I am Loving Our New Rivian R1S Tri-Motor, The road Trip from Palm Springs to Las Vegas Shows Comfort, Quality, and Effortless Charging

As an automotive journalist and EV enthusiast, I spend a lot of time following real owners' experiences to get a deeper sense of how vehicles perform beyond the press releases and specs. This evening, as I was scrolling through the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" group on Facebook, I stumbled upon an exciting post from Robert Donkins, an owner of a brand-new Rivian R1S Trimotor. His first road trip in the R1S from Palm Springs to Las Vegas highlights everything Rivian is getting right with its latest flagship SUV, from comfort to charging.

Robert writes, "Loving our new R1S Trimotor! On our first road trip from Palm Springs to Las Vegas, we charged with ease at the Rivian Center on the way up, effortlessly charged at the hotel, and used our adapter at a Tesla Supercharger on the way home, a flawless experience! After owning a Model S Plaid, we’re especially impressed with the comfort and quality of the Rivian; it feels much more like our S-Class."

This glowing endorsement caught my attention because it highlights key themes that many Rivian owners (and potential owners) are watching closely: how smooth is the charging experience, how does the ride quality compare to luxury brands, and what is it like to live with the new Tri-Motor setup? Let’s break down what makes Robert’s experience so important for anyone considering Rivian’s R1S Tri-Motor as their next adventure vehicle.

Comfort and Quality: A True Luxury SUV Feel

First and foremost, Robert’s comparison of the R1S to the S-Class, a gold standard in automotive luxury, should make prospective buyers take note. The fact that someone coming from a high-performance Tesla Model S Plaid, a car that prioritizes speed and cutting-edge tech, feels that the R1S is a more comfortable, luxurious experience is a powerful statement. If you are curious about how Rivian stacks up against other premium SUVs on longer trips, you might enjoy reading about why one Rivian owner said after a 2,929-mile road trip that the R1S delivered a smooth ride and why flying might win next time.

The Rivian R1S Tri-Motor, with its plush interior, quiet cabin, and supportive seats, seems to truly offer that balance between rugged adventure and high-end comfort. Many EV owners moving from sedans like the Model S or Model X are looking for this balance, luxury without sacrificing capability, and Rivian appears to have nailed it.

Effortless Charging: Rivian, Hotels, and Tesla Superchargers

One of the biggest questions around Rivian ownership has been: How easy is it to charge on the go, especially on longer trips? Robert’s experience points to a future where charging an EV is just as effortless as filling up a gas tank. He charged at a Rivian Center (which is part of Rivian's growing Adventure Network), topped off at the hotel without issue, and even used a Tesla Supercharger on the way back, thanks to an adapter.

If you are curious about how practical it is to rely on Tesla's network for Rivian charging, check out this great piece about a 1,300-mile road trip using only Tesla chargers in a Rivian R1S. These types of experiences are key for new EV buyers who might be worried about range anxiety.

Tri-Motor Performance: More Than Just Power

While Robert’s post focuses more on comfort and charging, it’s worth mentioning that Rivian’s new Tri-Motor setup is a major performance leap. The Tri-Motor R1S offers nearly 850 horsepower, faster acceleration, and improved off-road capability. But the fact that Robert focuses on comfort rather than brutal acceleration shows that Rivian has created an SUV where power is matched by refinement.

Owners coming from other Rivian's or from Tesla might find the Tri-Motor a compelling upgrade if they value both performance and a smoother ride. For an owner perspective on picking up a new Rivian, here’s a story from someone who just took delivery of their 2023 Quad-Motor R1S and had some interesting insights about why running boards might matter more than you think.

Practical Adventures: Hotel Charging and Tesla Access

Robert’s experience also underscores how accessible Rivian ownership is becoming. Hotel charging is an underrated perk for EV road trips, no waiting, no lines, just plug in overnight. Combined with Tesla Supercharger access (using Rivian’s CCS to NACS adapters), it broadens travel horizons dramatically. More and more R1S owners are finding that using Tesla Superchargers is seamless and allows them to enjoy trips they wouldn't have considered before.

A Note on Rivian’s New Generation Features

For those wondering about the newer Gen 2 R1S models, which include features like the travel air compressor, it's worth checking out a breakdown of how usable that air compressor really is. Many owners will appreciate these real-world reviews when evaluating whether to upgrade or what to expect from the newer trims.

Personal Lessons from Other Owners: Unlocking, Charging, and Accessories

Sometimes, the biggest lessons come from the smallest details. For example, one owner shared how they struggled with Rivian’s auto-unlock feature for months, only to realize it was user error. Little stories like these remind us that adapting to EV life is a learning curve, but also a rewarding one when everything clicks.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Rivian Road Trips

Robert’s story is a reminder that Rivian isn’t just about off-road chops or jaw-dropping performance. It’s about creating a complete experience, one that rivals traditional luxury vehicles while offering the unique benefits of electric driving. From the quiet cabin to effortless charging across different networks, Rivian’s R1S Tri-Motor seems poised to win over many more drivers, especially those coming from established luxury brands like Tesla or Mercedes-Benz.

If you’re considering an R1S and want to know more about real-world ownership, you may also find it helpful to read about an owner’s quest for the best wall charger option and how regenerative braking impacts daily driving.

Moral Lesson: EV Ownership is Easier Than You Think

The key takeaway from Robert’s story, and many like it is that EV ownership, especially with Rivian, is becoming simpler and more seamless. For those who worry that charging, comfort, or performance might not meet their expectations, real-world experiences like this prove otherwise. Rivian is building not just vehicles but a new standard of travel.

Questions for You:

1. Have you taken a long road trip in your Rivian R1S or R1T? What was your experience with charging and comfort?
2. If you are coming from another EV or luxury SUV, how does your Rivian compare in terms of quality and ease of use?

Please let us know in the comments below, your insights help other readers make informed decisions.

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.