My Rivian R1T Has Finally Arrived, Here's What You Need To Know If You're Looking At One 

Initial statement is 100% correct about influencers getting priority over others

Your the first channel that I’ve seen that actually gives the positives and the negatives about this truck. Many of the RU-vidrs are acting like they are being influenced.

Someone calling out OutOfSpec Kyle. Spicy.

I love that this truck actually exists unlike other companies who collect customers' money and never give them anything for it.

Picking up my Rivian R1T on Monday! Thanks for getting me excited and prepared!

The base 300 mile version of the F150 is 70K+ anyways, so I’d likely choose a Rivian because it’s build quality and luxury is befitting of the price tag. Obviously if you are a pre order holder with old pricing, you have to go for the Rivian no question. 70-75.5K for all that performance, range, luxury, capability, and suspension is a no brainer.

Terrific thorough review….by far, best I’ve seen. Thank you Alex!!

Alex, In the end this seems to be the "lifestyle focused pickup" 31:13 that a tiny fraction of lifestyle pickup shoppers will focus upon . 😁

You'll be paying close to 90k for the Ford when it arrives and it's not as powerful and luxurious . R1t is a better value especially for what you paid for it being an early reservations holders. There a reason why lots of people like CEO of Lucid are saying Rivian's asking price for the R1t should be more. Unless you want to sell the R1t to make money like most people are doing.

I am glad the Rivian exists. I’m not sure it is for me.

You gave more knowledgeable information in 5 Minutes than most influencers would do in an hour at best. Really appreciate your super honest, knowledgeable, and entertaining reviews including on this Rivian!

Your comment about influencers is spot on. Jonny Lieberman decided to order one after the MT story in Yellow over Green. No one on Earth would have ordered that combo, and he just got his. He asked Rivian for preferential treatment and was told “there isn’t any” but hey, I mean, I don’t buy that. Not as much as he chirps about how wonderful they are.

I got mine with a Vin 48xx about a month later than a neighbor with a Vin 58xx. He preordered a year before me. Definitely weird the way they are rolling them out, but they are still learning.

Great shot on the wood grain.... Cool to finally see the textures up close .. 👏👏👏

check your camera settings. There are camera views that show each tire so you can see what each tire is going to hit. I agree about the AC vents. Unlike Tesla, they actually have traditional style vents, just made them powered. Another area they "fixed" but did not need fixing. Manual vents would be so much nicer, functional and driver friendly. Tesla and now Rivian, because they followed much of the same playbook, are removing "driver friendly" functions. I love my truck, but yes, certainly many aspects they could have done better. Unless you actually "need" a truck, I think you'll prefer to keep the Rivian. I owned both and was fortunate enough to be able to get them side by side. Both trucks were delivered within 2 days of each other, by pure coincidence. My original thought was that I would keep the Ford. Then, got them side by side and the decision became very easy. The Ford is a better truck, thus if you need a work type truck, then it's absolutely better. But, for those that don't need a truck, but just want a truck, the Rivian wins hands down. At least it did for me. Sold the Ford 5 days after I got it.

Great balanced review, thanks! Love how you embed SO much small details and useful comparisons ... Glad you got yours and can enjoy... re @10:04 phone unlock etc: that is a bit strange..?? Maybe related to presenting the door handles? Tesla did it right... they sense relative proximity, both distance and position, and unlocks only when close AND you pull the door handle (for Model 3/Y at least... S, needs to present door handles.. not sure if actually unlocks, or also need to pull handle?) I It also prioritizes which phone is next to the door, especially driver door, to link to the correct driver profile (so if my petite wife w/ her phone, opens passenger door first, it doesn't set hers and crush me when I get in driver seat.) The car partially powers on (and starts AC) when you open the door (and goes off when close the door, unless someone still sitting inside).. it doesn't fully power on, until you press the brake pedal. Not 100% perfect, sometimes not sensitive *enough* (body can block phone sometimes, eg if back pocket or other hip), but better than unlocking too soon. The trunk also opens w/o unlocking the car, pressing the trunk button on car. This helps avoid the "unlock/power on" issue you hit w/ the R1T, or also accidental unlocks if you are parked nearby (restaurant or in garage/right next to house, and if phone/keys are close say at front door)... maybe they can fix w/ OTA?

Alex best reviewer on RU-vid. You know more about trucks than I thought. It would be nice to see your owners experience with the software in a month. Some folks are disappointed with the phone integration in a big way and having some vehicle locking inconveniences too. The ordering and delivery experience is not fun right now but that is to be expected imo. As of 7/22/22 it looks like the used resale price is still more than $110K but coming down every couple of weeks. My reconfigured model should be here next week. Can''t wait for that. Oh and it looks like you were already scratching your new paint with those tree branches lol !

the oos call out. love it. but given your off grid life, maybe the f150 truly is the better choice....

100% love you calling out the other RU-vidrs that absolutely jumped the line. Your right it is BS!!

Nice job as usual, Alex. Thank you!

I can't remember the exact statistic, but a pretty decent number of R1T buyers have never owned a truck. I am part of this group. Mine should be delivered in a few months. For me, a bed is useful on occasion, but honestly, I have lived without my adult life in the suburbs without issue. With the cover, I think of the bed more like a large, not-quite weatherproof trunk. I love all the storage solutions, love the performance and love the interior. It is also the absolute maximum size I would ever want to own. Driving an F150 everyday has no appeal to me. In short, I think Rivian targeted buyers like me more than "truck" buyers.

I kinda suspected the influencers were getting a bit of preference once I saw a couple of unexpected videos show up. Unfortunate but not surprising nowadays.

The Rivian is absolutely beautiful I hope they get there things together.

Very interesting new vehicle but I really wonder about the build quality as time goes by.

Thanks, Alex. I imagine placing a camper on the back would interfere with the release buttons for the tailgate and cargo tunnel doors?

Alex, Teslas do NOT turn on until the door is opened!!!! (Except Model X cars. If configured on the display the door will auto open.) Love your analysis. Keep up the good work.

Why no 240 V power output? Why no home backup capability? Will you comment on Rivian’s DCFC network rollout? Thanks for great review!

Great review. If they are bypassing people in line then they got karma lined up already

Hello. First, I would like to thank you for giving us one of the most detailed car reviews on RU-vid. Really like your style. Just I would like to point out one little thing. Is it possible for you to include metric measurements for us metric folks? 😅 Also, before giving my opinion on if you should keep the Rivian or not It would be nice to see the review of the F-150 Lightning ⚡ so we can compare both. Thanks and have a great day!

overall, this looks like a really fun truck to own and drive.. I wish they had made the front trunk open completely similar to the Ford Lightning

I actually test drove an R1T today. I’m scheduled to take delivery by the end of the year. I just can’t wait. My drive is much more limited than your review but I agree with much of what you’re saying here. I just can’t wait to get my truck.

Hello Alex. This was a great test. I have an f150 Lightning on order (Scheduled to be built in Sept) and a Rivian r1t preorder. After watching your video, I am convinced I have made the right choice. I was looking for something more familiar, I like old school controls. The lack of air vent controls would drive me crazy. The do not like the lack of dedicated steering wheel controls. All in all this just feels a bit too futuristic for me. I never off road, so I wouldn't ever use any of that capability. I suspect the f150 cruises along the highway better than the Rivian. Its a great truck for some, just not my cup of tea.

IMO, none are worth paying 10K over MSRP for.

I need a car that can occasionally do truck stuff. Because of that I choose the Rivian. If I needed more utility I would go lightning. Both kick ass though.

I have seen RU-vid videos where you can see both front tires from the cameras as well as a frontal view camera at the same time making rock crawling easier. Maybe you didn’t realize it or it was part of an update you didn’t have?

Rivian’s phone as key seems poorly thought out. Can you disable the functions until you open a door ala Tesla?

there is also a storage area under the driver seat (the same as the passenger seat).

I know you'll use it as a truck so would like to see you beat the R1T, mostly to hear your no nonsense review of it's durability down the road. There will be lots of people reviewing the lightning as a work truck, but I think it also has 240Vac, so hard to choose!

Alex, you can set proximity unlock to turn off when at your home location.

I would love to see an Alex long term test with the Rivian but I understand why you’d want to sell it as well

re @21:51, the R1T should have a view with both wheel cameras on the side, plus matching front/rear view (only 2 at time, front/rear, not 4.) Not sure how you didn't find it... search for "Rivian R1T Cameras - Curb Rash?", Derek Blankenship, he demos the cameras driving thru tight fast-food drive-thru path w/ curbs! It's meant for rock crawl mode so you can see each tire, but as he shows, helpful to avoid suburban curb rash too :) Edit: seeing comments and replies below, Alex DID check the wheel cams, but he found them not clear/useful enough (but didn't show/explain clearly in his video.) One improvement they maybe could do, besides mode showing all 4 at time and making bigger/clearer, is put them closer together to see both wheels at one glance (currently, they are on far opposite ends of wide screen.) Tesla rear+side rear cam view have both rear side views close together at bottom of screen, can see both at once... it is very handy for backing up thru narrow space (like 1-car garage opening, between cars, walls/hedge etc)... don't have to alternate look left/right, just see both and ensure clear space stays constant on either side. Also the backup camera guide lines, match the Tesla tires pretty closely... that helps avoid curb rash, and helps avoid scratch sides.. .haven't verified the sides, but wheels are close.

Your last comment about over MSRP is a good one since I expect ford will not get the 7500 tax rebate by the time I take delivery. Rivian said my price is locked.

Fair on the demerits. Fair on the merits. Let's see some more off-road testing, head to head with the Lightning.

Munro did a teardown the body is hard mounted to the frame without rubber isolation even.

Also I see you got the road tires which is what mine has coming this week. I wonder how they will do off road ? Let us know your thoughts.

is the width of the rivian at the mirrors the same as at the widest point of the bed ? with most trucks, the mirrors are slightly wider than the widest point of the body, to conform to the old adage "if the mirrors fit, the truck fits". it *appears* on the video that the mirrors might be only just as wide as the body, and maybe a little less.....that would be more like a car.....

If you decide to sell the Rivian, I would be interested in getting details. Thanks

This was a funny video for me. My wife was sitting beside me while watching. At the EXACT same time as Alex was saying he liked the headlights my wife said Dear God, what the eff is wrong with those headlights?? Looks like Gabriel designed them. Gabriel is our four year old nephew. She also said Why don’t they try to put a smiley face on it somehow to make it look that much dumber!! Pretty brutal but I was rolling. Needless to say my chances of owning a Rivian R1T or R1S are slim to effing zero and slim got taken out back and shot in the head.

Nice color. Enjoy

one piece of data i'd love to see is miles/kwhr vs mph. i imagine finding a 2-3 mile stretch of relatively flat road where you can go up to highways speeds. run 30 to 75 mph in 15mph increments, and note miles/kwhr averaged over a round trip on same day (similar wind/temp/etc).

I placed my order in February and was able to receive it with some changes at the end of May. I am not an influencer, but I do live in SoCal. If you are on the on the DL, do not drive it as it bring all boys to the Yard “including all the Raptors, TRX, Mustangs, and a Ferrari.

It seems to me an Individual would pick the Rivian if they live in the Suburbs or maybe the city, and they go to more rural areas, or campsites during the weekends or whenever they have vacations. And the Lightning is for the Individual who needs a work truck that can tow, they can throw around, go to a worksite and not really worry about the luxurious interior of the Rivian. In effect, one is aimed at more city life while the other is aimed at more work life. Both of these come with the caveat that you don't go incredibly long distances. But rather, you want/need a truck, you're not going over 200 miles a day, and you'd like to save money on gas.

I’m having this exact problem lightning v rivian with both delivering in the next 2 weeks. I’ve sat in a rivian and test drove the lightning (very impressive!) but now don’t know which one i will ultimately keep. I ordered the ford as a backup in case the rivian kept being delayed or canceled but here I am with allocation and delivery in the next two weeks and no idea which one to choose. Help!!

I’m a ford guy but I’d like to have a rivian truck and suv just because it’s a little different and unique. Farm work would still and always will go to the ICE f series trucks though

You can view your wheel cameras but not while the 360*/birds eye view camera is selected

Facts on starting statement

Alex it's a shame that Rivian decided to allow certain people to be given priority due to there level of influence, that said its good to see you finally have the Rivian to do your comprehensive testing. Being I'm in Australia neither F150 Lightning or Rivian are of importance to me and the market I'm in as they are not in right hand drive, that said Australia is getting "factory supported" re-manufactured Right Hand Drive F150 with twin turbo petrol version so I do appreciate the level of review you do on said vehicle. That said if I were in your position? I would wait for the next gen Ranger (which was just released for the AU market this week), of course I doubt the NA market will get the 3.0L turbo diesel V6 that we have, personally I'm waiting for the next gen Ford Everest a vehicle that is not sold for the NA market as you guys/gals get the Bronco.

Aye he threw so much shade at rivian lol .. he gained a subscriber

Also predicting the Lightning stays and this goes, just based on the fact you favor real truck practicality vs lifestyle. No disrespect to lifestyle trucks, but you actually would use yours as a truck.

I think I'd go with the Lightning, but they're both awesome.

Definitely the Rivian

Tough decision, I love both! I would probably keep the f-150 because of the enormous catalogue of aftermarket accessories available. The F-150 is more "truck" and the Rivian is more like a luxury SUV with a bed. The Rivian might provide more content for your channel though. Service reviews, software upgrade process etc.

Every time Alex said keep in mind, that the places manufacturers over design a feature and make it not so user friendly

It does have front wheel camera. You have to close 360 view to get it.

What's up with the color quality of Alex's videos lately?

R1T is loud! First time I seen one in FL. I heard it first!

Hi Alex, thank you for the great videos. On the issue of The Lightning vs R1T. You may find the R1T to be more robust due to the long real world test period Rivian did with their preproduction models. Ford put the Lightning together with much less real world testing and in much less time. Also, having watched the video about where live, you will benefit with the better turn radius of the R1T. On the charging, being off grid you do not seem to have enough available power to charge the Lightning at its full rate. The ability of the Lightning to power your home is not much of an advantage to you because you live off grid. On efficiency, the R1T will use less energy per mile than the Lightning. You may find the climate control system better in the R1T. As a daily driver you may enjoy the R1T more. So the issue really seems to be towing. Towing on your property will be better with the Rivian due to its shorter turning radius. Towing long distances on the highway may favor the Lightning. So if you engage in infrequent long haul towing, the R1T seems a better fit for you and yours. On $10K over MSRP. No way! Save your hard earned money to spend on more PV panels and and a smart EVSE. Wishing you and yours the very best - John

No differentials needed...?

Could you give an estimate for headroom for the front seat?

I would pick the Ford. No telling if Rivian will survive as a viable company into the future.

When are you going to get your Lighting?

A peculiar review.

Now that I'm really looking at the interior of this truck. It seems like the designers don't understand the concept of utility and usability in a truck. Storage space seems terrible. No glovebox, much less two... The center console storage space is small and awkwardly narrow and deep. Why is there only one set of chintzy cup holders that pop out and look like they'll eventually break; what benefit does that have over static cupholders? Why are the door pockets so small and seemingly difficult to access, and are there no side pockets in the rear? On a road trip or a camping trip, you'd was to be putting large bottles in there. Why aren't the floor mats heavier duty, being that this truck is supposedly a lifestyle truck that'll be used in the great outdoors? Why isn't there a glass roof cover? Why aren't the headrests adjustable? Why is the HVAC such a pain to use? Where are the camera mounting points for off-roaders; again it's a lifestyle vehicle. Because the rear cupholders are in the pull down arm rest, putting 3 people in the back would make the cupholders inaccessible. As to the frunk / truck bed, the bed looks minimally usable. It's small. No tie down points in the bed itself? No added usability in the tailgate. For some reason the plastic on the side edges is intruding on the space. The air compressor is nice, but why only two 120V outlets and no 240V outlets in an EV truck with a massive battery? Clearly not a work truck. The frunk is large, but so tall; can you imagine lifting heavy things into it? It also seems the front rim of the frunk gets covered in dirt, so that'll be fun to reach over. No wonder Ford made the Lightning's grill open too. No outlets in the frunk? Also, I've seen some videos of that frunk closing pretty fast and no beeping warning. I can imagine a lot of people accidentally resting their hand there when the trunk comes down. Who's willing to stick their hand or finger there to test it? Any takers?

Did you know you can switch the over head camera view to focus on the wheels. I think that would solve your concerns about offroading.

Id have to say if it was my money hands down i choose the ford. 1. Ford has ben at this a long long time building pickups. 2. Its the number one selling pickup for a reason. 3. Serviceablity. being able to Service it when or if stuff goes wrong and it Breaks. 4. lastsly ford is going to be aroung 5 10 15 20 50 years from now im like 99.99 % shure of that and i cant say that with a start up like rivian .

They definetly made sure the youtubers got their trucks first.

I can’t help but feel like this truck is VERY Tesla like in many ways. The UI is near as damnit identical in layout, features and even downsides. No sat radio, ACP or AA. No blended braking. Mid and high regen only, no coast. Strong OTA updates. I guess if you’re going to copy someone, that’s not bad and they picked the best Tesla bits and added a better level of parts quality.

It seems clear to me that Alex keeps the Lightning

I've seen a few on the road, I'd go for the Lightning.

Thank you for calling out the line jumpers. Kyle Conner jumped years ahead of me and got my build and that really pissed me off.

I have an reservation for both. Ridden in both. Both great vehicles. Can I buy both? Is that allowed? LOL

Alex is clearly an influencer….BUT….THE PROBLEM FOR SOME IS THAT HE IS ACTUALLY HONEST….the ‘I’ll sweet talk your car’ guys are the ones that jump the que….

Alex, if you are willing to sell it at cost, I will buy it from you. I'm near Sacramento and am willing to drive there!!!

Alex, you should probably play with the cameras more, because you were complaining about something At the 23:00 min mark, you wished that “you could change the camera views to show what the wheels are doing”… turn off the 360 view, and you’ll see the two front wheels in front view, and the two rear wheels in rear view.

My pick is wait on the CyberTruck.

LOL there is a camera view that shows your wheel. Change from the 360 view.

You sound like you drank too much coffee haha

Rivian definitely

Kindly state your height when describing headroom. Saying you have half an inch of headroom is not very helpful otherwise.

Out of range for the average working joe but i like them.

There ARE camera views available for each wheel Alex. You missed this.

Maybe?

Honestly get rid of them both and just get a Hybrid truck. The current battery tech works good for cars, but for trucks to actually use them for "truck stuff" they just fall short. When we start seeing better battery tech like solid state (hopefully in the next 2 or 3 years) then these electric trucks will start to make more sense.

Any EV that runs climate control all the time is gonna be a pain in the range department. You should review other types of vehicles like bikes, off road, cargo vehicles etc. You could get some review vehicles for your property. The Rivian is a nice truck, but its way to fancy to be an everyman truck, a ranger EV or a maverick EV / s10 EV would be a much better option, neither of those trucks (f150/rivian) are easy to get around in, we had rough times getting the rivian around the urban parts of portland, and on some narrower roads in the mountains, the nervousness was there, she is wider than you think. Last issue I had with the rivian was I kept hitting my head on that roof pillar getting into and out of the back seat, the seat height is too high. Otherwise beautiful. I do think the r1s will be much more popular tho.

Alex, if you're not a happy customer, I'll come by and pick it up. I promise not to sell it :)

They EPA tested the road tires. The All-terrain tires/wheels get in the 285 mile range instead of the EPA tested 314 miles.

Alex you should consider doing a video about the pros and cons of EVs versus hydrogen vehicles. I'm especially curious about the differences in maintenance/repairability.

Glad that I will buy a fully loaded F150 Lightning Platinum anyway.

Luke Bryan on the entertainment screen 🤣😂🤣

Why do you need to tow anything?