Rivian R1S Child Seat Review | This Is The Electric 3-Row Family Hauler You've Been Waiting For

[@FSafdar]

As a dad with 3 kids, this was the most relevant R1S review I’ve seen. Excellent work.

[@darthlex2]

I have 3 kids under 5. My R1S set up is 2 car seats in the 3rd row and the baby car seat in the 2nd row behind the front passenger seat. The Left side of the second row can then be permanently folded down making it easy for kids to crawl in and out of their car seats.

[@nateb4543]

Sounds like a decent set up. We want a 3rd but would have to buy 2 new (to us) cars.

[@SJ-hn6oz]

No one else goes into more useful detail than you. Greatly appreciated!

[@Jmaninaz1]

the R1S is awesome, and if I had the bucks, I'd go with the Rivian-Developed Enduro dual motor unit they now have available in the R1S instead of the quad motor. The quad motor set up in the R1S is actually a Bosch unit that Rivian uses, but as other reviewers have noted, although it is a good unit, the Enduro dual motor configuration, although slightly down on power, offers a number of design advantages but still has plenty of performance. Excellent job, Rivian--a well thought out vehicle!

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

What are the design advantages? Only advantages for consumer that I can think of is better efficiency.

[@kristop3r]

Kids are f-ing expensive

[@BryceLovesTech]

You said it, I got two at home

[@Charlesbjtown]

Consider it a blessing if you don't have any. Life is hard enough without them.

[@AchwaqKhalid]

​@@CharlesbjtownNaaaa. Existence is hard whether you have them or not ✅

[@Charlesbjtown]

@AchwaqKhalid I agree it's hard without them. It's even HARDER, when you add them in the mix. You gotta be crazy to have kids in this day and time.

[@AchwaqKhalid]

​@@CharlesbjtownNooooooo. Once again I said it's Existence that is hard. Everything else is/are relative circumstances. You exist therefore you struggle.

[@dandoherty1964]

Three things the R1S is missing for me: 1. Smart phone integration (CarPlay) 2. Second Row Captain Chairs 3. HUD… it’s a nice to have, but at the price point, it should at least be optional

[@out4fun580]

1000% agree

[@michaelcox3685]

I just really love how you put the babies upside down in your diagrams.

[@jeffthesigma]

Very informative Alex. I appreciate you taking the time to do a deep dive here on the family with kids aspect. The most important things for us were 3-rows, car seat options and storage capacity. We’re expecting to take delivery of a dual motor r1s sometime in Dec-Jan in time for the birth of our first child.

[@BarnabeeJones]

It would great to see rear facing seats. I believe you have to move the front row up a lot in the R1S to accommodate, which is bummer for anyone over 5’10”.

[@gregpochet4812]

Very Interested in the R1S, but it is a bit pricey.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yea, let's hope we get a cheaper version at some point.

[@gregpochet4812]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide The KIA EV9 might force that.

[@StephenByersJ]

“a bit” 😆

[@mrwombat24]

@@gregpochet4812Kia EV9 is no competition.

[@petezee6645]

I would love an R1S. Am seeing more and more in the neighborhood. They look great and fit my needs perfectly. I just need $98,800 to pay for it

[@TeaganAtwater]

Can't wait to see R2, I'm hoping for an Outback size & proportion, 2-rows, completely flat 6' bed with the bench down, reachable roof rack, tall enough rear gate to pass mtb handlebars through 😍 We shall seee

[@williamelkington5430]

Thanks, Alex, for a very helpful review. I'm projected to take delivery of my R1S in the first quarter of next year. We're purchasing it, rather than a five-passenger SUV, to accommodate grandchildren. Looks like the vehicle will work out great.

[@bradleysargent9803]

I do want the R1S. I really wanted it with just 2 rows. The two motor option. That and the R1T are my two favorite EVS so far.

[@jucnew]

This was really helpful I hope you continue to do this as more 3 row evs come out

[@naveenthemachine]

The ev9 and r1s are the most promising

[@car8365]

Thank you Alex! I really like this vehicle and look forward to your full review.

[@paulg9484]

I have 2 kids. I've let go my R1S reservation and will stick to my minivan until sometime in future

[@TobyCostaRica]

Same, keeping my 2021 Sienna 😀. All the money saved on gas is a wash since these go through tires like a sports car goes through max performance summer tires

[@ac1888]

As always Alex, great review 👍

[@michaels9595]

loved the focus on car seats. separate car seat vids for each vehicle is valuable.

[@adamm457]

I am very interested in the R1S. I would like an electric replacement for my R51 Pathfinder.

[@Rioichi4]

Looking forward to the full vicdeo!

[@djw1779]

Fabulous review. Anyone know: we have 3 kids, and would like to put a car seat in the middle of the middle. Could we ‘permanently’ fold down the 40 (of the 60/40 middle row) and then install the seat in the middle above it?

[@Breathkeeper]

According to Tesla’s website, the Model X in 6-seater configuration has combined legroom of 113.1 inches, compared to 109.8 for 7-seater.

[@Annette_Hons]

I am not a fan of the EV9 at least what I’ve seen online, but have not seen in person, and not sure I would even consider it. I really like the R1S I am torn between this and a model X. It will definitely come down to one of those two as American made is important to us as a family. This checks all the boxes for sure. I’d be happy with a five seat version. No Apple CarPlay is not a dealbreaker for me as neither of the cars I want have it, and can live without it. I think the R1 S is a better built vehicle than the model X.

[@stefanistark3081]

I don't know. We do extended.rear facing and not having air vents in the ceiling might be a deal breaker, especially with the sunroof. Kiddos rear facing in the second row might got really hot.

[@thisisdanchoi]

Noggles FTW but yes ceiling vents way better

[@gscindian5284]

So far the R1S is the most practical EV vehicle for families.

[@plixie1]

Captains chairs work better in the long run. Kids can get in and out with less fuss. Edit: jesus! Rivian, a middle child seat nearly eliminated access to the third row. Was this not meant for kids?

[@kubi0461]

I'm interested in what they come up with for the R2S. I'm hoping for something somewhat like a bronco sport design.. maybe plus 6 inches in length.

[@garrettw99]

9:01 you could fit an Alex in the underfloor storage

[@davidcapor6271]

Great video for families!

[@andersemanuel]

close the front door! the dingdong made me crazy 😬

[@Bestfriend-650]

The only issue is that they can't make fast enough. I have ordered mine in April and have absolutely no idea when. This Red color is my fav.

[@MK-xw1rp]

U know what bro I don’t like electric cars but this one got me thinking about getting it bc it’s a 3 row seat an I have kids the problem is that I don’t own a home an the problems is the range an charging

[@ScramJett]

The R1S looks pretty good, but I think I’d prefer to stick with PHEVs for long distance trips. I’d seriously look at a Grand Highlander Prime if Toyota were to ever make one. For now, I’ll probably just stick with the Pacifica Hybrid.

[@carperdiem8754]

Waiting for R1S to trade in my x plaid. Need more room and live on a dirt road. Wont get inexpensive until Rivian brings a service center to El Paso unfortunately

[@johnkdaugherty]

I know there are lots of differences between them but go R1S or wait for the ID Buzz?

[@kyolml]

you didn't mentioned how the 3rd row sit fit for leg rooms despite it's below average leg rooms space like you compared to it's about the same as Highlander. For me, the highlander 3rd row is cramp and do not fit even shorter adult. For R1S, the 3rd row is fine for adult even it's not that high of the ground, as you and put your foot and legs pretty all the way underneath the 2nd row so it's not cramped at all, not sure if you find the same.

[@TheDesertFish]

It is funny how people contort themselves in these kinds of vehicles to get in the third-row seat while pretending that vans don't exits.

[@MBHockey]

who wants a van? lol

[@mrwombat24]

Vans can’t go off-road.

[@TheDesertFish]

who is going off-road in a Rivian?@@mrwombat24

[@TheDesertFish]

My point exactly. Let's teabag everyone in second row to get to the third. LOL@@MBHockey

[@smallbusinessdreams]

Vans can tow and go off road? Go 0-60 in 3 secs?

[@jeffchen8178]

spare tire and longer range would be nice.

[@matthewprather7386]

Miles per kW-hr vs Tesla MX? Different horses for different courses..

[@MrNicholasAaron]

Can you confirm whether and how you could put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the vehicle please?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is a bit too narrow for that

[@MrNicholasAaron]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I presume it's the rear armrests that are the choke-point?

[@thisisdanchoi]

Now do rear facing

[@jasonhillgiant]

I’d be more likely to cross shop with an ID. Buzz

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The buzz isn’t as roomy as I thought it would be sadly

[@DaveHaas]

Not realistic, only because I didn't see 0.5 lbs of cheerios stuck in any of those child seats. :) Thanks for the review

[@cranfktubner7677]

Not only the child seat in the middle is annoying but the kid will destroy the center screen with the feet 🙄 I expect the EV9 to be cheaper with more comfort options. All Rivian Vehicles are very pricey today. And the repair cost is high. Even though it’s more powerful, the Kia makes more sense for a family. Looking forward to see your Kia EV9 full review 😅

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

i want an R1S but cant afford it

[@jrallison4]

Pricy, but cool. Unless your gonna go off road and camp or need the latest and greatest, I like the KIA EV9 better. Seems better suited for families. More practical. I looked at it at my local dealer and was impressed. Also why do you have a luggage works bag Alex? Are you also a pilot? I rarely see those outside of aviation.

[@DarianDT]

This is everything Tesla wishes they could come up with. I don't know why people are dropping $80k for a Tesla Y or other instead of this practical Rivian EV. Also, the quality is 10x better than Tesla. I sat in on both and I can't believe Tesla charges people that much for an inferior quality that any $20k car could match. I'm hoping there will be another model in the future because $85k is too much for an EV that depreciates in value instantly.

[@stooges287]

$80k Tesla Y is from two years ago, now only $50k

[@th003g]

R2S or Kia EV5 for budget reasons.

[@FuncleChuck]

Man, we grew up in cars so much smaller than this. The idea that “family” means a FOUR TON TANK pisses me off.

[@ktpinnacle]

I grew up in a 2.5 ton Pontiac Grand Safari. 2.5 feet longer, but those batteries sure add up in weight.

[@mdribblecastle]

Kind depends on your family's size. I grew up in a family of 8 kids. We didn't wall go in the same car, but we had Chevy Suburbans and Tahoes that were much larger than this car. Maybe not as heavy. Families need gigantic cars now because you have huge car seats that take up a ton of space. In the 80's you were just rolling around in the back without a seatbelt on.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

So it’s crap for kids. Got it

[@PrashantBatra1]

As nice as R1S is, is it really an option in front of the Model X given it's new 80K price point and the Tesla charging network? If going off-road is a massive part of your lifestyle, maybe. But for everyone else, Model X might be the obvious choice!

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

The R1S also has a MUCH nicer interior, and basically no downsides. The Model X suffers from poor build quality, relatively bad NVH, and the yoke.

[@keytothegate68]

" Most family friendly" What are you talking about? This vehicle product nearing 100 K price tag would financially destroy 99% of American families leading to divorce debt and worse. 99% of families are much better off w/o this financial trap than with it. So its not friendly at all. Moreover, it is not even all that.

[@jeffthesigma]

Family-friendly capability*

[@che9357]

This is a car review, not an economic review. Family friendly is clearly in reference to usage. Also 99% of American families? Most make more than you think but live in debt

[@Joeromano95]

Damn, that's a hideous truck.

[@us1fedvet]

No thanks.

[@STMK02]

It’s funny you said it could not tilt forward but seconds after did exactly that with the child seat in the middle row 4:00

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Pay closer attention, the child seat had to be unlatched in order to slide the seat forward, you can clearly see the seatbelt disconnected.

[@rblbatb]

This SUV is $80k.

[@petezee6645]

Nope. $96k minimum

[@rblbatb]

@@petezee6645 that is even worse.

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

@@petezee6645 not sure where you got that number, these start at $78K for the dual motor with the standard pack.

[@_____0__]

Don't buy rivian. The price of when you ordered will be the price when they invite you to configure. So if you reserved in 2022 and the price was 72k they send you an invite today and it's now 84k. Plus the 84k is the lower model dual motor when in 2022 there was only 1 dual motor. In 2024 they'll offer u the single motor for 100k. RJ Scaminger.