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In the old days, you’d buy a new car, find a few loose trim bits, maybe a misaligned door, and call it charm. But at six figures, charm wears thin.
With its R1S TriMotor, Rivian has delivered an electric SUV that’s as capable off-road as anything short of a Land Cruiser, but that capability doesn’t insulate it from scrutiny, especially when owners find misaligned steering wheels and range figures that fall 20 miles short of the brochure.
Still, what separates this story from the usual internet dogpile is what happened next. A new owner posted his early experience on Facebook, and instead of getting flamed, he got welcomed. In a world of anonymous comment sections and petty one-upmanship, the Rivian community came off looking like something rare: a family.
The Facebook Group post reads like a new owner’s checklist, both enthusiastic and cautious:
“Hi everyone, I’m new to the EV world and happy to join the Rivian family! Thanks to a tempting promotion and the EV credit, I recently became the proud owner of an R1S TriMotor. I’m still figuring things out, so I wanted to share my experience so far and get some input from the group.
1. Delivery experience: My delivery day wasn’t the smoothest. The vehicle was a bit dusty and not detailed on arrival. The rep only helped me set up the phone key and went over a few basic driving functions. It felt like they assumed I already knew everything about EVs. I’ve ended up learning most things from YouTube.
Was your delivery experience similar, or did I just have an “off” day?
2. Included accessories: Does Rivian provide any welcome packages or accessory kits with delivery? I’ve seen some new owners post photos of a gadget box that looks pretty cool.
3. Missing features: My R1S (CaDune) doesn’t have the “two installed knobs + hanging net” in the front trunk, and no passenger seat compartment. Are these differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2?
4. Impressions of the vehicle: I love the way it drives, and it is amazing! That said, the steering wheel is slightly off-center, the alignment is slightly off right, and some trim rubber molding on the trunk lift gate is already peeling (looks like the glue dried out). I know these are small things that the service team can fix, but I was surprised to find them on a vehicle at this price point.
5. Mileage question: Rivian’s website lists the R1S TriMotor with the all-terrain package at 329 miles EPA est. with the Max Battery. Mine shows 309 miles at full charge 100% in All-Purpose mode, and 350 miles in Conserve mode. Is this consistent with other TriMotor owners, or is my reading lower than expected?
Overall, I’m really enjoying my R1S, and I’m excited to learn more from everyone here about ownership tips, hidden features, and things I might be missing.”
This wasn’t someone looking for a fight. It was someone looking for answers. And he got them, not just from other owners, but from a Rivian employee who calmly addressed each point.
Rivian R1S Performance & Real-World Driving
- The 2026 R1S now offers a quad‑motor setup producing 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft, blazing from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
- Its “Kick Turn” feature and terrain system blend agility with ease, making tight, off-road maneuvers simple.
- The RAD Tuner allows for 10-level adjustment across powertrain, regeneration, ride height, steering, and more, empowering drivers to personalize their experience.
- Car and Driver testing found the new Tri‑Motor R1S (850 hp) is quicker than prior Quad versions, clocking 0–60 in 2.8 seconds.
Dominick Mongelli, the Rivian employee who responded, provided what can only be described as a masterclass in customer support. He clarified that All-Terrain tires can reduce efficiency and that 309 miles at full charge in All-Purpose mode isn’t far off the mark.
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He also outlined a proper break-in regimen for the battery: discharge to 10–15 percent, recharge to full, repeat a few times, then maintain a 20–80 percent daily cycle. For many owners, this kind of insight would require hours of research or a call to tech support. Here, it came freely and publicly.
And the other Rivian owners? They didn’t jump in with “mine’s perfect, must be you.” Instead, they shared their own hiccups. Jonathan Ba noted that his R1S was delivered dirty and that he’s still waiting on promo items he was promised. Another, Adam DiCaprio, said his Tesla delivery took five minutes and had just as many quirks.
What Makes The Community Shine
These weren’t complaints so much as acknowledgments. Everyone knew what they were getting into when they signed up for a vehicle built by a young company doing things differently. There was no illusion of perfection, just a shared understanding that some things would take time to refine.
Then came the veteran owners, like Dak Simonton, who had lived through early Rivian ownership and brought perspective. His Gen 1 R1T came with different accessories, different quirks, and different expectations. But he was there to guide the new guy, not dismiss him. This is how Rivian ownership seems to work: not as a transaction, but a conversation. One where information flows freely and the old hands help the new ones up the ladder.
Even the aesthetics weren’t lost in the shuffle. One comment praised Rivian’s paint choices, saying the colors “pop and shine,” a simple detail but a reminder that people care not just about torque split and charging cycles, but about how the truck looks in the driveway. When a brand manages to blend rugged adventure with style and still keep the conversation civil, that’s something worth noticing.
The Rivian Community: A Rare Example Of Support
- One owner noted burning through two full sets of tires in just 21,000 miles, shedding light on weight and grip tradeoffs.
- A user switched from the EV9 to an R1S, citing a reassuring 450-mile real-world range through rural routes.
- Despite its size (~7,000 lb), reviewers highlight the smooth, composed ride even under hard acceleration.
- The 2026 models include NACS compatibility and deliver up to 220 kW peak charge on the 140‑kWh battery.
This level of mutual support isn’t common in the automotive world anymore. The difference is that now it’s happening on Facebook, in a thread with hundreds of eyes watching. In a time when most online communities are built on outrage, Rivian’s is built on patience. It’s a surprising thing, and maybe the most compelling part of the ownership experience.
He stayed, asked questions, and got real answers. In doing so, he found more than a truck; he found a group of people who had been there before and were willing to help. The R1S may be an impressive machine, but the community behind it might be Rivian’s most valuable feature yet.
How was the delivery experience with your Rivian?Let us know in the comments below.
Image Sources: Rivian Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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Source: torquenews.com
