I Just Traded My Tesla Model X Plaid for a Dual-Motor Rivian R1S, Here's My 800-Mile Comparison

There’s a quiet but unmistakable shift happening in the electric vehicle (EV) world. Tesla’s long-standing dominance is no longer unchallenged, and a growing number of disillusioned owners are jumping ship. For many, Rivian is becoming the refuge of choice.

The Michigan-based newcomer isn’t just offering another EV, it’s offering a radically different vision for what an electric vehicle can be. A recent post on the Rivian subreddit, titled “Not Missing My Tesla,” captured this sentiment perfectly.



One user detailed their experience of trading in a problematic Tesla Model X Plaid for a Rivian R1S Dual-Motor Performance, and it’s a story that feels more like a reckoning than a one-off complaint.

Rivian’s Real-World EV Design

Rivian, unlike Tesla, isn’t building EVs to win drag races. They’re building vehicles designed for real people with real lives. From powered frunks to gear tunnels, their trucks and SUVs ooze utility, functionality baked into every detail.



The Redditor’s story mirrors what so many former Tesla owners are discovering: Rivian delivers something that Tesla, for all its headline-grabbing specs, has often struggled to provide. It’s not about blistering acceleration anymore. It’s about utility, practicality, and, most importantly, a car that feels like it was designed for you, not as a beta test for a billionaire’s ambitions.

Rivian R1S Interior & Storage Mastery

• The Tesla Model X Plaid boasts a tri-motor setup delivering 1,020 horsepower, enabling rapid acceleration. In contrast, the Rivian R1S Dual Motor features a dual-motor configuration with substantial power, though specific horsepower figures may vary. 
• The Rivian R1S offers a higher towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, compared to the Model X's 5,000 pounds, making it more suitable for heavy-duty towing needs. 
• The R1S provides more generous interior dimensions, including greater front legroom and a more spacious third row, accommodating passengers more comfortably. The Model X, while offering ample space, has a more compact third row.

The post starts with a familiar complaint. Tesla’s build quality. “Needless to say, the car was a mess, and exactly 1 year later Tesla was cutting me a refund check,” they wrote. That Model X Plaid, a six-figure showcase of Tesla’s technical prowess, had been riddled with issues. What followed was a leap to Rivian, a relative newcomer in the EV space. But if Tesla taught us how to dream about an electric future, Rivian is showing us how to live in it. From the moment the Redditor took delivery of their R1S, the shift in priorities became clear.

In-Depth Comparison of Build Quality, Service & Owner Satisfaction

One of the biggest wins for Rivian? Space, and not just the dimensions, but how well it’s been thought through. “Space in the X is abysmal,” the Redditor noted, pointing out the limitations of Tesla’s design.



Non-folding second-row seats and manual frunks sound fine in theory but fall flat in everyday use. Rivian’s R1S, by contrast, feels purpose-built for families, dog owners, and anyone with a Costco membership. The powered frunk alone was a revelation, but features like the open storage area between the seats and the stadium-style third row prove that Rivian understands how people actually use their vehicles.

Then there are Tesla’s Falcon Wing Doors, an enduring symbol of ambition gone awry. “The Falcon Wing Doors are the dumbest thing and I am so happy I don’t have to deal with them anymore,” the Redditor said, summing up the frustration of a generation of Model X owners. Sure, they’re dramatic. But they’re also finicky, prone to sensor issues, and wildly impractical in tight spaces. Rivian’s approach? Simple, durable doors that do exactly what they’re supposed to do. It’s a small detail but a perfect encapsulation of Rivian’s ethos, no gimmicks, no nonsense.

Why the Rivian R1S is the Ultimate EV

The Redditor was equally enthusiastic about the R1S’s interior. Where Tesla’s minimalist design has grown cold and sterile over the years, Rivian’s cabins are warm, inviting, and packed with thoughtful touches. They praised the Ocean Coast interior, a combination of blue and gray tones that adds depth and character to the space. Tesla’s white-on-white aesthetic, by comparison, now feels clinical and uninspired. It’s the difference between sitting in a design experiment and sitting in a car made to be lived in.

In-Depth Comparison of Build Quality, Service & Owner Satisfaction

Interior Build Quality

• Rivian R1S – Owners often praise the R1S for its superior interior materials and craftsmanship, noting a more refined and luxurious feel compared to the Model X. 
• Tesla Model X Plaid – While the Model X offers a minimalist and modern interior design, some users have reported that it doesn't match the R1S in terms of material quality and overall finish. 

Customer Service Experience

• Rivian – As a newer company, Rivian's service network is still expanding. Some customers have experienced longer wait times for service appointments, but the company is noted for taking the time to address issues thoroughly and often provides loaner vehicles or rental options during service periods. 
• Tesla – With a more established service infrastructure, Tesla generally offers quicker access to service appointments. However, some owners feel that the service can be rushed, and loaner vehicles are typically only provided if the service duration exceeds three days. 

Owner Satisfaction

• Rivian – Despite being rated lower in reliability, Rivian has achieved high owner satisfaction, with 86% of owners expressing willingness to purchase from the brand again. 
• Tesla – Tesla also maintains strong owner loyalty, with 72% of owners indicating they would make a repeat purchase. 

And then there’s the ride. Rivian’s Gen 2 suspension is a standout, delivering a plush experience that manages to feel composed even on rougher roads.



Tesla’s air suspension, while competent, doesn’t match the R1S in terms of comfort or confidence. “Even in sport, I don’t feel like it’s excessively stiff,” the Redditor remarked. That balance of utility and comfort is emblematic of what Rivian gets so right: it’s a truck that doesn’t punish you for driving it every day.

Why The Rivian R1S Wins The Comparision 

Ultimately, the Redditor’s verdict was glowing: “This is a fantastic car that has its small quirks but is far exceeding our expectations.” That enthusiasm underscores what Rivian is achieving. It’s not about flashy doors, tablet-sized screens, or ludicrous acceleration times. It’s about creating vehicles that fit into real lives and meet real needs. For the growing ranks of Tesla defectors, Rivian is the antidote to a brand that sometimes feels like it’s lost sight of its customers. And for Tesla? Rivian is a reminder that innovation isn’t just about going faster, it’s about going further in ways that actually matter.

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.