Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Observations

[smashweights]

Since Truckdor the Drivenator ('22 LE Quad R1T) is in the shop getting some suspension and water intrusion evaluations, I've finally gotten my hands on a Gen 2 R1S (TriMax -Ascend trim). I'm sure there's dozens of threads on this but I'm bored and figured i'd add my own thoughts.

Gen 2 Tri Pros
- First thing I noticed was the massively improved cameras. They actually match the quality of the rest of the vehicle and infotainment software. I didn't really have an issue with the Gen1 cameras functionally but hot damn these are way better.
- Much improved wind noise!
- Nearly silent motors
- Reduced road noise (AS vs AT tires though...)
- Electrochromic roof is neat
- Slightly increased efficiency (about +0.1 to +0.2 mi/kWh)
- UHF on non-highways is nice
- Ascend trim is SHARP and the seats are more comfortable

Gen 2 Cons
- Rivian Premium Audio is decent but a discernable step down from the Meridian Audio
- Heat pump noise is LOUD and audible in the cabin, not much, but it's noticeable
- Motors are too quiet, I find myself missing the low humming wind up of the Bosch motors
- Noisier suspension over rough pavement, though some of that might be 22" on the Tri vs 20" on my Quad. I've noticed it less the more I drive it and after knocking 4-5 psi out of the tires (48psi cold now)
- The Trimotor @ 850hp doesn't seem as quite as peppy as the Quad @ 835hp (both in all-purpose mode). I wonder if they have some acceleration cap software tweak on the loaners? My speedometer always says "80 MPH MAX" so I'm guessing they've speed limited the vehicle somehow.
- Regen braking is weaker, had to step it up to high to get the same drive feel as normal on the Quad.
- Autonomy+ just isn't a huge step up from Driver+/Highway Assist in its current state. I really only use it much on the highway anyway
- I prefer the driver monitoring of Driver+ vs UHF. I hate getting yelled at anytime I check the mirrors or adjust the radio for too long because my eyes aren't on it.
- Despite having roughly 10% more battery capacity (128kWh vs 141kWh) and about 5-10% more efficiency, my SOC change is nearly identical on all my usual drives...
- Don't like the electronic door latches. The 1/2 second delay when opening the door while the truck is asleep is obnoxious

Random other observations
- Didn't realize the R1S has a small adjustable rail and tiedown system in the back, that is pretty cool!
- Much roomier than I anticipated in the R1S. We sat 3 adults in a line (front to back) comfortably. It should haul 6 average sized adults comfortably!
- Really surprised how worn the stock Pirelli Scorpion tires are after only 9,400mi
- Storm blue is more gray than blue, still lovely though!
- Ocean Coast is nicer than I expected and pairs well with the Ascend plaid accents
- They only gave me the keycard to use. This is fine as a backup but as the main key it's super obnoxious to always be pulling it out of your wallet.

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[Great Gatsby]

Thanks for sharing!

I like the incremental updates to the Tri. I don't think they expected many people to go from gen1 to gen2 so I'm hoping they raise the bar enough for gen3 to get current owners to upgrade.

They did a great job out of the gate on the gen1 vehicles so marginal improvements makes sense on the first refresh. I felt the same way about my test drives with the tri and the new quad, some nicer things but overall a similar experience.

Outside of the big asks like faster charging, I'd say continues improvements to reliability and audio would go a long way to get me back in an R1. We'll see.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

- They only gave me the keycard to use. This is fine as a backup but as the main key it's super obnoxious to always be pulling it out of your wallet.

Portland SC's loaner 2022 "Bluey" came with a fob, perhaps because the fob was standard on the 2022s.

They had the fob attached to a large contraption, presumably to make it harder to use.

I agree that it's unwise to depend only on a keycard with no backup.

Best wishes!

 

[Niftly3d]

Since Truckdor the Drivenator ('22 LE Quad R1T) is in the shop getting some suspension and water intrusion evaluations, I've finally gotten my hands on a Gen 2 R1S (TriMax -Ascend trim). I'm sure there's dozens of threads on this but I'm bored and figured i'd add my own thoughts.

Gen 2 Tri Pros
- First thing I noticed was the massively improved cameras. They actually match the quality of the rest of the vehicle and infotainment software. I didn't really have an issue with the Gen1 cameras functionally but hot damn these are way better.
- Much improved wind noise!
- Nearly silent motors
- Reduced road noise (AS vs AT tires though...)
- Electrochromic roof is neat
- Slightly increased efficiency (about +0.1 to +0.2 mi/kWh)
- UHF on non-highways is nice
- Ascend trim is SHARP and the seats are more comfortable

Gen 2 Cons
- Rivian Premium Audio is decent but a discernable step down from the Meridian Audio
- Heat pump noise is LOUD and audible in the cabin, not much, but it's noticeable
- Motors are too quiet, I find myself missing the low humming wind up of the Bosch motors
- Noisier suspension over rough pavement, though some of that might be 22" on the Tri vs 20" on my Quad. I've noticed it less the more I drive it and after knocking 4-5 psi out of the tires (48psi cold now)
- The Trimotor @ 850hp doesn't seem as quite as peppy as the Quad @ 835hp (both in all-purpose mode). I wonder if they have some acceleration cap software tweak on the loaners? My speedometer always says "80 MPH MAX" so I'm guessing they've speed limited the vehicle somehow.
- Regen braking is weaker, had to step it up to high to get the same drive feel as normal on the Quad.
- Autonomy+ just isn't a huge step up from Driver+/Highway Assist in its current state. I really only use it much on the highway anyway
- Despite having roughly 10% more battery capacity (128kWh vs 141kWh) and about 5-10% more efficiency, my SOC change is nearly identical on all my usual drives...
- Don't like the electronic door latches. The 1/2 second delay when opening the door while the truck is asleep is obnoxious

Random other observations
- Didn't realize the R1S has a small adjustable rail and tiedown system in the back, that is pretty cool!
- Much roomier than I anticipated in the R1S. We sat 3 adults in a line (front to back) comfortably. It should haul 6 average sized adults comfortably!
- Really surprised how worn the stock Pirelli Scorpion tires are after only 9,400mi
- Storm blue is more gray than blue, still lovely though!
- Ocean Coast is nicer than I expected and pairs well with the Ascend plaid accents
- They only gave me the keycard to use. This is fine as a backup but as the main key it's super obnoxious to always be pulling it out of your wallet.

Is the center console storage area under the armrest the same?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

- Didn't realize the R1S has a small adjustable rail and tiedown system in the back, that is pretty cool!

Common for SUVs of the premium segment. Heck, the 2006-2013 E70 BMW X5, three generation ago, had it.

- Really surprised how worn the stock Pirelli Scorpion tires are after only 9,400mi

Loaners are like rental cars. God knows who drove them and how. Drive yours exclusively in FWD, low and lowest suspension settings for 10k and report back.

- They only gave me the keycard to use. This is fine as a backup but as the main key it's super obnoxious to always be pulling it out of your wallet.

Was never meant to be primary key. They probably could have invited customers as new/temporary drivers through the app, or issue virtual wallet keys like they're suppose to start doing with gen 2 loaners. But it's probably easier and more reliable to just hand customers the card.

Is the center console storage area under the armrest the same?

There were no changes in this area, AFAIK. Only change is whether a camp speaker is included/optioned instead of a storage drawer.

 

[Golfer04]

Did the cute blonde come with the loaner?

 

[Lmirafuente]

Love the write up!

The only thing attracting me away from a Gen1 is the cameras, new hazard warning lights, and Gen2 upgrades that will continue to come for the Gen2, vs slowing down the updates for Gen1. --- what's not fun is the cost difference to move to a Gen 2 quad.

I will wait for Gen3 R1's, not sure I will want to spend the money for a Gen3 quad by the time it is available--maybe a CPO version at some point. Or just wait for different models by that time...R2X??? R3X!!!? or other....

For now, I am so happy with my Gen 1, the Rivian Assistant is great! The sound quality of the Meridian versions seems to be the better system and that is important to me.

Also, after getting my subframe upgraded to the Gen2, and half-shafts replaced under warranty, the feel of the R1 is so much better.

 

[Jeff_R1]

Last month I got a Gen 2 loaner for about a week and definitely agree with the Pros. Couple additional things jumped out at me: 1 ) The cooled seats were much better than my Gen 1. Not sure if put in a stronger fan, but the air coming out felt great. 2) Having the storage drawer there is so much better than the camp speaker that I never use.

 

[SL55]

I also am driving a loaner Tri while my Gen1 quad has front left control arm replaced for broken bushing.
My observations:
not good:

• squeaky door handles to the point of being ridiculous,
• turn signal sound is like somebody in the frunk is knocking with a knuckle, not like a little tom musical sound
• squeaks and rattles everywhere like the inside panels are not secured properly to the body (only 9000 miles on odo)
• audio is pretty bad
• front suspension behavior is not better than gen1 at all.
• max regen is weaker than gen 1 quad's.
• Accelerator pedal has more tame mapping making it feel slower.
• Don't like black interior. Feels cramped.
• Good:
• rear suspension is noticeably better, less jarring, tracks better.
• lowest setting is more comfortable and less harsh than gen1. Better air springs and softer bushings I guess.
• Low speed take off is smoother.
• I like engagement of rear motors for acceleration in conserve mode. Good safety feature to have.
• I like hands free assist on all roads

 

[evlavista]

Since Truckdor the Drivenator ('22 LE Quad R1T) is in the shop getting some suspension and water intrusion evaluations, I've finally gotten my hands on a Gen 2 R1S (TriMax -Ascend trim). I'm sure there's dozens of threads on this but I'm bored and figured i'd add my own thoughts.

Gen 2 Tri Pros
- First thing I noticed was the massively improved cameras. They actually match the quality of the rest of the vehicle and infotainment software. I didn't really have an issue with the Gen1 cameras functionally but hot damn these are way better.
- Much improved wind noise!
- Nearly silent motors
- Reduced road noise (AS vs AT tires though...)
- Electrochromic roof is neat
- Slightly increased efficiency (about +0.1 to +0.2 mi/kWh)
- UHF on non-highways is nice
- Ascend trim is SHARP and the seats are more comfortable

Gen 2 Cons
- Rivian Premium Audio is decent but a discernable step down from the Meridian Audio
- Heat pump noise is LOUD and audible in the cabin, not much, but it's noticeable
- Motors are too quiet, I find myself missing the low humming wind up of the Bosch motors
- Noisier suspension over rough pavement, though some of that might be 22" on the Tri vs 20" on my Quad. I've noticed it less the more I drive it and after knocking 4-5 psi out of the tires (48psi cold now)
- The Trimotor @ 850hp doesn't seem as quite as peppy as the Quad @ 835hp (both in all-purpose mode). I wonder if they have some acceleration cap software tweak on the loaners? My speedometer always says "80 MPH MAX" so I'm guessing they've speed limited the vehicle somehow.
- Regen braking is weaker, had to step it up to high to get the same drive feel as normal on the Quad.
- Autonomy+ just isn't a huge step up from Driver+/Highway Assist in its current state. I really only use it much on the highway anyway
- Despite having roughly 10% more battery capacity (128kWh vs 141kWh) and about 5-10% more efficiency, my SOC change is nearly identical on all my usual drives...
- Don't like the electronic door latches. The 1/2 second delay when opening the door while the truck is asleep is obnoxious

Random other observations
- Didn't realize the R1S has a small adjustable rail and tiedown system in the back, that is pretty cool!
- Much roomier than I anticipated in the R1S. We sat 3 adults in a line (front to back) comfortably. It should haul 6 average sized adults comfortably!
- Really surprised how worn the stock Pirelli Scorpion tires are after only 9,400mi
- Storm blue is more gray than blue, still lovely though!
- Ocean Coast is nicer than I expected and pairs well with the Ascend plaid accents
- They only gave me the keycard to use. This is fine as a backup but as the main key it's super obnoxious to always be pulling it out of your wallet.

I'm in nearly the same situation. My 2023 R1S has been in for service (air suspension leaking, horn hasn't sounded right since the day I drove it home) and Rivian gave me a gen 2 dual motor to drive. Has the higher performance.

Likes / dislikes on Gen 2 vs Gen 1 for me:

Door open buttons. Haven't noticed any delay. I didn't think i would like them but I really do.
Efficiency. Definitely more efficient then my quad motor. Plus has the max pack. Very nice, 410 mile range.
Wind noise. Less wind noise then my gen 1 for sure.
Highway assist. I love the gen 2. No premapped highways! Works everywhere hands free! Wish my Gen 1 had this.
Cameras. Better for sure but not to big of deal.
Interior. My Gen 1 has ocean coast, loaner has the black. I much prefer the ocean coast.
Proximity locking. Gen 2 is much much better than gen 1. My gen 1 won't lock until I'm 75-100 yards away sometimes In a busy parking lot and this gen 1 is quick to lock.
NVH. Both rattle and sqeak too much. I think my Gen 1 is probably a bit better at 60k miles than this gen 2 at 10k.
Controls. I like the way the gen 2 engages the cruise better than my Gen 1. Just a different stalk direction but seems smarter.
Power. My Gen 1 is definitely faster but the gen 2 dual is plenty faster enough. I would gladly trade the speed for the range.
I think I'll get mine back later today. I've had this gen 2 for over a week. I might get in mine and notice more differences but I'm looking forward to getting
mine back for sure.

 

[rogersmj]

Noisier suspension over rough pavement,

This is absolutely my biggest complaint and will be the number one reason I won't buy another R1 if they don't do something about it. I just had half shafts and ting washers done, but it still feels/sounds like crap over rough pavement at lower speeds.

The electronic door handles are a close second.

Other than that, I love it

 

[evlavista]

They are very rattle prone at slow speeds over anything other than smooth surfaces. Its my #1 complaint about mine for sure.

 

[R1S88]

I traded a very early VIN LE R1S for a 2026 R1s Quad Max, One area I strongly disagree - A huge positive is the greatly improved suspension on the Gen 2. Much tighter and no clunk. Overall, the build quality is much better on the Gen 2, but some of the delta might be do to the very early VIN of my gen 1. Only negatives I see with the trade are the audio (had the Meridien), the heat pump noise (although it works better), and the door buttons. The Rivian motors are much more efficient, smoother, and found the humming of the Bosch motors annoying - love the quiet Rivian versions. Overall, very happy with the changes in Gen 2.

 

[Jonger1150]

Not pursuing a new R1T until I can regain back 400 miles of range within 20 minutes. The other one is the front suspension. This is an extremely capable suspension that has very few equals in the auto industry, but since 99% of the time it's a pavement princess, I just don't need the ball spline half shafts and their added clunks.

Edited for an additional want: 220V 30 amp+ outlets in the bed. I want to charge Stark Vargs on the trail.

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