Purchasing advice - Gen 1 vs Gen 2

[CrazyOne]

Thanks again everyone: Just got back from my test drive. The San Jose Rivian dealer only had a 2026 Quad to test drive. It definitely is very nice, and if nothing else I can now say I’ve driven a car that costs over $100K for the first time in my life at least.

I was surprised that the 1000hp was so controllable, almost to the point that it didn’t feel as fast as I was expecting. It is almost too smooth. Completely different car but in the Kia EV6 GT you really felt its ~600HP. The Rivian felt more like our BMW with its 400HP maybe because they’re tuned more towards the luxury car feeling guess.

I’ve always leased my prior EVs as I was also concerned about how the manufacturers will stop updating my car when their next gen comes out, to entice you to buy the new one. I guess you need to be certain you’re happy with what it offers on day 1 and hope it’s dependable and serviceable.

From my research it sounds like I may notice the power of the quad more in the gen1 (and there’s no way I can pony up for a new quad). It makes me think a bit that I may want the G1 quad now but it’s a tough decision, or maybe try to find a 2025 Tri out there as it sounds like that may have more of a lively feel to it. Will see if I can find one of those to test drive locally.

Overall though I think I’m convinced enough to move on from the Gladiator though I wish you could remove the tops on the R1T.

Gen 1 in All Purpose only has about 600 hp. You need to be in sport mode to get the full 835 hp.

Sponsored

 

[BanditTA]

Gen 1 in All Purpose only has about 600 hp. You need to be in sport mode to get the full 835 hp.

Yeah I realized on the 2026 I test drove today I wasn’t using the 1000hp either. I had it in sport mode but from my reading it needs to be in launch mode to access it. Sounds like it was using around 750-850hp without being in launch.

I’m not a big fan of launch modes with a bunch of extra steps involved, and prefer it to just be available via a sport type of setting like the gen 1. Though I guess the gen 2 sport mode is pretty close to that gen1 hp purely in sport.

 

[MilliM]

My $.02 is that you don't know how good self driving is until you experience it. I have it in my Tesla (and obviously not my Gen 1 Rivian), and I'm honestly bummed it won't be coming to the R1S.

I don't know many people who regularly use the full HP of the fastest models (though I do have the Quad and the Beast and I like them both), but I really like the regular and constant updates on my Tesla and its self driving (14.2.2.2 is amazing).

So yeah, I'd prefer Gen 2 with future software updates and possibility of self driving, but appears I'm in the minority here.

 

[RandomMcRandomFace]

I just went from a gen 1 quad to a gen 2 tri. I think the gen 2 is hands down better in all respects other than maybe audio (I have no issues with it) and the door handles (if that’s a concern). The suspension is better. The tri motor is more powerful/responsive. The range is better (of course I have the max so bigger battery). Conserve mode is better - more efficient and uses all motors to accelerate from a stop so easier on tires. And the software is better and will be updated. I loved my quad but I think Gen 2 is the vehicle they wanted to build. Oh and the cameras! The Gen 2 cameras are 1000x better. The difference is stark and has real world impacts. The back up camera is so much clearer and safer.

 

[mkhuffman]

Yeah I realized on the 2026 I test drove today I wasn’t using the 1000hp either. I had it in sport mode but from my reading it needs to be in launch mode to access it. Sounds like it was using around 750-850hp without being in launch.

I’m not a big fan of launch modes with a bunch of extra steps involved, and prefer it to just be available via a sport type of setting like the gen 1. Though I guess the gen 2 sport mode is pretty close to that gen1 hp purely in sport.

It is pretty easy to put it on Launch mode, and it stays there until you turn it off or turn off the truck.

I am surprised you didn't think Sport mode was that aggressive, though. It is very aggressive in my Tri. Launch mode is next level.

I had Gen1 Quad loaner with Meridian sound for about a week and I agree with the assessment others have provided.

The Meridian sound system is much better than the Gen2 premium audio, but in normal use the two systems sound pretty equivalent. I think you are settling on a Gen1 anyway, so it probably isn't relevant.

Keep in mind the 20" AT tires are a significant range hit over the 22" road tires. You can replace them with more efficient tires so it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

You are going to love your truck.

 

[Eury]

Gen 2 is the better vehicle, but the depreciation on Rivians is incredible. I was back and forth between a 22 or 23 Quad or a new Dual large. If you look at charts of how these things depreciate that new one will lose 25k on day 1 and be down another 10-15k by year 2. Even though I can afford a new one I let the previous owner take that hit.

if I was able to lease it would have made the new one more attractive, but Rivian doesn’t offer leases in my state. Don’t know if it would have pushed me to new, but it would have been much closer.

 

[GreggVA]

I went through a similar search and ended up with a Gen 1 Quad large pack and very happy with it. For me, the performance and value per dollar really couldn't be beat. I am also a fan of great first gen products and seeing where the community takes those vehicles over time. I don't think it can be said enough how well the Gen 1 are built considering it is the first vehicle they ever made.

 

[WorldComposting]

Two other things to check into:

1. I believe the Quads had a longer warranty on the battery and motors. You might want to check on warranty length as a couple extra years/miles might make a big difference depending on the mileage.
2. Check insurance while there is a few mechanical differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 I believe they redesigned the Gen 2s so it was easier to fix and repair where as the Gen 1s are apparently very expensive and get totaled out more easily. I know my Gen 1 insurance is higher than expected.

 

[hoothoot]

I just went from a gen 1 quad to a gen 2 tri. I think the gen 2 is hands down better in all respects other than maybe audio (I have no issues with it) and the door handles (if that’s a concern). The suspension is better. The tri motor is more powerful/responsive. The range is better (of course I have the max so bigger battery). Conserve mode is better - more efficient and uses all motors to accelerate from a stop so easier on tires. And the software is better and will be updated. I loved my quad but I think Gen 2 is the vehicle they wanted to build. Oh and the cameras! The Gen 2 cameras are 1000x better. The difference is stark and has real world impacts. The back up camera is so much clearer and safer.

This, 100%!

Also, fwiw, a dual max performance gen 2 feels faster than a quad gen 1 even though the gen 1 has more HP.

 

[ENVErider]

Hi all - new member here. I currently have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave and am considering moving to the R1T. Looking for something a bit more fun to drive and a bit nicer riding on the crappy San Jose streets.

At this point I’m thinking to buy used. Not new to EVs as we’ve had a Model 3, Kia EV6 GT and currently have a 25 BMW I4 x40drive.

I’m certain that I want the large motor as the I4’s range isn’t fantastic. Still not sure about dual vs tri vs quad. Obviously all options will be faster than the Gladiator but I have a long history of sports cars and like good performance, ride and handling. The EV6 GT was fast and quite a lot of fun to drive but I had HV battery issues with it.

I’m not sure if I should wait for a gen 2 to come up used or buy a 2023 or 2024.

For those that have had both gens or at least checked out both, what do you recommend? Is the suspension majorly improved - or did the recent software update make similar improvements to gen 1?

I’m going to test drive one later today at my local Rivian demo center. Looks like they only have a new quad model to test out but hopefully that’ll at least give me some guidance on if I like it.

Thanks

Autonomy and better hardware/computers are the #1 standout upgrade with Gen 2, but there's a long list of other features. I weighed the same decision and ultimately picked a 2022 Quad over a 2025 dual Gen2; I've been very happy with that choice and the money I saved. Not everything has improved with Gen2, but it's overall a better vehicle; Gen 1 is probably a better deal. You will find that Gen2 TRIs, especially QUADs, are very rare on the used market; most used Gen2 listings I've seen are dual-standard.

If you don't care that it will never give you hands-free driving, I'd get a 2022 quad with the original Meridian sound system. Since you owned a Gladiator, I'll add that the quads are a little better off-roading, especially on steep rock crawls, and they have all the modes. While I considered a Gen2 Dual, I'd avoid any Gen 1 duals; the clutch reportedly clunks when engaging the rear wheels.

One extra kudo to Gen2, if you can get the v2 tanneau cover, its is much, much better. I had the v1 cover; it was loud and failed as most do. Now I have the v2 cover, which is buttery smooth.

Lastly, compare the warranty with the model; the Gen1 Quads ironically had the best warranties that Rivian offered; it feels like getting an extended warranty.
https://rivian.com/support/article/what-is-the-warranty-coverage-on-a-new-rivian

 

[Schroederhc]

2023 Quad will scratch all your itches for 1/2 the price. Next 2024 dual Performance you will be very happy.

 

[meshugy]

I got a 2023 R1S Quad (limestone, AT package, dark AT wheels) with just 350mi on it at CarMax for $73K. Had it over a year now and it’s been nearly flawles. Late 2023/2024 builds are your best bet as they have all the suspension updates that the earlier builds lack.

i demo’d a Gen 2 dual and it was a hot mess (crazy loud HVAC, terrible sound system, no high regen setting, hardly any drive modes, etc.) I don’t care about automated driving so the Gen 1 was a way better deal for me.

Also, the Gen 1s come with all the standard goodies that have mostly disappeared from the Gen 2s: portable charging cable, med kit, air compressor, premium sound system, etc.) All those things are extra now…

Gen 1 also has one extra year of warranty….

 

[FlyinScot]

If you dont care about the fancy self driving stuff, a gently used 2023 quad motor with Meridian audio can be a good deal now. Lots of depreciation on them already, but the car should be good for many miles still.

Yes I picked up a 20K mile 2023 R1T Quad motor out the door for less than 60K. I absolutely love it

 

[BlueberryQuadzilla]

I love my Gen 1. I’d buy a lightly used gen 1, and save up for a new gen 3 when it comes out. That way you can get whatever new battery and self driving tech that is available. Not enough of an upgrade to go gen 2 right now, especially since the sound system isn’t nearly as good as the meridian.

Sponsored