What the politicians and pundits fail to mention is that the Rivian is a phenomenal vehicle, all around... just like those who've never spent more than a test drive in a Grenadier, there's more to it than just range. Driving dynamics, comfort, convenience, build quality, storage, intuitive technology, security... all fantastic. Many people who have never looked into them may not realize that, from the factory, it records 6 different camera angles whenever anyone comes within 6' when locked (which helped identify the person that robbed my office last February). And has factory digital-quality dash camera for incidents... an unfortunate necessity in this era of scammers and frauds. Lots of cars come with air suspension, but what other manufacturer offers "camp" mode? A simple press of the dash and it limits energy consumption and levels the vehicle for in-bed or roof top tenting. And what company continually improves with over-the-air software updates - including suspension, audio quality, and infotainment - for FREE?? My favorite feature is getting out of the shower and pressing a button on my phone... by the time I leave for work, whether -20 degrees in winter or +100 degrees in summer, the interior temp is comfortable and the cooling/heating seats (and steering wheel) are working their magic. No asphyxiation! Not to mention, torque galore and incredible towing dynamics...
Of the 77 (78?) vehicles I've owned, registered, insured and maintained in my own name, the Rivian squarely lands in my Top 3.
But to be fair, if I could only have one vehicle - mostly in consideration of the winter temps where I live - I admit that I would not pick a Rivian or a Grenadier... my '22 Defender 110 takes the nod for the most useful, all-around, and overall satisfying vehicle of the last decade. If only it was offered as a plug-in hybrid in the USA, then it really would balance all of my 'wants and needs.' But, as I've decided to distance myself from owning classic Series and Defenders (mostly due to unfortunate near-catastrophes caused by people on their damned cell phones), I've settled on this "two car solution."
Of the 77 (78?) vehicles I've owned, registered, insured and maintained in my own name, the Rivian squarely lands in my Top 3.
But to be fair, if I could only have one vehicle - mostly in consideration of the winter temps where I live - I admit that I would not pick a Rivian or a Grenadier... my '22 Defender 110 takes the nod for the most useful, all-around, and overall satisfying vehicle of the last decade. If only it was offered as a plug-in hybrid in the USA, then it really would balance all of my 'wants and needs.' But, as I've decided to distance myself from owning classic Series and Defenders (mostly due to unfortunate near-catastrophes caused by people on their damned cell phones), I've settled on this "two car solution."