tylerdurden03
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2023
- Threads
- 3
- Messages
- 97
- Reaction score
- 74
- Location
- Mammoth Lakes
- Vehicles
- Rivian R1T, Jeep GC Trailhawk, Tesla Model 3
- Thread starter
- #1
Review of Rivian R1T Quad Motor
I received my 2023 Quad Motor Forest Green R1T with the Adventure Package in May 2023, so I’ve had it for nearly two years.
Current Mileage: 33,000 miles
Tires: 20-inch stock All-Terrain / 20-inch Nokian Hakkapeliitta Winter Tires (swapped seasonally)
I received my 2023 Quad Motor Forest Green R1T with the Adventure Package in May 2023, so I’ve had it for nearly two years.
Current Mileage: 33,000 miles
Tires: 20-inch stock All-Terrain / 20-inch Nokian Hakkapeliitta Winter Tires (swapped seasonally)
Why I Chose the Rivian R1T
In 2023, I started searching for a replacement for my Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which had 50,000 miles and was at risk of breaking down in remote areas. I considered various SUVs and trucks, including the Land Rover Defender and Ford F-150, but when I discovered the Rivian it started to seriously intrigue me. The waitlist initially deterred me, but that all started to change around this time in 2023 and I was fortunate to find an R1T available with just a week's lead time. After a test drive, I placed my order without hesitation.
The day we got the truck, my son and I had a blast exploring its features. It was such a fun experience, and since then, we've created countless memories using it as an adventure vehicle—perfectly aligning with Rivian’s ethos.
I absolutely love this truck. Beyond Rivian (the company) core values, it enables me to pursue adventure. I split my time between Los Angeles and Mammoth Lakes, driving back and forth 2-3 times a month (hence the high mileage after less than two years). Equipped with winter tires, it handles snow incredibly well.
I also own a Tesla Model 3, which I purchased before the Rivian, so I have a solid perspective on the EV experience. Tesla’s software remains more advanced, but Rivian has made impressive progress. Rivian is now a close second to Tesla in the EV landscape from my perspective.. I keep my Model 3 for its size and convenience in urban Los Angeles, though my son always prefers riding in the Rivian.
Having home charging for both vehicles is a major advantage. While I do spend time charging on road trips, home charging makes ownership far easier. For anyone considering an EV for the first time, I would suggest that home charging is one of the best parts of EV ownership.
I don’t use Driver+ in my Rivian or Tesla. I’ve tested both in the open roads of the California desert, but unexpected braking made me lose confidence in the technology. While it’s improving, I don’t find it necessary.
For my lifestyle—mountain trips, snow driving, mountain biking, and beach outings—the R1T is perfect.
In 2023, I started searching for a replacement for my Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which had 50,000 miles and was at risk of breaking down in remote areas. I considered various SUVs and trucks, including the Land Rover Defender and Ford F-150, but when I discovered the Rivian it started to seriously intrigue me. The waitlist initially deterred me, but that all started to change around this time in 2023 and I was fortunate to find an R1T available with just a week's lead time. After a test drive, I placed my order without hesitation.
The day we got the truck, my son and I had a blast exploring its features. It was such a fun experience, and since then, we've created countless memories using it as an adventure vehicle—perfectly aligning with Rivian’s ethos.
I absolutely love this truck. Beyond Rivian (the company) core values, it enables me to pursue adventure. I split my time between Los Angeles and Mammoth Lakes, driving back and forth 2-3 times a month (hence the high mileage after less than two years). Equipped with winter tires, it handles snow incredibly well.
I also own a Tesla Model 3, which I purchased before the Rivian, so I have a solid perspective on the EV experience. Tesla’s software remains more advanced, but Rivian has made impressive progress. Rivian is now a close second to Tesla in the EV landscape from my perspective.. I keep my Model 3 for its size and convenience in urban Los Angeles, though my son always prefers riding in the Rivian.
Having home charging for both vehicles is a major advantage. While I do spend time charging on road trips, home charging makes ownership far easier. For anyone considering an EV for the first time, I would suggest that home charging is one of the best parts of EV ownership.
I don’t use Driver+ in my Rivian or Tesla. I’ve tested both in the open roads of the California desert, but unexpected braking made me lose confidence in the technology. While it’s improving, I don’t find it necessary.
For my lifestyle—mountain trips, snow driving, mountain biking, and beach outings—the R1T is perfect.
Interior Design & Comfort
The interior works well for me. The seats are comfortable, and the finish is good. The ride quality is far superior to my Model 3, which I find uncomfortably stiff, making every bump noticeable. The Rivian, in standard height, offers a much more comfortable ride.
The interior works well for me. The seats are comfortable, and the finish is good. The ride quality is far superior to my Model 3, which I find uncomfortably stiff, making every bump noticeable. The Rivian, in standard height, offers a much more comfortable ride.
Service Experience
Rivian’s customer service has always been good on the phone or in chat. The main issue is making appointments—service centers seem overwhelmed with requests, often requiring months to book non-urgent repairs. While the quality of service is good, the long wait times are frustrating.
Rivian’s customer service has always been good on the phone or in chat. The main issue is making appointments—service centers seem overwhelmed with requests, often requiring months to book non-urgent repairs. While the quality of service is good, the long wait times are frustrating.
What I Love
- RAN charging network – Reliable and convenient for my frequent road trips.
- Gear Tunnel storage – Innovative and highly useful.
- Rivian Crossbars – Best in class, easy to install and remove.
- Off-road and snow capability – Excellent with winter tires.
- Interior space – Perfect for my needs.
- Software improvements – Initially just acceptable, but now excellent. The truck keeps improving monthly, which is amazing.
What Could Be Improved
- Proximity locking/unlocking – Too sensitive; Tesla’s implementation is better. This is one of the most annoying aspects of the truck.
- Range – Always wishing for more; a true 350+ miles would be ideal.
- Regenerative braking – No option to turn it fully off; Snow Mode helps, but full control would be ideal.
- Service wait times in LA – Unacceptably long (3-6 months for non-essential repairs); third-party service options would help.
- Glass roof – Needs better ventilation; aftermarket cover necessary.
Notable Road Trips
- Big Sur: Drove from LA to Big Sur last summer, camping and staying at hotels along the way. Used Electrify America chargers without issues.
- Lake Tahoe: Road-tripped from LA to Tahoe, camping at various locations. Charged using Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) and Electrify America, both problem-free.
- Mammoth Lakes: Frequent trips from LA to Mammoth. With three RAN chargers along the route, I rely entirely on Rivian’s network.
Rivian Community
While I haven’t participated in many Rivian community events, I plan to when my schedule allows. The few events I’ve attended at local Rivian Spaces have been great, and I appreciate the community’s shared passion for the outdoors.
While I haven’t participated in many Rivian community events, I plan to when my schedule allows. The few events I’ve attended at local Rivian Spaces have been great, and I appreciate the community’s shared passion for the outdoors.
Service History
- 6/16/23: Spare tire provided (not included at the time of purchase but expected).
- 10/12/23: TPMS sensor issue resolved.
- 3/20/24: Passenger-side door panel misalignment fixed.
- 6/28/24: Additional panel alignment repair needed, resolved successfully.
- 12/5/24: Windshield replacement.
- Present: Auto wipers stopped functioning post-windshield replacement; service appointment scheduled.
Issues Encountered
Cracked Windshield & Wiper Failure
After years of driving with no windshield issues, I finally got one this past December. A rock hit my windshield while following an 18-wheeler truck, causing a small chip that turned into a crack by the time I reached wintery Mammoth Lakes. Oddly, the passenger-side windshield wiper stopped working afterward. Rivian support claimed this was unrelated, but I believe the windshield crack triggered the issue. Unfortunately, I had to endure a major snowstorm with only one functional wiper. While Rivian prioritized my repair due to safety concerns, the design flaw (wipers possibly being overly sensitive to windshield integrity) is concerning.
Cracked Windshield & Wiper Failure
After years of driving with no windshield issues, I finally got one this past December. A rock hit my windshield while following an 18-wheeler truck, causing a small chip that turned into a crack by the time I reached wintery Mammoth Lakes. Oddly, the passenger-side windshield wiper stopped working afterward. Rivian support claimed this was unrelated, but I believe the windshield crack triggered the issue. Unfortunately, I had to endure a major snowstorm with only one functional wiper. While Rivian prioritized my repair due to safety concerns, the design flaw (wipers possibly being overly sensitive to windshield integrity) is concerning.
Accessories & Customizations
- iKamper rooftop tent
- BuiltRight Molle Panels (bed storage)
- BestEVMod Truck Bed Liner
- 3D MAXpider Kagu Floor Mats
- TWraps Backseat Storage Dividers
- Smartliner Frunk Liner
- Interrobang Tonneau Cover
- Rivian Crossbars (absolutely love them!)
Previous Vehicles Owned
- Ford Bronco
- Ford Escort GT
- Ford Mustang GT
- Honda Accord
- Ford Explorer II
- Audi S4, S5, SQ5
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- Tesla Model 3 (still own and drive)
- Rivian R1T
Conclusion
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and certainly my favorite. The company’s values align with mine, which is an important factor for my major purchases. I plan to upgrade to a new truck when Rivian offers a true 350+ mile range, allowing me to drive from LA to Mammoth without multiple charges.
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and certainly my favorite. The company’s values align with mine, which is an important factor for my major purchases. I plan to upgrade to a new truck when Rivian offers a true 350+ mile range, allowing me to drive from LA to Mammoth without multiple charges.
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