A close-up review of the Rivian R1T #228 / January 12, 2024 (Fri) / Confidential |
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For future reference, I rented and closely examined the Rivian R1T in the studio, sharing some personal but noteworthy experiences.
Rivian R1T owners express immense satisfaction when gazing at their truck snugly parked in a One car garage. Being a lifestyle truck that offers versatile utility features, it is highlighted as a model suitable for various activities such as road trips, camping, and off-roading.
Compared to the abundance of Teslas on the roads, the headlights of the R1T, reminiscent of a long bar and Colosseum, stand out symbolically. Especially at night, the pronounced design becomes even more striking. However, for those who find the headlights too bright and overwhelming, aftermarket solutions like shades for these clear headlights are available. While these options might cater to drivers sensitive to bright lights, it seems that some users purchase them for the purpose of personal customization and design differentiation, rather than just addressing brightness concerns.
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Similar to Tesla, accessing the frunk in the R1T doesn't feel particularly convenient. I typically use the frunk for items that may emit odors or moisture inside the car, such as seasoned chicken. However, opening the frunk requires navigating through too many steps on the Tesla app when my hands are full with luggage. When loading items into the frunk, I often hear remarks like "Wow, witnessing someone using the frunk for the first time." This underscores the necessity for a switch, lever, or button that allows easy frunk access when carrying loads. Fortunately, in the case of the Rivian, there is at least a button on the Keyfob to open the frunk.🚗 |
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The finish of the frunk appears to be of subpar quality, almost resembling that of a prototype. This is especially noticeable when opening the folding lid, as seen in the photos. It would have been better if the same plastic material had been used for uniformity; there's a somewhat unfinished feel to it. The space below the lid seems impractical for storing items, and although there is a netting on the front, it seems limited in capacity, accommodating only a few baseballs, making the overall storage capacity seem insufficient. |
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I believe it would be beneficial if the frunk's automatic opening angle could be set to around 10 degrees. Even if it doesn't fully open, being able to easily place small items with one hand would greatly facilitate loading.
Moreover, for shorter users, the accessibility of the frunk opening diminishes as it moves farther to the front. This makes it significantly challenging to retrieve items as bending down becomes increasingly difficult. It would be great if these aspects, contributing to the convenience and user experience of the vehicle, could be actively considered for improvement. |
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Now, let's take a look at the side storage. In winter, you can put skis or snowboards, and for everyday use, you might consider storing long carpets, extension cords, or similar items. Honestly, it's even mentioned that a person can fit in. Of course, such a situation should absolutely never happen, but you know... |
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The opened section has incredibly thick, sturdy hinges that are substantial enough to be used as a stepping board or chair. However, the Bin insert underneath has only one latch on the side, and if you happen to step on the marked "X" area with the fixation improperly set, it feels like the plastic part might break. This is due to the lack of a separate locking mechanism, and it raises concerns about the quality of this aspect.
Below the Bin Insert, there is space for small items like chargers or first aid boxes. However, from a designer's perspective, utilizing this space for useful tools or accessories such as a retractable vacuum hose or charger cable could be considered. Such design ideas can enhance the functionality of the vehicle, providing users with a more convenient experience. Creative thinking as a designer could contribute to further improving the design and functionality of the vehicle. |
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Rivian's best-in-class ground clearance of 14.9 inches (378mm) is a height that may not be easy to ascend without a step, even when the suspension is not elevated.
During boarding and disembarking, the part where the door meets the car has speakers positioned exactly, raising concerns about potential speaker contamination issues (especially when envisioning getting into the car after off-roading through mud-filled terrains). |
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The door panel's flashlight gives off a rather cute impression. However, the stretchable door panel might give a somewhat cheap feel and, once extended, it doesn't seem likely to return to its original state, making its utility appear limited. Particularly, it seems that usability will be highly restricted when the door is closed. |
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I also examined the storage space under the second-row bench seat, following Ford's approach. Given the increasing incidents of thieves breaking windows to steal valuables, it seems like a useful space for storing bags or laptops. Having a lockable feature would make it even better, and revealing hard-to-clean crevices under the seat could be an excellent feature for easy cleaning. |
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Compared to Tesla, the interior space of the R1T provided a more cozy and car-like feel. The seats were comfortable, and the UX was user-friendly. Particularly noteworthy were the cameras allowing easy monitoring of the truck bed's condition without leaving the vehicle, along with the panoramic view.
However, some owners pointed out issues like minor rattling inside, suspension noise, and road noise. There were specific concerns about significant noise from the windows, and feedback suggested that the abundance of interior plastic parts led to frequent scratching, with some expressing the wish for transparent protective film. |
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Despite the vehicle's original purpose of supporting various lifestyles like off-roading, the rented R1T had a glass roof with multiple cracks from impact (though not visible in the photos). Even during regular freeway driving, incidents of rocks hitting the windshield were not uncommon. It raises questions about how well-crafted the glass roof of a truck designed for off-roading actually is. If off-roading adventures are in the plans, one would likely prefer a truck with a more robust glass roof to avoid potential breakage. The rental's precautionary notes were quite memorable, emphasizing an absolute prohibition on off-roading. |
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While examining the R1T, I thought it would be great to have the following additions. These might involve personal preferences, but I'll list them:
-Enhancements to the driver's display with additional content (music, temperature, clock, direction, etc.)
-Improved phone functionality and controls
-More physical buttons for safety (media, temperature, controls related to safety features)
-Introduction of more media options (Pandora, podcasts, etc.) |
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Kia Design America Written by Jenna Chwee jchwee@hatci.com 101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92606 714-472-1188 수신거부 Unsubscribe |
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