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A Rivian R1S is an SUV, and it’s not even in the same vehicle category as a Tesla Cybertruck, so why make the comparison?
Because it’s on some customers’ minds, and a potential Tesla Cybertruck buyer has made some valid points. Read what he has to say, see what you think, and then reply below with your comments.
An anonymous member of the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Facebook Group has thrown out a few questions.
He says, “I almost thought I wanted a Tesla Cybertruck so bad, but I just got this Rivian R1S loaner overnight. Now, I’m not so sure. Luckily, it has no Elon shenanigans, it fits in my garage, and it’s a real SUV with 410 miles of range, and it doesn’t nag on the freeway as much. Why is it so hard to decide?”
The last question is not that he’s having a hard time deciding, but that he’s wondering why anyone would choose a Cybertruck over the Rivian R1S.
First, consider the mindset of this Cybertruck customer.
He has his heart set on a Cybertruck, and he even joins a Tesla Cybertruck owners Facebook group to get an idea of what the truck is like before he pulls the trigger to get one.
That’s a wise move for anyone considering buying a vehicle. Join a group and see what owners have to say first. The Cybertruck is a significant purchase, and he wants to make the right choice. We can’t fault him for that.
While deciding to buy a CT, he has some problems with his current vehicle, the nature of which is unknown, and receives a Rivian R1S loaner.
He drives it for a few days or a week, and likes what he sees.
He pulls in the garage, and it fits. He has a tight space and likes Rivian’s shorter 200-inch vehicle length. The Cybertruck has a total vehicle length of 223.7 inches. So, he says to himself, “This Rivian fits in my garage; the Cybertruck won’t fit, and I’ll have to leave it parked outside.”
Elon Shenanigans
Next, he reads about all the Cybertruck owners who have reported vandalism of their vehicles. Some owners report that their trucks have been keyed and spray-painted, and they get the middle finger when they drive down the road.
So, he thinks there’s a lot of negative swirling around the CT. “Do I want to deal with that?” He mumbles to himself.
Then there’s the range.
After he has the Rivian for a few days, he looks at the miles of range he’s getting. With a bit of research, he finds out the Rivian R1S has about 410 miles of range compared with the Cybertruck’s 320 miles for the standard Dual Motor all-wheel drive model he’ll be buying.
He will be taking road trips with whatever vehicle he buys and thinks that the extra 90 miles would make life on the road a little easier if he doesn’t have to stop and recharge quite as often.
It Doesn’t Nag on the Freeway
“Nag on the freeway” refers to the act of a passenger continuously complaining or criticizing the driver’s speed, driving style, or safety precautions while on the highway. It’s a colloquial term for persistent faultfinding and unwanted advice, often annoying the driver.
He’s not referring to a passenger in his vehicle, because it wouldn’t matter what vehicle he bought. That person, who could be his wife, will be sitting next to him in the Rivian or the Cybertruck.
He most likely means the nagging he’ll get from other drivers on the road or highway. The hand gestures, dirty looks, and being deliberately cut off are possible due to some people not liking the Cybertruck for whatever reason.
All Are Valid Points.
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This Cybertruck buyer won’t be using the CT to haul things in the bed, but instead needs a vehicle to carry passengers and some cargo in the back. So, the Rivian R1S SUV works for what he needs.
What Are Cybertruck Owners Saying in Response to His Facebook Post?
Randen Montalvo – I returned the Rivian as quickly as I received it. Rivian support is horrific and brutal to find when traveling. Good luck being out of the range of a dealer.
I got the CT instead. Support is everywhere. This is an EV. When’s the last time you saw a Rivian service center? Imagine your car not working and you can’t find a damn dealer. Welcome to our story. I said hell no. I’d rather have a GMC EV or a F-150 EV than a Rivian.
I chose the CT due to it being a better camping family truck than the Rivian, but I will never entertain a Rivian again until they can support the entire country as well as other brands. It’s too fringe in terms of support.
I only recommend buying a Rivian if you plan on NEVER traveling with it. Because if you do and have a critical failure, may the Lord help you.
Chris Sugar – We also sold our Rivian because of the terrible service.
Todd Alan – I sold my quad motor R1T and ran back to Tesla as fast as I could. Rivian was very problematic, and the service wasn’t good. In a few years, they will be improving, but for now, I am extremely happy with my Cybertruck.
Ramze LcdhCustoms – The Cybertruck features FSD, a charging network, and the best UI (fluid and constantly updated) in the business. These aren’t debatable for now.
Is There A Problem With Rivian’s Support Network
There’s evidence to suggest that Rivian’s service network is struggling to keep up with demand, resulting in customer frustration.
Here’s a breakdown of the reported issues:
- Limited Service Centers & Mobile Service: Rivian reportedly didn’t expand its service network quickly enough to match the growing number of vehicles on the road. This has resulted in a shortage of service centers, mobile service vans, and available appointment slots.
- Long Wait Times: Customers frequently report experiencing lengthy wait times for both routine maintenance and repairs, with some scheduling appointments months in advance.
- Appointment Issues: Some customers report difficulties in scheduling and keeping service appointments, including cancellations and postponements.
- Mobile Service Limitations: Although mobile service is offered, it’s reportedly not always sufficient for addressing complex issues, further exacerbating customer dissatisfaction, according to the Rivian Forum.
- Parts Supply Issues: Delays in obtaining parts also contribute to service bottlenecks, resulting in vehicles being held in service centers for extended periods.
- Communication Gaps: Some owners have reported difficulties in getting timely responses from customer service or direct communication with their local service center.
However, it’s important to note:
Rivian is reportedly addressing these issues. There are reports that Rivian is aware of these challenges and is working to expand its service network, improve the parts supply chain, and enhance mobile service capabilities.
Positive Experiences Exist: Despite the challenges, some Rivian owners report positive experiences with customer service and the repair process, particularly in locations with well-staffed service centers.
Conclusion
While Rivian’s service network is experiencing difficulties, the company is making efforts to improve it ahead of the launch of new, potentially higher-volume models, such as the R2.
This potential Cybertruck buyer needs to take a close look at the Rivian issues and decide if the Cybertruck’s pros outweigh the cons.
What Do You Think?
Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “15 days, and an Amazing 6,200 Mile Trip to the Arctic Circle, I Camped at a Mountain Summit, and Stayed in Front of a Glacier”
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Cybertruck buyer
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Source: torquenews.com
