An Impressive First Mile Drive Experience with the Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck
Rivian's R1T is a highly anticipated electric pickup truck that has been on the market for some time now. The 1st mile drive experience was an exciting one for many customers, including myself. I had the opportunity to take a test drive and see firsthand the quality of the vehicle. There were no misaligned panels or doors, and all features worked as expected with the exception of the driver’s window not going up when I hit the lock button once and then held it.
The exterior design also impressed me. Rivian has taken extra steps to protect certain areas like behind the front wheel and in front of the back wheel from paint chips by covering them with a clear film. Additionally, they have included a tonneau cover to help keep items safe while driving. Unfortunately, this feature did make a grinding noise during my test drive which our specialist said could be due to dirt getting stuck in there.
Interior wise, the cabin felt very nice and roomy even in the rear seats. It was much more comfortable than my Tesla, especially if you are not on the lowest ride height setting (which gets set by Sport Mode). Driving characteristics were great too; however, 30 minutes went pretty quick so I didn't get to really exercise the handling in all situations.
Overall, my first mile drive experience with Rivian's R1T was a positive one. The exterior design and interior comfort were impressive and all features worked as expected with the exception of the driver’s window issue. Although I wasn't able to fully explore its capabilities due to time constraints, what I experienced left me feeling confident about my upcoming delivery scheduled for May/June.
What was the experience of the first mile drive like?
The overall experience of the first mile drive was fun. The interior felt very nice and roomy, even in the rear seats. Driving characteristics were great, as expected. Sport mode is not for anything other than a drag strip, so it's best to avoid using it on the freeway. The power tonneau cover made a grinding noise which was concerning.
How does the R1T handle?
The R1T handles great for a truck. It is much more comfortable when not on the lowest ride height setting, which gets set by Sport Mode. It doesn't handle like a slot car, but it handles well in most situations.
Are there any areas of the truck that are prone to wear?
There are two areas on the R1T that are prone to wear - behind the front wheel and in front of the back wheel. Rivian has covered these two areas with a clear film for protection. The door thrush hole may also be prone to wear and should be covered with a clear film.
Will skis fit in the bed of the R1T?
A pair of Armada ARV 106 skis in 188cm length will fit diagonally in the bed with the tailgate shut. Two pairs of longer skis (192 DPS RPCs and 168 Wailers) can fit if tilted on the vertical axis in an X pattern in the bed. Depending on length, shorter skis may fit in the gear tunnel. As kids get older and into longer skis, an enclosed box mounted on crossbars may be necessary instead of putting them in the bed.
How does the R1T handle off-road?
The R1T is great for light to moderate off-roading. It has a low center of gravity, which helps with stability. The suspension is adjustable and can be set up for different terrain. The tires have good grip and the truck has plenty of ground clearance. The four-wheel drive system provides excellent traction in slippery conditions. The R1T is not designed for extreme off-roading, but it can handle most light to moderate trails.