"The Straight Pipes" guys hammer the R1S (Gen 2) for 30 minutes straight

[narmstrong79]

While these guys aren't the most EV friendly reviewers, a lot driven by how bad the charging infostructure is in North America, they really beat-up on the drivability of the R1S tri motor in this review. They make some fair points, but overall they didn't enjoy it.

Yuri was getting motion sickness from the launches and acceleration.




YouTube Ai Summery

The video is a review of the 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2 tri-motor all-terrain package.
Here are the key highlights:
Positive Aspects:

• Performance: 850 horsepower, 1103 lb-ft of torque, 0-60mph in under 3 seconds (0:31, 13:52).
• Interior: High-quality materials, comfortable seats, cool digital displays powered by Unreal Engine, including a high-res 360-degree camera (2:02, 14:09, 16:36).
• Exterior: Boxy yet rounded design, updated LED lights, and optional disc-style wheels (1:56, 4:28).
• Space: Large trunk space with three rows up, although the load floor is high (7:45).
• Off-road Capabilities: (All-terrain package) Reinforced underbody protection and onboard air compressor for tire inflation/deflation (3:05).

Negative Aspects:

• Suspension: Too firm and crashy, especially in sport mode, described as the worst part of the car (14:16, 29:18).
• Key Fob/Digital Access: Complicated setup process for phone and key card access, with potential unlocking issues (7:45, 11:22).
• Lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Built-in infotainment system is the only option, with limited voice control and traffic display (1:08, 18:57).
• Optional Extras: Features like hands-free cruise control, lane centering, and Spotify are initially trials requiring separate paid subscriptions (25:58).
• Price: Starts at $174,600 CAD (tri-motor), which is very expensive (28:57).

Overall:
While the Rivian R1S Gen 2 offers impressive performance, space, and off-road potential, the firm suspension and lack of certain key features, like Apple CarPlay and full voice control, might make it a hard sell for some, especially considering the high price tag.

Sponsored

 

[risingphoenix]

Yuri was getting motion sickness from the launches and acceleration.

That's a feature, not a bug.

 

[MidnightRivian]

At least for Gen 1 after the most recent update, I noticed the suspension improved a lot for Sport along with Moderate and Soft actually being usable in both All purpose / Sport

Previously sport lowest with firm was jarring. Now sport lowest with firm is not jarring and even soft is usable because it's a good mix between firm and soft. Both settings on AT I feel like have improved.

I am very happy with the most recent update and would recommend these Youtubers download the most recent update and learn one pedal driving.

 

[narmstrong79]

At least for Gen 1 I noticed the suspension improved a lot for Sport along with Moderate and Soft actually being usable in both All purpose / Sport

Previously sport lowest with firm was jarring. Now sport lowest with firm is not jarring and even soft is usable because it's a good mix between firm and soft. Both settings on AT I feel like have improved.

I am very happy with the most recent update and would recommend these Youtubers download the most recent update and learn one pedal driving.

It's funny, in their rants they did say owners would respond with this as their comment.

 

[MidnightRivian]

I personally haven't watched the video.

I am interested in what version update they have installed on their Tri-Max.

The most recent update was a very nice and much needed improvement in ride quality.

To me the vehicle is getting better and better every quarter thanks to over the air updates from Rivian.

 

[narmstrong79]

I personally haven't watched the video.

I am interested in what version update they have installed on their Tri-Max.

The most recent update was a very nice and much needed improvement in ride quality.

To me the vehicle is getting better and better every quarter thanks to over the air updates from Rivian.

My guess is they are on 2025.06, they note they have the audio improvements.

I agree, But i have never been one to complain about the suspension, which was every reviewers gripe on gen 1. Even when i got my gen 1 a year ago before they tuned it. it's not perfect and I haven't driven another car in this size for a long time, but this feel comfortable to me.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Suspension has improved substantally in the latest update. I wouldn't expect someone titled as "the straight pipes" to be a fair and unbiased review.

 

[Nixapatfan]

I thought they were mostly fair with their criticisms a lot of those are the same things I really don't like about mine and we see those same complaints on this forum. Most are all minor things and owners can easily dismiss them but as reviewers it is their job to point out all these things.

 

[CarGuyCarl]

The proper settings and environment make or break how the suspension on these behave and feel.

Also: Savagegeese > Straightpipes

 

[mpshizzle]

Yeah... most of the review was them complaining about phone as a key (which they didn't use) and them turning on sport mode, then complaining about the suspension.

Honestly it felt like they didn't really want to be reviewing it

 

[McLovin]

Yuri was getting motion sickness from the launches and acceleration.

I mean…drive it like a normal human being, not like you’re on the drag strip. I highly doubt the average driver is going hit launch mode on the way to their kid’s soccer game.

 

[DaveA]

I agree with them all day on the suspension, before and after updates. #1 complaint about the vehicle. The update is maybe a 10% improvement, so I wouldn't expect them to change their view much.

 

[mpshizzle]

I agree with them all day on the suspension, before and after updates. #1 complaint about the vehicle. The update is maybe a 10% improvement, so I wouldn't expect them to change their view much.

The suspension is not as good as other brands - even with the improvement. That said, I think they were hammering it disproportionately. They were in sport mode the entire time they were whining about it. I agree, sport mode is very punishing, but AP, standard, soft is VERRRYYY different. Still not the best of the best, but not as awful as they made it out to be

 

[BlixemT]

Didn't they also run it in Conserve mode through Cliche Corner, then complain about suspension and understeer?

Does conserve mode drop the suspension and make it front wheel drive only?

 

[iansriv]

Never heard of them. There are a lot of good reviews out there that point out the good, the bad and the ugly. I've yet to find a car that is absolutely perfect in every aspect to every owner.

Sponsored