Finally saw an R1T - first impressions

[fastwheels]

I had to drive down to Metro Detroit Sunday so decided to drive by the Plymouth facility (only a few miles out of my way) to see if there were any R1Ts around. As I pulled into the parking lot I saw several R1Ts up near the front of the building. Parked next to a LG R1T (charging) and got out to take a look. After about 10 minutes of looking at/photographing the 6 R1Ts (4 LG 2 RB), a disembodied voice from the PA informed me that I was trespassing and had to leave the premises immediately! Is that any way to treat a part owner (.0001%) of the company?!?

Anyway, it was the first time I have seen the R1T in person and had the ability to directly compare dimensions to my GMC Canyon.

Initial thoughts:
- Launch Green is no longer an option for me - it's just too drab. I will stick to Forest Green or perhaps White if I need to keep the price down for the tax credit.
- Hadn't thought of it before, but the tailgate/bumper design could be way more user friendly. No bumper step or 'smart' tailgate features that Ford/GM/Ram all have. I use my bumper steps all the time to get into the bed. I don't think using the gear tunnel door as a step will be nearly as useful or efficient.
- I'm going to miss the opening rear window on my Canyon when carrying long items (8' garage trim last week for example). A couple of times a year I end up with something long going through that window from the windshield to the back of the bed - usually flexible stuff that cannot be half in/half out of the bed.
- Overall fit and finish looked pretty good. Orange peel was clearly visible in the paint from a few feet away (around noon, direct sunlight from behind me), but probably no worse than most production cars with similar colors.
- Can't wait to drive one/get mine!

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[ironpig]

nice size comparison between the two trucks.

Agree on the lack of a real bumper - that's my only gripe on the exterior design. Will add a hitch mounted bump step.

Agree on the launch green. When I saw it in person compared to the regular green it really looked dull. Maybe limestone will be better.

 

[StormyKnight]

Doug -- What's your impression of the size difference between your Canyon and the Rivian? I've never had the chance to see an R1 in person but was always under the impression it was somewhere in-between a Ranger and an F150. Here it looks almost identical in size to your Canyon.

I've been thinking about making the same trip to Plymouth because they're never going to have a First Mile event in Alpena. Thanks!

 

[fastwheels]

Doug -- What's your impression of the size difference between your Canyon and the Rivian? I've never had the chance to see an R1 in person but was always under the impression it was somewhere in-between a Ranger and an F150. Here it looks almost identical in size to your Canyon.

I've been thinking about making the same trip to Plymouth because they're never going to have a First Mile event in Alpena. Thanks!

Stormy - I was surprised how close in size they appear. The R1T looked like it only a couple of inches longer and a bit higher, but who knows what height setting the truck was set at? It did not seem to be appreciably wider, but I did not look that closely at width. FYI, the Canyon is sitting about 1" lower than normal since it's on the winter wheel/tire set.

According to published dimensions, the R1T is about 5" longer and 7" wider than the Canyon. R1T height depends on suspension setting, so that is moot. It did not seem to be that much larger to me for the few minutes I had to compare them.

For the most part, the R1T is a good size for me, but I would not want it to be any bigger.

I suspect there are always a few trucks around the building in Plymouth (multiple charging stations at the front) if you are thinking about a road trip down there. If you are going to be near Plymouth I'm sure it would be worth your while to drive by and take a look. I'm glad I saw it in LG because I had been toying with the idea of changing my order from FG to LG based on LG being a unique color, and other posts of people that really like it - but it just did not do anything for me.

I'm still hoping they run a First Mile event in Michigan before I finalize my order, but honestly, today, I see that as a long shot. My delivery window is March/April, so if necessary (assuming there is not yet ANOTHER delay), I could finalize my order without driving one and feel comfortable with FG/BM color combo. But, who knows what the status of our orders will be 4 months from now...

 

[LoneStar]

For those who've been on this forum since 2020, or earlier.. it's kind of funny how Launch Green painted trucks are as thick as baby rabbits these days. For what seemed like forever the mysterious L.G. color was an unseen unicorn. Forest Green dominated the landscape.

It's got me wondering if switching my L.E. truck to "Limestone" might be the way to go for more exclusivity. I think Limestone with F.E. green interior would look sweet! (visualizing Limestone).

 

[StormyKnight]

I'm holding out for a Max pack so will probably be waiting for another year. Hopefully they will hold something in Michigan by then. I'd like to at least see one in person before I make the plunge.

I can't believe the R1 is 7" wider than the Canyon. They look almost the same size in the pictures. Thanks for the intel.

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