Experiencing no power loss after traversing 20,000 miles in a Rivian R1T Max Pack, the vehicle continues to unveil untouched off-road terrains, even managing steep elevations of 12,000 feet.
The Rivian R1T, an electric pickup truck, has been making waves in the automotive world due to its impressive performance and continuous updates. Owners of this vehicle have experienced a series of improvements over time, primarily delivered via over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Performance Enhancements
The Tri-Motor R1T now accelerates to 60 mph in under 2.7 seconds, outperforming many supercars. Rivian has also reduced the vehicle's weight by cutting 44 pounds of wiring and simplifying control modules, enhancing driving sharpness and reliability. Suspension tuning has smoothed rough roads without sacrificing response.
Battery and Charging
Rivian introduced a longer-lasting lithium-iron-phosphate battery chemistry, maintaining about 330 miles of range. More recently, optimized charging algorithms for all battery packs have significantly sped up DC fast charging times, especially from 10% to 80%, with improved performance across a wider temperature range.
Software & Driver Assistance
Major OTA updates have improved driver assistance features, including better sensor perception even in adverse conditions and enhanced navigation with full Google Maps integration. Driver display visuals have been upgraded to show more detailed vehicle models and better display surrounding traffic in diverse conditions.
Infotainment & Convenience
Faster infotainment systems and more stable media apps have improved usability. Climate control now cools faster, and Alexa with YouTube integration has been introduced. New options include restarting the vehicle from settings and smarter turn signals.
Security and Monitoring
A redesigned Energy app offers detailed usage insights and preconditioning. Gear Guard camera reliability and usability have been enhanced, fixing video access issues in the app. Multi-factor Drive mode adds security improvements.
Exterior and Design
Rivian has introduced a new Storm Blue paint option and a California Dune Edition with off-road styling. The design philosophy focuses on simplification and efficiency, such as merging control modules and removing excess wiring to reduce glitches and shorten update download times.
Real-World Testimonials
Reddit user Gingerbeardman29, an original Rivian R1T owner, has traveled over 20,000 miles in 18 months with a Rivian R1T, Dual Motor Performance with the Max Pack battery. Despite encountering issues such as a windshield replacement, minor chips, a rattling cowl, and a mysterious camp speaker that chirps at 3 a.m., these haven't diminished his enthusiasm for the truck. He has expressed interest in the brand's future products, specifically the R3X.
Other owners have reported impressive durability, with planned replacements before Colorado's winter sets in. The Rivian R1T's electric powertrain does not experience performance reduction at high elevations or thin air, and its torque delivery remains consistent. The truck has been taken across Moab's red rock, the damp heights of the San Juans, and the empty, dust-lined highways of California.
One owner logged over 18,000 miles in 9 months, saving 960 gallons of gas but doubling their electric bill to approximately $250/month. Despite a regression in phone key functionality after a recent update, the overall trajectory of the Rivian R1T's improvements is positive.
The Rivian R1T comes in Dual-Motor, Tri-Motor, and high-output Quad-Motor 2026 versions, spanning from ~533 hp to a massive 1,025 hp. Slowing from 65 to 60 mph in a Rivian R1T can result in a measurable increase in efficiency, with a reported gain of 0.5 mi/kWh. Rivian R1T tires are expected to last approximately 6,000 more miles before needing replacement.
A driver has raised concerns about the Rivian R1T's auto-mode ventilation system, suggesting that Rivian may not have prioritized air-quality control on long drives. However, the Rivian R1T's lifetime average efficiency of 2.31 miles per kWh remains impressive.
In conclusion, the Rivian R1T offers a blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology, and practical improvements, reflecting Rivian’s commitment to evolve the R1T "without the noise" through meaningful engineering upgrades and software enhancements over time.
- Rivian's continuous software updates have been instrumental in improving various aspects of the R1T, including performance, driving sharpness, and reliability.
- With optimized charging algorithms, Rivian's electric vehicles now charge faster, particularly at low battery levels, delivering improved performance across a wider temperature range.
- The Rivian R1T's driver assistance features have been enhanced through over-the-air (OTA) updates, resulting in better sensor perception, navigation, and traffic display in diverse conditions.
- Rivian's design philosophy focuses on efficiency, as seen in the reduction of weight through the elimination of wiring and simplification of control modules, ultimately leading to a smoother ride and reduced update download times.
