Gen 2 Rivian R1S vs Gen 1 Side By Side Build Quality Comparison Review!

[MidnightRivian]

I agree with a lot of points. The refinements for Gen 2 are worth some of the tradeoffs. Rivian really does listen to customer feedback and continuously improves their product. It's been nice watching them improve the quality every 6 months. Their build quality is getting better and better.

The Gen 2 panel gaps are much better, flush and don't rub like Gen 1 did. This means less adjustment / rework from delivery day issues.

Rear hatch alignment is much better compared to Gen 1. Which means paint doesn't wear off and require expensive repaint / blend.

I also agree the doors are lighter compared to Gen 1.

Panel alignment is much better. Plastic cladding is flush and won’t require adjustments.

This will require less rework / adjustments. Better consumer experience and lower warranty costs for Rivian.

The compressor being relocated is a huge win for Gen 2 customers and the fact that it's a heat pump is icing on the cake.

Gen 2 vehicles will help improve service time due to less tickets that will need to be created for cosmetics and N/V/H.

The panel gap between fender and door was much better on gen 2. Many Gen 1 folks had issues with driver doors rubbing against fender.

Mine required a couple adjustments to stop it from rubbing. This Gen 2 looks much better from factory. This also means paint doesn't wear off when door / fender rub and won't require expensive repaint / blend.

Gen 2 Paint was in better shape, panels gaps / cosmetic trim / door alignment was in much better shape which will lead to less re-work.

Rivian is taking feedback from Gen 1 quality concerns and using that feedback to make an improved Gen 2 model which will spend less time at the service center. This will also benefit the shareholders while reducing service center wait times for customers.

Sponsored

 

[ThirteenElectrics]

I don't think you can compare Gen 1 to Gen 2 with a sample size of two cars. Even within Gen 1 there was significant quality variability across cars, and that might also carry over to Gen 2.

 

[MidnightRivian]

I don't think you can compare Gen 1 to Gen 2 with a sample size of two cars. Even within Gen 1 there was significant quality variability across cars, and that might also carry over to Gen 2.

I have personally checked out 3 Gen 2 (1 Ascent Tri-Motor / 2 - Dual Motors) models and all of them showed the same improvements across the board. Better panel gaps, better paint quality and of course all off of them benefit from reduced N/V/H from having the heatpump / compressor moved away from the firewall.

This is the same experience Out of Spec reviews also had with their Gen 2 they tested.

 

[R1Tom]

I have personally checked out 3 Gen 2 (1 Ascent Tri-Motor / 2 - Dual Motors) models and all of them showed the same improvements across the board. Better panel gaps, better paint quality and of course all off of them benefit from reduced N/V/H from having the heatpump / compressor moved away from the firewall.

This is the same experience Out of Spec reviews also had with their Gen 2 they tested.

My G1 has none of the issues you are saying G2 has improved. No AC noises. No panel gap issues. No paint issues.

I assume that Tri was a preproduction unit that was used for press events...so yea....that one better be perfect. And how about those Duals? Preproduction or random off lot? I am sure the Out Of Spec were not representative of actual production line QC either.

I want all these improvements to be real....and I want the service centers backlogs to be cured with initial QC at plant....but there is not enough info you to really conclude anything...

 

[SeaGeo]

My G1 has none of the issues you are saying G2 has improved. No AC noises. No panel gap issues.

The issues identified have been pretty common in Gen1 that I've seen. If you aren't hearing or feeling the compressor in your Gen1 I'm betting you are very insensitive to noise and vibrations.

We had a Gen1 R1S, and now have a Gen2. I generally agree with the video, but I personally prefer the interior door handle plastics over the Gen1.

From outside the vehicle, the Gen2 fan is louder.

 

[R1Tom]

The issues identified have been pretty common in Gen1 that I've seen. If you aren't hearing or feeling the compressor in your Gen1 I'm betting you are very insensitive to noise and vibrations.

We had a Gen1 R1S, and now have a Gen2. I generally agree with the video, but I personally prefer the interior door handle plastics over the Gen1.

From outside the vehicle, the Gen2 fan is louder.

You gave me a good laugh at least....my family thinks I have severe OCD with regard to noises and vibrations. My AC is legit smooth.

 

[SeaGeo]

You gave me a good laugh at least....my family thinks I have severe OCD with regard to noises and vibrations. My AC is legit smooth.

Very odd. It was a poor design decision, which is why Rivian moved it. The compressor was right behind the firewall and when it ramps up you can feel it through the accelerator pedal.

 

[Electron]

I don't think you can compare Gen 1 to Gen 2 with a sample size of two cars. Even within Gen 1 there was significant quality variability across cars, and that might also carry over to Gen 2.

The comparison in the video is very accurate and has nothing to do with sample size. The fact of the matter is that the Gen 2 has a lot of trade offs in quality vs the Gen 1.

The thing about the hollow doors, that's very real and I've experienced this myself. It's not a sample size issue. The Gen 2 is a few steps forward, but a few steps backwards with cost cutting.

At this point, whatever it takes to get us well into 2025 with the R2 and R3. We need to start making some ?.

 

[R1Tom]

Very odd. It was a poor design decision, which is why Rivian moved it. The compressor was right behind the firewall and when it ramps up you can feel it through the accelerator pedal.

I agree and have read alot about it, but it seems at least some have smoother operating compressors than others.

 

[ThirteenElectrics]

As an aside, how do these YouTubers get their cars? It would seem hard to buy them anonymously; if I were Rivian I would make sure they got the best cars that came off the line, then hand tweak them.

Note to self: start YouTube channel and gain tens of thousands of followers before buying next car.

 

[R1Tom]

As an aside, how do these YouTubers get their cars? It would seem hard to buy them anonymously; if I were Rivian I would make sure they got the best cars that came off the line, then hand tweak them.

They get their cars becuase they say glowing good things about the manufacturer and behave like the manufacturer wants them too.

And....as you suspect...these vehicles are highly manipulated to be the best possible. It is even possible that things like maximum torque levels, etc...are adjusted above production levels....for the best possible effect on the "reviewer".

So I find these comparisons of quality levels of a preproduction vehicle that has been carefully adjusted, etc... rather comical.

Sponsored