My first review: traded in Tesla Model X P100D for 2025 R1S Tri Motor

[spievak]

TL,DR: Very happy with the switch, and a weird transition after being a Tesla family for so long.

Longer: Wow. I've been a Tesla fan for 5+ years now. We've bought four of them and have three Tesla chargers at our house. Got the 2025 R1S storm blue with slate/walnut interior, darkout everything, and 22" dark wheels. It's been about two weeks. Grudgingly pulled the trigger after wandering into the SF showroom a few weeks ago.

Overall, stunned by the experience. Very happy with the switch. You all know why.

That said, what would I change? A little rough without Google Maps or CarPlay. Yes, you can work around it. But it requires some behavior change, and we're definitely leaving convenience on the table.

The driving experience is amazing. The lane-assist "self driving" is better than Tesla but only works on highways. That's probably fine. It sits up high, the lumbar support is great, and it hits speed bumps in stride that my Tesla X would need to nearly come to a stop for. With the regen braking on standard, it's basically one-pedal driving. Getting compliments on it when we park. It's not a sexy body design, but the driving experience is the best I've had.

Bought some aftermarket products, including the fob (useless), a center organizer, a locking drawer for the camp speaker slot, a mag-safe phone holder from TWRAPS, and yellow covers for the front tow brackets.

Can't yet figure out the temperature controls consistently, and the Tesla climate controls are better. Using Alexa in the car causes the volume to crank up afterwards. And, surprisingly, there is no auto-parking feature.

We had to buy an AC adapter for our home high-speed Tesla charger ($150) and also get the NASC adapter for the Tesla superchargers (included from Rivian).

But, overall, we are very happy to join the Rivian family and no looking back on Tesla at this point. If they both cost the same, the Rivian is a no-brainer. More details if you like, but the bottom line is that Rivian kicks ass over the Tesla experience. Looking forward to more software upgrades.

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[kanundrum]

As someone with a R1S for 2.5 years, I'm still in love with it and hoping you will be 2.5 years from now.

 

[iansriv]

Jason-welcome to the family. I like Teslas. It was the first US EV and they make a great product. I love my R1S. I've owned it for about 1.5 years and it's been a blast. Wishing you many miles and smiles mate!

 

[babalegba]

Congrats on the Rivian.

Used to have a Model S, and I considered the X at the time I got the Rivian. Almost 2.5yrs here as well, still very happy with my R1T Quad. I think I prefer the Tesla infotainment, but the Rivian works perfectly fine (except for Cast - I might be the only one that Netflix doesn’t find the Rivian for).

 

[BigSkies]

I'm glad you're enjoying it! We've had a somewhat similar experience. We have an R1T and Model Y in the garage.

The R1T is the vehicle we take on nearly every trip. We're not quite ready to get rid of the Tesla yet, but we're sure to replace it with something else in the future. The R3 is high on the list of contenders, but there will be a lot more options by then too.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

@spievak it's nice to hear fresh perspectives on the vehicles from new owners.

On your Alexa volume issue, if you tap the speaker icon at the base of the main screen, you can adjust the volume levels of Alexa etc. If all else fails, try an infotainment reset.

Enjoy the new ride!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Congrats on the Rivian.

Used to have a Model S, and I considered the X at the time I got the Rivian. Almost 2.5yrs here as well, still very happy with my R1T Quad. I think I prefer the Tesla infotainment, but the Rivian works perfectly fine (except for Cast - I might be the only one that Netflix doesn’t find the Rivian for).

Netflix is incompatible on Rivian's cast. You can work around it using chrome browser and casting to you rivian from there.

Netflix wants things using its app to be Netflix Certified. It's lame.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

You have the same spec I do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do as well. From your review, it certainly sounds like it. Drive well.

 

[tate16t]

Welcome to the forum, Jason. Nice choice! My wife drives a Model Y and I drive an R1S. The Model Y use to be mine so I’m pretty familiar with Tesla. Sounds like you had a CarPlay solution for your X and wondering what it was.

 

[Robin]

TL,DR: Very happy with the switch, and a weird transition after being a Tesla family for so long.

Longer: Wow. I've been a Tesla fan for 5+ years now. We've bought four of them and have three Tesla chargers at our house. Got the 2025 R1S storm blue with slate/walnut interior, darkout everything, and 22" dark wheels. It's been about two weeks. Grudgingly pulled the trigger after wandering into the SF showroom a few weeks ago.

Overall, stunned by the experience. Very happy with the switch. You all know why.

That said, what would I change? A little rough without Google Maps or CarPlay. Yes, you can work around it. But it requires some behavior change, and we're definitely leaving convenience on the table.

The driving experience is amazing. The lane-assist "self driving" is better than Tesla but only works on highways. That's probably fine. It sits up high, the lumbar support is great, and it hits speed bumps in stride that my Tesla X would need to nearly come to a stop for. With the regen braking on standard, it's basically one-pedal driving. Getting compliments on it when we park. It's not a sexy body design, but the driving experience is the best I've had.

Bought some aftermarket products, including the fob (useless), a center organizer, a locking drawer for the camp speaker slot, a mag-safe phone holder from TWRAPS, and yellow covers for the front tow brackets.

Can't yet figure out the temperature controls consistently, and the Tesla climate controls are better. Using Alexa in the car causes the volume to crank up afterwards. And, surprisingly, there is no auto-parking feature.

We had to buy an AC adapter for our home high-speed Tesla charger ($150) and also get the NASC adapter for the Tesla superchargers (included from Rivian).

But, overall, we are very happy to join the Rivian family and no looking back on Tesla at this point. If they both cost the same, the Rivian is a no-brainer. More details if you like, but the bottom line is that Rivian kicks ass over the Tesla experience. Looking forward to more software upgrades.

Awesome and welcome to the club..?

 

[emlo]

TL,DR: Very happy with the switch, and a weird transition after being a Tesla family for so long.

Longer: Wow. I've been a Tesla fan for 5+ years now. We've bought four of them and have three Tesla chargers at our house. Got the 2025 R1S storm blue with slate/walnut interior, darkout everything, and 22" dark wheels. It's been about two weeks. Grudgingly pulled the trigger after wandering into the SF showroom a few weeks ago.

Overall, stunned by the experience. Very happy with the switch. You all know why.

That said, what would I change? A little rough without Google Maps or CarPlay. Yes, you can work around it. But it requires some behavior change, and we're definitely leaving convenience on the table.

The driving experience is amazing. The lane-assist "self driving" is better than Tesla but only works on highways. That's probably fine. It sits up high, the lumbar support is great, and it hits speed bumps in stride that my Tesla X would need to nearly come to a stop for. With the regen braking on standard, it's basically one-pedal driving. Getting compliments on it when we park. It's not a sexy body design, but the driving experience is the best I've had.

Bought some aftermarket products, including the fob (useless), a center organizer, a locking drawer for the camp speaker slot, a mag-safe phone holder from TWRAPS, and yellow covers for the front tow brackets.

Can't yet figure out the temperature controls consistently, and the Tesla climate controls are better. Using Alexa in the car causes the volume to crank up afterwards. And, surprisingly, there is no auto-parking feature.

We had to buy an AC adapter for our home high-speed Tesla charger ($150) and also get the NASC adapter for the Tesla superchargers (included from Rivian).

But, overall, we are very happy to join the Rivian family and no looking back on Tesla at this point. If they both cost the same, the Rivian is a no-brainer. More details if you like, but the bottom line is that Rivian kicks ass over the Tesla experience. Looking forward to more software upgrades.

Welcome to the fam! Similar experience here traded in my MX Plaid for basically the same vehicle you have but with the range wheels. While it’s not as quick as my plaid, it just feels more refined. Was a proud Tesla owner for 6 years owing 3 Model X’s and 1 Model 3. Down to 1 Tesla and 2 Rivian’s. When the R2 comes out I’m ready to be fully out of Tesla.

 

[Napoleon Ranch]

TL,DR: Very happy with the switch, and a weird transition after being a Tesla family for so long.

Longer: Wow. I've been a Tesla fan for 5+ years now. We've bought four of them and have three Tesla chargers at our house. Got the 2025 R1S storm blue with slate/walnut interior, darkout everything, and 22" dark wheels. It's been about two weeks. Grudgingly pulled the trigger after wandering into the SF showroom a few weeks ago.

Overall, stunned by the experience. Very happy with the switch. You all know why.

That said, what would I change? A little rough without Google Maps or CarPlay. Yes, you can work around it. But it requires some behavior change, and we're definitely leaving convenience on the table.

The driving experience is amazing. The lane-assist "self driving" is better than Tesla but only works on highways. That's probably fine. It sits up high, the lumbar support is great, and it hits speed bumps in stride that my Tesla X would need to nearly come to a stop for. With the regen braking on standard, it's basically one-pedal driving. Getting compliments on it when we park. It's not a sexy body design, but the driving experience is the best I've had.

Bought some aftermarket products, including the fob (useless), a center organizer, a locking drawer for the camp speaker slot, a mag-safe phone holder from TWRAPS, and yellow covers for the front tow brackets.

Can't yet figure out the temperature controls consistently, and the Tesla climate controls are better. Using Alexa in the car causes the volume to crank up afterwards. And, surprisingly, there is no auto-parking feature.

We had to buy an AC adapter for our home high-speed Tesla charger ($150) and also get the NASC adapter for the Tesla superchargers (included from Rivian).

But, overall, we are very happy to join the Rivian family and no looking back on Tesla at this point. If they both cost the same, the Rivian is a no-brainer. More details if you like, but the bottom line is that Rivian kicks ass over the Tesla experience. Looking forward to more software upgrades.

I traded my Tesla Model S Plaid for exact same R1S- Tri-Motor, including the color and extras you added. Same other than I have the All Terrain Package. I’ve had mine a few weeks & like it a lot. Welcome to the fam!

 

[Cal]

I'm seriously contemplating selling my plaid MS and getting an R1. I'll be researching the hell out of this but not committed to anything yet.

 

[hammick]

TL,DR: Very happy with the switch, and a weird transition after being a Tesla family for so long.

Longer: Wow. I've been a Tesla fan for 5+ years now. We've bought four of them and have three Tesla chargers at our house. Got the 2025 R1S storm blue with slate/walnut interior, darkout everything, and 22" dark wheels. It's been about two weeks. Grudgingly pulled the trigger after wandering into the SF showroom a few weeks ago.

Overall, stunned by the experience. Very happy with the switch. You all know why.

That said, what would I change? A little rough without Google Maps or CarPlay. Yes, you can work around it. But it requires some behavior change, and we're definitely leaving convenience on the table.

The driving experience is amazing. The lane-assist "self driving" is better than Tesla but only works on highways. That's probably fine. It sits up high, the lumbar support is great, and it hits speed bumps in stride that my Tesla X would need to nearly come to a stop for. With the regen braking on standard, it's basically one-pedal driving. Getting compliments on it when we park. It's not a sexy body design, but the driving experience is the best I've had.

Bought some aftermarket products, including the fob (useless), a center organizer, a locking drawer for the camp speaker slot, a mag-safe phone holder from TWRAPS, and yellow covers for the front tow brackets.

Can't yet figure out the temperature controls consistently, and the Tesla climate controls are better. Using Alexa in the car causes the volume to crank up afterwards. And, surprisingly, there is no auto-parking feature.

We had to buy an AC adapter for our home high-speed Tesla charger ($150) and also get the NASC adapter for the Tesla superchargers (included from Rivian).

But, overall, we are very happy to join the Rivian family and no looking back on Tesla at this point. If they both cost the same, the Rivian is a no-brainer. More details if you like, but the bottom line is that Rivian kicks ass over the Tesla experience. Looking forward to more software upgrades.

Congrats. We just took delivery a couple weeks ago of the identical R1S but with the dark interior.

 

[spievak]

I traded my Tesla Model S Plaid for exact same R1S- Tri-Motor, including the color and extras you added. Same other than I have the All Terrain Package. I’ve had mine a few weeks & like it a lot. Welcome to the fam!

I traded my Tesla Model S Plaid for exact same R1S- Tri-Motor, including the color and extras you added. Same other than I have the All Terrain Package. I’ve had mine a few weeks & like it a lot. Welcome to the fam!

Great feedback, Napoleon Ranch. You make me almost wistful of the wrapped Tesla I left behind for Rivian!

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