100 Days with the Rivian R1S Gen 2: Thoughts from a 7-Year Tesla Owner
- Ivan W
- Dec 31, 2024
- 9 min read
In September 2024, I took delivery of my first Rivian: the 2025 Rivian R1S Adventure Dual Max. Over the past 100 days, I’ve logged 2,500+ miles with it, and it’s been quite a journey. While I’ve enjoyed the R1S, it hasn’t been without challenges—my vehicle has been serviced three times, with two additional mobile service appointments. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to drive three different Rivian Quad-motor Gen 1 loaners, adding another 2,000 miles to my Rivian experience. As a long-time Tesla owner (almost 8 years and 3 vehicles), here are my candid thoughts on the R1S. Keep reading for the full story.
A DECENT ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Electric vehicles are, quite simply, better cars. They’re faster, smarter, handle better, safer, more versatile, and much easier to maintain. Anyone who disagrees really needs to experience one long-term to fully appreciate the difference.
The drive and ride quality of the Gen 2 R1S is exceptional. Rivian’s new Enduro drive system delivers impressive power and a smooth driving experience, making it a joy to be behind the wheel. Paired with the improved suspension system, the overall experience feels far more refined compared to Gen 1 models equipped with Bosch motors and the older suspension. Yes, I like to drive my Rivian R1S more than my 2023 Tesla Model X. While it’s not the most efficient EV given its shape, size, and weight, the range of battery size options and the ever-expanding Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) charging infrastructure make it a solid road-trip choice—at least here in California. At 6’3”, I’ve also found the seats significantly more comfortable than those in my Tesla Model X.
That said, the Rivian R1S isn’t for everyone. Its boxy design and cute, rounded headlights aren’t universally loved. Additionally, the vehicle’s height can make access a bit challenging for some, and the generously sized seats might feel too large for smaller individuals. My wife for example complains about the lack of neck support as her head barely touches the headrest.
Build quality is a common issue among newer EV manufacturers, and Rivian is no exception. Having owned three Teslas, my expectations for American EVs are admittedly tempered, but even so, my brand-new Rivian R1S left much to be desired. Panel gaps, misalignment issues, broken trim clips in the hood, and a door rubber seal that fell off within two weeks are just a few of the problems I’ve encountered. While every manufacturer occasionally delivers vehicles with assembly flaws, the average build quality of American EVs still lags behind their German, Japanese, Korean, and believe it or not, Chinese counterparts. The Chinese and Korean brands now boast excellent fit and finish, often deliver vehicles at half the price of their American competitors. To be clear, as a Taiwanese American who grew up in Taiwan, it takes a lot for me to admit that Chinese cars are well-built today.
For those new to my blog, you can reference my previous articles and picutrues in them to see what issues my vehicle ran into:
Despite its imperfections, the R1S is still a compelling EV. With a powerful drivetrain, a smooth ride, and thoughtful design features, it’s a strong contender for those looking for a capable and adventurous electric SUV. But like any product, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you.
If you're going to join the Rivian club, don't forget to use my referal link so you can earn up to $750 in merch credit, plus free charging for 6 months.
ADAS (AUTONOMY+): MIXED FEELINGS
Having used Tesla’s Autopilot daily since 2016 and FSD since its initial release in 2020—while driving over 35,000 miles annually—I believe I’m well-positioned to provide informed insights on this topic.
Rivian’s ADAS system, branded as Autonomy+ in Gen 2 vehicles, has left me with mixed feelings. While the system performs the basics okay, it lacks the polish and reliability of more mature systems like Tesla’s Autopilot or even GM’s Super Cruise. What’s shocking to me is that they plan to start charging owners a fee for certain features, like auto-lane changing, despite the system’s already limited capabilities. At this point, it’s unclear whether it will be a flat fee or a monthly subscription, but either option feels off-putting.
So, what does Autonomy+ offer today? When available—meaning when the vehicle’s cameras can clearly detect lane markings and on highways—you can activate it to keep your vehicle centered in the lane and drive autonomously at your desired speed, up to 85 mph. To initiate a lane change, simply use the left stalk to activate your turn signal, and the vehicle will assess the surroundings and complete the lane change safely.
The interface is intuitive, and the lane-keeping feature is reasonably effective, but there are noticeable inconsistencies—especially on roads with faded lane markings or sharp curves. On multiple occasions, the system has struggled with over-correcting, or not correcting, during lane centering, which can be both frustrating and dangerous. What’s more concerning is that this limited auto lane changing feature is slated to become a paid feature once the trial period ends—originally planned for the end of 2024 but now extended to “early 2025.” And yes, that’s all it does today. No summon, no city street self driving, and no auto park.
To be clear, when it works, it’s smooth and performs well, but Rivian’s Autonomy+ faces stiff competition. As someone who drives from LA to the Bay Area every month, I’ve found the system frequently disengages, displaying a “No road information detected” message and asking me to take over. On this route alone, I roughly calculated that this notification appeared about 30 times. It disengages even when the lane markings are clear sometimes. For comparison, my 2017 Model S asked me to take over maybe once or twice during the same trip in 2017. If you’re coming from a traditional vehicle without ADAS, it’s a significant upgrade. However, if you’re used to Tesla’s system, as I am, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Overall, Autonomy+ with all the hardware (camera, computing power) upgrades is a solid effort, but it feels like a work in progress. For those who prioritize cutting-edge driver assistance, it may not yet meet expectations. For others who use ADAS sparingly, it’s likely sufficient, with room for improvement in future updates.
One standout feature I’d highlight is the cameras in Gen 2 vehicles—they’re far superior to those in Gen 1 models and even newer Tesla vehicles. The image clarity, both during the day and at night, is exceptionally good. Additionally, the ability to display the camera feed directly in front of the driver when the turn signal is engaged greatly enhances the experience. This is a significant improvement over Tesla, which only displays the feed on the center screen—even on models like the Model X and Model S, which have a screen behind the steering wheel.
AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE VEHICLE
The main reason I chose the Rivian R1S is its unparalleled capability for adventure. I’ve always wanted to spend more time outdoors and take my 4-year-old camping and exploring, and the R1S opens up far more possibilities than my Model X ever could. Its spacious interior provides ample storage and even allows you to comfortably camp in the back with the AC running—perfect for making memories on the road.
I’ve done car camping a few times in the R1S using the Exped Magmat Auto, and it’s been an awesome experience. While it's not custom made for the R1S, it fits quiet well. Rivian has even partnered with Hest to create a custom mattress that fits perfectly in the rear of the vehicle, making it even more convenient.
For those wondering where I store my gear while sleeping in the car, I use the Pakmule Scout hitch carrier. It’s perfect for holding storage boxes, my portable BBQ grill, campfire wood, and other items I prefer to keep outside the vehicle. It’s a game-changer for keeping the interior organized and clutter-free during camping trips. It holds up to 500 lbs, and my kid seemed to like it, too.
The off-road capability, adjustable air suspension, and power export features make the R1S an exceptional camping rig. You can auto-level the vehicle in just 5 minutes, pull 1,500 W directly from the car to power your gear, and stay off-grid for up to 5 days. My Dual Max consumes about 10% battery per night with the AC on, and when I camped in my rooftop tent using an electric space heater, it drained only 5% per night.
Speaking of the rooftop, the R1S can handle significant weight—its two crossbars support up to 780 lbs (static). I mounted my iKamper Skycamp DLX, a spacious 4-person tent weighing only 165 lbs, and the installation was a breeze. It’s a fantastic option for camping enthusiasts, doubling as a treehouse for kids! Highly recommend it for those who want comfort and adventure combined.
I didn’t have a chance to plan my next camping trip, so I decided to camp at home earlier this week…
CHARGING
When it comes to EVs, people often ask how far they can go on a single charge, how convenient they are, and how fast they charge. I’ve seen plenty of misleading comments online claiming EVs are dumb, charging takes forever, and chargers are hard to find. While that might have been true 15 years ago, it’s far from the reality today. In the U.S., chargers are everywhere, even in rural places, by the national parks, and the network is expanding rapidly. With almost all automakers adopting Tesla’s NACS standard, DC fast charging is now almost comparable in time to filling up a gas tank.
While Rivian chargers aren’t typically found in urban areas, they’re strategically located along road trip routes. The R1S may not have the fastest charging speeds, but I can consistently reach 150 kW at fast chargers. Since you rarely arrive at a charger with 0% battery, charging from 20% to 80% takes about 20 to 40 minutes—just enough time for a restroom break or a quick stop for food or coffee.
For commuters, it’s worth noting that the average American drives about 25 miles per day. With modern EVs offering at least 200 miles of range on a full charge, you rarely need to visit a public charger. Simply plug in at home after work, and your vehicle will be fully charged by morning, even without a Level 2 charger. It’s that simple. Think about the time you’ve spent detouring to gas stations—filling up takes longer than five minutes if you time it, and that’s without considering the extra travel time.
My only complaint about the Rivian R1 vehicles is the location of the charge port. It’s awkwardly positioned for Tesla Superchargers, often requiring you to take up two charging spots or block the road. Hopefully, Rivian addresses this in future designs.
EVOLVING INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
If you ask me, Tesla is still years ahead of the competition in terms of software, but Rivian isn’t far behind. The system is well thought out and has significant potential for improvement over time. Since taking delivery, I’ve received four OTA updates, each bringing noticeable improvements to the UI and UX. The most recent update even introduced the long-awaited Google Cast and a native YouTube app. However, for some reason, it doesn’t allow switching between different channels under my Google account, a feature standard on most smart TVs.
Beyond streaming, there are a few areas I’d like to see improved. First, once you’re driving, if you adjust your seat, steering wheel, or mirrors, you can’t simply hit “restore” to revert to the saved configuration until you're parked, which feels counterintuitive. Also, while camping, basic features like activating or deactivating camp mode must be done via the CID (central display), as they’re not accessible through the mobile app. Auto-leveling should also be app-controlled—being stuck in the vehicle for five minutes while it levels itself isn’t ideal, especially when your kid is running around the campsite.
I’m confident these are simple fixes that will be addressed in future updates. If you’re coming from traditional vehicles, Rivian will feel like a tech upgrade. However, if you’re accustomed to Tesla, there might be a slight adjustment period—but nothing major.
On another note, the audio system has seen significant improvements since my initial review. Premium Audio is now something I can recommend. That said, I recently discovered that Rivian bundles the Dynamic Roof with Premium Audio, which feels unnecessary. For those of us who use a rooftop tent or rack system, the Dynamic Roof adds little to no value, making it a frustrating upsell.
QUALITY CONTROL & SERVICE
This is definitely an area where Rivian needs to improve. There are plenty of growing pains, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way, as I’ve read many similar frustrations from other owners online. My experience with Rivian service has been mixed. While the sales staff have been friendly and accommodating, the service quality has often been disappointing.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I initially encountered service staff who gave me an “it is what it is” attitude, trying to convince me to just accept the issues and go home. After escalating the situation to some higher-up contacts at Rivian, a different team reached out and handled the issues professionally. They took the time to get things right and avoided the rookie responses I had previously received, such as “it’s within spec,” “that’s Rivian’s quality standard,” or “it’s not a Gen 1.”
Special thanks to Joe and Hector at the Eastvale service centers, along with the technicians who came to my home to address the issues. Their effort and professionalism made a big difference!
If you’re considering a new EV and aren’t sure if Rivian is the right fit, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to share more insights. I’m also excited to install my DCE rock sliders and kick off some camping adventures after CES 2025! If you enjoy my content, don’t forget to subscribe and follow me on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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