How does Rivian's mobile app compare to Tesla's?

[RNHurt]

With the supply of used R1S vehicles is getting more plentiful and affordable I am wondering how their software stacks up. I've test driven a Rivian several times but you can't really get a feel for the software in that short amount of time.

Are there any Rivian owners here that can comment on pros / cons of the mobile app? I'm thinking about things like pre-heating/cooling the cabin, live camera viewing, remote lock/unlock, trigger sounds, open/close windows, etc. Also, does it have a "premium" subscription to get more features?

 

[PrescottAZRichard]

Have you asked this on TMC? I bet you’d get some responses there.
We have our local EV club meeting tomorrow morning, I’ll try to remember to ask this as I know at least one person has experience with both. Harvey Payne, he’s on TMC too. I’ll shoot him a message so I don’t forget. He has a HW3 Model X and an R1T.

 

[PrescottAZRichard]

Got this quick reply -

Sure I guess. Overall Tesla app is better. More features and better organization. Still the Rivian app has the ability to plan a route with or without any of your configured trailers and save that route for future reference. I can open the app, open the route, and send it to my truck. Tesla lets me plan a trip and send it to the car but I cannot save it. In the Rivian I can have a whole bunch of them.

and-
The Rivian app is 2nd best and better than other car apps I’ve used other than Tesla.

Of course all that changes as time goes on, I see the Tesla app has an update today but just bug fixes.

 

[RNHurt]

@PrescottAZRichard, yes I thought about posting to TMC, but that community is so large and haphazard that it just feels a bit ... overwhelming. This community is much more personable and friendly and I don't seem much of this type of discussion so I thought it would be good to chat about.

And you're answer is kinda what I expected. Most everything, software related, on the Tesla side of the fence is better. I think Rivian is a close second and everyone else is far, far, FAR back in 3rd. I don't understand how they can fail so badly when there are two very good examples to copy from.

 

[Procal]

@PrescottAZRichard, yes I thought about posting to TMC, but that community is so large and haphazard that it just feels a bit ... overwhelming. This community is much more personable and friendly and I don't seem much of this type of discussion so I thought it would be good to chat about.

And you're answer is kinda what I expected. Most everything, software related, on the Tesla side of the fence is better. I think Rivian is a close second and everyone else is far, far, FAR back in 3rd. I don't understand how they can fail so badly when there are two very good examples to copy from.

If you're considering a Rivian, I wouldn't worry about the software side of things too much, because at the end of the day it is still going to be WAY better than anything you can get outside of Tesla and Rivian. That and the fact that, unlike many other automakers that promise OTA updates but never really deliver on them, Rivian is constantly improving its software, albeit seemingly at a slower pace than Tesla. What I would worry about more is whether you like the actual vehicles themselves and whether they can meet your needs and wants. The only thing I don't like much about Rivian is its exterior styling, specifically the front, mainly the headlights. I don't know what it is, but I love the boxy shape; it's just something about the front that really doesn't sit right with me. Their interiors are great though, and from what I've heard the ride quality is also really good and likely right up there with other premium brands.

 

[TESLASUPERFAN]

lol this community is more personable——thanks I needed a good laugh.

The riv app is available for download to anyone-you can see for yourself the features it has.

lol-this community more friendly lol that’s too funny. I’ll add to that by saying level 5 Fsd and cybercab ownership is mere days away……lol. U won’t even be bothered by NHTSA.

 

[PrescottAZRichard]

RNHurt- is your X totaled then?

 

[RNHurt]

RNHurt- is your X totaled then?

Yes, they totaled it out pretty quickly. The guy that hit me had USAA insurance and the process couldn't have been smoother. I sent them an edited (shortened) clip from the front camera showing that I had a green light for 3 seconds before I entered the intersection and the USAA agent immediately replied that they would take responsibility for the accident. After a few rounds of negotiation I ended up with some "extra" cash to purchase a replacement. In fact, the experience was so good that we're switching to USAA for our insurance.

Although it was an experience I don't want to replicate, it did turn out to be a good thing. Though I love the MX I was never totally happy with the 2020 platform. Thankfully, I was able to get a 2023 MX on CarMax for a pretty good price. The best part is that it has a permanent FSD subscription! I had to track that thing down and for a while I didn't think I was going to get it but it finally landed in my lap and I've been pretty happy with it.

 

[PrescottAZRichard]

Sad and not sad for you . I freakin' love my '26 S and no doubt you'll feel the same about that new-to-you X. Guess I should have been paying attention to the vehicles in your signature.

 

[Procal]

Yes, they totaled it out pretty quickly. The guy that hit me had USAA insurance and the process couldn't have been smoother. I sent them an edited (shortened) clip from the front camera showing that I had a green light for 3 seconds before I entered the intersection and the USAA agent immediately replied that they would take responsibility for the accident. After a few rounds of negotiation I ended up with some "extra" cash to purchase a replacement. In fact, the experience was so good that we're switching to USAA for our insurance.

Although it was an experience I don't want to replicate, it did turn out to be a good thing. Though I love the MX I was never totally happy with the 2020 platform. Thankfully, I was able to get a 2023 MX on CarMax for a pretty good price. The best part is that it has a permanent FSD subscription! I had to track that thing down and for a while I didn't think I was going to get it but it finally landed in my lap and I've been pretty happy with it.

Bummer, sorry for your loss. At least you managed to get enough from the insurance to replace it. I've heard many people don't get as lucky, especially when the other driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured.

 

[TESLASUPERFAN]

The camera footage clinched the deal-nothing else mattered.