Taycan vs Rivian R1S

[pnw-ev-nerd]

I hopped on a Rivian R1S pre-order way back in 2020, but was able to get my Taycan 4S Cross Turismo a year before my R1S was delivered, so my partner and I have had plenty of time to get used to it and fall in love with it (minus infotainment gripes).

Finally, R1S delivery day came. Picked it up, took it home, had my partner drive it around a bit, took our older dog to a dog park in it, and managed to squeeze it into our garage where previously a lightly rallycross modded Fiesta ST used to be.

It took us less than two days to agree on returning it to Rivian for a refund.

I'll lay out all our gripes in a bunch of bullet points below, but to sum up, the thing is just too fucking MASSIVE, and a lot of things about it are too finicky and techy for us (and I say that as an alleged software engineer).

After dropping it off at the service center we picked it up from, and driving back home in the Taycan, any and all regret at returning the R1S faded away. Without either of us having any prior experience at offroading (save for a 2 day Dirtfish course and some rallycross events), the Taycan wagon really and truly meets our needs and wants. The only improvement a truck-like SUV offers is more space for two big dogs, and even then it's so damn tall that it's not great for their joints to jump up into it and out of it. Well, that, and the infotainment is a lot more polished, but even then it was far from ideal.

To Rivian's credit, though, the buyback process has been pretty good. A bit slow, but within the expectations they set, and I didn't have to push very hard at all to take advantage of their 7 day / 1000 mile return policy.


Anyways, here's a whole-ass list of grievances:

- One key fob included is not good enough - key cards are inferior, and smartphone app keys are unreliable. We would have preferred two fobs and one card, instead of one fob and two cards.
- Even in sport mode, lowest setting, the tailgate is still way too high for our dogs to jump up to or down from safely.
- The vehicle constantly loads the wrong driver profile, with or without proximity access enabled on the fob or on the phone keys.
- The windshield is dirty or cloudy or something, maybe it just needs a cleaning but this should have been taken care of prior to delivery.
- There is no apparent way to lock the car without unlocking my phone, navigating to the Rivian app, and hitting the lock button in there - that's way too many steps. Or tapping the card on the driver's door handle, that's way too much fiddling and effort.
- Proximity unlocking is unreliable - I went into a restaurant to pick up some food, and when I stepped out of the restaurant the vehicle was unlocked with music blaring. I was at least 30 feet away so it should not have done that.
- Only one Spotify account can be logged in at a time, so either my partner has to put up with my Spotify account, or i have to put up with his. We should both be able to stay logged into our Spotify accounts from our respective driver profiles. EVEN THE TAYCAN CAN MANAGE THAT!
- The car can't play music files from a USB drive.
- The ride comfort over bad road is awful, worse than our Taycan.
- It's just plain too big and heavy after driving it.


Many of these issues may be addressed by software updates over time, but we were not willing to deal with the hassle of trying to get any of this addressed. The car should work flawlessly at the time of delivery, and clearly that is not the case here. (also: too BIG)

 

[f1eng]

Wow, the Taycan is too big to be enjoyable and quick on half the roads I use regularly around here!

 

[pnw-ev-nerd]

Wow, the Taycan is too big to be enjoyable and quick on half the roads I use regularly around here!

DEFINITELY don't get an R1S tho! I don't think they sell them there anyways, so I think you're safe!

 

[f1eng]

DEFINITELY don't get an R1S tho! I don't think they sell them there anyways, so I think you're safe!

They don’t.
I only drive on dirt roads when visiting my brother who lives at the end of a mile long track. The CT Gravel mode is perfect for that, nothing more needed.

 

[SergeyIndy]

Very helpful review as we may be looking into the smaller SUV type they plan to offer if Macan EV is a no go. I did drive one, which was the truck Rivian, just around a local street, owner of the body shop let me do it, and I was impressed with the quality of materials, driving feel, but it was a truck after all, with very long hood. My conclusion was that if someone wants a truck, there is nothing better than this, but I did not test any open/close or infotainment tech. I can see us cross shopping the smaller SUV type to Macan EV, but that when I am sure both are good, which may take several years, and we are ok with that.

 

[Groshyubcha]

We just acquired our new Taycan 4 CT for my wife to complement my R1S! She has left her ‘23 G63, and I am leaving my ‘22 Defender 110 Trek Edition (and Jaguar iPace).

While I would never compare the two vehicles if they had internal combustion engines (G63 vs. Panamera Turbo), it is interesting to see each manufacturer's approach to their vehicle execution. The Rivian’s appeal is akin to that of an iPhone in an OtterBox Edition (if that existed): a technological marvel designed for Armageddon. The Porsche, on the other hand, is a sports car that harnesses and integrates new technology to avoid becoming obsolete.
Think Ironman/Warmachine vs. The Flash!

For our now family of 5 plus 2 large dogs, the R1S acts like an electric love child of Defender 130 and G63, with the build quality of a Chevy Suburban. This is evident in the cheaper door hinges and plastic trim around the vehicle. All is forgiven, thanks to the instant torque (regardless of the surface), as well as the 20” wheels and 34” off-road tires/steamrollers. Additionally, the Rivian app integration and vehicle control trump what Porsche currently offers, and what was available in my iPace. The smartphone feels like an extension of the vehicle, and I can't remember the last time I used the key fob.

It’s a vehicle whose mass is best suited for places like Montana or, in our case, Philadelphia (with its potholes) and its suburbs. The interior feels appropriate for a price range of $60-$80,000, which is not an insult (though it doesn't approach, say, Range Rover—maybe it’s the lack of leather smell, as the materials are satisfactory). It is a lovely place to be for extended periods with the family in all seasons, weather, and road conditions. We needed to fit a roof shade, as the UV protection/heat deflection was not quite strong enough on its own. Although this may be simplistic, there is some satisfaction in not having an internal combustion engine, especially when keeping the vehicle warm or cool at idle.

Where the Taycan 4 CT excels is in being a sports car the whole family can enjoy. FF/Lusso/Rapide/Panamera/B-CGT are certainly strong competitors, but they all come with their own drawbacks (in our case, rear seat space, MSRP, maintenance/running costs, children+delicate items). We purchased both vehicles (R1S and T4CT) in Brooklyn and drove to Philadelphia, allowing us to directly compare the ride in both vehicles over the same route. The T4CT is superior for dynamic driving when transporting four adults (and that's not just in comparison to the Rivian, but to vehicles generally classified as more luxurious or exotic). I, at 6’6” and 195lbs, sat in the backseat on both trips and was equally comfortable, but the T4CT felt more settled and sure-footed (21” Sport Design Wheels). Additionally, my wife was laughing and exclaiming on multiple occasions, “Oh boy, I need to slow down! I didn’t realize I was going &&mph.” The sound system was wonderful, road/wind noise minimal, and the infotainment system and access to frequently required buttons were perfect. It was an intuitive vehicle to drive and pleasant to be a passenger in. One additional area where the Porsche stood out was the switchgear. The switches and click satisfaction (haptics included) in the Taycan are a definitive 9/10 (I have never been in a Spyker or Pagani). The switch feel in the Rivian is a 7/10. The salesman told me they were engineered to be satisfying.

After our 1:30 commute, I am very happy that we have both vehicles. If 7 or more living creatures need to be transported with “stuff”, the Rivian will be the vehicle of choice, as we can toss anything in and head out. The Taycan is just as capable for day-to-day use. It is more thrilling on country roads and highways, and can accommodate our entire family as well; nevertheless, it requires me to be more of a Tetris master and planner. After a few too many trauma calls, administrative policing, parenting kids and dogs, and encounters with Karen, etc., I just want to think about one less thing. I am, again, very happy with both vehicles, and each has its intended purpose. I know my wife will care for and baby Bagheera (T4CT), and I will occasionally steal it!

The R1S is like a splitting maul, while the Taycan is a samurai sword.

Also, we did not buy a 4S, Turbo or Turbo S, because as spec’d at $126,000 the T4CT is already a lot of money! We definitely do not need the extra performance for a daily. Maybe Joe can bring back free money 0.9% financing lol.

 

[arijaycomet]

Hilarious first photo. And spot on review!! I also “settled” for the “base” CT-4 and find it is ample. Hard to justify the S added cost though at times more power would be enjoyed; but hardly needed. Sounds like the perfect stable.

Friend of mine picked up a BMW iX today to go along side their Tesla 3 performance and we talked about having that fun combo. But I would say yours is even better. Enjoy in good health and thanks for sharing!

 

[Groshyubcha]

Hilarious first photo. And spot on review!! I also “settled” for the “base” CT-4 and find it is ample. Hard to justify the S added cost though at times more power would be enjoyed; but hardly needed. Sounds like the perfect stable.

Friend of mine picked up a BMW iX today to go along side their Tesla 3 performance and we talked about having that fun combo. But I would say yours is even better. Enjoy in good health and thanks for sharing!

Thanks! I’m sure she won’t be thrilled if she sees the photo floating online ?
It’s a fun world to live in where these options are available. Enjoy your CT as well!