Rivian R1S Pros & Cons | The Good, The Bad And What Rivian Could Do To Make It Epic

You wanted more opinion, here it is: What Rivian got right and what they got wrong on the R1S SUV. Some of the things I complained about on the R1T just don't apply to the R1S or they apply a little less. That said. there are still a few things that need more time in the oven.
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[@seantyler7140]

You might be the first Rivian reviewer to point out that their truck does not have a heat pump! Wow! Thank you!

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It makes a big difference when it gets cold and for a vehicle that is built for adventure I would have assumed they would have considered winter adventure more seriously. -Travis

[@katherinesilens2994]

​@EVBuyersGuide wow, and combined with the glass roof not having a shade, that makes it flawed for both cold and hot climes. Real bummer for an adventure vehicle at this price. Hopefully both come in refreshes or R2/R3!

[@emschaub]

No heat pump??!? I find this insane for the price and class of vehicle. Certainly lots of bells and whistles on a Rivian that make a heat pump seem so basic. So many advantages to have a heat pump from thermal management, scavenging heat for the battery, preconditioning..... After a google, it sounds like 800V, heatpump are all coming "sometime".

[@zachlafond2652]

@@MadMadOne Tesla will just make its own heat by running the motors inefficiently to create it.

[@JonathanRootD]

No vehicle to home?!

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Count me in on Team Heat Pump. -Travis

[@MGXsport]

I am in my initial search for my next car after my model 3 and this just killed the Rivians from my list. I do a lot of driving in 10°-20°F range in the winter and the model 3 heat pump has been great.

[@RLang03]

@@MadMadOne no you dont. The heat pump on the Teslas has been really good. The main issue they had the last two winters was a frozen inlet valve that every service center initially thought was a heat pump issue and would replace the entire octovalve. The inlet would freeze open, let in cold air to the system, and the sensors would turn off the system thinking there was a major issue. A software update solved this issue since.

[@pale4980]

nice review. short and to the point. personally I have zero use for a glass roof and I would expect at this price point to have at least an integrated sliding cover in the headliner that makes a true blackout cover. I agree with Alex - when you live in the south the sun can really be punishing and I just don't get the need for these roofs. It would be great to make that an option and have a metal roof variant. same for the three rows of seats. they used two have a two row variant, i hope that's coming back. lastly - car play. just do it, Rivian!

[@EVBuyersGuide]

You make valid points but many of the changes you'd like to see I don't expect to happen. -Travis

[@okaif90]

Good overview but a few caveats: - I wasn’t thrilled with no glove compartment until I found the storage compartments available UNDER both driver and front passenger seats which is missing in the video. Much prefer that given the aesthetics - I’m above average height which is why I got the r1s. It’s a dream come true for anyone who hates having to bend down into a car to sit, load storage, etc. - great call out on the air vents. I like that it’s touch but it took a lot longer for me to get the vents pointed how I wanted than it would old school

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Thanks for sharing! -Travis

[@losequis7682]

Awesome practical review. Need the complaints. Very helpful

[@EVBuyersGuide]

We want to be thorough! -Travis

[@MDillonEV]

You overlooked the small cargo areas in the front of the seat cushions when showing storage. Not large but I put a few things in mine. Nice review as always!

[@EVBuyersGuide]

You're right, thanks for the feedback. -Travis

[@costaricasurf66]

I live in Florida and got my R1S quad in August. I have not even tinted the side windows yet and have no issue with the heat from the glass roof and suspect once I get the sides ceramic tinted it’ll be even cooler. This is my first EV and I also currently own a 2023 Range Rover sport se dynamic P400. I couldn’t be happier with the Rivian. You’re not going to get everything you want even if you spend $150,000 for a new range rover maybe if you spend 250,000 get the SV and add every single option otherwise people will find something to complain about or want but not pay for. My only complaint is no glove box. It’s one button on the screen. But it’s super fast. Fit and finish was great , no miss aligned panel gaps. Very quiet , the stereo is very acceptable in this price range very roomy and it’s been surprisingly efficient even with 835 hp and all the off-road ability

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Thanks for sharing! -Travis

[@t1328]

Even if I could afford this, the lack of a heat pump at this price, the moonroofs with no cover and lack of CarPlay are deal breakers for me. If I really needed a 3 row EV SUV right now, I guess I’d get the Kia EV9.

[@NewkFritz]

Ev9 is really nice I think, just two reviews so far compared it to driving like a minivan

[@huanronghu4432]

Hey Alex, great video. So in the R1T in another video, I thought that there was some kind of storage under the front seats. Are they only present in the R1T and not the R1S or are they not present in any Rivian vehicle?

[@zackxmoon]

Alex, when you do your autobuyers review video, could you briefly do or comment on the acceleration & regenerative braking in Snow mode? I know that R1 has rather aggressive regen braking, though it is fairly subdued in Snow mode, so for those who might want to drive around in Snow mode on normal pavement to drive with a reduced level of regen, I'd like to get an analysis on acceleration. Thanks for all of your great videos!

[@Jmaninaz1]

I wonder if the fact that the grill doesn't lower to access the frunk is a safety-front end collision issue. I am by no means an engineer, but I would think that if the grill lowered, the front end would be less sturdy in a front end-collision. I will say that I have seen R.J. Scaringe, the founder of Rivian, interviewed a number of times, and he seems willing to answer any question posed to him, so perhaps that question will be asked of him one of these days. Good review, Alex, and I think the R1S is a really solid effort from Rivian all things considered. I hope the R2 is as well thought out, and I can't wait to see the reveal in Q1 2024, as if that is a home run, that could be a real turning point for Rivian. Let's hope so, as I really like the company and R.J. Scaringe.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'm hoping for the best for Rivian as well. -Travis

[@doubleclutchonline5811]

After living with my R1s for a month, I'm in love. Totally different experience than with my Model X, which I also love. The R1 is definitely an off-road truck, while the X is a much more planted crossover. The interior is gorgeous. It's like a retro-futuristic 90's Grand Wagoner. If I hear anyone else whine about the lack of CarPlay, I'm going to explode. I absolutely do not want CarPlay in any vehicle. I just viscerally dislike the visual graphics of CarPlay. Though Waze would be nice. The biggest complaint that I have with the R1 is the positioning of some of the items in the driver display. The turn signals, the speed limits and the Driver-Plus displays are hidden by the top of the steering wheel. I'm 6' tall and there is no seat or steering wheel position that will correct this. I can't be the only one who has this problem. I'm not going to go so far as to suggest that the R1 should have a yoke, like in my MX, but in an over the air update, those items should be moved down to the vertical center of the screen. Also, the turn signal "click" sounds like a kitten batting a whiffle ball with his paw. It's a soft sound. Since I can't see my signal indicators, I often have my signal going without realizing it. Lastly, my other gripe is that the vehicle doesn't "kneel" every time or low enough when parking. This is a tall vehicle with no running boards to help shorter people exit or enter. So they just sort of roll off the seat and fall out of the vehicle. I'm exploring aftermarket running boards.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's very different than your Model X but like you said there's merit to both models. -Travis

[@jcl3j]

Have you tried the show and tell mode in settings for creating content?

[@Bennificent]

There is additional storage underneath the front two seats.

[@jeremyp3630]

Looks like you are reviewing the same spec I have on pre- order! Our kids are old enough to move the seats themselves, and to need more space (aka less fighting!)

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Hope you enjoy your Rivian! -Travis

[@overcaffeinatedengineering]

I don't know about Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto's audio comes through bluetooth, no the usb/wifi connection.

[@johnpetrella207]

Please revisit vampire drain on the R1S.

[@relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles]

we had the R1S for 3 months.. we would fix wind noise, . offer the 400miles with the new Rivian motors and match the price to Model X plaid.. aside from that its a great SUV but not sure if we would pay today's prices.

[@harrisonthorburn7415]

As someone who doesn’t use the built in infotainment system in my car, only Apple CarPlay, it’s a little disappointing that these aren’t included. I’m sure they’ll change it as they push out updates.

[@fpartidafpartida]

You didn’t mention the storage underneath both of the front passenger seats, while not quite a glovebox, it’s a nice place for sunglasses.

[@NewkFritz]

There's a show and tell mode in the setting I think

[@Aggie4life77]

I e been fighting the idea of when I want to go electric. This vehicle is calling my name. I may wait for a refresh though. I see a few things in the R2 that I want in this one. As for the shade on the top glass, I really wish they would add that as I live in Texas. I most likely will just put 5% tint in it if they don’t add it to the refresh model.

[@EVunedited]

Wonder how much better would be if it was same length aa r1t

[@jachristiandubois]

I own an R1S , was tired of waiting for the Range Rover. PHEV . Strange to me that it is deemed expensive because when you compare size. Features HP. This is one of the rare EV priced like an ice vehicle. Compare it to a grand wagoneer and you realize that it's price the same, has twice the HP has the off road cups of a defender. A few small misses but overall extremely pleased with the truck. And I saved $60k over the RR.

[@Japplesnap]

Why compare it with a Grand Wagoneer when the R1S is sized more like a Grand Cherokee L? The Grand Wagoneer is a much larger vehicle.

[@markmiller3279]

It's something like eight inches longer than the Grand Cherokee, if a lot smaller than the Grand Wagoneer. It could usefully be compared with either - depending mainly on how often and for whom you use the third row.

[@Japplesnap]

@@markmiller3279 The Grand Cherokee L (thats the 3-row version) is actually a few inches longer than thr R1S. It's a much more valid comparison to,compare the Grand Cherokee to the R1S than to compare a Wagoneer.

[@chimaebinama3192]

I thought they have storage under the driver and passenger seats that make up for no glove compartment

[@manuelias86]

Hi Alex, will you be able to try the new software and see how accurate their trailer weight calculation is?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I hope so, I'm working on that right now.

[@DADRacingYT]

Ultra accurate. Ppl are already posting in the groups. Within like 50lb.

[@bling5279]

Lovely color! How does the red look in person? I’m debating between Red or White.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It's an orange red but it's a great color! -Travis

[@MechayaAlta]

Why can’t moonroofs and sunroofs just be an option on expensive vehicles? My 2022 Nissan Leaf SV plus has a solid metal roof, heat pump, surround view camera, frame doors, and real switches. All this for about $30 K after a $7500 tax credit. Btw, for road trips, our Subaru Outback can’t be beat.

[@ChucksRover]

This is a great road tripper! Big range and we watched the eclipse through the moon roof on our road trip…bonus! Lots of storage, good range, comfortable, and off road capability are pretty awesome. Early days for the EV SUV, I’m impressed.

[@ahbushnell1]

you for got the storage under the two front seats.

[@iycrra75]

I will consider getting R2 when it comes out. These vehicles are magnificent. Love love these headlight design with light bar across. You can identify Rivian from a mile away. Though I have had 2 tsla EVs, I would rather support a true American brand, not some South African owner who has bitten the hands that feed him. WO American Fed tax credits, his companies wouldn't have made it. Go Rivian!

[@ezee1o]

Funny at a complaint about the mirror and steering wheel adjustments. How many times do you adjust it? I’m guessing the average owner adjusts it once and saves it to memory?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It may not be a big thing for everyone, but we try to be thorough. -Travis

[@HeroMaster137]

You can actually keep the car on, there is an option in the settings that keeps it on for 30 minutes.

[@tjs114]

I look at the charger location on the Rivian and the first thing that comes to mind is fender-benders. That is going to be an incredibly high repaid cost.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

That's a good call. -Travis

[@zackxmoon]

I don't own a Rivian, but I follow along a group of owners on Facebook. I've already seen a few of those front driver side "fender benders", and not only do they essentially render the vehicle unchargeable, but the cost of even minor dings seem to cost into the near tens of thousands out of pocket, as some insurance providers do not cover the insane claim estimates. With damage to an integral charging component, often times the vehicle is totaled.

[@gregkramer5588]

It seems very nice overall. I saw one yesterday and it looks very nice on the road. But :-) I think the EV9 will be worth the wait. Maybe $30k less, not as quirky and a heat pump.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'm sure the EV9 will sell more units but it won't be able to do everything the Rivian does. That's ok, it doesn't have to. -Travis

[@gregkramer5588]

It will not off road or in regards to acceleration but on road and normal use it will be very close I think. @@EVBuyersGuide

[@williamelkington5430]

One of the things that is beneficial for some of us is the vehicle's ability to wade through three feet of water. This was one of the most important requirements for me, when I considered this and other vehicles. If the vehicle were to be made with a declivity in the front to accommodate easier access to the front trunk, its water-wading ability might be compromised. If so, in my case, such a change could render the vehicle unacceptable. Another consideration: The safety rating of the vehicle. Currently, IIHS gives it a "Top Safety Pick +." This is the top rating, and I would not like to see this compromised by a change to the front end. I do like the vehicle, overall. And I do think your review is spot on. An additional suggestion I have is running boards. As you mention, the vehicle is built quite high off the ground, not especially friendly to old people, short people, and children. So I do think it would be good to be able to order running boards from the factory. If this is too much trouble, Rivian should at least have an authorized/recommended supplier or two to provide this much-needed capability.

[@manuelias86]

I’ve been up to 4ft on mine and it’s still good :) I don’t recommend it though

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Was "A Rivian Runs Through It" an alternative title for this video? 🤔😉😂

[@EVBuyersGuide]

With Alex there are few punny names that aren't considered. -Travis

[@prefpkg21]

Auto tailgate would break eventually. Glad that is manual. The middle row sliding is the only gripe I have when getting my kids into the 3rd row

[@pumpthewater419]

No heat pump would be hard to live with in the winter. The range would fall drastically. And the uncovered glass roof is a noob mistake.

[@bikebudha01]

It's a toy for rich people. They start at what, $80k? You can get a comparible gas SUV for $40k. Sure, the $40k won't have ALL the bells and whistles - but the Rivian DOES NOT have $40k worth of extra bells and whistles...

[@guadalupesalinasjr.4887]

Looks COOL, but lacks some major practicality functions as Alex pointed out.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

There are things missing, but there is also a lot included. The question is what your needs are and if they are met. -Travis

[@Japplesnap]

No heat pump is a deal breaker for me with as much cold weather driving that I do. Range already takes a big hit in cold weather....I don't want resistive heaters eating into whatever range I have remaining.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It's a surprising omission to me, especially in an "Adventure" vehicle. -Travis

[@Josh-179]

$100K and missing some features and still Rivian is said to be losing over $30,000 on every vehicle sold. I hope they survive!

[@4literv6]

Already needed nearly 3bill in capital this year. Raised over 24billion now in total across ALL rounds more than tesla has raised in total. Should be interesting to see if they survive to even launch the r2 series? I'm gonna guess NOT without raising at least 5 more billion. I also live in GA and they haven't even broken ground on the plant for here despite its announcement was over 24+months ago. 🤔

[@Josh-179]

@@4literv6 , it'll be such a tragedy if Rivian went bankrupt while making some of the best vehicles on the market.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It can't have EVERY feature but I agree, it's missing some important ones. -Travis

[@4literv6]

@@Josh-179 more like gross negligence SMDH no excuses given how easy it was for them thanks to tesla leading the way. To raise tens of billions on capital and then squander it in such a frivolous manner. Lucid to and the many others who have taken billions of investor dollars and gone out of business so far in the ev space.

[@erikgrossman]

In terms of storage, you forgot the storage under the front of the driver and front passenger seats.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Perfection is a goal but we often fall short. -Travis

[@jeffs6090]

I'm waiting for the R2 lineup! I don't need or want anything this big.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

You're not alone. -Travis

[@Wankidy]

I think that the frunk is perfect as is. You store more stuff with this design. The frunk should be for storing light items, not big, heavy items.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Why limit what you can put there? It's just storage. -Travis

[@getoffamylan6844]

@@EVBuyersGuide I think the point they are making is that with a frunk that is open in the front, like the Lightning's, you run the risk of smaller items rolling out onto the ground when opening it. With the Rivian's tub design, that will not happen.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

@@getoffamylan6844 We owned both the Lightning and the R1T as long term test cars for a while and I have to say that was never a worry in the Lightning. While the frunk is almost level, there is a lip that prevents things from rolling. You can also put things under the Lightning's cargo floor which would offer yet more roll prevention or use some of the available accessories like a cargo net. That design gives more flexibility in that you can use a cargo net if you want, but the cargo lift-over height is always lower so especially shorter people will find it much easier to use the frunk.

[@zackxmoon]

I think the size of the frunk is good, though to your point, it doesn't take much for things to seem "heavy" when lifting around or over waist height. The frunk is convenient for quick storing of groceries, but say a petite individual dropping in a gallon of milk, cans of food, jug of laundry... you get my point. As Alex pointed out, it also leaves the front bar light in a easy position to get minor scuffs and damage from loading.

[@naveenthemachine]

It just needs CarPlay and android auto.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Rivian is a dedicated EV company. They’re allowed to not do that. People are still complaining about Hyundai/KIA/Genesis not offering wireless carplay and Tesla has never had carplay or android auto. lol

[@naveenthemachine]

@@elliottmanning4116 Kia Hyundai not offering wireless cp is true but most people don’t realize that you can rectify that aftermarket without any major modifications

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I don't see it happening, sadly. -Travis

[@windowman9665]

No heat pump is a joke. Especially at this price point. You’re the ONLY person I’ve ever heard say they like the charge port on the front. That’s so stupid it’s making my head spin

[@EVBuyersGuide]

He's not alone on the charge point location, promise. -Travis

[@pumpthewater419]

Rivian, Lucid and Fisker should merge and become a worldwide threat to other car companies. They would be hard to stop.

[@hughwright1317]

15” ground clearance should be enough to navigate through those Walmart parking lot potholes!

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I think it will be sufficient. -Travis

[@infinotize]

Wow, no blended braking is a big one for me

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Blended braking is more of a "nice to have" than a "need to have" for me as long as there's adequate one pedal regenerative capability. -Travis

[@Rioichi4]

Oh I dig the carabiner key Any time something is "Tesla-like", it ends up... well, irritating me lol, I dont wanna hunt thru menus for simple stuff only to be limited by the options there, and why no regen braking?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

There is regenerative braking, just not connected to the brake pedal. The Rivian still regenerates a good amount of energy when you're lifting off the accelerator pedal and you're able to one pedal drive (nearly) like most EV's. What the Rivian is missing is blended braking and the answer to that is likely to do with budget. It's not a cheap system to create and the other notable company who doesn't have blended braking is Tesla. I can understand why people would want it but, for myself, I don't mind a vehicle not having a blended braking system as long as there's still adequate regeneration with accelerator pedal liftoff. -Travis

[@cavemankiwi]

Why would the audio be better apple car play or andriod auto. The car has tidal and spotify apps.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It would be better when compared to Bluetooth which is what many will default to. -Travis

[@grime076]

The lower tailgate is supposed to open automatically but the mechanism doesn’t work due to poor fit of the closure. Something they are working on! I agree auto open and close would be better, but would add more cost.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I hadn't heard that. -Travis

[@jachristiandubois]

Not the case.

[@keithhere5868]

yip...need heat pump in the new refresh...

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'm sure it's on a list. -Travis

[@TheParsaver]

R1S is more road noise and more wind noise. R1T is the winner. Let's go CYBERTRUCK !

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It seems you're firmly on Team Electric Truck. -Travis

[@mike9588]

A full loaded EV9 is probably a significantly better value than this, but It certainly won’t have the off road capability this vehicle has so 🤷‍♂️

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Value is relative and like you said, it won't have the off-road capability. -Travis

[@chimaebinama3192]

Yeah I was debating between them but it's hard for me to pass on the power, acceleration, and the greater overall storage with the trunk and frunk. The EV9 has the car play and more legroom in the third room.

[@nevco8774]

It looks like the seats are too firm.

[@Scott-sm9nm]

2:40 ... you are missing the point of the split rear hatch 95% of the time you are only doing the top one so making it powered is clearly the most important (cost-wise --- funny because you wanted the suspension changed for cost).

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It's a pretty tall obstacle to have to lift things over, it would be more difficult for shorter folks. -Travis

[@wjkalana100]

Forget Range Rover even bmw X5 has powered bottom split tailgate

[@simeonellinger2064]

Manual is better, same for lift gates on SUVs Power gates are slow, vulnerable to failure, finicky and really don't add that much convenience.

[@ScoobyFermentation]

Consumer Reports says the ride is trash. Do you agree?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Nope. -Travis

[@erikgrossman]

Ride is great.

[@LeoChen1]

Ride has also significantly improved after a software update last month.

[@jachristiandubois]

2 updates have made the ride very good. It was really harsh at the time of purchase but the last update on t October 17th completely tamed the problem especially in comfort settings

[@Japplesnap]

Software updates have improved the ride, but only marginally. It's still an overly stiff ride and it needs more compliance and less harshness. Rivian should target the air suspension equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee for ride quality and comfort.

[@nordlandak6853]

Toyota will sale land cruisers and gx 550 like hot cakes. Most people realize ev are not worth the price or hassle.

[@jachristiandubois]

Gx will be priced on par with a dual motor R1S. So again the tivian is not crazy expensive

[@nordlandak6853]

@@jachristiandubois the entry level gx will be about 66k. With re sale value and reliability it’s a winner

[@jachristiandubois]

@@nordlandak6853 not saying the gx is not a winner but calling the tivian expensive is unsupported

[@nordlandak6853]

@@jachristiandubois 100k for a vehicle is not affordable for middle class Americans. Lexus is a luxury brand. Rivian is going to have hard times if that’s what they want to be.

[@cthegoal05]

Would consider buying a Rivian if they had have made them a hybrid or plug in hybrid! Electrification and the charging infrastructure can’t be trusted just yet. And for sure there’s definitely not enough range for them to be “Adventure” vehicles! Smh

[@vicchris3943]

Looks ugly

[@EVBuyersGuide]

To each their own. -Travis

[@simeonellinger2064]

I disagree lol