw the in-car movie ads. Oh, and BMW's driver's assistance which shows as a $2,500 option is actually a limited time subscription if you read the fine print. Nah BMW, don't play me like that.

I test drove a new MY and was very impressed with the NVH, materials and driving dynamics. Add efficiency and audio system with a decent price and it comes to a very good package if off roading or absolute practicality is not needed.

 

[carsly]

I test drove a new MY and was very impressed with the NVH, materials and driving dynamics. Add efficiency and audio system with a decent price and it comes to a very good package if off roading or absolute practicality is not needed.

was tooling around yesterday and managed sub-200Wh/mi for 50 miles on my 26 MYP with the 21” wheels. Had 4-5 passengers and the AC blasting the whole time. Flat roads, at sea level, 80-86 degrees ambient temps with no preconditioning.

In those conditions that’s over 400 miles of real world range!

 

[keamoro]

1. As little or no affiliation with any amount of nazi possible, please
2. I need a boxier cargo area for a crash-tested dog crate (my dog is 85 lbs, 20" withers, 38" nose to base of tail)

My Model Y Performance is a great car, but I am not proud of driving it around. I don't have the luxury or privilege where actions taken by Elon and friends have not affected me or others that I care about, and surprise, I even care about total strangers who I've never met.

I'm also constantly rolling the dice with having my pup in the cargo without a crash-tested crate. The slope of the hatch just doesn't allow anything to fit both the dog and car. I prioritize dog safety in this car, so we don't need to get into any discussions about that.

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