R1S - Owner Feedback Please - Do you recommend buying the R1S?

[Canuk58]

I am retired in south OC and have owned R1S since August 2023. The vehicle now has 31K miles or so.

The question you need to ask yourself is what is your expectation of this vehicle and what do you think you are getting.

The Rivian vehicles today are built on a body on a truck frame with air suspension. Unlike R2, where its built on unitized body, the ride, handling and weight of the vehicle (R1) are significantly more like truck than a car.

Many here say it's the best vehicle they've ever owned - probably for those that say that. I cannot say that. I probably have a different criteria than those that say that. For me, the vehicle is not compliant enough in terms of driving feedbacks and is too heavy. We bought the vehicle because my wife wanted one and she likes sitting up high and truck like feel vehicle.

Would I buy it again, absolutely not. While R1S is a good vehicle, it is not what I consider one of the best in class. I have owned other body on frame vehicles and every time following the vehicle, I have moved away from it. I have come back to it for different reasons each time.

Conceptually, R2 is a better sized vehicle for our needs but I am one of those people that do not buy the same brand vehicle consecutively due to so many alternatives. So I'll probably look for Macan EV GTS or the iX5 coming out soon. Both are lighter and provides better driving dynamics.

Thank you - I appreciate your candid comments. I

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[RMSko]

I took delivery of my ‘26 R1S last month and had previously been driving a ‘25 Lucid Air Touring. While one is a sedan and the other an SUV, I still think a comparison is worthwhile. The Lucid is a beautiful car and has a very smooth ride. I also love the look of the Rivian, but (not surprisingly) it doesn’t drive as smoothly as the Lucid. But again, the Rivian is a truck and the Lucid is a sedan and so I would never expect the ride to be as smooth.

One thing I will say is be judicious about reliance on the forum and even reviews. Lucid has amazing across the board reviews, but if you go to the Lucid forum, you will see as much if not more negativity than on this forum. The Lucid’s reliability score is terrible and IMO rightfully so. The software has many problems IMO.

In terms of technology and software, in my view the R1S is light years ahead of Lucid. The R1S has great software and is very similar to the Tesla software. The Lucid software is hardly customizable and wastes a lot of the screen space. For example, there is this massive lower screen that should be great, but I found it useless because it was not customizable.

The R1S interface is waaaaaaay better than the Lucid and so far the tech is far more reliable. For Lucid, I regularly had to reset the software at least twice/week. I haven’t yet had to do that with my R1s (I probably just jinxed it though!). There are just so many aspects of the software and interface that are better that it’s not even worth getting into the comparison.

As an aside, before getting my Lucid I had an Audi Q8 e-tron and that car’s tech and software interface was beyond horrible.

The one car that I think will be worth a very serious look is the upcoming BMW neaue klasse line of EVs. Based on early reviews, it seems like BMW got it right with this new EV line.

 

[therealcmj]

I'll echo a bunch of other people saying absolutely yes.

But also that I went in with eyes open

• Rivian is a new company and that comes with some risk.
  • i.e. they could go bankrupt or be acquired. With the VW joint venture it feels like that's unlikely at this point, but it's still definitely possible.
  • unlike a traditional car company if they did fold there's no third party service available
  • if you are uncomfortable with that risk then Rivian or Lucid and anyone like them is not for you
• the R1 is a massive truck - emphasis on both words.
  • a big vehicle carries lots of people and/or stuff
  • a big vehicle is harder to park, fits in fewer spots. If you live in the city and don't have a dedicated parking spot that's a big negative
  • it drives like a truck. If you're used to a luxury car this ain't it
• it's a $100,000 vehicle but the service experience isn't going to be on par with other vehicles in the same price range. It just isn't.
  • to be clear: the people at Rivian are nice and friendly and helpful
  • but there's only a small number of service centers and they've got a pretty big backlog
    • I've had 2 service appointments in a bit over a year of ownership
    • In both cases Rivian booked my appointments months out
  • BMW, Lexus, Mercedes do service via dealers. And those dealers are incentivized to make the service experience very good because they want you to buy from them again the next time you need a new car.
    • I previously drove Jeeps, Minis, and a Volvo. In all of those there were multiple dealers I could go to
    • I always got an appointment for any needed service within 2 or 3 weeks

Some of the above are also positives

• Buying a car via the normal dealer experience for existing car companies is terrible. Rivian was a few clicks online and the car was ordered.
• It's very much a software defined vehicle and there are pretty big updates every month.
  • Most conventional cars ship with the software they have at the time and maybe get minor updates once a year for a few years when you bring it for service.
  • Rivian is the opposite. So much so that the car UI today is very different from a year ago.
  • e.g. a little over a year ago in my first month of ownership I was very negative about the driver assistance system. As compared to my then 6 year old Volvo it worked in fewer places, and where it did work it was a huge step down. It felt actively dangerous leaving it engaged on highways that my Volvo handled with ease. Comparing it to today's version is like two different cars - it's night and day.
  • I'm not pointing this out to say the ADAS is a selling point (though it is for me); I'm saying that because it's a new company and software driven vehicle if something can be improved over time it very likely will.

 

[SoCalR1S26]

If you’re looking for an R1S in SoCal, mine just went live on Cars & Bids — might be exactly what you’re after. I’m in Orange County and the vehicle is 2026 R1S Adventure, LA Silver, Black Mountain + Dark Ash Wood, 20" wheels, pano roof, and less than 1000 miles.


Here’s the listing:
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rEAOV4od/2026-rivian-r1s-adventure-edition

I absolutely love this SUV, but we bought it for extended-family travel and my 80-year-old parents recently had surgery, so the step-in height isn’t working for them. Otherwise it has been flawless.


Happy to answer any questions on Cars & Bids!

 

[Dasoss]

I am thinking of getting the 2026 R1S but am concerned about all of the negative comments on this site and also negative reviews from Consumer Repirts etc.

I am near retirement and live in So. California.

I would like to hear from folks who own a R1S and can talk about some of the things you like about the vehicle and whether you would recommend it.

Thanks

I have had a Rivian R1S Quad for 3 months. It has only about 600 miles. I have had no issues so far. No reboots no service appointments. I kerp my car plugged into a level 2 chager in my garage. I did have an issue with the key fob, but it turned out to be my problem. I like the vehicle. Don't worry so much about the posts here. It's a really nice car.. I drove a MINI for 22 years. The R1S requires some adjustments. The MINI did really drive like a go-cart. The Rivian is very quick. The first time I floored the accelerator on an on-ramp, I scared myself. The rear wheels chirped, and it kicked me in the butt. I also had to learn that it handles a lot better than I thought it would for such a big, heavy car. The advanced driver assist features were sort of unnerving at first, but they work perfectly. It's harder to park than a MINI to say the least. The cameras and sensors help. The audio sounds good despite the comments on this forum. An audio system in a car is not going to sound like a good home setup. I think that many of the complainers are used to listening to bad audio. It's subjective. I think people have more of a propensity to post problems than complements.

 

[Canuk58]

I have had a Rivian R1S Quad for 3 months. It has only about 600 miles. I have had no issues so far. No reboots no service appointments. I kerp my car plugged into a level 2 chager in my garage. I did have an issue with the key fob, but it turned out to be my problem. I like the vehicle. Don't worry so much about the posts here. It's a really nice car.. I drove a MINI for 22 years. The R1S requires some adjustments. The MINI did really drive like a go-cart. The Rivian is very quick. The first time I floored the accelerator on an on-ramp, I scared myself. The rear wheels chirped, and it kicked me in the butt. I also had to learn that it handles a lot better than I thought it would for such a big, heavy car. The advanced driver assist features were sort of unnerving at first, but they work perfectly. It's harder to park than a MINI to say the least. The cameras and sensors help. The audio sounds good despite the comments on this forum. An audio system in a car is not going to sound like a good home setup. I think that many of the complainers are used to listening to bad audio. It's subjective. I think people have more of a propensity to post problems than complements.

Thank you!

 

[mw3101]

Leased my 26 R1S Dual, Max Pack, 22” wheels about 3 month ago. So far, so good. My previous car was a Tesla Model S. The build quality on the model S was pretty bad, but the car was excellent to drive and the software was very good.

My R1S seems to be built much better than my Tesla. Among the things I like/use:

• Powered front truck - great size and power open/close makes it quite functional. I like it for take out, as the food aroma doesn’t linger inside the vehicle.
• Split tailgate - had this on a previously owned BMW X5 and it’s a great feature
• Kneel function - lowers when vehicle is parked for easy entry/exit
• Cameras - highest resolution cameras in any vehicle I’ve owned. They’re easy to access and definitely help with parking.
• Software updates - like Tesla, these are frequent and add meaningful features with each one

The ride quality is good and the acceleration is plenty for my needs. If I was spending more time off road I’d switch to 20” wheels. I primarily charge at home, using my Tesla charger which works fine. Overall, I’m very happy with the R1S, but I’ve only had it for 3 months.

I’d recommend taking one for a test drive to see if it’s the right feel for you. I’ve bought several cars without driving them first, based on enthusiast forums/magazines and it’s been a mixed bag. Some I’ve enjoyed, others I’ve hated. In all those cases, though, I purchased used and was easily able to get out of the vehicle with minimal financial impact as the large depreciation hit was incurred by the first owner.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Canuk58]

Leased my 26 R1S Dual, Max Pack, 22” wheels about 3 month ago. So far, so good. My previous car was a Tesla Model S. The build quality on the model S was pretty bad, but the car was excellent to drive and the software was very good.

My R1S seems to be built much better than my Tesla. Among the things I like/use:

• Powered front truck - great size and power open/close makes it quite functional. I like it for take out, as the food aroma doesn’t linger inside the vehicle.
• Split tailgate - had this on a previously owned BMW X5 and it’s a great feature
• Kneel function - lowers when vehicle is parked for easy entry/exit
• Cameras - highest resolution cameras in any vehicle I’ve owned. They’re easy to access and definitely help with parking.
• Software updates - like Tesla, these are frequent and add meaningful features with each one

The ride quality is good and the acceleration is plenty for my needs. If I was spending more time off road I’d switch to 20” wheels. I primarily charge at home, using my Tesla charger which works fine. Overall, I’m very happy with the R1S, but I’ve only had it for 3 months.

I’d recommend taking one for a test drive to see if it’s the right feel for you. I’ve bought several cars without driving them first, based on enthusiast forums/magazines and it’s been a mixed bag. Some I’ve enjoyed, others I’ve hated. In all those cases, though, I purchased used and was easily able to get out of the vehicle with minimal financial impact as the large depreciation hit was incurred by the first owner.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you

 

[jrmbadger]

I'll echo what was already said. The R1S is a great SUV and I like mine a lot. I would buy again in a heartbeat. I have a gen 1 quad. It's smooth, powerful, and quiet. I just drove it through a snowstorm and it was the best handling car I've ever driven in snow - hands down.

My biggest recommendation - if you are new to EVs, is to make sure you have access to regular and cheap level 2 charging (e.g., 240v 24+ amps). The Rivian battery is huge and level 1 charging may work with other EVs but it would likely be difficult with the R1S - except maybe the smallest battery and only if you drive very little. Level 3 is too expensive in most areas. Also, while the rated range may be X miles of range, that range is a bit like the EPA MPG of gas cars - it's achieved in a specific test setting under perfect conditions. 75+ MPH driving you will get a less. There are sites that test these things so do look around. For example: Inside Evs

In terms of software experience, I think that the Rivian is real close to Tesla and light years ahead of other brands. I think the UI layout and feel on the Rivian is better than the Tesla, with the Tesla UI being too crowded and cluttered (likely because they are trying to cram everything in one screen). However, the Rivian's software stability and mobile app isn't as good as tesla. For example the Rivian mobile app often takes two or three button presses for it to respond properly whereas the tesla is 100% right away. I also don't like the Rivian mobile app UI layout - it feels clunky.

I think the materials seem to be good quality and stylish looking.

Do you research on the forums and figure out what problems you are likely to have so you know going in. Here's a list off the top of my head:

1.) Half-shafts - Because of the large suspension height range and the torque the engines put out, the half-shafts wear out much sooner than they should - at least on Gen 1 Quads. Not sure about Gen 2 yet or dual motors or tri. These make an annoying clunk during acceleration and deceleration, but its not otherwise a problem. I just had mine replaced under warranty.

2.) Phone as a Key - this allows you to just walk up to the R1S and open the door - it detects your presence and unlocks as well as sets your seats to your preferred position. My Paak works nearly 100% every time. Others here have more problems. One thing to remember is to always leave your Rivian app running in the background on your phone, otherwise it wont work. It also seems phone-dependent. Supposedly they are implementing Apple car key in Gen 2 which people are thinking will help.

3.) There have been some persistent complaints about software bugs on the built-in streaming services.

4.) The FM radio is weak (No AM radio).

5.) The electronic locks in Gen 2. Rather than having mechanical locks on Gen 2 - they are electronic with emergency manual latches. In the back they are removable door panels that pop off to reveal emergency release cables. Supposedly this is being changed in a future revision. This may be a safety issue if electrical power is cut off in an accident.

6.) 12V battery system is weak and the 12V requires replacement more often. This is complicated in Gen 2 where the battery is under the passenger seat. Supposedly though the gen 2 12v system is better and lasts longer than gen 1.

7.) Vampire drain is still higher than in other EVs. - this is the amount of charge lost when the vehicle is just "sitting" - mine is 1-2% a day. Gen 2 supposedly is less. In my Tesla, I'd be surprised if its .5% a day.

8.) some have complained about the headlights being too bright in heavy snow.

9.) Service centers. Some are great, some are not. Mine is good. I had one so-so experience and one excellent experience.

10.) Suspension - it's fine for me, a little bouncy sometimes, but some do not like it. It's a heavy truck so its hard to get the suspension perfect.

11.) The charge port can be dark - e.g., some folks have wished for a light or something to help charge at night. Gen 1 has a light so I dont have this issue.

12.) Because the charge port is on the driver side front, at some Tesla superchargers you may have to take up two stalls. While this is approved by Tesla, some folks feel a bit

None of these would stop me from buying as I think the PROs outweigh these issues. But, for some, they may not. Just some food for thought.

 

[Canuk58]

I'll echo what was already said. The R1S is a great SUV and I like mine a lot. I would buy again in a heartbeat. I have a gen 1 quad. It's smooth, powerful, and quiet. I just drove it through a snowstorm and it was the best handling car I've ever driven in snow - hands down.

My biggest recommendation - if you are new to EVs, is to make sure you have access to regular and cheap level 2 charging (e.g., 240v 24+ amps). The Rivian battery is huge and level 1 charging may work with other EVs but it would likely be difficult with the R1S - except maybe the smallest battery and only if you drive very little. Level 3 is too expensive in most areas. Also, while the rated range may be X miles of range, that range is a bit like the EPA MPG of gas cars - it's achieved in a specific test setting under perfect conditions. 75+ MPH driving you will get a less. There are sites that test these things so do look around. For example: Inside Evs

In terms of software experience, I think that the Rivian is real close to Tesla and light years ahead of other brands. I think the UI layout and feel on the Rivian is better than the Tesla, with the Tesla UI being too crowded and cluttered (likely because they are trying to cram everything in one screen). However, the Rivian's software stability and mobile app isn't as good as tesla. For example the Rivian mobile app often takes two or three button presses for it to respond properly whereas the tesla is 100% right away. I also don't like the Rivian mobile app UI layout - it feels clunky.

I think the materials seem to be good quality and stylish looking.

Do you research on the forums and figure out what problems you are likely to have so you know going in. Here's a list off the top of my head:

1.) Half-shafts - Because of the large suspension height range and the torque the engines put out, the half-shafts wear out much sooner than they should - at least on Gen 1 Quads. Not sure about Gen 2 yet or dual motors or tri. These make an annoying clunk during acceleration and deceleration, but its not otherwise a problem. I just had mine replaced under warranty.

2.) Phone as a Key - this allows you to just walk up to the R1S and open the door - it detects your presence and unlocks as well as sets your seats to your preferred position. My Paak works nearly 100% every time. Others here have more problems. One thing to remember is to always leave your Rivian app running in the background on your phone, otherwise it wont work. It also seems phone-dependent. Supposedly they are implementing Apple car key in Gen 2 which people are thinking will help.

3.) There have been some persistent complaints about software bugs on the built-in streaming services.

4.) The FM radio is weak (No AM radio).

5.) The electronic locks in Gen 2. Rather than having mechanical locks on Gen 2 - they are electronic with emergency manual latches. In the back they are removable door panels that pop off to reveal emergency release cables. Supposedly this is being changed in a future revision. This may be a safety issue if electrical power is cut off in an accident.

6.) 12V battery system is weak and the 12V requires replacement more often. This is complicated in Gen 2 where the battery is under the passenger seat. Supposedly though the gen 2 12v system is better and lasts longer than gen 1.

7.) Vampire drain is still higher than in other EVs. - this is the amount of charge lost when the vehicle is just "sitting" - mine is 1-2% a day. Gen 2 supposedly is less. In my Tesla, I'd be surprised if its .5% a day.

8.) some have complained about the headlights being too bright in heavy snow.

9.) Service centers. Some are great, some are not. Mine is good. I had one so-so experience and one excellent experience.

10.) Suspension - it's fine for me, a little bouncy sometimes, but some do not like it. It's a heavy truck so its hard to get the suspension perfect.

11.) The charge port can be dark - e.g., some folks have wished for a light or something to help charge at night. Gen 1 has a light so I dont have this issue.

12.) Because the charge port is on the driver side front, at some Tesla superchargers you may have to take up two stalls. While this is approved by Tesla, some folks feel a bit

None of these would stop me from buying as I think the PROs outweigh these issues. But, for some, they may not. Just some food for thought.

Thank you

 

[hammick]

I am thinking of getting the 2026 R1S but am concerned about all of the negative comments on this site and also negative reviews from Consumer Repirts etc.

I am near retirement and live in So. California.

I would like to hear from folks who own a R1S and can talk about some of the things you like about the vehicle and whether you would recommend it.

Thanks

We've had our '25 R1S Tri since January. We have close to 10k miles most of which is road trips from Kansas City to Montana. Rest is my wife commuting to work. Send me a PM if you want to discuss the particulars of our ownership. I'd prefer to speak on the phone rather than endless typing.

 

[usulio]

I absolutely love this SUV, but we bought it for extended-family travel and my 80-year-old parents recently had surgery, so the step-in height isn’t working for them. Otherwise it has been flawless.

Sorry to pry but did you try running boards by chance or would that not be good enough?

 

[Canuk58]

I am thinking of getting the 2026 R1S but am concerned about all of the negative comments on this site and also negative reviews from Consumer Repirts etc.

I am near retirement and live in So. California.

I would like to hear from folks who own a R1S and can talk about some of the things you like

about the vehicle and whether you would recommend it.

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request - I am happy to say I am the proud owner of a 2026 R1S Tri. Pic belie

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