The TRUTH about Rivian R1T After 6 Months / 17k Miles - What's Next?

[@DaNerd01]

31:40 shout out to Jorge! He is an awesome service tech and also takes care of the Western NC crew! The guy drives from the Charleston, SC area and spends a few days in hotels away from his family. We can’t thank guys like him enough for going the extra mile for us Rivian owners!

[@erikbonn8250]

Branden, great recap! I took order of my R1T (limestone OC Dark AT) a week ago and I love it so far. Definitely combines 3 vehicles like you describe. The one thing I’ve noticed that is probably not an issue, but a little odd is the small knock noise in the suspension (or maybe motor) when you punch it or let full regen braking take over. I think others have had this and Rivian says it’s a non issue? Home charging has been easy, but a little nervous to take on a very remote camping trip. Totally happy with it so far tho! Keep up the good work!

[@jameslala382]

You should ask a service center to look at it ...I've seen some describe that issue and it got worse over time. Something to do with the split axle design and the bearings or something. I think the out of spec reviews guy did a video on his Rivian and discussed that in a little more depth.

[@MrTophr]

Awesome video as usual Branden! I've had my R1T for three months now and when people as how I like it I describe it as "right in-between Amazing and Awesome". There isn't anything on the road I'd replace my Rivian with, it fits my needs and family, and the fuel savings has been amazing! Please keep making more great content.

[@matthealy563]

Thank you for bringing up the revised power tonneau and the timeline. I received the confirmation email and I am not moving forward without it. If another vehicle comes along in between that I like well then . . .

[@DeltaXMusic]

Nice work Branden!

[@1AdamDaily]

Keep it! Need the content on it. I love our Model 3 performance but wouldn't trade my R1T for one. Both great vehicles!

[@brady783]

I just took delivery a few weeks ago and I thought I was putting some miles on 😂. One thing I wish it had was a cruise control resume function. Minor nit-pick... I'll get over it. Just waiting for my manual tonneau cover and spare tire from Rivian. Favorite vehicle I've ever owned though

[@mikesevgarage]

Keep it 😊. As much as I love Tesla (we have 2), a Model 3 is a completely different use case and doesn’t have the same utility as the Rivian.

[@bingerschannel6724]

Welcome back and all the best to you and Kalie.

[@pharmatographist]

Agree with all your dislikes/room for improvement points. Great suggestions btw! I received my R1T on 1/2023 and for all the quirks, for being a new manufacturer, the experience has been awesome. If I had to choose one issue to be fixed NOW, it would be the efficiency/phantom drain. This thing uses a lot of energy (and my trip meter says 2.01 mi/kWh on all-purpose mode), and it drains quite a bit overnight (1-2%) just sitting there.

[@gatorfanboy]

Keep it! 25 years ago I sold my modified Jeep for the $ and to be practical, and have regretted ever since. LOL. My R1S delivery is Oct-Dec and selling my Tesla MY because I don’t love it even tho it’s practical and fun, just not “me”.

[@brandenflasch]

That’s very fair - I wish I still had my Honda S2000!

[@williamelkington5430]

Keep the Rivian! It seems like a great truck, and you like it quite a bit. But I'm biased, I've got an R1S on order and am very much looking forward to fully joining the Rivian community. Projected delivery in the first half of 2024. On the sidelines. Till then, it's great seeing your videos on the R1T, as well as DC fast charging. Thanks for all you are doing for the Rivian community and for the broader BEV transition.

[@darwking8188]

One of the minor but high on my list things missing from my Rivian is I wish it got update media options. Please add things like Audible, Amazon Music, KZbin Music, maybe video playback while parked. Would be awesome to get more options beyond what we currently have since launch

[@MrMhammes]

Agree!

[@openmind6969]

Listen to audible all the time. Just using the phone via BT. What they need is phone integration for messaging

[@itscurt]

Not like it'd be useful for l2 charging, battery is huge

[@roberturbanski9735]

Thanks for the video Branden, hope you keep the truck. I have the R1T as well and love the truck! Constantly watch your videos and use them to find out great information also your accessories video was super helpful!

[@Wasabi9111]

I love my Rivian as well. I hope you keep yours too. I have been debating whether to keep it many times over, especially when I got it early last summer when the used prices were crazy! But I haven’t been able to find a comparable or better car for the original price we paid for. I completely understand when you said it gets too much attention… as a result, I did not drive it as much as I would like to when we first got it. Keep us posted on your decision

[@ddorbuck]

Hi branden, keep the rivian ,! It is such an awesome truck. As a owner of my second Tesla ( original 2018 mid range model 3 w/fsd and now a 2023 model 3 performance ;Tesla is near and dear to me but a rivian is on my bucket list. I am waiting for the dual motor r1t model to ship before maybe jumping onboard. Living in Connecticut I think I would be on the fringe of rivian support network with nyc or boston my only options is also weighing my decision to hold off on a rivian. The non Tesla charging network in my state is not built out too much yet either. Thankfully you don’t seem to be effected by either of these based on your videos. Anyway I enjoy your videos and keep them coming !

[@yolanda4731]

Excellent point about the charging adapters. I now charge my MX at RV parking at Snowshoe WV when skiing rather than waiting in line for the too few Level 2 chargers. Most weekends this season a R1T was hogging the station for days 😮

[@donholmes567]

Thanks Branden, Keep it !

[@YouTubeViewDude]

Great insight and impressions. I too own a Rivian Blue R1T and LOVE it. I consider myself to be very objective and I always avoid getting caught up in hype, so I’m not a fanboy. Like you said, the R1T is basically 3 vehicles in 1. There is not a vehicle out there currently that matches up in all categories. Buying in at the preorder price point, the truck is a steal. I am new to EVs but I have drove a few… For me, I enjoy camping and the outdoors. The R1T was literally built for that. I don’t see myself taking a Tesla (even a cybertruck) out camping like I would the R1T. The R1T camps like a Tacoma plus additional storage. The size is just right. I think Rivian and any other EV startup should be commended and supported. The vehicle market has be dominated far too long by the big name auto manufacturers. They tend to prioritize profit over anything else. I look at Rivian much the same as Tucker Motors in the 40’s. Preston Tucker looked to revolutionize and advance the automobile industry but was shut down by the big 3. Rivian has made something special. And the R1T doesn’t compare to any EV currently on the market. They set a bar that other companies should take notice of. Rivian is not without their faults, but taking into consideration they are a start up company make what they’ve done quite astonishing. My truck has been to the service center 3 times (2 minor, one for the 12 volt charger issue). Each time, I have left feeling great and with more confidence in what this company is trying to do. They are very customer centric. I think if you traded it in for a model 3 performance, there will be a little more money in your pocket, but a large R1T void that no one vehicle can fill.

[@azorglub]

Love ours even though the tonneau cover has never worked. Still waiting for Rivian to come though with a fix. Great truck overall. Wonder if Nokia One HT would work as replacement tires.

[@suburbanacreage]

Ah the monthly upload, I was wondering when we’d get a new video. Working tonneau cover is the most impressive part.

[@larryrichmond]

As usual, this is a great analysis, Branden. Hopefully, Rivian will adopt your suggestions. Thanks for another great video!

[@MrMhammes]

Great recap! Cannot compare with model 3. Rivian is so unique and agree that car has so many different personality, and everything that you mentioned can be fixed improvised vía software update.

[@stevedowler2366]

Keep the Rivian, it's spec'd the way you want and it looks great. A Tesla M3P will not haul furniture or go backroading very easily. Make more videos, please. I'll be interested to see how it lasts after winter driving but I don't know how much heavy winter you've gotten in Charlotte. Also whenever a major updated version happens, I'd love to see a comparison so you have to keep it for that ;) Cheers and thanks also for the great charging videos.

[@openmind6969]

I think only reason I would ever sell my R1T is if I do really need the cash… but no regrets yet to have bought the by far most expensive car I ever bought (and wife did get over it… she still doesn’t like the eyes in front)

[@chas60422]

Apparently for the 12V socket, there is a major backorder on it. Its like literally the only piece not available. So Rivian decided to deliver vehicles without the 12v plugs than delay deliveries.

[@brandenflasch]

I have a pretty hard time believing they couldn’t find an alternative supplier for 12V outlets…

[@vladimiralexandrov5930]

Get something like a pre-refreshed model S, maybe 2020 long range plus. Prices have come down on those and they are super efficient.

[@brandenflasch]

Eh those are outdated at this point

[@vladimiralexandrov5930]

@@brandenflasch Sure, but there is almost no content about those models. 300 mile range highway cruiser!

[@curtiskirk584]

I agree with pretty much all your thoughts. I hope a lot of your ideas for improvement get implemented. Thanks!

[@Holywood07]

Thanks for sharing! I'd love to buy a R1T as well (or European version of it), unfortunately still not deliverable here (Europe).

[@ImportImageRacing]

They'd have to make different tires for it, as they are limited due to the tire rating as well.

[@brandenflasch]

No they wouldn’t

[@charlesstrait4464]

Just configured a R1T. Now its just waiting

[@itscurt]

They need dashcam software update as rj promised, but no don't downgrade to a tesla, completely different feel inside the cabin and out. Who cheaps on a keyfob right?

[@douglasizzo]

Branden! Can you comment on how loud the air suspension compressor is? Seems to be an area of concern/consideration, especially in R1S.

[@brandenflasch]

Barely noticeable in R1T but I could definitely see it being a concern on R1S

[@cyco1978]

Its that great why get rid of it, got mine this weekend love it all i want it Apple Music, but good review!

[@StBernardFan]

Keep it! If you can of course….

[@kens97sto171]

I think I would keep it for now, unless you just add a vehicle to use as a "Beater" car.. something you can run around in and not worry about scrapes, and pothole etc. And keep the Rivian too. I don't think you are going to find anything new with that ballance of ride quality, power, and go anywhere ability. I suspect a Model 3, is going to feel pretty cheap inside, loud, and bumpy coming from the Rivian.

[@brandenflasch]

I’ve been keeping my eyes open for a beater price Model 3 👌

[@kens97sto171]

@@brandenflasch I've seen a few deals out there on Model 3's. A cheap efficient combustion car could work too.. old Prius, Corolla or Camry. I beat the crap out of my Prius... Paid $2k for it... Drove it for 4.5 years.. and 225,000 miles. Car has 423,000 on it total. Pretty cheap cost of ownership.. little boring car, but super practical and reliable.

[@rob8969]

Definite no reason to sell this unless you need to. Literally my dream car but I’d prefer an R1S. It’s just too much $ for me to afford. You’ll regret selling if you do

[@lunatic231]

Great video, as usual. Mind telling me you’re build number?

[@brandenflasch]

11k VIN

[@lunatic231]

@@brandenflasch nice. Mine is late 17xxx, drove it in america for a bit like 4 days and all seemed well, no panel issues *knock on wood* I shipped it out to Saint Lucia and will be landing on island this week.

[@irfanhusein1445]

I test drove the R1S last week. Stellar acceleration and very comfortable ride. Lots of wind noise and electric motors seems loud. No Apple car play. On the fence regarding purchase decision.

[@petehelme7714]

yeah, he mentioned this might replace a Range Rover. Rivian's are not a Range Rover in the quietness area if that's important to you. :)

[@smarticus6384]

I own an R1T and the sound of those Bosch motors is something I actually like. They sound like little jet turbines. But then again, I am the type of guy who would put dual exhaust on my ice vehicle for the louder sound. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@jonpetter8921]

Get the iX all your issues resolved

[@irfanhusein1445]

@@jonpetter8921 my next EV needs to be able to tow at least 6000 pounds and cost less than 90,000. I would go for a Ford Explorer based all electric SUV, something like what Ford did with the F-150 lightning.

[@travbz24]

Great video! I love my R1T too. I'm not sure the steering wheel is capacitive. I get alerts pretty regularly during highway driving without driver+ engaged. Have you seen/heard anything specific referencing it being capacitive?

[@brandenflasch]

The steering wheel is capacitive

[@curtiskirk584]

This was news to me as well (thanks for the info Branden) and I tested it out on a 4 Hour drive yesterday. Definitely capacitive and what a luxury I didn’t even know I had. Instead of jerking the wheel every few minutes or raising my hand to scroll the volume or speed buttons, like in my model three, I lowered the steering wheel close to my lap and just had a thumb resting on the wheel and that was enough to basically auto pilot my way home.

[@laloajuria4678]

is this the highest mileage rivian around?! its so impressive. hoping will be a more viable option in 5-6 yrs when we are shopping again.

[@brandenflasch]

There are definitely higher mileage ones out there! Kyle has over 30k on his I believe

[@fbmassage123]

I have about 20 on mine.

[@laloajuria4678]

@@brandenflasch in 6 months though? damn, cray.

[@LarsDennert]

Does your vehicle have vampire drain losing at least 1kw per day?

[@brandenflasch]

I really don’t pay much attention to it

[@djcruiser9816]

I wish Rivian offered the 20% member discount like REI.

[@brandenflasch]

Wishful thinking 😅

[@footeronyt]

What do think about the motor whine, especially at lower speeds? I test drove one last Friday and it's considerably louder than our Tesla Model Y. Thanks for the video.

[@brandenflasch]

I like the motor noise personally 🤷‍♂️

[@MicroNateDram]

Keep it! Haha. Personally, still waiting on the max pack Rivian R1T (or R1S). Range is more of a factor in Idaho. Also a little worried they won't have the Tonneau cover fixed by the time they finally get me a truck... agree with your assessment there that the auto-tonneau is important. On the bright side, will have a Rivian service center in Boise fairly soon (rumors), so that's good news for any of the hiccups that come with new EV ownership.

[@kizili510]

it has charachter, makes the owners feel cool.

[@robertwalker8160]

Keep it. Rides much better than Tesla and bigger with more space and utility.

[@DeltaXMusic]

I want to see you review the Hummer EV

[@brandenflasch]

Happily would if I can get my hands on one for a bit!

[@DeltaXMusic]

@@brandenflasch Soon

[@BigDsrq]

Did you just say it’s April 2022?

[@brandenflasch]

That’s entirely possible 😅😅

[@brandenflasch]

It's been a while since a video! My apologies - life has been crazy lately. If you're not already, I recommend following me on Twitter for more day-to-day posts: twitter.com/brandenflasch Rivian referral for a discount and free charging! bflasch.com/rivian A2Z adapter for Supercharger use with Rivian! bflasch.com/A2Z Tesla referral: bflasch.com/tesla

[@cookingwithcad6382]

Hate to hear this…

[@sierrafoothillslife4246]

Sorry to hear about your breakup. Glad you are back making videos. 👍

[@Annette_Hons]

Sorry to hear that, it's never easy. Keep your chin up and keep making awesome video's!

[@Jodywshelton]

def keep it long term. you'd regret it

[@GregHassler]

The 112 mph speed limit is due to the tire rating, if they increased it they would need to spec different tires on it. Outside of a dragstrip nobody is driving this truck over 112 mph.

[@brandenflasch]

Every Rivian ships with H / 130mph rated tires.

[@GregHassler]

​@@brandenflasch interesting, Rivian apparently has their own spec of the Pirelli all terrain tire, the regular light truck SCORPION ALL TERRAIN PLUS LT275/65R20 is S-rated.

[@brandenflasch]

@@GregHassler very common for OEM tires

[@shaqdeez1]

Get a Kia Ev9 and sell this. Make vids on that vehicle.

[@brandenflasch]

I think the EV9 is probably a bit too soccer mom/dad for me

[@shaqdeez1]

@@brandenflasch Definitely not soccer momish. Those are called minivans. Was just suggesting more for your channel content. But if you're looking at it primarily from personal use then yeah Rivian is the best option based on what appear your needs are. I mean the model 3 will compensate for 1/3 of capabilities thats the Rivian offers.

[@brandenflasch]

@@shaqdeez1 Maybe if there’s an EV7 that’s a smaller version but similar styling - I really don’t need a 7 seater

[@moustafabaroud2100]

@@brandenflasch ev 5. Smaller than the ev9

[@undrachvrsage]

TFTC

[@manuelias86]

Wow, mine has 13K in 10 months

[@Bzzap83]

Lots of mixed messages in this video, sounds like you are questioning value of the R1T which you should - probably should be a $50-60k, and you might rather only spend around $30k for a M3? Is that the point?

[@brandenflasch]

Rivian is a great value actually, but I’m young and it’s expensive 🤷‍♂️ it’s more a matter of how much I should be spending for a vehicle even if I can afford it.

[@StrongLeoMale]

Luxury of Range Rover, but not The RELIABILITY 😂😂😂😂😂

[@shaqdeez1]

April 2023 *

[@KamalaTheClown]

KAKAPOOPOOPEEPEE

[@robp3431]

It's attractive, in and out, much more so than the F150. BUT, if you really want/need a truck, it's hardly better than an SUV. Can it tow ? Sure, but not very far. Can you put things in the bed ? Sure, but very small things. Can you camp in it ? Sure, but Tesla Y would be much better. To say it's 3 vehicles in 1.....yeah, you could say that, but then you could say that about many vehicles.

[@brandenflasch]

Totally disagree.