I hope the next generation revamped the suspension system because the suspension system on my 2023 R1S failed the very first day I got it. While proudly showing the car to my friends, a sudden puff of air erupted, and we watched in disbelief as the front of the vehicle dropped so low that the frame nearly touched the front wheels. Rivian towed the car, and it was repaired within a few days. However, a year and 21,000 miles later, the same issue happened again-this time while driving on the freeway. I had to pull over and fortunately live near a service center in Costa Mesa. The car was towed again, but with this problem recurring within a year, I strongly suspect a significant flaw in the suspension system. I’m relieved this didn’t occur during a mountain ski trip or a desert adventure, as Rivian markets the vehicle for. Now, I hesitate to drive the R1S far from home due to fear of another breakdown. The vehicle has been sitting at the service center for days without being examined. Despite multiple calls, I’ve only been told that the shop is backed up and they’ll get to it when they can. VERY DISAPPOINTED! Rivian needs to expand its network of service centers to better address the flood of issues reported by its customers.
Love the R1 line, but too pricey for me. Excited for the R2., can’t wait to get mine. Crazy pumped for the R3X though. Keep up the good work Rivian! I am rooting for you and can’t wait to own the R2.
@@iamgermaneThere’s been exactly zero growth companies in history that didn’t operate at a loss in order to ramp up. They make a great product that people love and have significant commercial backing.
@@jamiea8318 EVs become junk after the batteries go. No one is going to spend $20K on an old vehicle. In China that drive them until the batteries are gone and park them for good!
Another nice thing about the split hatch is once the lower portion is down the exposed edge should be much cleaner than the rear bumper.. Leaning against it or sitting on it is less likely to transfer dirt and grime onto your clothes.
I like the changes, and I like the company. I hope they stick around. Can't wait to see the R2. I have one reserved. I hope they start opening more showrooms (especially one closer to me) or come up with a way to deliver cars for test drives.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Louisville, Kentucky. I think the closest "dealership" is Chicago. That's not extremely far for me, but it's not somewhere I'd go on a whim
Coming from a Tesla owner, Rivian is a great company and makes great vehicles. These new ones are really nice. Still love our Tesla, especially the software and the features it offers. Would love to get a R1S/R2 to increase our EV family.
great review all things considered, but one of the things that I love that Alex does is when showing the space in the various rows reinforcing how tall he is, so people have a point of reference.
For reviews like this I think that stating the range and charging speed of each battery pack option is a must. Sure, I could look those up, but when discussing electric SUVs I think telling us about how far the vehicle can go on a charge is more important that the zero to 60 times, particularly when all configurations are quite fast - anyone who is looking to improve the 2.9 sec zero-60 time from the trimotor to the 2.5 sec time on the quad motor is probably looking at the wrong type of vehicle - LOL
That's very good point but unfortunately we didn't get that kind of information for each battery pack. I can tell you the LFP battery will charge at up to 200kw and the Large and Max packs will charge at 220kw. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Thanks Travis, much appreciated. This is one great SUV and my favorite electric one - the problem, of course, is Rivian's long term viability - quite a lot of cash to spend on something that might not be supported in a few years...
I think Rivian is missing a great opportunity with this truck. The most important issue for consumers with e.v.'s isn't a sub zero 0-60.....it's range. Lower h.p. and longer range would be perfect here.
love the update to the light bar, it looks much more dynamic now. afraid i can't agree with you about the aero wheels though, travis. they look like steelies, not a fan of that look lol
It won't be for everyone and that's ok. I'm a bit on the fence myself but it's a unique take on a "rugged" aero wheel and I'd say it's better than it is worse. -Travis
Have they addressed the road/wind noise and refinement with insulation? That was the biggest issue that stopped us buying one when we test drove. It was so loud.
As someone who has driven both, I can report that the answer is yes. I noticed it right away in the 2023 model year and can report it is solved in the 2025.
I like Travis style and feel of the review, good job. Regarding the Rivian, too expensive, and don't like minimalist interior. All these EV minimalist interiors look like regrerss to me, not progress.
My biggest gripe with Rivian's is how the frunk opens. I prefer the F150 style that has a lower lift over height. If Rivian changed their frunk I would totally be onboard.
Excellent review. Thank you. They already can make a great off road capable vehicle. But without an overly reliable and overly abundant charging infrastructure, it is simply not going to meet the kind of sale figures this company needs. The incumbent has been able to maintain that advantage merely because of their charging network at this point given how kneecapped their cars have become these days.
The performance is inherent. You can pay for larger packs with this model, but batteries are by far the most expensive part. Going for more efficiency works, but then everything looks like a Prius. Lucid does a great job of it, but you pay for all of that.
@@weirdshibainu it’s just not as much of a trade-off as it seems like it would be. Reducing torque or horsepower doesn’t lead to the same gains in range that going from a v8 to a 4 cylinder would in an ICE equivalent. The main issue is battery size and aerodynamics. It’s not as simple as “go slower, go further.”
I don't understand why the r1s doesn't have a flat floor given there's no transmission tunnel. It's surprisingly cramped and really hard to get into the 3rd row. The 3rd row seats also fold down unexpectly quickly and forcefully - hope nobody's in the way when you release it. Also what's with the car designers obsession with no buttons? It's unsafe and frankly irritating to have functions that haven't changed in prob 60+years be hidden in (realistically) ever changing menus.
The floor is “mostly” flat. Some contour helps with rigidity and crash performance. Also, cables and ducts have to go somewhere and often they use a structural “bump” for those elements
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I know, been in a few of them since they launched - I feel even the Tahoe is better for flat floors. Also, it's not that they couldn't, but they made a conscious choice to cater to the more offroad crowd and prioritized ground clearance over interior comfort/space.
This is as premium as any do called premium electric suv with more usability and practicality. It would be nice if it was $10000 less with added government incentives etc. But you're getting a lot of car for your money too in my opinion. I think they have their design perfectly executed. It is the most attractive electric vehicle in the market at the moment. Nothing is over done. I truly like their vehicles.
It's doesn't make sense to pay $150K cad for a family hauler.They gotta do something about the high cost otherwise they won't survive when other brands are dropping their prices.
The comment section really shows how entitled we have become… We criticize in order to have something to say and so that, god forbid, nothing exceeds our expectations. Getting my popcorn..
I'm done with Tesla after they took away easy access to cruise control after the last FSD update and turned out to be a miserably out of touch company. When we transition away from Tesla, it will be either the Rivian R1S or the Volvo EX90. So glad to hear they made comfort improvements with the R1S. Look forward to not being a Tesla household anymore.
I don't understand the fascination with horsepower and 0 to 60 times. Why don't car makers focus more on gaining efficiency for longer mileage that actually affects people's daily lives?
Rivian has done efficiency work as well. Not only are there more efficient tire options but all models can/do disconnect the rear motors to increase range. -Travis
Guess it would be more interesting if the car went 0-60 in a week and had 5 horsepower but 1500 miles of range. But kinda think it wouldn’t sell for the $80+K. Sorry had to be sarcastic. Have a Model X and love the acceleration and claimed horsepower.
BUT - are any of the USB-c ports data ready? This is important because a data ready port allows you to connect a USB stick with music and the resulting fidelity is FAR SUPERIOR to anything you can get from streaming services or via bluetooth. I doubt that this Google Chromecast will have good fidelity. When i test drove the R1S about a year ago it was a major disappointment that the USB ports were not data ready. My BMW iX has data ready USB-c ports so i may stick with it for the long term.
Now this is dedication, standing in the rain and keep going!
The rain wasn't gonna quit and neither was I. -Travis
Alex hired the right guy. Not everyone is willing to stand in the rain.
PNW rain is pretty mild. Most natives don't use jackets unless it's really coming down.
I was about to say. Show must go on
@@AAutoBuyersGuidecome to uk and say that😂
I hope the next generation revamped the suspension system because the suspension system on my 2023 R1S failed the very first day I got it. While proudly showing the car to my friends, a sudden puff of air erupted, and we watched in disbelief as the front of the vehicle dropped so low that the frame nearly touched the front wheels. Rivian towed the car, and it was repaired within a few days.
However, a year and 21,000 miles later, the same issue happened again-this time while driving on the freeway. I had to pull over and fortunately live near a service center in Costa Mesa. The car was towed again, but with this problem recurring within a year, I strongly suspect a significant flaw in the suspension system. I’m relieved this didn’t occur during a mountain ski trip or a desert adventure, as Rivian markets the vehicle for. Now, I hesitate to drive the R1S far from home due to fear of another breakdown.
The vehicle has been sitting at the service center for days without being examined. Despite multiple calls, I’ve only been told that the shop is backed up and they’ll get to it when they can. VERY DISAPPOINTED! Rivian needs to expand its network of service centers to better address the flood of issues reported by its customers.
@5:46 that lid he was showing can be placed back on in a way that it makes the back completely flat. It’s a pretty cool trick the Rivian R1S provides.
Love the R1 line, but too pricey for me. Excited for the R2., can’t wait to get mine. Crazy pumped for the R3X though. Keep up the good work Rivian! I am rooting for you and can’t wait to own the R2.
same i love rivian!
Rivian is toast.
@@iamgermaneThere’s been exactly zero growth companies in history that didn’t operate at a loss in order to ramp up. They make a great product that people love and have significant commercial backing.
@@jamiea8318 EVs become junk after the batteries go. No one is going to spend $20K on an old vehicle. In China that drive them until the batteries are gone and park them for good!
Another nice thing about the split hatch is once the lower portion is down the exposed edge should be much cleaner than the rear bumper.. Leaning against it or sitting on it is less likely to transfer dirt and grime onto your clothes.
Very true, it was nice and clean when I went to sit down and I'd been driving through feet of water minutes before. -Travis
Love the location, rain and the outfit you’re wearing with this whole presentation. The Rivian suits you aesthetically.
I'm a PNW native, the Rivian aesthetic is nearly one and the same with my own. -Travis
Excellent job, thanking you so much, not seen such a quality detailed review!
I like the changes, and I like the company. I hope they stick around. Can't wait to see the R2. I have one reserved. I hope they start opening more showrooms (especially one closer to me) or come up with a way to deliver cars for test drives.
Where are you located? -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Louisville, Kentucky. I think the closest "dealership" is Chicago. That's not extremely far for me, but it's not somewhere I'd go on a whim
The 3rd row rear arm rests actually open up to reveal a nice size storage space
Well done review. Very straightforward and thorough.
Coming from a Tesla owner, Rivian is a great company and makes great vehicles. These new ones are really nice. Still love our Tesla, especially the software and the features it offers. Would love to get a R1S/R2 to increase our EV family.
great review all things considered, but one of the things that I love that Alex does is when showing the space in the various rows reinforcing how tall he is, so people have a point of reference.
I'm about the same height as Alex, 6', but my head is always a few inches closer to the ceiling than his
Nice quality video and discussion
They need to have v2h option. Doesn't have to be build in but let external inverter pull dc power from the pack.
Need that R3X
Hopefully you're patient. -Travis
Thanks for the review. Just what I was waiting for. 👍
Happy to help! -Travis
Great video! Thank you very much for all your work to put it together 😊
Great review...concise and hit the high points. Strongly consider this vehicle..dual or tri motor.
I like the new aero wheels. I think they nicely complement the matte black wheel arch trim and lower body trim.
Love hearing that the ADAS is NOT a subscription service.
i believe it will be. That shall be the future business model. Cheap car + fixed monthly imcome. Just like other wearable devices, cell phone etc
The lights at 1:45 remind me of Knight Rider.
The lights are RGB so they can change colors. -Travis
halloween update has a nightrider theme....
Regarding matrix headlights, my 2019 Audi e-Tron has it and only required a software unlock to allow me to use the function.
For reviews like this I think that stating the range and charging speed of each battery pack option is a must. Sure, I could look those up, but when discussing electric SUVs I think telling us about how far the vehicle can go on a charge is more important that the zero to 60 times, particularly when all configurations are quite fast - anyone who is looking to improve the 2.9 sec zero-60 time from the trimotor to the 2.5 sec time on the quad motor is probably looking at the wrong type of vehicle - LOL
That's very good point but unfortunately we didn't get that kind of information for each battery pack. I can tell you the LFP battery will charge at up to 200kw and the Large and Max packs will charge at 220kw. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Thanks Travis, much appreciated. This is one great SUV and my favorite electric one - the problem, of course, is Rivian's long term viability - quite a lot of cash to spend on something that might not be supported in a few years...
I think Rivian is missing a great opportunity with this truck. The most important issue for consumers with e.v.'s isn't a sub zero 0-60.....it's range. Lower h.p. and longer range would be perfect here.
love the update to the light bar, it looks much more dynamic now.
afraid i can't agree with you about the aero wheels though, travis. they look like steelies, not a fan of that look lol
It won't be for everyone and that's ok. I'm a bit on the fence myself but it's a unique take on a "rugged" aero wheel and I'd say it's better than it is worse. -Travis
When pulled over by the police, make sure you explain why you are about to reach under the passenger seat!
Well said. -Travis
5:40 you can re align the cargo cover so it will be flat
Amazing review bro.
Knowing the size of R1S, I can tell you this guy is a big tall dude.
Love the new 22 aero
Uniquely awesome vehicle
I have to agree. -Travis
I want one of these, the Dual Max build.
That's a great presentation 👍👍👍
Thanks for watching! -Travis
Still no rear passenger sunshades right? Seems insane considering everyone else has one
Why is there still no pull strap on the back of the third row seat???🤯🤯
Common man 6:25 give this man the job Alex.
Awesome car. How about its reliability and consumer satisfaction
Finally a non-Kia/Hyundai model that has blind spot cameras in the dash
Still looks fresh/modern/attractive, and awesome to hear about the driving-improvement. Is the 2025 now available to order?
Yes it is, but if you want the quad motor you'll have to wait till later in the year. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Awesome, thank you !
Have they addressed the road/wind noise and refinement with insulation? That was the biggest issue that stopped us buying one when we test drove. It was so loud.
As someone who has driven both, I can report that the answer is yes. I noticed it right away in the 2023 model year and can report it is solved in the 2025.
Was it not tire noise? If you want AT tires / essentially a truck, it’s going to make more noise than a purely road oriented passenger car.
Rumor of tremendous improvement in fit and finish. Professionally detailer channel says as much anyways.
The R1 tester that we purchased previously actually had excellent fit and finish, so it’s hard to say as reports have been somewhat mixed.
Super vid thank you.
Not super excited about wheels, will have to grow on me. When is R1T version coming?
Same time as the R1S, you can find a link in the video description. -Travis
Wheels look cool
Have they added a heat pump in the refresh?
Nice review. Love the upgrades. Will it come with NACS charge port?
It won't get the J3400/NACS connector at this time. -Ttavis
wow right on time
I don’t think even the British reviewers would be willing to stand in rain like that.
was that the standard glass roof or the "dynamic" one? website is showing that's an added feature available for 2025
Just the standard glass, we didn't have a chance to see the dynamic version. -Travis
You managed to miss the "dimmable" glass roof in both your reviews... The button was right there on your screen...
Can you point to it please? Thanks
The Apple Music app is nice, but CarPlay/Android Auto support would be better.
I don't disagree but I don't see it happening. -Travis
Which city did you film this video? Very nice! Thanks for sharing and hope the market could have some
More confidence on this!!
That's Snoqualmie WA. Suburb of Seattle and beautiful city.
@@dmgnwk oh.. is that where you are! Nice video. Are you new in this channel?
Are the new batteries LFP? Sorry if I missed it in the video
The base battery only
love the new wheel also
Automatic frunk (that no one uses) but no power folding third row seat 🙃
What’s the hwy noise level in the cabin?
I like Travis style and feel of the review, good job. Regarding the Rivian, too expensive, and don't like minimalist interior. All these EV minimalist interiors look like regrerss to me, not progress.
3 peak rated winter snow tires please - with full-size spare
Yeah i like your XL package 😂
Is it Travis in Alex weather or Alex in Travis weather?
One of us lives in the PNW and the other doesn't. -Travis
Great review, I'm just learning about Rivian. Is it Android compatible, i.e., android auto, or must I convert to Apple?
No need to convert to Apple but that's because it doesn't do Android Auto OR Apple Carplay. -Travis
Enormous vehicle. Very high liftover for cargo items.
For early adopters only.
Can you get it in Compass Yellow?
cool wheels
My biggest gripe with Rivian's is how the frunk opens. I prefer the F150 style that has a lower lift over height. If Rivian changed their frunk I would totally be onboard.
Your entire buying decision is based on the frunk opening. Okay.
The German manufacturers have offered matrix headlights (as an option) for several years.
Interesting move. Everyone else is dropping reviews of the Crown Signia today.
We've got that too! -Travis
Hate the black aero wheels... Hate black wheels in general.
Fantastic, definitely not for us lower class pleabeans
Excellent review. Thank you.
They already can make a great off road capable vehicle. But without an overly reliable and overly abundant charging infrastructure, it is simply not going to meet the kind of sale figures this company needs. The incumbent has been able to maintain that advantage merely because of their charging network at this point given how kneecapped their cars have become these days.
What color is this ?
That isn’t a standard pack with 290 mi range at 85% SOC. That is roughly 340 mi at 100%, possibly a large pack
Has anyone notice the tire prices? Rivian is charging the dual standard package $1000 more than other package for the same tires…
I think EVs manufacturer should focus more on range and not so much on performance.
Range is improved but they didn't get too specific on numbers with us. -Travis
The performance is inherent. You can pay for larger packs with this model, but batteries are by far the most expensive part. Going for more efficiency works, but then everything looks like a Prius. Lucid does a great job of it, but you pay for all of that.
I agree. I'm fine with a 0-60 at 6 seconds if I could get more range.
AGREE, but seems like it is very easy to get performance than range and they trying to get people on that.
@@weirdshibainu it’s just not as much of a trade-off as it seems like it would be. Reducing torque or horsepower doesn’t lead to the same gains in range that going from a v8 to a 4 cylinder would in an ICE equivalent. The main issue is battery size and aerodynamics. It’s not as simple as “go slower, go further.”
I don't understand why the r1s doesn't have a flat floor given there's no transmission tunnel. It's surprisingly cramped and really hard to get into the 3rd row. The 3rd row seats also fold down unexpectly quickly and forcefully - hope nobody's in the way when you release it. Also what's with the car designers obsession with no buttons? It's unsafe and frankly irritating to have functions that haven't changed in prob 60+years be hidden in (realistically) ever changing menus.
The floor is “mostly” flat. Some contour helps with rigidity and crash performance. Also, cables and ducts have to go somewhere and often they use a structural “bump” for those elements
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I know, been in a few of them since they launched - I feel even the Tahoe is better for flat floors. Also, it's not that they couldn't, but they made a conscious choice to cater to the more offroad crowd and prioritized ground clearance over interior comfort/space.
All changes are positive but no NACS…
Love it but too pricey 😢. Can’t afford it.
Brooo. How tall are you???
Yeah, kinda an important tidbit he never mentions, eh?
Spare tire?
Apple CarPlay, yes or no?
No. -Travis
Finally!!!
It hasn't been that long has it? -Travis
But…. Does it have a heat pump and NACS? 👀
It does have a heat pump! No NACS/J3400 to speak of at this time. -Travis
Tesla has been producing vehicles with Matrix headlights for a couple of years now!
NACS?
“Soon” is the best we have heard. We know that it’s not until next year sometime.
The driver side headlight is already malfunctioning...only one bulb is lit when the passenger side, two bulbs are lit. Not a good look R1S....
The price is the biggest enemy of this car ....
Got 800 hp too
This is as premium as any do called premium electric suv with more usability and practicality. It would be nice if it was $10000 less with added government incentives etc. But you're getting a lot of car for your money too in my opinion. I think they have their design perfectly executed. It is the most attractive electric vehicle in the market at the moment. Nothing is over done. I truly like their vehicles.
Rivian needs to drop the large pack to 79,900 so it qualifies for the tax credit
It's doesn't make sense to pay $150K cad for a family hauler.They gotta do something about the high cost otherwise they won't survive when other brands are dropping their prices.
The comment section really shows how entitled we have become… We criticize in order to have something to say and so that, god forbid, nothing exceeds our expectations.
Getting my popcorn..
I hate the rims and not a fan of the oval lights up front. I like the light bar and square truck design.
Do not get the big wheel trend.
I was surprised the big wheel trend got the aero treatment. -Travis
Big wheel look good. Buyer pay big money for big wheel.
In this case, big brake rotors
Those wheel covers are hideous.
They don't do it for ya, huh? -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I agree with him. Don't like em one bit.
I love them
have a range rover… this is everything i ever liked about the range…. …
I'm done with Tesla after they took away easy access to cruise control after the last FSD update and turned out to be a miserably out of touch company. When we transition away from Tesla, it will be either the Rivian R1S or the Volvo EX90. So glad to hear they made comfort improvements with the R1S. Look forward to not being a Tesla household anymore.
I think you should support the American brand
One of the silliest looking front end designs in the history of modern automobiles.
I’m surprised that I like the aero wheels
that donut looking wheels are hideous
I don't understand the fascination with horsepower and 0 to 60 times. Why don't car makers focus more on gaining efficiency for longer mileage that actually affects people's daily lives?
Rivian has done efficiency work as well. Not only are there more efficient tire options but all models can/do disconnect the rear motors to increase range. -Travis
Right? Doesn't make sense.
Guess it would be more interesting if the car went 0-60 in a week and had 5 horsepower but 1500 miles of range. But kinda think it wouldn’t sell for the $80+K. Sorry had to be sarcastic. Have a Model X and love the acceleration and claimed horsepower.
Expensive to buy but gets totaled with a small dent🤣
Not usually. -Travis
BUT - are any of the USB-c ports data ready? This is important because a data ready port allows you to connect a USB stick with music and the resulting fidelity is FAR SUPERIOR to anything you can get from streaming services or via bluetooth. I doubt that this Google Chromecast will have good fidelity. When i test drove the R1S about a year ago it was a major disappointment that the USB ports were not data ready. My BMW iX has data ready USB-c ports so i may stick with it for the long term.
Wheels look like bad hub caps