Keep Your Eye On Rivian, Only One EV Ranks Better Than The R1T And R1S In New Owner Experience Study

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

How do owners of the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S like their new electric vehicles? According to J.D. Power, they score two of the top three in overall customer satisfaction rating. Only one Premium EV ranks higher.

Rivian just revealed three new EVs this past week. However, in a new development, its existing models, the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S, have nearly the highest customer satisfaction. Among luxury electric vehicles, only one model ranks higher. 

If you ask the owners of the Rivian R1T pickup and Rivian R1S SUV, they are very happy with them. A new report from J.D. Power says according to its 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, the two Rivian EVs get well above average scores compared with other Premium (luxury) Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

It bodes well for Rivian. First, look at the study's results, and then I’ll tell EV shoppers why they should keep an eye on Rivian. 

Study Rankings

J.D. Power says the BMW i4 ranks highest overall and highest in the premium BEV segment, scoring 800. Rivian R1T (789) ranks second, and Rivian R1S (778) ranks third. That’s impressive for the Irvine, California, electric vehicle manufacturer.

I’ve listed the J.D. Power EVX rankings for Premium (luxury) battery electric vehicles.

  1. BMW i4 - 800
  2. Rivian R1T - 789
  3. Rivian R1S - 778
  4. Tesla Model 3 - 756
  5. Tesla Model Y - 752
  6. Segment Average - 750
  7. Volvo C40 Recharge - 719
  8. Audi Q4 e-tron - 680

What does J.D. Power say?

Quality and cost of ownership have emerged as the top factors influencing satisfaction. Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power, says, “Quality and reliability are the most important drivers of a positive EV ownership experience. As EVs extend to the broader market, minimizing problems will be key to meeting consumer expectations.”

What does the EVX measure?

The overall EVX ownership index score measures electric vehicle owner satisfaction. The 2024 study includes ten factors (in alphabetical order): accuracy of stated battery range; availability of public charging stations; battery range; cost of ownership; driving enjoyment; ease of charging at home; interior and exterior styling; safety and technology features; service experience; and vehicle quality and reliability.

MY TAKE

Before you buy an EV, I think these things are important for Rivian shoppers to know. 

1. Rivian is the most satisfying electric SUV. In the latest Consumer Reports study of luxury SUVs that were the most satisfying to owners, the Rivian R1S is one of the most satisfying models in their survey.

2. Rivian is the most satisfying electric Pickup. Even though there are only two vehicles in this category—the Ford F-150 Lightning is the other—the R1T is not only the most satisfying EV pickup truck but also the most satisfying electric vehicle in the Consumer Reports survey.

3. Rivian has some weaknesses, including high production costs, limited manufacturing capabilities, and a lack of brand recognition. But that could be changing.

4. Rivian is showing promise in refining its EV supply chain. In 2023, Rivian produced more than 57,000 vehicles, its best year ever. Just three years ago, Rivian manufactured just over 1,000 vehicles.

What is the price of the Rivian R1T and R1S?

The R1T starts at $69,900. The R1S begins at $74,900.

Keep your eye on Rivian. The electric vehicle automaker has the happiest owners of any car company. Currently, Rivian has a 3.1% EV market share. However, with new models coming, they could be a formidable EV player. 

This is the latest information regarding the Rivian R1T and R1S. Visit torquenews.com/rivian regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

Your Turn

What about you? Will you be checking out the Rivian R1T and R1S? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Rivian story. 

For articles related to new electric models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch The Future of Pickup Trucks | Rivian R1T

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers! 

photo credit: Rivian