Quick purchase questions

[djhriv]

Thanks to everyone for all of the detailed posts about vehicle sepcs, purchasing processes, etc. This site has been invaluable in making the decision to move forward with a Rivian purchase, and I am absolutely pumped to be joining this community. I had a few quick, easy questions for anyone who can be generous with their time regarding the R1T.

1. I don't do a lot of off roading but a fair amount of driving in winter weather and on unpaved roads. Should I stick with the dual motor AWD or spend on the quad? Also, do the 21' road tires give decent grip or should I sacrifice battery life for something else off the bat?

2. I tend to really wear out a car before buying a new one so the driving experience is undoubtedly going to be an upgrade. I was thinking of looking at the available inventory for a quicker delivery. However, that means I probably can't fit in time for a test drive. Was there anything about the driving experience that really shocked anyone and would thus recommend driving the vehicle before purchase?

3. Any complaints about the back seat riding experience for either adults or children?

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[Greg]

Thanks to everyone for all of the detailed posts about vehicle sepcs, purchasing processes, etc. This site has been invaluable in making the decision to move forward with a Rivian purchase, and I am absolutely pumped to be joining this community. I had a few quick, easy questions for anyone who can be generous with their time regarding the R1T.

1. I don't do a lot of off roading but a fair amount of driving in winter weather and on unpaved roads. Should I stick with the dual motor AWD or spend on the quad? Also, do the 21' road tires give decent grip or should I sacrifice battery life for something else off the bat?

2. I tend to really wear out a car before buying a new one so the driving experience is undoubtedly going to be an upgrade. I was thinking of looking at the available inventory for a quicker delivery. However, that means I probably can't fit in time for a test drive. Was there anything about the driving experience that really shocked anyone and would thus recommend driving the vehicle before purchase?

3. Any complaints about the back seat riding experience for either adults or children?

1. I drove the standard 21” tires in deep snow many times last winter and had no problem. They worked as good if not better than our 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with snow tires. I have the quad motor.
2. I bought without test driving and couldn’t be happier with my R1T.
3. I have not had a lot of rear seat passengers, but I have never heard a complaint.

 

[mwexler2]

I have a quad with 20” ATs. They perform well on unpaved roads. And I’ve never had an issue with range. I’ve driven from SF Bay Area to LA and to Seattle. I do expect issues with range when I drive to Alaska, but not sure the 21s would be enough to matter.

Have you ever driven an EV with one-pedal driving? For me it was easy, similar to stick shift with engine breaking, Prius Hybrid and my wife’s Tesla, but many find it surprising. Most get over it in a day. You could always test drive a Tesla to experience that.

A real danger is having the grin on your face become permanent. ;-)

My Siberian Husky is my usual back seat rider. He likes his hammock but he does sometimes get motion sick.

 

[COdogman]

The only rear passengers I have had are of the 4 legged variety and they can fit 8 legs back there quite comfortably. Even had 12 legs back there and there were no complaints.

The only thing that shocked me about the driving experience was how much f*cking fun it was.

 

[SDH]

Unless you're driving mostly on smooth roads in town, I'd go with the 20" AT every time. You have more tire options, looks way better on a truck (IMO) and don't worry about the range impact, it's negligible in the grand scheme of things.

I have never driven a Dual motor so can't comment, but very happy with my quad. That said, if dual is much cheaper, you could use the $ on other things (like the Adventure Pack).

I really like sitting in the back. The seats are touch higher than front which is great for kids. Loads of leg room too.

I think you'll be very happy with your R1T choice either way.

 

[Timothykf]

I’ve had mine just 12 months with 25+k miles. Prior vehicles 2011 Silverado and 19 Bolt. Drive experience is awesome. The vehicle drives right and pulls trailers with ease. No off-roading. I use as a work truck. Back seat is an issue with big teenagers and adults. Remember, ur buying a mid-size truck, not a full size crew cab truck.

 

[CO-Ed]

1. I have an R1T quad motor, large pack, with the stock 21s. I drove it in snow many times last winter with no problems. I live on a gravel road and do lots of driving on gravel roads but also city streets and interstates. No complaints at all. My truck tells me I have 352 miles at 100% charge.

2. I didn't test drive it ahead of time, it showed up on a flatbed at my house. I was prepared with a thorough Rivian R1T specific checklist and a list of issues I wanted to check before "taking" delivery. I created service tickets for a few things on delivery day and Rivian has been great at addressing them.

3. Back seat passengers have been happy with their rides.

 

[Riviot]

Thanks to everyone for all of the detailed posts about vehicle sepcs, purchasing processes, etc. This site has been invaluable in making the decision to move forward with a Rivian purchase, and I am absolutely pumped to be joining this community. I had a few quick, easy questions for anyone who can be generous with their time regarding the R1T.

1. I don't do a lot of off roading but a fair amount of driving in winter weather and on unpaved roads. Should I stick with the dual motor AWD or spend on the quad? Also, do the 21' road tires give decent grip or should I sacrifice battery life for something else off the bat?

2. I tend to really wear out a car before buying a new one so the driving experience is undoubtedly going to be an upgrade. I was thinking of looking at the available inventory for a quicker delivery. However, that means I probably can't fit in time for a test drive. Was there anything about the driving experience that really shocked anyone and would thus recommend driving the vehicle before purchase?

3. Any complaints about the back seat riding experience for either adults or children?

1.a. Go with dual motor, you won't need quad. I'd do dual if I was buying at today's pricing.
1.b. Get 20" for the sake of options, whether it's from Rivian or aftermarket. If you get decent all season tires, like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2, you'll get better range than AT and better grip than 21s. Again, if they were out when I bought AS tires, I would've got them.

2. I bought mine sight unseen and have zero regrets. You'll love it.

3. I've been riding in the back the last couple nights to let longer legged family sit in front with the designated driver, it's pretty dang comfy.

 

[virgnia_rivian]

OP are you in Baltimore? There’s not much on the east coast that would cause any issues with the dual motor and 21’s. Unless you’re up in the mountains every week you should be fine.

Not only did we not get a chance to test drive, we flew to the factory in Illinois and picked up our R1T and then drove it back to DC. That was our first experience driving the R1 and first EV ownership experience. Fantastic.

If you have not experienced one pedal drive (on say a Tesla) it will take some getting used to, but after that it’s awesome.

 

[oskeei]

Just yesterday I was stuck in second row for 300 mile round trip. Daughter always calls shotgun and wife drives.

Very comfty for me and not really different from driver seat in terms of feel for me.

I run a 20" winter wheel set so I can conserve wear on my 21" tires.

 

[R.I.P.]

The quad is only better off-road if you stay on high traction surfaces and do not lose complete traction on more than one wheel at a time. In super slippery stuff, the DM is actually more capable than the quad because of the superior traction control the differentials offer.

- QM is faster in a drag race, but not by much.
- QM is in its element in desert racing.
- DM is better in snow and ice.
- DM is considerably more efficient, and offers better range.

I have owned both, and had them from The Baja to the Sierra's. I settled on the DM as the better all around machine.

Hope that helps.

 

[djhriv]

This is all very helpful. I think I'll go with the DM and start with the 21s, switching out if needed. Thanks again everyone. Can't wait!

 

[djhriv]

OP are you in Baltimore? There’s not much on the east coast that would cause any issues with the dual motor and 21’s. Unless you’re up in the mountains every week you should be fine.

Not only did we not get a chance to test drive, we flew to the factory in Illinois and picked up our R1T and then drove it back to DC. That was our first experience driving the R1 and first EV ownership experience. Fantastic.

If you have not experienced one pedal drive (on say a Tesla) it will take some getting used to, but after that it’s awesome.

Yup, I'm in Baltimore, but we do drive out frequently to WV and up to New England several times per winter. Regardless, I'll certainly give the 21s a spin and go from there. Very helpful feedback. Picking up at the factor sounds incredible. So jealous!

 

[mtberman]

This is all very helpful. I think I'll go with the DM and start with the 21s, switching out if needed. Thanks again everyone. Can't wait!

I picked a DM with 21s out of the shop in mid September and took delivery 9/27. I have driven it in some sketchy weather here in Colorado and have no regrets at all. Snow mode makes all the difference in low traction situations.

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