Another 3rd Row Question

[Guy]

Lack of demand for the 5 seat configuration can be blamed primarily on the lack of price difference between the 5 and 7 seat configurations. It never made sense that Rivian didn't charge extra for the third row when most manufacturers do. They even tried to downplay the amount of extra cargo space that was provided by the 5 seat configuration. Ultimately, the 5 seat configuration only made sense back when they were planning on using the third row space for the max pack, and in light of that being cancelled there was no longer a need to keep that space open.

Most people will be perfectly happy keeping the third row seats folded and unused. It's what I do currently on my Model X, and when I put them up it's usually to keep small cargo secure behind them rather than to seat anyone.

The Model X is not really well suited for a viable third row given the reduced headroom based on the shape of the vehicle. I agree the R1S does more than a minivan in terms of off-road ability but if a few inches is so critical to some on here then they need to look at other options.

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[Autolycus]

If I can figure out a clean way to remove the third row, I will.

I will be interested in seeing if anybody comes up with an easy way to remove the seats and a clever way to take advantage of the space. I probably won't bother with it myself... unless someone develops a really nice bin and floor board that I can drop in easily. Some extra hidden storage would be great.

 

[Singletracker]

Okay, we’re blowing right past the original estimate of three people who wanted/needed the 5 seater. Besides having absolutely no use for 7 seats, I need to mount my mountain bike inside the vehicle. That extra almost 3” of headroom would make it doable, without a lot of jacking around. In the 7 seater, it may be a challenge.

 

[R1Sky Business]

I think everyone knew the three was an estimate. The vast majority of the 25k plus reservations for the R1S want to use the third row at some point. Those that don’t can just fold them down, if space was so crucial but a minivan which is much more space efficient. Or wait for the R2 in 2024, not much later than most of us will get the R1S.

R2 probably arriving much later than 2024

 

[Guy]

R2 probably arriving much later than 2024

Well if it does then the Georgia factory has nothing to make. The R2 will be 2024.

 

[Guy]

Okay, we’re blowing right past the original estimate of three people who wanted/needed the 5 seater. Besides having absolutely no use for 7 seats, I need to mount my mountain bike inside the vehicle. That extra almost 3” of headroom would make it doable, without a lot of jacking around. In the 7 seater, it may be a challenge.

You may be upto a double digits! Doesn’t change the fact that very few wanted just five seats and that this is not even an option on competitor vehicles. The decision has been made by Rivian, move on.

 

[RoadRunner]

Another vote and reservation for 5 seat config. Never need more seats and would have preferred more cargo space or max battery pack. And when sleeping in the vehicle more headroom would be useful.

 

[Jac]

I also had my preorder configured as a 5-seater. I’m retired and don‘t foresee ever using a third row of seating. We do, however, travel regularly with our dogs riding in the “way back” of our Volvo wagon, and I was concerned the fold-down flat third row might leave gaps big enough that paws could slip into accidentally causing injury. The new third row requirement isn’t a deal killer — but we will be looking for a weatherproof tray that covers the area behind the second row in The R1S. Rivian doesn’t offer a weatherproof mat accessory to cover the area behind the second row seats, so I’m counting on one or both of the leading American manufacturers of aftermarket weatherproof mats (Husky or Weathertech) to introduce one by the time our R1S is delivered next year.

 

[jfornelli]

Another vote and reservation for 5 seat config. Never need more seats and would have preferred more cargo space or max battery pack. And when sleeping in the vehicle more headroom would be useful.

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