Test drove gen 2 R1S today (PDM, Max) -- Initial Pros & Cons Review

[sirna7]

Rivian needs to improve communication here. Because some employees I've asked thought it was the same system with Dolby Atmos added.

I've been told different answers on whether or not the hardware which operates the infotainment screen has been upgraded as well. I believe the answer is that it's the same from gen 1 and only the ADAS is improved.

Straight from Rivian Story and some internet sleuthing, someone got hold of the spec sheet data comparing the old versus the Premium Upgrade. Unfortunately, I can't find the link anymore.

'New" is opposite of old or previous, right?

Source: Meet the New R1

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[sirna7]

I believe the frunk is now 9.9 cu ft.

My microwave is 1.3 cu ft, and the difference here is only 1.2 cu ft (from 11.1 cu ft to 9.9 cu ft)

I’ll gladly give up the space smaller than my small microwave any day for space for a heat pump and reduced cabin noise.

Let’s be real, at least for me, I rarely use the frunk of my Tesla Model X because there is plenty of space in the trunk for everyday stuff. The frunk is definitely useful for road trips once in a blue moon when everything is packed to the max.

 

[evhelphub]

Thank you for this.

The two points that stood out were the smaller frunk and the new sound system.

Do you happen to know what the cubic feet is for the new frunk? The Gen 1 is 11.1 cubic feet if I recall. The new Gen 2 being smaller is a bummer and hope that it's not too significant. The frunk storage space is really important for a lot of folks.

As for the stereo, definitely not surprised there. You're 100% correct as well in that Tesla has them beat by a large margin. The stock premium Tesla system destroys Rivian. It's such a bummer that Rivian couldn't put a decent system in there, at the very least to just get a "pass" in respect to the price point. Big miss there.

Really appreciate you taking the time to include these details.

11.1 to 9.8, around 12% smaller. Not a dealbreaker by any means and it's absolutely useful still. I'd argue a small trade for a heat pump. I hear the argument that people don't use their frunks, that's only because they aren't automatic and useful the way Rivian's frunks are. I used my R1T's frunk nearly every day.

With regards to the sound system, I rented a 2024 Model 3 for a bit and it's incredible what Tesla has done with their setup.

 

[sirna7]

11.1 to 9.8, around 12% smaller. Not a dealbreaker by any means and it's absolutely useful still. I'd argue a small trade for a heat pump. I hear the argument that people don't use their frunks, that's only because they aren't automatic and useful the way Rivian's frunks are. I used my R1T's frunk nearly every day.

With regards to the sound system, I rented a 2024 Model 3 for a bit and it's incredible what Tesla has done with their setup.

True. If I drive a truck, I would opt to use a frunk over putting stuff in the giant bed in the back unless it's necessary. I do love how the frunk is automated though. Huge win over the TMX.

Speaking of which, we have a 2023 TMX and agree Tesla blows the audio system out of the water, hands down.

 

[Ngkgb]

What’s the wind noise situation?

 

[Eric9610]

As suspected the HP has issues cooling. My Tesla and almost every other car with a HP take forever to get cold. This is a bigger deal than most people think. Go read a Tesla forum and all the complaints about HP units.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I believe the 12V was removed in the 2024 models, correct? Are some 2023 models missing them as well?

Both 12V and high-tone horn axed in spring of '23

 

[emoore]

Both 12V and high-tone horn axed in spring of '23

Front 12v gone even sooner.

 

[Prime]

As suspected the HP has issues cooling. My Tesla and almost every other car with a HP take forever to get cold. This is a bigger deal than most people think. Go read a Tesla forum and all the complaints about HP units.

Our 2021 Tesla model Y has never had an issue cooling down. Cools better than our non heat pump Rivian.

 

[mkhuffman]

I bet if you find a way to add a big ass subwoofer, the sound system will be great.

I am waiting for the first thread from someone who has done that with a Gen 2. It seems it might be harder than Gen 1, but I think it will not be that hard. Tap into the existing sub, or replace it. All you need to figure out is where to get 12V power. Should be as easy as any other car, IMO.

 

[emoore]

Our 2021 Tesla model Y has never had an issue cooling down. Cools better than our non heat pump Rivian.

It’s a much smaller volume.

 

[evhelphub]

As suspected the HP has issues cooling. My Tesla and almost every other car with a HP take forever to get cold. This is a bigger deal than most people think. Go read a Tesla forum and all the complaints about HP units.

Our 2021 Tesla model Y has never had an issue cooling down. Cools better than our non heat pump Rivian.

I remember my gen 1 taking a while to cool down also. It was one of the things I noted in my review all the way back in 2022:

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...t-so-good-questions-on-potential-issues.8810/

The AC is pretty weak and very loud. I plan on tinting the windows/roof before next summer and that will help.

 

[Prime]

It’s a much smaller volume.

We have a T. The R1T cabin is smaller in interior volume than our model Y.

 

[Throwdown]

@OP, did the suspension sound/feel as bad as the old R1 platform? That was the biggest reason I offloaded mine. I'll get another if they sorted it out

 

[Electron]

Our 2021 Tesla model Y has never had an issue cooling down. Cools better than our non heat pump Rivian.

Same. All of our Teslas cool very fast. Zero issues and we're talking in 90-100F+ summers.

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