Why Did You Choose Rivian Over Competitors?

[electruck4x4]

When Rivian first launched, there weren’t many direct comparisons.

Now there are more options than ever.

Other EVs

• GM EV trucks (Silverado, GMC Sierra, HummerEV)
• Tesla Cybertruck

Soon to be released EVs

• Slate
• Scout Terra and Traveler
• Tacoma EV

Previous options (We hardly knew ye)

• Ford Lightning EV

Even traditional ICE trucks/SUVs like the Landrover Defender, Ineos Grenadier, and pick-ups from legacy OEMs still make a strong case.

So we’re curious.

What pulled you toward Rivian?

• Off-road capability
• Design and interior
• Electric drivetrain
• Adventure focus
• Something else entirely

Everyone’s path seems a little different.

What made you choose the R1T or R1S?


— Team Electruck

Sponsored

 

[cohall]

It's the best do-everything vehicle I could imagine. And it does the vast majority of them extremely well. No other vehicle, EV nor ICE, does so many things with such greatness. A few examples:

-0-60 as fast as many exotic sports cars? Check.
-A spot that perfectly fits my golf clubs year round without taking up any normal storage spots? Check.
-Massive off-road clearance? Check.
-Suspension that handles corners like a Mclaren? Check.
-Comfortable, near-luxury interior? Check.
-Secure truck bed? check.
-Fits in my garage? Barely, but check.
-Designed and built in America? Check
-Never needing to stop for gas? Icing on the cake.

 

[derekmw]

For me the first R1T was when there was no other option but since then I’ve purchased another R1T when there were other options. I like the size of the truck, and overall looks both exterior and interior, along with features and price made out a no brainier over any other option.

 

[RivianRiverRat]

Electric first and foremost
More truck than I needed - absolutely

I get that they needed to hit a home run out the gate but I would have even been happy with less technology

Best truck/vehicle I have ever owned

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Had an aging Xterra that I loved, but needed something new, I still wanted to retain the FSR weekend life I enjoyed. Since Nissan wasn't planning to make a new Xterra I initially looked at both 4Runner and Tacoma.

My issue with both at the time was the interior was dated and the engines really didn't offer a leap in fuel economy which was just as mediocre as my 2010 Xterra was. Tacoma also was too tight, especially in the second row to justify as a family vehicle.

While still toying with the idea of a 4Runner, I randomly came across this video in late May 2019


June 6th 2019 I put down a pre-order.

The truck literally hit every criteria I had set
- Off road capable
- interior space that would work for our soon to be family
- Good storage because we camped often
- Fuel efficient
- Not a current year model with 5+ year old tech

It clearly excelled in tech, and capability from a stock standpoint, thoughtfully designed around adventuring, and because that adventuring ethos was at the core of the company, I had confidence in it's capability and execution.

I was drawn to the R1T, but waffled for the following years, SUV or Truck, but as we needed a pickup more and more, we went for the T when the time finally came... 3 years and 9 months later.

Even today, years since taking delivery, I'm still as gobsmacked (edit: just like the guy from Fully Charged in the video) at how well the R1T was executed. Sure, there has been the odd mechanical hiccup along the way, blown damper or half shaft, but considering how much I've done with the truck and put it through, it's still solid in my eyes.

Cheers Rivian.

 

[mkg3]

First and foremost, the wife liked it when R1S was introduced. At the time, there was no alternative eSUV. Waited almost a year later to place the deposit after the IPO announcement. Took delivery August 2023 and has been her daily driver since and she still loves it. Me, its good but just okay. It would not be on my list of candidates today.

When time to replace R1S, before the warrantee expires, she'll have the final say on what it will be (from the candidates I'll screen and research first). We both would like something bit smaller. Ww thought we would use the 3rd row often, like we did with XC90 and Odyssey in the past - we've used it only twice in 2.5yrs.

I/we have never bought the same make or model vehicle consecutively. There are too many alternative options. Many of our friends are all one brand family (e.g., all BMW, MB)- we are not. Just as we vacation in different places and do not repeat destination, with some family location exceptions.

We also are not set on EV only (I used to be and now I'm in the camp of use-case driven choices). For daily driver, it's definitely EV for running around and short trips.

 

[SANZC02]

I purchased a Tesla Model S in 2016 after driving it for a few months it came clear to me I was hooked on EVs. The ride, handling, and performance is what hooked me, started looking for an EV SUV to replace my Jeep GC. The R1S was, the first true EV SUV that could do that. It was a little bigger than the Jeep but covered all of the things I needed/wanted so was really the only choice out there.

Now we are looking for a new vehicle for my wife as she has been driving the Tesla and has come to enjoy the EV experience as well. Was going to get another R1S but she wanted something smaller so the R2 will be that vehicle. Looked at other EVs but the R2 is a better fit for us. Fortunately I was looking in that direction and was a day one R2 reservation holder.

 

[elektrode]

Wanted electric pickup. Cybertruck introduction was ridiculous and ugly AF. Cybertruck announcement day was the day that R1T as locked in for me.

Everything Chevy makes is gigantic. No thanks. Nothing interesting in Lightning over F150 (time reveals this as right choice).

 

[Proxy]

Me, R1T: I wanted an electric truck that was smaller than a full size truck (basically only the R1T is/was available). All the other positives were a bonus.

Spouse, R1S: wanted an electric SUV with a commanding seating position, preferably with three rows (basically only the R1S is/was available). All other positives were a bonus.

 

[VSG]

I bought my R1T because it has a really good Bib.

 

[pickupman2022]

Wanted electric truck, but not as big as GM or Ford. Cybertruck way too ugly. I owned an F-150 once but too big for my needs. I've usually had, S-10, Ranger, Tacoma size trucks.

 

[Arlodog]

When Rivian first launched, there weren’t many direct comparisons.

Now there are more options than ever.

Other EVs

• GM EV trucks (Silverado, GMC Sierra, HummerEV)
• Tesla Cybertruck

Soon to be released EVs

• Slate
• Scout Terra and Traveler
• Tacoma EV

Previous options (We hardly knew ye)

• Ford Lightning EV

Even traditional ICE trucks/SUVs like the Landrover Defender, Ineos Grenadier, and pick-ups from legacy OEMs still make a strong case.

So we’re curious.

What pulled you toward Rivian?

• Off-road capability
• Design and interior
• Electric drivetrain
• Adventure focus
• Something else entirely

Everyone’s path seems a little different.

What made you choose the R1T or R1S?


— Team Electruck

I had two Teslas (a 3 and a Y) but became uncomfortable with the company's leadership (no need to elaborate). I had known of Rivian all along and had been impressed by the company's way of careful and thoughtful development path. Although I didn't have a pressing need for a full-size pickup, I bailed out of Tesla and went with a 2025 R1T. Great ride, pretty intuitive tech, amazing storage capacity and solid fit and finish. Yes, I had the 12v battery blues once in winter weather but otherwise have had zero issues. Great vehicle, impressive company.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

1. It's a truck with off-pavement capability that doesn't guzzle gas. And in CA, where fuel prices are consistently the highest, that's a major factor.
2. Only truck alternative that existed was the Lightning, which is largely a F-150 that doesn't have a ICE—regardless of Ford's all-new claim, too much of it is the same-old stuff.
3. Original price felt fair. If it was today's price, I most likely wouldn't have done it.

 

[s4wrxttcs]

I think this questions really comes down to what manufactures are you comfortable with buying a product from, and what you're looking for.

When I got the R1T I was bored with passenger EV's and I wanted an adventure vehicle and the R1T/R1S was right up my alley. The biggest problem was deciding which one. I opted for the R1T not realizing that would be the perfect choice when I ended up buying a 2nd house. I had no reason to even think that would be something I would do. Who in the world needs TWO houses? Insane people is who.

I also wasn't too happy with Tesla and I had a Tesla at the time.

I'm pretty happy with Rivian which is kind of funny as there are things about my R1T that drive me bunkers. For example - The fob as key is absolutely broken.

The vehicle locks sometimes if I walk just a tiny amount around it.
The vehicle doesn't lock for at least a block while I'm walking away.
The vehicles doesn't open for a few seconds when I walk to it and I'm standing around looking like an idiot saying "open, open, open"

Anyways I think the fact that I'm keeping it for the foreseeable future means I made the right choice.

A lot of my love for the car likely has to do with it fitting my needs, and it being worth the amount I paid for it which is substantially less than new R1T Quads. Basically the replacement cost of something new/shiny is too high to bother with. Plus its a fast EV that can run things over. What else do you need? Butt Massagers?

Now that doesn't mean I won't look at augmenting it with an R2, Polestar, BMW.

I'm surprised that BMW would even enter my consideration but they seem to have done a good job with their EV lineup.

 

[Eeyore]

Electric
zero to 60 = really quick
Wanted a truck
Cool/useful storage areas
Can pull stuff if I need to.
Flashlight in the door

Sponsored