I DITCHED MY TESLA FOR A RIVIAN | THE TRUTH 1 WEEK LATER

EV Channels Review

After a week of extensive testing, the reviewer concludes that while the Rivian R1S offers a compelling and versatile alternative to Tesla, it ultimately falls short in key areas for their personal preference. The R1S impresses with its unique design, practical split tailgate, spacious interior, and customizable driving dynamics, feeling more luxurious and adaptable than a Tesla. However, the reviewer criticizes the clunky software interface, particularly the HVAC controls, and the less refined ride quality compared to Tesla's suspension, especially in sport mode. The lack of a full self-driving equivalent and the perceived immaturity of the software, described as feeling like a 'startup experience,' are significant drawbacks. Ultimately, the reviewer's preference for cutting-edge technology, rapid software updates, and the advanced FSD capabilities of Tesla leads them to decide against switching, despite acknowledging the R1S's strengths in versatility and premium feel.