Nov 11

Nov 11 Rivian R1S - Quick Spin

Today, I was invited over to check out my buddy Tyler’s new Rivian R1S Quad Motor. There are a few things you should know about Tyler. First, he is a good guy, such a good guy that he let me drive his brand new Rivian. Second, when it comes to EVs, Tyler knows his stuff! Prior to last week’s arrival of his new R1S, he drove a Tesla Model 3 for the last 5 years, and his spouse rolls in a Tesla Model X. Like me, he also has a roof full of solar panels, and a pair of Tesla Powerwalls in his garage. Third, they have three kids, and road trip all over the US, never afraid to hit the road without using gas. In short, Tyler rocks!

After a week in the Rivian, here are some of his initial impressions. The interior is big step up from either of his Tesla’s. He especially appreciates the heated and cooled seats, the capacious third row, and the amount of storage available behind the third row, and in the very large frunk. He puts a hitch mounted bike rack on his vehicles frequently, and is delighted by the “accessory attached” option in the software that disables the rear parking sensors when bikes are in tow. Apparently, the Model X gives repeated warnings that something is too close to the rear in the same situation.

Comparing the X to the R1S, the third row of the Rivian is the hands down winner for size and comfort. The frunk is much larger in the Riv. In his experience, the Tesla is far more efficient that the Rivian, but with the Rivian’s 30% larger battery capacity, both tie for range. Tyler prefer’s the Tesla’s ADAS systems, Navigation, and screen responsiveness. Thankfully, those may only be a software update away from improvement.

Here are my impressions from 15 minutes behind the wheel. Fit and finish inside and out were excellent. The Red Canyon paint color looks excellent with the contrasting black roof. Size wise it is perfection, feeling cavernous inside, but far from unwieldy in traffic and when parking. Sightlines were great, and controls were right where I wanted them. Given that it was only a week old, and not mine, I didn’t test it’s 0-60 time, but will note it felt plenty powerful. In short, I was smitten about 5 minutes in, and would love to put one in my driveway. Tyler, thank you for letting me drive your new car, and for answering my laundry list of questions!