mini2nut
Well-Known Member
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- #1
I completed my R1T test drive this morning and wanted to share my initial thoughts and impressions. I have never seen an R1T up close and personal. I have only viewed them in traffic when they were moving.
STYLING
My initial styling impression? If Volvo built an all electric pickup truck this would be it.
The R1T is very impressive when seen in the flesh. What stood out to me was the front front end details. Itās not captured in photos and videos but the front end details were very well done. For example, the front LED light bar has small horizon lines imbedded into the lens cover. The headlights are very detailed and reminded me of jewelry. The design team spent lots of time getting this part of the truck correct and it shows.
INTERIOR
The BM interior was beautiful. You can tell that the interior design team was very talented and put a lot of time info picking the materials, colors and the overall design theme. All of the exterior colors go well with all of the interior colors. Not an easy feat to achieve. Again, photos donāt justice to how nice the interior looks in person. I inspected my early build test drive unit and found no flaws in the stitching, assembly, etc. Unfortunately they did not have a sample of the OC interior in the showroom. This was a bit disappointing as I chose this interior on my R1T Explore trim and wanted to see it in person.
EXTERIOR
The truck appeared slightly larger in person that photos have depicted. I think Rivian nailed it on sizing. Itās definitely smaller than an F150 but slightly larger than a 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma. The truck is handsome while not being too masculine. I can see the styling appealing to both sexes in focus groups. The charging door is an overly complex feat of engineering. Itās also located in a very vulnerable spot. This is one area where Rivian should have applied the KISS principle. I have a feeling the doors will fail after the factory warranty expires and owners will be facing an expensive repair bill.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I donāt have much to add here as tons of video reviews have been released since the R1T went on sale to the public. It has a very smooth āun-pickupā like ride thanks to the McLaren inspired air suspension on all four corners. I have been driving Toyota Tacomaās for the past 20 years and the R1T makes my Tacoma feel like a Flintstone mobile. I was truly spoiled after my test drive.
The exotic supercar performance is amazing. When launched the 7100 pound truck snaps your head back into the headrest. I didnāt feel any drivetrain clunking on my 5k mile test unit that some owners have complained about. I did hear some wind noise above 50mph. The Rivian rep said it was the mirrors but I think it has something to do with the window seals. The truck does give off a very subtle electric motor whine when accelerating but itās not obnoxious. I found the sound very soothing and Audi E-Tron like.
FIT AND FINISH
Let me start by saying that I am a very OCD person who is detailed oriented. All of the cans in the kitchen cabinets must be facing out so I can read them, etc. The first thing I notice on a vehicle are the shut lines. Your typical Porsche vehicle makes my OCD very happy. For the most part this German brand has this down to a science.
The doors have very satisfying solid āthunkā when closed. My test drive unit had zero squeaks or rattles, a huge pet peeve of mine. My early 1600 VIN of my test drive unit did show some panel issues. The tailgate gaps were not even on both sides, the charging door was misaligned and one of the Gear Tunnel doors had uneven gaps. I also took the liberty to inspect some other units at the service center. I am happy to report that fresh units looked great in the fit and finish department.
SUMMARY
I was very impressed this morning. I can see why reservation holders are eager to snap up their vehicles ASAP.
A quick word about the wheels. I configured the 20ā and they look fantastic in person. I didnāt care for the standard 21ā wheels. For some reason I liked them in photos but not when seen in the flesh. The 20ā black chrome wheels looked amazing on the Glacier White R1Tās. Only reservation holders can justify the extra $3500 plus $800 if they wanted the matching spare tire (a must have). I donāt understand how Rivian engineers got away with using 5-lug wheels on this four electric motor torque monster.
I will leave you with some R1T porn for your viewing pleasure. Cheers allā¦
STYLING
My initial styling impression? If Volvo built an all electric pickup truck this would be it.
The R1T is very impressive when seen in the flesh. What stood out to me was the front front end details. Itās not captured in photos and videos but the front end details were very well done. For example, the front LED light bar has small horizon lines imbedded into the lens cover. The headlights are very detailed and reminded me of jewelry. The design team spent lots of time getting this part of the truck correct and it shows.
INTERIOR
The BM interior was beautiful. You can tell that the interior design team was very talented and put a lot of time info picking the materials, colors and the overall design theme. All of the exterior colors go well with all of the interior colors. Not an easy feat to achieve. Again, photos donāt justice to how nice the interior looks in person. I inspected my early build test drive unit and found no flaws in the stitching, assembly, etc. Unfortunately they did not have a sample of the OC interior in the showroom. This was a bit disappointing as I chose this interior on my R1T Explore trim and wanted to see it in person.
EXTERIOR
The truck appeared slightly larger in person that photos have depicted. I think Rivian nailed it on sizing. Itās definitely smaller than an F150 but slightly larger than a 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma. The truck is handsome while not being too masculine. I can see the styling appealing to both sexes in focus groups. The charging door is an overly complex feat of engineering. Itās also located in a very vulnerable spot. This is one area where Rivian should have applied the KISS principle. I have a feeling the doors will fail after the factory warranty expires and owners will be facing an expensive repair bill.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I donāt have much to add here as tons of video reviews have been released since the R1T went on sale to the public. It has a very smooth āun-pickupā like ride thanks to the McLaren inspired air suspension on all four corners. I have been driving Toyota Tacomaās for the past 20 years and the R1T makes my Tacoma feel like a Flintstone mobile. I was truly spoiled after my test drive.
The exotic supercar performance is amazing. When launched the 7100 pound truck snaps your head back into the headrest. I didnāt feel any drivetrain clunking on my 5k mile test unit that some owners have complained about. I did hear some wind noise above 50mph. The Rivian rep said it was the mirrors but I think it has something to do with the window seals. The truck does give off a very subtle electric motor whine when accelerating but itās not obnoxious. I found the sound very soothing and Audi E-Tron like.
FIT AND FINISH
Let me start by saying that I am a very OCD person who is detailed oriented. All of the cans in the kitchen cabinets must be facing out so I can read them, etc. The first thing I notice on a vehicle are the shut lines. Your typical Porsche vehicle makes my OCD very happy. For the most part this German brand has this down to a science.
The doors have very satisfying solid āthunkā when closed. My test drive unit had zero squeaks or rattles, a huge pet peeve of mine. My early 1600 VIN of my test drive unit did show some panel issues. The tailgate gaps were not even on both sides, the charging door was misaligned and one of the Gear Tunnel doors had uneven gaps. I also took the liberty to inspect some other units at the service center. I am happy to report that fresh units looked great in the fit and finish department.
SUMMARY
I was very impressed this morning. I can see why reservation holders are eager to snap up their vehicles ASAP.
A quick word about the wheels. I configured the 20ā and they look fantastic in person. I didnāt care for the standard 21ā wheels. For some reason I liked them in photos but not when seen in the flesh. The 20ā black chrome wheels looked amazing on the Glacier White R1Tās. Only reservation holders can justify the extra $3500 plus $800 if they wanted the matching spare tire (a must have). I donāt understand how Rivian engineers got away with using 5-lug wheels on this four electric motor torque monster.
I will leave you with some R1T porn for your viewing pleasure. Cheers allā¦
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