Sportsman
New Member
- First Name
- Tony
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2021
- Threads
- 0
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Cape Coral, FL
- Vehicles
- Audi SQ5
- Occupation
- VP - Sales
What follows are our observations from the First Mile Event on Saturday, October 2nd, in Normal, IL. We are pre-order holders for a Max Pack R1T, and our initial configuration was Glacier White exterior with Black Mountain interior and 20" AT tires.
This was my absolute first time seeing the R1T in person. Pictures do not do this vehicle justice! Seeing the fit and finish in person really brings home the premium feel of this truck. Additionally, the exterior and interior colors really need to be seen in person and also seem to change based on lighting. Saturday morning was overcast in Normal, and many of the colors looked different from photos we've seen online in full sun vs. shade. The Compass Yellow in particular, was much more a deep, rich yellow than any photos I've seen of it. I really liked it in person, but was outvoted 1-1 on this color. ;-) In fact, most colors on display (only ones we didn't see in person were Limestone and Canyon Red) looked much better than online photos. The only color we were not considering was Forrest Green, as that's just not our color, but to each their own. Interior color options also need to be seen in person, as these surprised us as well. Initially, we were leaning towards Black Mountain, as we've always been black interior people. However, there is a distinct green stitching to these seats that doesn't really come out in the online photos. Additionally, the black wood looked very ashy and washed out, at least in the overcast lighting. For us a turn-off, but again, to each their own. We were surprised to be drawn toward the Ocean Coast interior. It was much more a grey color, with slight hints of blue, in person. Additionally, we liked the black accent colors in the stitching and inserts. We are still not sold on the natural ash wood color, as it can appear a bit pinkish to whitewashed. We've heard in full sunlight, this has a much more natural tone. We would be tempted to darken this wood with a light over-stain someday, or alternatively change out the wood trim to the brown trim that comes with the green seating. That brown trim really pops. Would be interested to hear from others that are considering a similar move, as to how they think that might be possible.
Additional observations from this weekend:
I'm sure there's a lot I've missed. If you see anything in the pics you have questions about, let me know. Go see this vehicle in person when/if you have the chance. We drove 4.5 hours to do so, and it was well worth it!
- Most of the vehicles displayed the 20" AT tires, and none had the blacked out rims. We did not see an example of the 21" tires. The 22" tires were on a Rivian Blue model that was set to a "low" ride height. A really interesting look, almost "low-riderish" :-D. For contrast, there was an El Cap Grey set at a "high" ride height, and it too had a unique perspective. Interesting how the vehicle looks so different at different heights!
- The full size spare looks to be a nice add-on, especially if anyone is considering any off roading. Really liked how it is stowed in the bed, and can be removed, leaving an underbed storage space perfect for an improvised "tailgate cooler" that has a drain plug as well.
- The camp kitchen looked even more impressive in person. One aspect of the camp kitchen that hadn't caught my attention previously was that the whole unit was in three pieces that can be easily lifted off in sections by one person. Also, the water reservoir has a spray hose attachment that can really shoot water a good distance. Perfect for hosing off whatever needs cleaned.
- The ever-important cup holders were much more sturdy in person than they appeared online. They look entirely usable!
- Having not seen pictures of the all-weather floor mats previously, they were really attractive and functional looking in person, and the Rivian compass logo insert is a nice touch.
- The center console is huge! The gull wing opening is unique and took a bit for me to get use to, but overall very nice. The very large charging mat that sits in front of the console is a very nice touch and a perfect location, IMO. It also seems big enough to charge two phones at once, but I could only approximate this by placing my phone on the left and right side and confirming that my phone charged in both locations. There is also a slot at the front of the charging mat that allows one to prop their phone up for better viewing (although, obviously without charging).
- The frunk did not appear that large at first glance, but when you pop up the foldable floor (and snap in place at the back of the frunk with two magnetic latches) the depth really adds to the storage capacity. Probably not needed for a trip to the grocery store, but on long trips, you can throw bigger bags up front as well.
- Both front and rear seating was better than anticipated. I'm a big guy, 6'4" and head room was absolutely no problem, and seat comfort was great. Could do long trips without issue. Rear seating was even comfortable and enough leg room for my height.
- Interior, in general, was very pleasant. Very nice touches throughout. There were speakers EVERYWHERE, and sound quality was exceptional. The suede headliner looked (and felt) very classy in person. Wasn't sure about that when I heard it was suede. The wood grained interior was fantastic, although we're still not sold on colors.
- We didn't go into a deep dive on the infotainment center, as we could have spent all day and not giving it justice, but was impressed by all the camera views and the ability to do almost everything from the center screen. I'm still thinking it was a mistake not to include Sirius/XM radio, as this being sold as an adventure vehicle, there WILL be times when you are in the middle of nowhere and without cell service. It sure would be nice to be able to switch to Sirius/XM for content without having to worry about connecting your phone via bluetooth and making sure you've remembered to downloaded Spotify playlists to your phone!
- The removable bluetooth speaker under the center console sounds great! The one video I included was of it playing tunes at the camp kitchen setup. The video doesn't really do the speaker justice. It really pumps out tunes!
- One random observation to end: I've never really noticed the air scoop built into the front fender well before, but a nice style touch (that I'm sure is functional as well).
VIDEO:
What follows are our observations from the First Mile Event on Saturday, October 2nd, in Normal, IL. We are pre-order holders for a Max Pack R1T, and our initial configuration was Glacier White exterior with Black Mountain interior and 20" AT tires.
This was my absolute first time seeing the R1T in person. Pictures do not do this vehicle justice! Seeing the fit and finish in person really brings home the premium feel of this truck. Additionally, the exterior and interior colors really need to be seen in person and also seem to change based on lighting. Saturday morning was overcast in Normal, and many of the colors looked different from photos we've seen online in full sun vs. shade. The Compass Yellow in particular, was much more a deep, rich yellow than any photos I've seen of it. I really liked it in person, but was outvoted 1-1 on this color. ;-) In fact, most colors on display (only ones we didn't see in person were Limestone and Canyon Red) looked much better than online photos. The only color we were not considering was Forrest Green, as that's just not our color, but to each their own. Interior color options also need to be seen in person, as these surprised us as well. Initially, we were leaning towards Black Mountain, as we've always been black interior people. However, there is a distinct green stitching to these seats that doesn't really come out in the online photos. Additionally, the black wood looked very ashy and washed out, at least in the overcast lighting. For us a turn-off, but again, to each their own. We were surprised to be drawn toward the Ocean Coast interior. It was much more a grey color, with slight hints of blue, in person. Additionally, we liked the black accent colors in the stitching and inserts. We are still not sold on the natural ash wood color, as it can appear a bit pinkish to whitewashed. We've heard in full sunlight, this has a much more natural tone. We would be tempted to darken this wood with a light over-stain someday, or alternatively change out the wood trim to the brown trim that comes with the green seating. That brown trim really pops. Would be interested to hear from others that are considering a similar move, as to how they think that might be possible.
Additional observations from this weekend:
I'm sure there's a lot I've missed. If you see anything in the pics you have questions about, let me know. Go see this vehicle in person when/if you have the chance. We drove 4.5 hours to do so, and it was well worth it!
- Most of the vehicles displayed the 20" AT tires, and none had the blacked out rims. We did not see an example of the 21" tires. The 22" tires were on a Rivian Blue model that was set to a "low" ride height. A really interesting look, almost "low-riderish" :-D. For contrast, there was an El Cap Grey set at a "high" ride height, and it too had a unique perspective. Interesting how the vehicle looks so different at different heights!
- The full size spare looks to be a nice add-on, especially if anyone is considering any off roading. Really liked how it is stowed in the bed, and can be removed, leaving an underbed storage space perfect for an improvised "tailgate cooler" that has a drain plug as well.
- The camp kitchen looked even more impressive in person. One aspect of the camp kitchen that hadn't caught my attention previously was that the whole unit was in three pieces that can be easily lifted off in sections by one person. Also, the water reservoir has a spray hose attachment that can really shoot water a good distance. Perfect for hosing off whatever needs cleaned.
- The ever-important cup holders were much more sturdy in person than they appeared online. They look entirely usable!
- Having not seen pictures of the all-weather floor mats previously, they were really attractive and functional looking in person, and the Rivian compass logo insert is a nice touch.
- The center console is huge! The gull wing opening is unique and took a bit for me to get use to, but overall very nice. The very large charging mat that sits in front of the console is a very nice touch and a perfect location, IMO. It also seems big enough to charge two phones at once, but I could only approximate this by placing my phone on the left and right side and confirming that my phone charged in both locations. There is also a slot at the front of the charging mat that allows one to prop their phone up for better viewing (although, obviously without charging).
- The frunk did not appear that large at first glance, but when you pop up the foldable floor (and snap in place at the back of the frunk with two magnetic latches) the depth really adds to the storage capacity. Probably not needed for a trip to the grocery store, but on long trips, you can throw bigger bags up front as well.
- Both front and rear seating was better than anticipated. I'm a big guy, 6'4" and head room was absolutely no problem, and seat comfort was great. Could do long trips without issue. Rear seating was even comfortable and enough leg room for my height.
- Interior, in general, was very pleasant. Very nice touches throughout. There were speakers EVERYWHERE, and sound quality was exceptional. The suede headliner looked (and felt) very classy in person. Wasn't sure about that when I heard it was suede. The wood grained interior was fantastic, although we're still not sold on colors.
- We didn't go into a deep dive on the infotainment center, as we could have spent all day and not giving it justice, but was impressed by all the camera views and the ability to do almost everything from the center screen. I'm still thinking it was a mistake not to include Sirius/XM radio, as this being sold as an adventure vehicle, there WILL be times when you are in the middle of nowhere and without cell service. It sure would be nice to be able to switch to Sirius/XM for content without having to worry about connecting your phone via bluetooth and making sure you've remembered to downloaded Spotify playlists to your phone!
- The removable bluetooth speaker under the center console sounds great! The one video I included was of it playing tunes at the camp kitchen setup. The video doesn't really do the speaker justice. It really pumps out tunes!
- One random observation to end: I've never really noticed the air scoop built into the front fender well before, but a nice style touch (that I'm sure is functional as well).
VIDEO:
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