Rivian R1T (Gen 2) Review: Upgrades, Issues, and Owner’s Experience

A Rivian R1T owner shares his experience with the second-generation model, highlighting upgrades, persistent issues, and whether upgrading from a first-gen R1T is worthwhile. Includes battery range, sound system, and used market insights.

His previous ride was a quad-motor pickup, while the new R1T has a tri-motor setup paired with the Max battery pack, which is rated for 371 miles on a complete charge. Wilkerson paid about $107,000 for the vehicle last year, however if he were to trade it in now, the marketplace worth is around $74,000, according to Rivian.

R1T Gen 2: Initial Impressions and Issues

On his previous R1T, the owner counted no fewer than 13 issues, but they were all dealt with by Rivian’s service centers. The 2025 R1T has carried out better up until now, yet it’s not without mistake. The initial issue that appeared related to the tire stress sensors, and the cars and truck invested concerning 3 weeks at a service center to obtain a fix. It’s much better now, but the problem still comes back occasionally since, as the proprietor claims, there’s superhigh frequency interference from the two electrical motors at the rear of the cars and truck.

That claimed, if you happen to own an older R1T that does not have all of these goodies, does it make sense to update to a newer model? Luckily, Dominic Wilkerson can address this inquiry, as he utilized to possess a first-gen R1T however upgraded to a Gen 2 version in 2015, according to a recent video he published on YouTube.

Upgrading to the Latest R1T: Is It Worth It?

The owner makes use of the EV for his property photography organization. It’s a work that usually requires him to take a trip between 200 and 300 miles every day, so the odometer has actually already passed the 28,000-mile mark. It’s a lot of driving, so a comfortable adventure is greater than welcome. Thankfully, the R1T’s air suspension and comfortable seats can greater than handle the demands.

R1T as a Work Vehicle: Comfort and Practicality

The second-gen R1T likewise needed a positioning immediately, despite the fact that it had just rolled off the. The a/c outlets in the bed went out after one weekend break of having a tiny fridge plugged in, and the front subframe has likewise been replaced, with Rivian’s technicians saying the vehicle was also close to the optimum weight limitation. The proprietor mounted a number of devices, consisting of a bedspread and roofing system shelf.

Recurring Problems and Owner Complaints

Nevertheless, Wilkerson’s greatest complaint is the Costs sound system, which he states is nothing to write home about, generally because there’s not enough bass. He does acknowledge that proprietors could find the audio system completely appropriate, however not him.

It’s not that he doesn’t such as the vehicle– it’s because he would rather have an R1S instead of an R1T, or even an R2. That said, if someone is looking for a used first-gen R1T, Wilkinson believes they should go for it and save some money in the process, as pre-2025 models are priced well under $60,000 on the utilized market.

R1T vs. R1S/R2: Owner’s Preference

Rivian’s second-generation R1T electric pickup has lots of renovations contrasted to the old design, although it could not look like it from the exterior. That’s since the majority of the upgrades took place under the skin, where brand-new motors, brand-new equipment and far better software application were implemented.

On his previous R1T, the proprietor counted no fewer than 13 concerns, however they were all dealt with by Rivian’s solution. The 2025 R1T has actually performed better so far, yet it’s not without mistake. It’s not that he doesn’t such as the vehicle– it’s since he would certainly instead have an R1S rather of an R1T, or even an R2. That said, if somebody is looking for a used first-gen R1T, Wilkinson thinks they ought to go for it and save some cash in the process, as pre-2025 versions are priced well under $60,000 on the made use of market.