Panel gaps

[mzdds]

Since we see a lot of scrutinization of the panel gaps on the Rivian, I notice that it is not just a Rivian issue. Brand new Toyotas and Mercedes have similar issues maybe not as bad. These guys are considered two of the best car manufacturers. The misalignment of the lift gate on the sequoia and the passenger side roof line/lift gate on the EQS.

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[Zoidz]

Interesting, but need more examples? I have to wonder if these vehicles were involved in body repairs, causing the misalignment. No way to know, just mentioning the possibility….

 

[Paradigm_Shift]

Those look pretty subtle to my eyes -the viewing angle might even play a factor. My R1S is scheduled for corrective work at the SC. Some of my panels are not even co-planer with adjacent panels. I would not say it is horrible but it is clearly outside of what should be considered acceptable for any modern vehicle. I look at my Audi and my wife's Honda and they are nearly perfect by comparison.

 

[COdogman]

Rivian definitely needs to improve this and become more consistent with what comes out of Normal, but it’s also somewhat subjective. Some won’t tolerate any imperfect gaps while others don’t expect it to be perfect so they say nothing. Mine looks pretty damned good to me, but I’m sure someone else could find fault with it.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I don't see a problem with the Mercedes in the second picture. The Toyota I do, but the Mercedes looks fine to me. I'm not a huge panel gap guy unless they are extremely obvious I couldn't care less. When I have to stare at the picture to see it I have bigger things to worry about.

 

[madgrey]

Panel gaps are one of those things that are difficult to un-see once you start to be aware and notice them. Since all the talk on this forum, I've been noticing them more on other vehicles but I rarely see anything as glaring as some of the R1S lift-gate issues that get posted.

 

[MrMusAddict]

Since we see a lot of scrutinization of the panel gaps on the Rivian, I notice that it is not just a Rivian issue. Brand new Toyotas and Mercedes have similar issues maybe not as bad. These guys are considered two of the best car manufacturers. The misalignment of the lift gate on the sequoia and the passenger side roof line/lift gate on the EQS.

I know your post is in defense of Rivian (I agree), but I just don't understand any of the panel gap discussion.

This is about the only panel gap I'd be concerned about:

 

[ads75]

I know Tesla's used to have some really bad panel gaps. And some still do. Tesla seemed to bring to the forefront the battle against panel gaps, unintentionally. And some Rivians have gaps (mine is fine to me anyway). I feel like when some of these pictures of extreme examples started to appear online, it made more people "experts" and more critical. They post pictures of examples online, but often the pictures aren't straight on, they are angled. There are shadows that come into play. And sometimes, their expectations are overboard.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Go with black if you care about panel gaps. PPF the paint if you care about swirls or want a vehicle that's easy to wash.

 

[DaveA]

Since we see a lot of scrutinization of the panel gaps on the Rivian, I notice that it is not just a Rivian issue. Brand new Toyotas and Mercedes have similar issues maybe not as bad. These guys are considered two of the best car manufacturers. The misalignment of the lift gate on the sequoia and the passenger side roof line/lift gate on the EQS.

Honestly, I had to look harrrd to see what you are mentioning. I think the first one looks off because of angle of pic. ?‍

 

[superfly_snook]

It’s weird but my R1S was fine for like a week and then the right passenger door began to “pop” and interfere with the front door. Been having to open the front first before that rear door while waiting for my service appt. It makes a heck of a bad sound and anytime someone forgets and pulls that door open first I cringe. So, at least in my case it was fine at delivery and then something changed.

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