Wait for R2 or get an R1?

[TheWebMedic]

So I’m on the R2 waiting list (May 2026 sad ), which probably means I won’t actually see one for quite a while. Part of me is thinking maybe I should just lease an R1 for 2 years and then move into an R2 later.

My biggest hesitation is all the videos comparing how far behind Rivian still seems compared to Tesla. I just watched one where the navigation was routing someone to slow chargers that were actually farther away than the vehicle could even reach.

Curious what current owners think. Is Rivian close enough now that it’s not a big deal day-to-day, or would you wait it out for the R2 and see how the platform matures? Open to advice.

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[electruck]

Your question is not clear. Are you asking about R1 vs R2 or are you asking about buying/leasing a Rivian in general? Would this be your first EV (appears that way based on current vehicle being a GMC)?

If you're a current Tesla owner and already addicted to Tesla's autonomous driving, it's fair to say that Rivian is still a little behind. Otherwise, get a Rivian and don't look back.

As for R1 now vs R2 later, which vehicle best meets your needs? are you in a position where you need a new vehicle on a specific timeline or will your current vehicle hold you until R2? what is your motivation for a new vehicle?

 

[mkg3]

So I’m on the R2 waiting list (May 2026 sad ), which probably means I won’t actually see one for quite a while. Part of me is thinking maybe I should just lease an R1 for 2 years and then move into an R2 later...

I think you might be pleasantly surprised that your R2 number will come up much sooner than you mght be thinking.

Only small fraction of preorders are actually converted to purchases. Given how crowded this price point and SUV space is today, there is every likelihood that you might be asked to select a vehicle in a year.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I think you might be pleasantly surprised that your R2 number will come up much sooner than you mght be thinking.

Only small fraction of preorders are actually converted to purchases. Given how crowded this price point and SUV space is today, there is every likelihood that you might be asked to select a vehicle in a year.

I totally agree with this and it cannot be overstated enough. I think the reservations are only going to matter for the first launch editions and not much else. We aren't near the $45k price point yet that I wager a lot of people are interested in. The sub $50k RWD model isn't until next year too. This isn't the $100k premium R1 days anymore. This is mainstream America now with R2. Pricing matters a lot when comparing to Model Y or RAV4 or CRV etc.

 

[TheWebMedic]

Your question is not clear. Are you asking about R1 vs R2 or are you asking about buying/leasing a Rivian in general? Would this be your first EV (appears that way based on current vehicle being a GMC)?

If you're a current Tesla owner and already addicted to Tesla's autonomous driving, it's fair to say that Rivian is still a little behind. Otherwise, get a Rivian and don't look back.

As for R1 now vs R2 later, which vehicle best meets your needs? are you in a position where you need a new vehicle on a specific timeline or will your current vehicle hold you until R2? what is your motivation for a new vehicle?

Your question is not clear. Are you asking about R1 vs R2 or are you asking about buying/leasing a Rivian in general? Would this be your first EV (appears that way based on current vehicle being a GMC)?

If you're a current Tesla owner and already addicted to Tesla's autonomous driving, it's fair to say that Rivian is still a little behind. Otherwise, get a Rivian and don't look back.

As for R1 now vs R2 later, which vehicle best meets your needs? are you in a position where you need a new vehicle on a specific timeline or will your current vehicle hold you until R2? what is your motivation for a new vehicle?

Sorry for that,
I currently own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, and unfortunately, it’s had quite a few electrical issues despite being relatively new. One of the biggest frustrations for me was when the OnStar subscription expired and I suddenly lost a significant amount of functionality from the truck.

That experience is part of what pushed me toward looking at EVs. I became very interested in the Rivian R1T, but I was also really intrigued by the upcoming Rivian R2, so I went ahead and placed a reservation for the R2.

Before placing the R2 deposit, I was actually very close to moving forward with an R1T. However, Rivian kept adjusting their pricing, discounts, and lease numbers, which honestly turned me off a bit. At this point, my plan is to wait until June to see if they bring back the $6,000 discount, but I’m still undecided.

This would also be my first EV, so I’d need to install a Level 2 charger at home and get everything set up for EV ownership.

One of my biggest concerns is buying into technology that could feel outdated quickly, especially since the EV industry is evolving so fast. Even though I’d likely be looking at a Gen 2 R1T, I still worry about purchasing something that may age rapidly from a tech standpoint. Because of that, leasing is really the only route I’d consider for the R1T. With the R2, however, I’d most likely purchase it outright, but don’t want to wait a year before my reservation is fulfilled.

 

[Great Gatsby]

So I’m on the R2 waiting list (May 2026 sad ), which probably means I won’t actually see one for quite a while. Part of me is thinking maybe I should just lease an R1 for 2 years and then move into an R2 later.

My biggest hesitation is all the videos comparing how far behind Rivian still seems compared to Tesla. I just watched one where the navigation was routing someone to slow chargers that were actually farther away than the vehicle could even reach.

Curious what current owners think. Is Rivian close enough now that it’s not a big deal day-to-day, or would you wait it out for the R2 and see how the platform matures? Open to advice.

Are used vehicles an option? If so, the R1T is a steal in the used market. A lot of the depreciation is baked in and you can still get some under warranty.

I don't think I'd lease as the deals right now aren't anything to write home about. I'd wait for the R2 if those are your two options (lease vs wait).

As far as being behind, for me its Tesla and then Rivian as far as software is concerned. The lead is very comfortably in Tesla's favor but Rivian is catching up quick.

 

[TheWebMedic]

As a side note, the most attractive aspect of Rivian to me is the people. You guys and girls seem VERY passionate about this company, and that is what drew me to Rivian.

 

[sparked]

One of my biggest concerns is buying into technology that could feel outdated quickly, especially since the EV industry is evolving so fast. Even though I’d likely be looking at a Gen 2 R1T, I still worry about purchasing something that may age rapidly from a tech standpoint. Because of that, leasing is really the only route I’d consider for the R1T. With the R2, however, I’d most likely purchase it outright, but don’t want to wait a year before my reservation is fulfilled.

We're hitting the point where these vehicles are pretty capable. You just have to decide if you will be happy with the car you are buying at the time you are buying it. Are you happy with the charging, range, interior, etc? Ignore any future promises that something is coming like a software update as plans can always change.

 

[narmstrong79]

So I’m on the R2 waiting list (May 2026 sad ), which probably means I won’t actually see one for quite a while. Part of me is thinking maybe I should just lease an R1 for 2 years and then move into an R2 later.

My biggest hesitation is all the videos comparing how far behind Rivian still seems compared to Tesla. I just watched one where the navigation was routing someone to slow chargers that were actually farther away than the vehicle could even reach.

Curious what current owners think. Is Rivian close enough now that it’s not a big deal day-to-day, or would you wait it out for the R2 and see how the platform matures? Open to advice.

Get a used R1 , It'll be similar price and more car for the money.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

My biggest hesitation is all the videos comparing how far behind Rivian still seems compared to Tesla. I just watched one where the navigation was routing someone to slow chargers that were actually farther away than the vehicle could even reach.

I wouldn't sweat a few outlier videos. Many modern EVs work fantastic and many of those aren't a Telsa. Our BMX iX (and all the current and upcoming i-models ) is superb. Friends with Rivians, Hyundai/KIAs (including a buddy with an Ioniq 5 N who actually tracks his car), got a friend with a Lucid Air, they all have pretty stellar experiences (even the Lucid got its shit together). Tech is solid, some of those cars have super fast charging, the nav systems work as expected, killer range, etc.

 

[Great Gatsby]

I wouldn't sweat a few outlier videos. Many modern EVs work fantastic and many of those aren't a Telsa. Our BMX iX (and all the current and upcoming i-models ) is superb. Friends with Rivians, Hyundai/KIAs (including a buddy with an Ioniq 5 N who actually tracks his car), got a friend with a Lucid Air, they all have pretty stellar experiences (even the Lucid got its shit together). Tech is solid, some of those cars have super fast charging, the nav systems work as expected, killer range, etc.

So you mean to tell me...despite all the FUD...that EVs are, in fact, great?

But agreed. It all depends if you want a more traditional car experience, which the BMW/Kia/Cadillac offer, or more well rounded EV experience, which Tesla and Rivian do very well. The bridge is narrowing, fortunately, so getting a good car that is also a good EV is becoming more common place.

I'm very particular but the list for my next car is getting long. It is a great time to be a car buyer. So many good options!

But to tie it back to the original topic, unless you are coming from Tesla specifically, you won't know what you are missing and what the Rivian can offer will still blow you away. My dad wanted to hate EVs so bad but after spending some time in my Rivian, he became one of the biggest advocates for it. They are amazing vehicles, period, EV or otherwise.

 

[Jeremy3292]

So you mean to tell me...despite all the FUD...that EVs are, in fact, great?

But agreed. It all depends if you want a more traditional car experience, which the BMW/Kia/Cadillac offer, or more well rounded EV experience, which Tesla and Rivian do very well. The bridge is narrowing, fortunately, so getting a good car that is also a good EV is becoming more common place.

I'm very particular but the list for my next car is getting long. It is a great time to be a car buyer. So many good options!

But to tie it back to the original topic, unless you are coming from Tesla specifically, you won't know what you are missing and what the Rivian can offer will still blow you away. My dad wanted to hate EVs so bad but after spending some time in my Rivian, he became one of the biggest advocates for it. They are amazing vehicles, period, EV or otherwise.

I’ve watched a lot of YouTube review videos on Rivian…software seems to have gotten way better in the last year or so to almost as good as Tesla. In some ways it’s better e.g. shows live motor and battery pack temps. The charging curve graph is awesome when fast charging also. Rivian has a lot going for them.

 

[ribuck97]

Sorry for that,
I currently own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, and unfortunately, it’s had quite a few electrical issues despite being relatively new. One of the biggest frustrations for me was when the OnStar subscription expired and I suddenly lost a significant amount of functionality from the truck.

That experience is part of what pushed me toward looking at EVs. I became very interested in the Rivian R1T, but I was also really intrigued by the upcoming Rivian R2, so I went ahead and placed a reservation for the R2.

Before placing the R2 deposit, I was actually very close to moving forward with an R1T. However, Rivian kept adjusting their pricing, discounts, and lease numbers, which honestly turned me off a bit. At this point, my plan is to wait until June to see if they bring back the $6,000 discount, but I’m still undecided.

This would also be my first EV, so I’d need to install a Level 2 charger at home and get everything set up for EV ownership.

One of my biggest concerns is buying into technology that could feel outdated quickly, especially since the EV industry is evolving so fast. Even though I’d likely be looking at a Gen 2 R1T, I still worry about purchasing something that may age rapidly from a tech standpoint. Because of that, leasing is really the only route I’d consider for the R1T. With the R2, however, I’d most likely purchase it outright, but don’t want to wait a year before my reservation is fulfilled.

Just my suggestion since you mention it. You should plan out the level 2 home charger install prior to deciding on an EV, especially one that has a large battery/less efficient. Most people don’t consider needing service upgrades, getting 50/60 amp gauge wire to the charging spot, etc.

As to the pricing, incentives, lease numbers always changing… that’s sort of common in the auto industry. From what I’ve seen, if a vehicle doesn’t have decent sales numbers, the discounts remain low/constant month to month. We’ve started calculating lease residual/APR and financing in another thread. I had a reservation during the 0%/0.49% financing but cancelled as it wasn’t the color combo I truly wanted. I’m waiting in hopes it returns.

 

[Mos Eisley]

One of my biggest concerns is buying into technology that could feel outdated quickly, especially since the EV industry is evolving so fast. Even though I’d likely be looking at a Gen 2 R1T, I still worry about purchasing something that may age rapidly from a tech standpoint. Because of that, leasing is really the only route I’d consider for the R1T. With the R2, however, I’d most likely purchase it outright, but don’t want to wait a year before my reservation is fulfilled.

Welcome to the new world of EV's where your car is now like your phone: "Wait for iPhone 18 or buy 17 now? But I hear 19 will have a shiny new doodad."

FOMO with tech is real - and it gets really hard when that tech costs $60K.... If I were you personally, I'd look for a great short term lease so you can get to know the Rivian - but then you're locked in for a couple of years. You could just get something cheap and used as a stop gap - something that won't lose a lot of value in 12 months, if the $$$ matters to you.

 

[smokeybear32]

I personally wouldn’t worry too much about technological obsolescence. 2022 R1T driver here (so Gen 1), and the only real feature I'm FOMO-ing about is the better autonomy features in Gen 2. And that isn’t THAT big of a deal to me.

In my experience the navigation software has been pretty great since about 2023. I’ve never had any problems with it trying to route me to an unsuitable charger.

Four years in and I’m still highly, highly satisfied with this truck. I'm going to drive it until the wheels fall off.

So I’m on the R2 waiting list (May 2026 sad ), which probably means I won’t actually see one for quite a while. Part of me is thinking maybe I should just lease an R1 for 2 years and then move into an R2 later.

My biggest hesitation is all the videos comparing how far behind Rivian still seems compared to Tesla. I just watched one where the navigation was routing someone to slow chargers that were actually farther away than the vehicle could even reach.

Curious what current owners think. Is Rivian close enough now that it’s not a big deal day-to-day, or would you wait it out for the R2 and see how the platform matures? Open to advice.

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