The VW Atlas is probably the benchmark in the size class for 2nd and 3rd row space, packaging, and access. I feel like Rivian could have tried to beat the Atlas in this category (no driveshaft, no fuel tank, and boxier styling make it possible), but this was not Rivian's priority. The only...
My takeaways from the IG AMA were (1) the storage area behind the 3rd row looks bigger than expected, (2) we can now be sure the 2nd row slides (but has no "car seat friendly tilt"), and (3) the 3rd row bottom seat cushion looks a little low to me (I worry that average adults sitting back there...
If I could, I'd preorder one of these and take whatever is built first, the EV9 or my ordered RS1. I don't particularly need the RS1's off-road capabilities.
Kia has had so much success with the 3-row Telluride, I fully expect them to get the EV9 right.
Yikes, no slide mechanism on row 2? I wonder if the only thing that tilts is the seat back, or the entire seat? Even the 4Runner has a 2nd row that tilts and slides. And of course much of the competition offers "car seat friendly tilt." I'm curious what they were benchmarking for 3rd row access...