Consumer Reports Didn't Like the R1S But Finds Rivian As Most-Loved Auto Brand
I review cars online and on the radio, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in almost a decade of doing it is that, car reviewers are often at odds with the people who actually buy and own the vehicles. Spending a week or a few days on a first drive event are great ways to get a feel for how a car performs and get a handle on its basic features, but living with a vehicle reveals so much more.
That’s the case with Rivian, which recently landed atop Consumer Reports’ list of most-loved auto brands, despite the publication listing the R1S as one of its least favorite test vehicles of 2023.
Rivian was the only brand in Consumer Reports’ study to earn a perfect 5 out of 5 score, while six others came close with four. The automaker also ranked highest when buyers were asked if they could consider buying from the brand again, with an 86 percent positive response. Mini came a close second, with 77 percent saying they’d buy another.
Rivian is in a unique place as a new-ish company with an extremely defined attitude and identity, which makes it easy for buyers to align with the brand from top to bottom. Plus, most reviewers have reflected positively on the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, despite Consumer Reports’ lack of enthusiasm.
This is good timing for the brand, as the R2 will be revealed on March 7, according to a teaser Tweeted out by the company.
[Image: Rivian]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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That is entirely wrong. Complete misinformation that we don't need.
From Greenlancer.com, 1/23/24:
Though EV sales estimates for 2024 were adjusted down a bit, they still predict a 20% increase from 2023. Cox Automotive also thinks that in 2024, more than 10% of all vehicle sales will be electric, and when including hybrid vehicles, almost 24% of 2024 vehicle sales will be electric or hybrid.
Not in the market for any kind of EV anytime soon but I have seen a Rivian truck in my neighborhood and I like it better than the Cybertruck or the Ford Lightning.
I guess Im a toyota fan. Theyve been reliable for me. The only issue Ive had really is an ancient Lexus my dad sold my son that started developing expensive peripheral issues on door cylinders and ignition cylinders. The Sequioa continues running like a jewel with 259K miles
I don't even own an EV and I have range anxiety for them. If I were to go that direction I'd get a hybrid of some sort.