One Giant Leap Into the World of EV Ownership

[J Alynn]

Had the chance to demo the R1S and R1Tthis morning. Was a fun experience, and the new Pittsburgh PA service center staff were fantastic to talk through and work with. I even managed to lock the key card in the car (on accident!), making this my second EV that I've inadvertently locked myself out of, with the other being a KIA EV9!

Driving dynamics
With air suspension the only option on both the R1S and R1T, the differentiation between them is the wheelbase. The R1T with its longer wheelbase was much more composed on the road. Managed small imperfections with ease and didn’t transfer much of the roughness into the cabin. With the shorter wheelbase on the R1S it was nimbler but road imperfections seemed to be more pronounced in the cabin. With this said these vehicles were miles better than my current expedition with coil overs that is stiffer and harsher, and transfers any road imperfection straight into the cabin (tire selection does play a large part as well with E rated on my current ride).

Performance
Theres no denying the raw power…. Both vehicles were dual motor large packs. It was interesting to note that the R1S was much more punchier in seat of the pants feel than the R1T. In both cases the raw power and quick acceleration were stunning to feel. Definitely made me giggle like a school child once or twice.

Infotainment
I wasn’t sure what I’d think of the screen only setup with no buttons… I suppose I had a little trepidation on how it would be. To my surprise it was fairly straightforward and easy to use. I was surprised to find I could adjust steering wheel and mirrors while in motion. Most settings I could quickly navigate to without taking my eyes off the road for to long. I was impressed with how fast it responded to my inputs. The only gripe I have setting air vents through the screen, this took to long and took eyes off the road for more than is probably safe. I got the hang of it quickly but it still takes to much time fiddling with the screen to be considered safe. If they just had tabs on them and allowed you to manually set it much like you can still manually open and close an automatic tailgate. You could still use the screen if you want but you’d also have manual tactility as needed.

Ergonomics and fit and finish
Seating position was very comfortable and gave me a great view of the road, never felt like wi was sitting on top of the vehicle either but could still see the end of the hood with ease. Seats felt great with plenty of adjustability for me. Both vehicles had great fit and finish and no rattles or squeaks were observed. The R1T did have a groaning steering wheel when turning that was mildly annoying and was the only issue I had with it. The glass roof on not bc would have to ceramic tinted to 5% for my preference. The electrochromic roof didn’t seem to change a lot or really shade as much as I felt it should but since the change was the same in both vehicles it was likely working as intended.

Honestly later this year I may consider a lease for an R1S. It really did impress me. The front may not be my style preference but its abilities for my usage make it worth considering.

Got to check out the show floor model of the R2 and well, it’s really bigger inside than I expected. If my wife’s edge had been able to be limped along another year I feel she’d be in one of those instead of the equinox EV.

Thanks for the reports on the R1’s. How much time did your appointment last-both active driving and milling about the center?

 

[cyure]

Thanks for the reports on the R1’s. How much time did your appointment last-both active driving and milling about the center?

They changed it here. When I test drove the R1S in 2024 it was 45 minute rest drive. They let you just take the car. Now with the R2 it was only 30 minutes.

 

[apex96]

Thanks for the reports on the R1’s. How much time did your appointment last-both active driving and milling about the center?

We arrived around 9:40 and were out by 11:45. Sales wasn’t pushy at all. They did want to make a sale but we let them know this was just to experience the Rivian brand for the first time and get an understanding of how their vehicles were laid out and what their infotainment was like compared to what I have currently with the older expedition and the newer equinox EV.

 

[J Alynn]

We arrived around 9:40 and were out by 11:45. Sales wasn’t pushy at all. They did want to make a sale but we let them know this was just to experience the Rivian brand for the first time and get an understanding of how their vehicles were laid out and what their infotainment was like compared to what I have currently with the older expedition and the newer equinox EV.

Thanks for sharing