Canceled my R1S order :-(

[Yossarian]

The Rivian First Mile test drives are helpful, but imo, are too short to be the sole criterion for selection. At the other end of the spectrum are reviews by professionals that are more comprehensive. The most exhaustive of these are the long-term reviews done by publications such as Motor Trend, Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. These are generally quite positive relative to the R1S, though all that I've read also note flaws and drawbacks, some significant.

The CR review was probably the most critical. citing negatives about the ride, handling and braking of the R1S. When it came to the interior however, they were very positive:
We were impressed with the Rivian’s premium materials and attention to detail inside the cabin. There’s a feeling of quality luxury, yet it’s not ostentatious about it. Our drivers enjoyed the metal accents on the doors and seats, and the ash wood trim has a natural, untreated feel. The “Rivian” carved into a section of wood on the dash is a neat touch. There are plenty of padded surfaces throughout the interior (including the upper dashboard and the front and rear window sills), and we really like the soft micro-suede that covers the headliner, windshield pillars, and sun visors.

A recent US&WR head to head between the R1S and the MB EQS had the Rivian as the overall winner, but was pretty much the opposite of the CR review. Where CR had a lot of criticism about the ride and handling of the R1S, USN&WR gushed about that. But while CR loved the interior, USN&WR picked the MB as the one with a significantly nicer cabin. While there is obviously quite a divergence of views, the overall impression of most reviews of the R1S that I've seen are quite positive. That still doesn't mean that the vehicle is the right one for any given individual.

As the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan was reported to have said: "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." So perhaps dear moderators, you may consider locking this thread on that thought?

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[Redline]

Please don't lock this thread, it's very entertaining!

 

[RivianPioneer]

The Rivian First Mile test drives are helpful, but imo, are too short to be the sole criterion for selection. At the other end of the spectrum are reviews by professionals that are more comprehensive. The most exhaustive of these are the long-term reviews done by publications such as Motor Trend, Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. These are generally quite positive relative to the R1S, though all that I've read also note flaws and drawbacks, some significant.

The CR review was probably the most critical. citing negatives about the ride, handling and braking of the R1S. When it came to the interior however, they were very positive:
We were impressed with the Rivian’s premium materials and attention to detail inside the cabin. There’s a feeling of quality luxury, yet it’s not ostentatious about it. Our drivers enjoyed the metal accents on the doors and seats, and the ash wood trim has a natural, untreated feel. The “Rivian” carved into a section of wood on the dash is a neat touch. There are plenty of padded surfaces throughout the interior (including the upper dashboard and the front and rear window sills), and we really like the soft micro-suede that covers the headliner, windshield pillars, and sun visors.

A recent US&WR head to head between the R1S and the MB EQS had the Rivian as the overall winner, but was pretty much the opposite of the CR review. Where CR had a lot of criticism about the ride and handling of the R1S, USN&WR gushed about that. But while CR loved the interior, USN&WR picked the MB as the one with a significantly nicer cabin. While there is obviously quite a divergence of views, the overall impression of most reviews of the R1S that I've seen are quite positive. That still doesn't mean that the vehicle is the right one for any given individual.

As the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan was reported to have said: "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." So perhaps dear moderators, you may consider locking this thread on that thought?

Totally agree a short drive does not give anyone enough time to assess any car, no need to lock the thread as everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it seems that people with facts are able to address any misperceptions voiced by someone who took an under 30-minute ride in a car before writing a lengthy diatribe. Everyone can take the review for what it's worth.

 

[RivianPioneer]

In support of @BigGreenR1S the worst part of the buying experience for me was by far the test drive at Flickinger Park in San Jose (but it sounds like you got a better Rivian rep than I did). That park is definitely in one of the sketchier parts of San Jose. Granted I had the first test drive appointment in the morning, but the invite said to arrive 10min early, which I did, and the Rivian rep showed up 5min after the officially scheduled time...not a great start.

What was most disappointing to me was that I never saw a survey or anything be sent out asking for feedback on the experience. I've heard that Rivian is in a tough spot because San Jose hasn't permitted them to do test drives from the service center, but they should've come up with an alternate (better) option by now. There are little things they could do that don't cost much money but would certainly elevate the experience -- something as simple as being able to offer water while on the test drive (a la Uber drivers) would be a step in the right direction.

While I can't speak to TX in particular, all of the EV companies face the same problems of having their business operations restricted by antiquated state laws targeting new car companies. Corrupt politicians in the pockets of the dealerships and big auto have powerful lobbies and have used them to limit competition by restricting newcomers to the auto industry. Rivian, Tesla, Lucid, and a few other companies are forced to work with no showrooms, no ability to sell in-state, and even deprived of offering state EV tax credits to buyers. The whole thing is typical dirty politics in just about every state.

 

[Yossarian]

While I can't speak to TX in particular, all of the EV companies face the same problems of having their business operations restricted by antiquated state laws targeting new car companies. Corrupt politicians in the pockets of the dealerships and big auto have powerful lobbies and have used them to limit competition by restricting newcomers to the auto industry. Rivian, Tesla, Lucid, and a few other companies are forced to work with no showrooms, no ability to sell in-state, and even deprived of offering state EV tax credits to buyers. The whole thing is typical dirty politics in just about every state.

I live in one of those states, Pennsylvania. While not the the worst offender, PA does require automobile sales to be via a dealer, and does not allow manufacturers to set up showrooms, sales offices or service centers. Manufacturers can sell to residents on an out-of-state basis, and even deliver the car in PA, but otherwise may not have a presence in the state.

One manufacturer was able to get an exemption, and so there are several Tesla sales offices and service centers in the Commonwealth. After a huge outcry - and substantial campaign contributions from the dealer lobby - the PA Legislature mandated that there would be no future exemptions and has steadfastly maintained that position. Thankfully, some of the neighboring states do not have these restrictions, and with luck, the Rivian SC near Trenton, NJ, about 30 miles from my home, will be open for business at about the time my R1S is delivered.

Oddly, right now, Rivian owners in southeastern PA are forced to use the overwhelmed Brooklyn SC; the company will not allow Commonwealth residents to use its new Gaithersburg, MD site, even though it's about the same distance, though far easier and less time consuming to get to. Perhaps this is deliberate on Rivian's part, an attempt to prod us to put pressure on our state legislators to change the antiquated vehicle sale laws.

 

[RivianPioneer]

I live in one of those states, Pennsylvania. While not the the worst offender, PA does require automobile sales to be via a dealer, and does not allow manufacturers to set up showrooms, sales offices or service centers. Manufacturers can sell to residents on an out-of-state basis, and even deliver the car in PA, but otherwise may not have a presence in the state.

One manufacturer was able to get an exemption, and so there are several Tesla sales offices and service centers in the Commonwealth. After a huge outcry - and substantial campaign contributions from the dealer lobby - the PA Legislature mandated that there would be no future exemptions and has steadfastly maintained that. Thankfully, some of the neighboring states do not have these restrictions, and with luck, the Rivian SC near Trenton, NJ, about 30 miles from my home, will be open for business at about the time my R1S is delivered.

Oddly, right now, Rivian owners in southeastern PA are forced to use the overwhelmed Brooklyn SC; the company will not allow Commonwealth residents to use its new Gaithersburg, MD site, even though it's about the same distance, though far easier and less time consuming to get to. Perhaps this is deliberate on Rivian's part, an attempt to prod us to put pressure on our state legislators to change the antiquated vehicle sale laws.

Thanks for sharing the situation in PA. It's so outrageous. These state politicians limit our choices to ensure continued funding from the Dealership and Big Auto lobbies keep flowing in. Too bad money controls these politicians, not us as residents and voters.

 

[emoore]

Thanks for sharing the situation in PA. It's so outrageous. These state politicians limit our choices to ensure continued funding from the Dealership and Big Auto lobbies keep flowing in. Too bad money controls these politicians, not us as residents and voters.

Exactly. Same goes for all the oil and gas subsidies. Can't get rid of those but don't want to subsidize renewables and EVs since that's "picking winners" So hypocritical.

 

[drivetorun]

While I can't speak to TX in particular, all of the EV companies face the same problems of having their business operations restricted by antiquated state laws targeting new car companies. Corrupt politicians in the pockets of the dealerships and big auto have powerful lobbies and have used them to limit competition by restricting newcomers to the auto industry. Rivian, Tesla, Lucid, and a few other companies are forced to work with no showrooms, no ability to sell in-state, and even deprived of offering state EV tax credits to buyers. The whole thing is typical dirty politics in just about every state.

For San Jose, CA, I think the issue is that the building Rivian is using for their service center is zoned "Light Industrial" which does not allow for the site to be used as an auto dealer. They could apply for a conditional use permit for the purpose of indoor retail sale, but the conditions it would take to make that use possible might then make it a less efficient service center. So...I think that's why Rivian does the test drives off-site.

 

[HaveBlue]

After our first mile we drove the same loop in our gx470. I turned to my wife and exclaimed that I didn't realize the road was so rough. The GX has air suspension in the rear and adjustable dampers but the R1S made the bumps invisible. Solid axle and many years likely contribute to that. The r1s has more leg room in the 3rd row but 2 seats instead of 3 "kid" seats. More space behind the third row and more when they are folded. The GX doesn't remember 2nd row tilt position either but we don't use a third row but once a month. Except for maybe towing a couple times a year, we'll be happy.

 

[gonefishing]

So perhaps dear moderators, you may consider locking this thread on that thought?

Definitely don't lock this thread. Rivian should be heavily criticized and praised at the same time. If there wasn't criticism and push back from consumers, they should have gotten away with that BS price hike on preholders. We should absolutely hold them to higher standards otherwise they'll just keep trying to get away with devaluing the car on the road to profitability.

At the same time no company can do everything perfectly out the gate otherwise they'll never leave the gate. People just need to not get so emotional or take things personally about opposing viewpoints

 

[jemkewl]

Exactly. Same goes for all the oil and gas subsidies. Can't get rid of those but don't want to subsidize renewables and EVs since that's "picking winners" So hypocritical.

Renewables aren't subsidized more than oil and gas?

 

[emoore]

Renewables aren't subsidized more than oil and gas?

Not even close.

 

[Rad_ry]

I personally have no issues with the OPs constructive comments in his original review in comparing the BMW and RR that he is used to and the R1S. Comments about the “young kid”, the R1S being an early 30s “nice car”, and the missing features that were never indicated by Rivian (rear window shades, massaging seats, sliding sunroof, etc) don’t really add any meaningful content. I get it, everyone has their own wants/needs and what may be important to one person may not matter to another, but if there are certain things that are must haves it’s your responsibility to do your research. It’s kind of crazy to knock something for a feature that was never mentioned. Granted the OP said they were willing to overlook some of it, but still.

The biggest issue I see with the OPs test drive is that it sounds like the R1S he was driving didn’t have the latest update. I have a R1T, but from what it sounds like the ride quality of the R1S was drastically improved with the update. Rivian should be making sure the their test drive vehicles have the latest updates.

For me, Rivian has been great and there is currently nothing out there that compares to the R1T (for me).

Yes but as we know they schedule the updates in batches, could be VIN based? And he knew about the software update pending - the fact he didn’t ask for another test drive, but decided to come online and have a rant/meltdown is cause for concern.

 

[SANZC02]

Yes but as we know they schedule the updates in batches, could be VIN based? And he knew about the software update pending - the fact he didn’t ask for another test drive, but decided to come online and have a rant/meltdown is cause for concern.

Would be interested in knowing what version software it had. I was driving a loaner in July that was 4 updates behind. I updated it while I had it.

Edit: May have only been 3 behind now that I think about it.

 

[opnwide]

Thank you for confirming my initial take was correct.

Wrong Finger…OP sipping Chardonnay…

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