I Test Drove a $112K Rivian R1S and Was Blown Away by the Looks and Performance, but Shocked by One Major Flaw

When someone gets invited to a Rivian driving event, there’s only one correct response, you go. And that’s exactly what Alex Gunderson did. He was handed the keys to a $112,000 tri-motor Rivian R1S in Storm blue with a sleek Slate Grey interior. From the moment he stepped in, it was clear this wasn’t just another test drive, it was an experience.

Rivian’s been making serious noise in the EV world, and for good reason. Bold design, powerful electric drivetrains, and a reputation for adventure-ready luxury have helped the brand carve out a niche all its own. But as Alex found out, even a vehicle this impressive still has some surprising rough edges, literally.

“It Looked Amazing, Drove Like a Rocket, but Had One Big Issue I Couldn’t Ignore”

Alex shared his full thoughts on the RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion Facebook group after the event: “I got invited to a Rivian driving event, and I’ve gotta say, the Storm color is absolutely gorgeous, and this Slate Grey interior is even better in person. This was the tri-motor spec fully loaded out, and the performance is absolutely insane. The premium sound system was much better than expected, not Harmon Kardon good, but definitely better than most reviews I’ve read, even with satellite radio. What wasn’t pictured, however, were some disappointing build-quality defects I noticed, such as misaligned exterior pieces, which was honestly disappointing for a vehicle priced at $112k. Overall, my impression was really good, though. I would seriously consider it if the lease wasn’t so steep at $1,400 a month.”

That’s the kind of take that makes you pause. It’s not often someone praises a vehicle’s design, interior, performance, and sound system, all in one breath, then turns around and calls out fit-and-finish flaws that feel more at home in a $30,000 sedan.

First Impressions: A Head-Turner in Every Way

Let’s start with the good, because there’s a lot of it.

Rivian’s “Storm” paint is one of those colors you have to see in person to appreciate. It’s deep, bold, and carries a sense of presence you won’t find on many other vehicles. Pair that with the Slate Grey interior and you’ve got a color combo that feels premium without being flashy.

It’s likely no coincidence that Rivian has been showcasing this exact configuration at events like the one in Atlanta. As Facebook user David commented under Alex’s post: “It looks like the exact build that was on display in Atlanta. They must be doing that to try to promote the exterior and interior color combination.”

He might be onto something. Rivian clearly knows this spec looks good in photos and even better in person.

But beauty is only skin deep, what about performance? Alex drove the tri-motor version, and according to him, it was absolutely insane in terms of acceleration and handling. This thing isn’t just fast for an SUV, it’s fast, period. Instant torque, composed cornering, and a platform that makes you forget it weighs nearly three tons.

If you’re curious what living with that kind of power is like day to day, another owner shared a detailed road trip review of their R1S tri-motor from Palm Springs to Vegas, and it echoed a lot of Alex’s sentiments: it’s a blast to drive.

The Sound System Was Better Than Expected

It’s easy to overlook sound systems when you’re busy launching from 0-60 in under 3 seconds, but Alex made a point to mention the audio quality. He said it wasn’t quite on par with what Harmon Kardon offers in some luxury brands, but it was still much better than he expected, especially given he was streaming via satellite radio.

And if you’re the type to upgrade your vehicle’s aesthetics or features to better match your vibe, you’re not alone. Another Rivian owner recently wrapped their R1T in matte burnished bronze, added smoked lights, and gloss black accents, turning heads with every mile.

Then Came the Flaw That’s Hard to Ignore at This Price Point

Now for the part that threw Alex off, and it wasn’t the lease price (though we’ll get to that).

It was the build quality.

He spotted misaligned exterior panels, which might seem minor on paper, but on a six-figure electric SUV, it feels like a punch in the gut. These kinds of imperfections are usually expected on budget cars, not on something this premium.

It’s not just about looks, either. Misaligned panels can point to issues with quality control, manufacturing consistency, or rushed assembly lines, none of which belong in a luxury segment EV.

Unfortunately, Alex isn’t alone. We’ve seen other owners dealing with strange early-life issues. One shared how their first-ever Rivian test drive ended in disaster, with grinding noises and a tow truck ride.

It raises an important question: Can Rivian deliver premium reliability to match its premium performance?

Lease Price: $1,400/Month Is a Tough Pill to Swallow

Even if the build was perfect, the numbers still matter. And $1,400 per month is no small commitment, especially when you're already juggling mortgage payments, insurance, and everything else.

For context, you can lease high-end BMW X5s and Mercedes EQS models for similar, or lower, monthly rates. That makes it a hard sell, even for someone like Alex, who clearly wanted to love the vehicle.

Still, the performance and experience might justify the premium for some. Others might be better off waiting until Rivian's scaling efforts bring pricing down a bit, or until the next-gen R2 arrives, offering similar excitement in a smaller, more affordable package.

Owners Are Reporting Other Issues, Too

While Alex’s experience was mostly positive, others are still sharing new concerns.

One user named Bob posted: “Has anyone experienced a loud clunking noise coming from the rear passenger side of their R1T? It started today while driving slowly. It stops for a while but then comes back. It’s quite loud and sounds like something banging underneath the truck.”

It’s a reminder that early adopters sometimes end up doing real-world quality testing for the rest of us. And Rivian, still being a young automaker, is clearly going through some growing pains.

It’s not just mechanical either. Software updates are adding new frustrations. One user recently reported a Rivian OTA update that removed automatic lane changes and other autonomous features, something Rivian fans didn’t see coming.

And if you’ve recently picked up your R1S and are trying to dial in the best home charging setup, another owner shared a detailed look into wall charger options and how regen braking affects efficiency.

My Take: The R1S Is Almost There, But Not Quite Yet

As someone who’s been following Rivian closely, I’ve got to say, the R1S tri-motor is one of the most exciting EVs out there. It blends serious off-road credibility with top-tier performance and eye-catching design.

But like Alex, I’d be hesitant to jump in without a closer look. At over $110K, it needs to be more than just quick and pretty. The quality needs to be bulletproof. The software should never take away features you paid for. And the ownership experience should leave you with peace of mind, not panel gap paranoia.

If you’re thinking of leaping, take your time. Test drive it. Inspect it. Ask the dealership about known issues and get them in writing. Rivian has huge potential, but potential doesn’t pay for monthly leases.

Final Thoughts: What We Can Learn from Alex’s Drive

Rivian’s doing a lot right. Their vehicles look incredible, drive even better, and offer something totally different from Tesla and legacy automakers. But stories like Alex’s show that the ownership experience still needs some polish.

Moral of the story? When buying into a new automaker, inspect with your eyes wide open, not just your heart.

Now It’s Your Turn

Have you noticed any build quality issues on your Rivian, or other premium EVs?

Would a $1,400 lease keep you from going electric, even if the vehicle is nearly perfect?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, we want to hear what your experience has been like.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.

Image source: Alex's Facebook Post & Rivian Press Room