I Just Switched From a Kia EV6 to a Rivian R1S Gen 2 And I Can’t Think of a Better Upgrade

Sometimes, the right upgrade speaks for itself. Michelle Dirksen loved her Kia EV6, her first electric vehicle, and it proved that going all-electric was the right move for her. But as her lifestyle evolved, so did her idea of what a perfect EV looks like. Sharing her experience in the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" group on Facebook. What she found in the Rivian R1S Gen 2 is an SUV that embodies adventure, practicality, and cutting-edge technology.

This is what Michelle had to say about the switch:

"Just joined the club! We loved our first EV (Kia EV6) and knew we would never go back to gas. Upgraded to a Rivian (R1S Gen 2, Tri-Motor, Max Battery.) Couldn’t imagine a better mom/adventure car to make memories in. It also fits my purse perfectly, and the plaid car mats & limestone color are both just so gorgeous. Can I just say home delivery is the best thing ever? Such an amazing purchasing experience overall.”

For Michelle, this upgrade wasn't just about getting a bigger or more powerful EV, it was about finding a vehicle that complemented her lifestyle. The Rivian R1S, particularly in its second-generation form, is an SUV that caters to adventure-seekers, families, and those who appreciate the balance between performance and practicality.

The Tri-Motor setup and Max Battery ensure that it has the power and range for long road trips and off-the-grid adventures, while its design and thoughtful features make daily driving an absolute pleasure.

The Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

Her choice of the car’s color being limestone adds an elegant touch to the SUV, and the plaid car mats bring a sense of uniqueness and personal style to the interior. Even something as simple as how well the car accommodates her purse highlights the value of how relating to the car can enhance the ownership experience.

But beyond aesthetics and features lies one of the most significant parts of her buying experience: The home delivery process. This just adds on to the convenience of home delivery and how it made an already exciting moment even more special.

Community Reactions and Shared Experiences

Michelle’s experience resonated with many others in the Rivian community. Under her post, several members chimed in with their own thoughts and experiences.

Randy Shoaf shared his perspective on the buying process, stating, "Since I bought my Tesla in 2022, I swore if at all possible, I would never buy a vehicle from a dealership again. Rivian had a similar purchase process. So, I redoubled my commitment to never give a traditional dealership a penny of my money until they fundamentally change how they operate. Direct from the manufacturer is so much easier."

His comment reflects a growing sentiment that I have noticed amongst people who are getting into the EV space particularly. Traditional dealerships often add unnecessary complications, while the direct-to-consumer model adopted by companies like Rivian makes purchasing a vehicle a more enjoyable and transparent process. This is all to give customers advantages and benefits in joining their brand.

Besides the benefits of buying an EV, I have seen the extent of satisfaction from efficient customer service provided by EV brands like Rivian while documenting car news. Customers want to feel special and get specifically catered to, and Rivian seems to be doing a great job in addressing that market.

Zoltan Mari also joined in, expressing just how transformative the R1S experience has been for him:

"We have the same trim (only in white)! Generation 2, 2025 Tri-Motor Max Battery, first delivery of such in the state of Nevada (10/4/2024). It's transformative. I never felt driving as great as this (and I had many cars over the decades, probably because I'm old)."

Comments like Zoltan’s reveal something deeper than surface-level excitement as they point to a shift in what seasoned drivers value today. For someone who’s experienced a long line of cars over the years, to describe the R1S as “transformative” says a lot. It speaks not only to Rivian’s ability to deliver performance and comfort, but to the emotional resonance their vehicles are starting to have. That’s not easy to achieve in a segment where most EVs are defined by specs and software alone.

Another member, Justin Wolf, welcomed Michelle to the Rivian family while offering support:

"I hope all your experiences are amazing, but if not, you've got your friends on Facebook to help you diagnose and recommend solutions. We've really enjoyed ours and plan on staying in the family when the R2 comes out."

His comment emphasizes the strong sense of community among Rivian owners, which continues to help others grow in knowledge and experiences among this relatively new EV brand. Continuing to build ownership communities is vital for the survival of new vehicle manufacturers, and Rivian owners seem to understand that very well by helping each other in Facebook groups like these.

Michelle responded to Justin’s comment with appreciation:

"Thank you! We heavily leaned on this group & Reddit with our pre-purchase research. I feel very lucky to have had this community for that process and ongoing! We will also be looking into the R2 as an option for my husband. Feeling so optimistic with what we’ve seen so far."

The wealth of shared knowledge makes it easier for people to transition to EV ownership with confidence. Once again, this makes it clear that online communities are crucial in helping prospective buyers to make informed decisions about their purchases.

A Growing Trend in EV Ownership

The shift from a Kia EV6 to a Rivian R1S Gen 2 illustrates an interesting trend among EV owners. Many start their electric journey with a compact, efficient EV like the EV6, Tesla Model Y, or something similar of that sort before transitioning to a car that better suits their evolving needs. The Rivian R1S, with its off-road capabilities and spacious interior, represents an upgrade that blends adventure with practicality.

For those considering a similar switch, it’s worth exploring the different aspects of Rivian ownership. The brand’s ability to balance rugged capability with a refined driving experience has won over former Tesla and traditional SUV owners alike. Some have taken their R1S on long journeys using Tesla’s charging network, proving that Rivian’s practicality extends beyond its luxurious features.

My Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Michelle’s experience underscores a key takeaway that EV ownership is not just about the car; it's about the journey, the lifestyle, and the community that comes with it. Whether it’s the excitement of receiving a new vehicle via home delivery, the support from fellow owners, or the freedom to explore the world without relying on gas stations, switching to an EV can be transformative.

The right vehicle can elevate your driving experience in ways you never expected. Whether you’re making the leap from your first EV to a more adventure-ready model or contemplating your very first electric purchase, take the time to explore and engage with the community for all your answers. At the end of the day, the car must make sense for you and check off all the green flags you’re looking for.

Michelle’s quote says it all. It wasn’t just the specs or the size that won her over, it was the sense that the R1S felt made for her. That’s something I keep seeing more often from Rivian owners. Their vehicles don’t just meet expectations, they actually feel personal. Whether it’s the confidence to head off-grid with a Tri-Motor and Max Battery pack, or simply the joy of finally having a car that fits both a lifestyle and a purse, Rivian seems to be building more than just an SUV as it’s building connection through design.

If you’ve made the jump from one EV to another? What pushed you to switch?

And if you’ve never had an EV, what are some characteristics that you still look for from EV brands like Rivian before considering a switch?

I would love to hear your opinion in the comments.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist with an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Rivian and Kia Galleries.