Rivian’s Evolving Fleet: A Deep Dive into Gen 1 and Gen 2

Rivian’s Evolving Fleet: A Deep Dive into Gen 1 and Gen 2

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Rivian has carved out a significant niche with its adventurous R1T pickup and R1S SUV. For Out of Spec Reviews, Rivian vehicles have been more than just test subjects; they’ve become integral to the channel’s journey, providing both exceptional content and a genuine sense of automotive joy. This update dives deep into the experiences with three Rivians – a Gen 1 R1T, a Gen 2 R1S, and a Gen 2 R1S with the newer NACS port – revealing what makes these electric machines tick, their triumphs, and their quirks.

The Beloved Gen 1 R1T: ‘Brock’

The star of the show, and perhaps the most cherished vehicle in the Out of Spec fleet, is a 2022 Launch Edition R1T named ‘Brock’. This truck, affectionately nicknamed for its ‘little truck trying to be a big truck’ persona, has amassed nearly 70,000 miles and has been the workhorse for countless videos. Despite its early production status, the Gen 1 R1T is lauded for its exceptional build quality, fit, and finish. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever spent money on,” is a sentiment echoed frequently.

While acknowledging minor drawbacks like less-than-stellar charging performance and efficiency typical of trucks, the R1T’s capabilities are undeniable. It excels in towing, handling loads exceeding 11,000 pounds with ease. Its ride comfort, thanks to superb suspension tuning, makes highway cruising a pleasure. Even with a less-than-ideal initial spec (white exterior, green interior, 22-inch wheels), ‘Brock’ has proven its mettle, enduring off-roading adventures, minor accidents, and even a bumper-ripping encounter with gnarly ruts. The owner even opted for a custom geographic techy wrap, which has held up remarkably well.

Battery management has been meticulous, with the pack typically stored between 30-50% and only occasionally charged to 100% for road trips, ensuring longevity. Despite a few service visits documented over its nearly four years of ownership, the Gen 1 R1T is considered a triumph of automotive engineering, especially for a launch product. The only persistent niggle is the occasional half-shaft ticking, a common Gen 1 trait.

The Gen 2 R1S: ‘Rhonda’ and the NACS Variant

The transition to Gen 2 brought the R1S SUV into the Out of Spec fold, with ‘Rhonda’ being a prime example. Initially considered for a base LFP model, a combination of factors, including potential tariffs on LFP batteries from China and the availability of referral points, led to a higher-spec dual-motor, Max Pack R1S lease. This particular R1S, in black with an Ocean Coast interior and electrochromatic roof, has exceeded expectations. Despite being on a two-year, 15,000-mile-per-year lease, it’s already surpassed 17,000 miles in its first year, a testament to its appeal.

‘Rhonda’ has proven incredibly reliable, notably completing the demanding Eastern Edge challenge – seven EVs driven from northern Maine to Key West and back – without a single issue, outperforming all other participating vehicles. This reliability is a significant upgrade from early Gen 2 impressions, which sometimes felt less refined than Gen 1. The new Meridian sound system in Gen 2 is also a notable improvement, offering significantly better bass and overall sound quality.

The R1S is the preferred platform for Scott, primarily due to its practicality for dogs (with rear air vents and dog mode) and its suitability for camping, thanks to its spacious interior and suspension leveling. However, the driving dynamics differ from the R1T. While the R1S offers a comfortable ride, it can feel more tail-happy and exhibit slightly more body roll on the highway compared to the more settled R1T. The R1T’s advantage lies in its longer wheelbase and integrated truck bed, front trunk, and the highly useful gear tunnel.

A second Gen 2 R1S, equipped with the newer NACS charging port, also joined the fleet. This vehicle was initially intended for a giveaway promotion but, due to logistical and legal complexities surrounding giveaways and merchandise, has remained with the channel. This variant allows for direct comparison of the NACS port integration versus the older CCS standard.

Gen 1 vs. Gen 2: Key Differences

The distinction between Gen 1 and Gen 2 Rivians is significant, primarily revolving around electrical architecture and driver assistance systems. Gen 1 vehicles, while having an older electrical system, are perceived as reliable and possess the original Meridian sound system. Crucially, Gen 1 R1Ts and R1Ss are not capable of receiving Rivian’s latest hands-free driver assistance features, which rely on the updated sensor suite and ECUs of the Gen 2 platform. While aftermarket solutions like Comma AI offer enhanced driver assistance, their compatibility and potential for causing vehicle faults remain an ongoing area of testing and discussion.

Value and Target Buyer

Rivian vehicles, particularly the R1T and R1S, target buyers seeking a blend of luxury, capability, and adventurous spirit. The R1T appeals to those needing a versatile pickup for work and recreation, while the R1S is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize SUV practicality. The initial pricing of the Gen 1 Launch Edition R1T at $75,000 was a remarkable value proposition, especially considering current base model pricing is around $76,990. While still a premium product, Rivian’s ability to offer such a feature-rich and capable vehicle at its launch price was groundbreaking. The ongoing refinement in Gen 2, coupled with the introduction of NACS, continues to enhance the value proposition for potential buyers, especially those looking for a premium electric adventure vehicle.

The Out of Spec team’s long-term experience with their Rivians highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. From the rugged dependability of ‘Brock’ to the refined capability of ‘Rhonda’, these vehicles continue to impress, solidifying Rivian’s place as a leader in the premium electric adventure vehicle segment.

Source: Update On Our 3 Rivians – Standard, Large, & Max Pack (YouTube)