EVERYTHING I LOVE & HATE ABOUT OUR NEW RIVIAN R1S AFTER DRIVING IT 1,000 MILES HOME

EV Channels Review

After 1,000 miles on a road trip, the Rivian R1S (Gen 2) presents a mixed bag of improvements and persistent issues. Positives include significantly enhanced headlight performance with impressive adaptive high beams, a more livable, though still not premium, sound system, and improved software stability. The interior, particularly the Ocean Coast spec, is lauded as gorgeous. However, major drawbacks persist. Real-world highway efficiency falls far short of the EPA estimate, achieving only around 1.8-2.0 miles per kWh instead of the expected 2.8-2.9. Charging performance is also a significant disappointment, with peak charging speeds around 210 kW and slow charging curves, especially at higher states of charge, making road trips lengthy. The driving dynamics are a major concern, with the vehicle described as "nervous" and exhibiting excessive sway and body heave on the highway, a stark contrast to the R1T. Build quality issues, including squeaky door handles and multiple interior rattles on a new, expensive vehicle, are also highlighted. While the vehicle offers impressive capability and looks, these fundamental issues detract from its premium appeal.