Consumer Reports Review: 2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype

[Count Orlok]

2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype


No internet famous millenials or Gez Zers but a review worthy of your time nonetheless.

Although if this is a true description, R1T might be most appropriate for glampers not people who need a work truck:

As Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing succinctly put it, “If Tesla tried to build a Honda Ridgeline, this is what it would be.”

Sponsored

 

[Blueassassin]

I like how they note it as and adventure trim. I had to scroll back up and look at the picture yep that's Launch green.

 

[nc10]

Thanks for the link! More a detailed first look, the article mentions they have preordered one for detailed testing. But I still put a lot of weight in in their comments.

Are the loud motors consistent with what current owners hear? Most of the negatives mentioned are related to using the screen to control to many things, though they later say there too many “real” buttons for all the features to remember. Great to see their first feedback is very positive.

 

[nc10]

and look at the picture yep that's Launch green.

Good point. …… and it specifically mentions renting forest green and red, but also mentions having 3 on hand?


I think it’s a very good sign they rented to CR for testing, I doubt CR signed anything limiting what they could look at or report on.

 

[nc10]

CR's podcast of pretty much the same content linked below. I think no paywall. Nothing really new, but still good.
(I recommend CR's talking cars podcast, listen every week. The hosts keep it short, are energetic and fun to llsten to when I'm driving, working in the yard, etc.)

https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/talking-cars/6306888658112/talking-cars-episode-361/

https://talkingcarshq.libsyn.com/361-2022-rivian-r1t

CR's Initial Impression: This is legit @ 6' 06" (I might need to laminate this for my wallet...)

They were a little less enthusiastic about it being a "useful" truck, if that is what you are looking for. (no surprise on this forum) Also mentioned the interior is luxurious, vs a Tesla which is "just" really nice. Other quotes: Seems well put together, a substantial vehicle. Ride and handling seems really well done but accelerates like a supercar.

CR has some concerns
They are very worried about reliablity new car, new mfr, many features/buttons, etc that can break

CR doesn't like the user interface, CR mentions it looks like they copied Tesla ("eerily similar"), not necessarily a good thing, CR feels like Rivian passed some chances to be better interface on screen. CR did like the ground up design that added new stuff, gear tunnel, air compressor, changing heights, 4 motors, etc.

The podcast hosts talk a good bit (to much in my mind) about how it wont' be good for long towing needs (charging infrastructure, chargers aren't often like gas pumps where you can pull in and out, etc). Mention the short bed also.

But it seems like CR really likes the Rivian at first glance, and are rooting for it to do well in their testing regimen. (You have to believe when they collect reliability data, it won't be great in year 1 though) CR did talk a while about how not all new car companies will actually deliver, and that how nice it was to see Rivian follow through and provide an interesting EV choice.


Nice pic of the red R1T from the video podcast.

 

[AllInev]

You have to believe when they collect reliability data, it won't be great in year 1 though)

Unfortunately, I agree with you here. Not really surprising but something Rivian will have to take seriously if they expect long-term success. I know. Duh?

Sponsored